U.S. patent application number 12/242647 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for one step near field communication transactions.
Invention is credited to Kent Griffin, Carl B. Stone.
Application Number | 20090192935 12/242647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40899729 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090192935 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffin; Kent ; et
al. |
July 30, 2009 |
ONE STEP NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TRANSACTIONS
Abstract
A one step method for transferring money from a sender to a
recipient includes entering information relating to the transfer
into a near field communication (NFC) enabled data communication
device of the sender and then placing the sender's device in close
proximity to a NFC enabled data communication device of the
recipient. The sender's device is operable when placed in contact
with or close proximity to the recipient's device to 1) establish
an NFC link between the two devices, 2) gather information relating
to the recipient from the recipient's device via the NFC link, and
3) transmit the information relating to the transfer and the
recipient to a third party service provider via another network,
such as the Internet, and thereby cause the service provider to
transfer the money from a funding account of the sender to a
receiving account of the recipient.
Inventors: |
Griffin; Kent; (Mountain
View, CA) ; Stone; Carl B.; (Campbell, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Haynes and Boone, LLP;IP Section
2323 Victory Avenue, SUITE 700
Dallas
TX
75219
US
|
Family ID: |
40899729 |
Appl. No.: |
12/242647 |
Filed: |
September 30, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61024758 |
Jan 30, 2008 |
|
|
|
61034890 |
Mar 7, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 ; 705/39;
705/44; 705/76 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/322 20130101;
H04W 12/06 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G06Q 20/3821 20130101;
G06Q 20/10 20130101; H04W 4/80 20180201; H04W 4/50 20180201; G06Q
20/425 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; H04L 63/06 20130101; G06Q
20/105 20130101; G06Q 20/3829 20130101; G06Q 20/40 20130101; H04L
67/04 20130101; G06Q 20/223 20130101; G06Q 20/3278 20130101; G06Q
30/06 20130101; G06Q 40/00 20130101; H04B 5/00 20130101; G06Q
20/4012 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101; G06Q 20/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/41 ; 705/39;
705/76; 705/44 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00; H04L 9/32 20060101 H04L009/32 |
Claims
1. A method for transferring money from a sender to a recipient,
the method comprising: entering information relating to the
transfer into a near field communication (NFC) enabled data
communication device of the sender; and, placing the sender's
device in close proximity to a NFC enabled data communication
device of the recipient, wherein the sender's device is operable in
response to being placed in close proximity to the recipient's
device to: establish an NFC link between the two devices; receive
information relating to the recipient from the recipient's device
via the NFC link; and, transmit the information relating to the
transfer and the recipient to a third party service provider via a
network and thereby cause the service provider to transfer the
money from a funding account of the sender to a receiving account
of the recipient.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one of the NFC enabled
devices of the sender and the recipient comprises a cell phone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a fob, a
smartcard, a computer, a personal computer (PC) or a point of
purchase (POP) terminal.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the placing of the sender's
device in close proximity to the recipient's device consists of
tapping the recipient's device with the sender's device.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to the
transfer comprises at least one of the group consisting of the
sender's identity, funding account and amount of the transfer.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to the
recipient comprises at least one of the group consisting of the
recipient's identity, cell phone number, email address and
receiving account.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the network comprises the
Internet, an intranet, a landline network or a wireless
network.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the sender
transferring other information to the service provider along with
the information relating to the transfer and the recipient.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the other information comprises
at least one of the group consisting of the identities of the
sender and the recipient, an avatar and an icon.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the sender receiving a
message from the service provider confirming the transfer of the
money from the sender to the recipient.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the confirming message comprises
at least one of the group consisting of a visible message, an
audible message and a tactile message.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the sender's and the
recipient's devices comprise software adapted to facilitate at
least one of establishing the NFC link between the sender's and the
recipient's NFC enabled devices and effecting the transfer of the
money from the sender to the recipient.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising: encrypting
communications between the sender's device and the recipient's
device via the NFC link; and, encrypting communications between the
sender's device and the service provider via the network.
13. Apparatus for transferring money from a sender to a recipient,
the apparatus comprising: a sender's near field communication (NFC)
enabled data communication device adapted to receive information
relating to the transfer entered by the sender; and, a recipient's
NFC enabled data communication device adapted to transmit
information relating to the recipient to the sender's device via a
NFC link established between the two devices, wherein the sender's
device is operable in response to being placed in close proximity
to the recipient's device to: establish an NFC link between the two
devices; gather the information relating to the recipient from the
recipient's device via the NFC link; and, transmit the information
relating to the transfer and the recipient to a third party service
provider via a network and thereby cause the service provider to
transfer the money from a funding account of the sender to a
receiving account of the recipient.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein at least one of the sender's
and the recipient's NFC enabled devices comprises a cell phone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a fob, a
smartcard, a computer, a personal computer (PC) or a point of
purchase (POP) terminal.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a service
provider server device operable to receive the information relating
to the transfer and the recipient from the sender's device via the
network and to verify, authorize and confirm the transfer of the
money from the sender to the recipient.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the service provider server
device is further operable to effect the transfer of the money from
the sender's funding account to the recipient's receiving
account.
17. A method for receiving money, the method comprising:
provisioning a near field communication (NFC) enabled data
communication device of a recipient of the money with information
relating to the recipient, the information including a designated
acquiring account of the recipient; establishing an NFC link
between the recipient's device and a NFC enabled data communication
device of a sender of the money; transmitting the information
relating to the recipient from the recipient's device to the
sender's device via the NFC link; and, receiving the money in the
recipient's designated acquiring account, wherein the establishing
of the NFC link and the transmitting of the information relating to
the recipient comprises placing the recipient's device and the
sender's device in close proximity to each other.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein at least one of the sender's
and the recipient's NFC enabled devices comprises a cell phone, a
personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a fob, a
smartcard, a computer, a personal computer (PC) or a point of
purchase (POP) terminal.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein the placing of the sender's
device in close proximity to the recipient's device comprises
placing the sender's and the recipient's devices within a range of
from about 0 to about 10 centimeters from each other.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the placing of the sender's
device in close proximity to the recipient's device consists of
touching the recipient's device with the sender's device.
21. A method for transferring money from a sender to a recipient,
the method comprising: providing a payment service provider having
a sender's account established thereat; receiving information at
the service provider relating to the transfer and the recipient
from the sender via a network; and, transferring the money from a
funding account of the sender to a receiving account of the
recipient in response to the receipt of the information by the
service provider, wherein the information relating to the recipient
is transmitted from the recipient to the service provider at least
in part via a near field communication (NFC) link.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising sending a message
confirming the transfer of the money to at least one of the sender
and the recipient.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the confirming message
comprises at least one of the group consisting of a visible
message, an audible message and a tactile message.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Applications Nos. 61/024,758, filed Jan. 30, 2008, and 61/034,890,
filed Mar. 7, 2008, the entire respective disclosures of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to financial
transactions and more particularly to peer-to-peer payment between
mobile devices using near field communication (NFC) in a network
environment.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Arguably, mobile phones are currently the most widespread
mobile computing device in the world. They have become ubiquitous
companions in our life, enabling communication nearly anytime and
anywhere to facilitate information access to mobile services and
the Internet. In addition, mobile phones have become multimedia
computing platforms with integral digital cameras for taking
pictures and video, playing music, recording conversations, and for
organizing our lives.
[0006] Using physical objects as entry points to data and services
can ease mobile communication and information access. Augmentation
of the environment enables physical mobile interactions, which
involve a user, a mobile device, and a physical object or another
mobile device. The object is augmented with some kind of technology
and subsequently stores information. The information is typically
associated with a mobile service that might be triggered through an
interaction with the physical object. Physical mobile interactions
make it possible to bridge the gap between the physical and virtual
world. In order to support communication between the mobile device
and the augmented object, communication technologies are
required.
[0007] Different short-range communication technologies have been
integrated into mobile devices in recent years. The process began
with infrared transceivers for synchronizing applications with a
desktop computer. Bluetooth technology evolved and overcame some of
the problems experienced with infrared. However, when attempting to
connect two devices with Bluetooth, the setup is often lengthy and
is very often not user-friendly.
[0008] Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is another technology
that has been easily integrated into mobile devices, such as
cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or
computers. RFID works with active communication devices
(transceivers or read-write devices) and passive non-powered tags
(transponders). The tags are relatively small, inexpensive, and can
store information, making them suitable for augmenting physical
objects unobtrusively. The transponder is attached to objects that
are to be identified and contains information, such as product
price or vehicle identification, for example. The transceiver emits
an electromagnetic signal that activates the tag and enables the
transceiver to read the tag's information and/or to alter it,
assuming the tag is re-writeable. Usually, the transceiver is in
communication with a computer or similar device to which the
information is passed.
[0009] Near Field Communication, herein referred to as "NFC," is
the most recently explored technology for object augmentation to
bring mobile devices and physical objects together to enable a user
to interact with the augmented objects for information and/or data
communication.
[0010] In this regard, NFC is a short range, high frequency,
wireless communication technology that enables the exchange of data
between devices over a relatively short distance, viz., 0-20 cm.
NFC is based on RFID technology and uses many of the same working
principles. The technology is standardized in ISO/IEC 18092
(International Organization for Standardization/International
Electrotechnical Commission), ECMA-340 (European association for
standardizing information and communication systems), and ETSI
102.190 (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). All of
these standards define the NFC Interface and Protocol-1 (NFCIP-1),
see FIG. 1, which specify the modulation schemes, coding, transfer
speeds and frame format of the RF interface of NFC devices, as well
as initialization schemes and conditions required for data
collision-control during initialization for both passive and active
NFC modes.
[0011] NFC is also standardized in ISO/IEC 21481 and ECMA 352,
which corresponds to NFC Interface and Protocal-2 (NFCIP-2). The
NFCIP-2 standard specifies the mechanism to detect and select one
communication mode out of three possible communication modes
typical of NFC devices (Peer-to-Peer, Read/Write Card, and Card
Emulation), as further shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] NFC is compatible with ISO/IEC 14443 type A and type B
(proximity cards operating at a maximum distance of 20 cm), ISO/IEC
15693 (vicinity cards operating at a distance from 10 cm to 2 m)
and to the FeliCa contactless smart card system. Accordingly, an
NFC device can communicate with both existing ISO 14443 smartcards
and readers, as well as with other NFC devices, and is compatible
with existing contactless infrastructure already in use for, among
other things, public transportation, payment, and
promotion/advertising.
[0013] As discussed above and illustrated in FIG. 1, a key feature
of NFC devices is that the NFC chip that is integrated into the NFC
device can read out an RFID tag's information, emulate a smart card
so that a reader can access its data, or communicate directly with
another NFC device in a peer-to-peer fashion when the two NFC
enabled devices are brought into direct contact or in very close
proximity to each other. In other words, NFC technology enables
communication between devices that both have active power and
computing capabilities, as well as communication between powered
devices and passive tags.
[0014] For operating in Reader Mode, it is sufficient to hold the
NFC device near a compatible tag that stores some information
(typically 1 Kb-4 kb). This information could be, for example, a
bookmark of a company website in the company advertising poster, a
timetable of a bus near a bus stop, some tourist information beside
works of art near a museum, or the like. With peer-to-peer
communication mode, it is possible, for example, to synchronize
calendars between two NFC PDAs, or to set up networks (Bluetooth,
Wi-Fi, or the like) simply by holding the two NFC devices in close
proximity to each other. In card emulation mode, the NFC device can
host virtual payment cards and enable the user to make payments.
For example, it is possible to buy a travel ticket while providing
management of associated customer loyalty and bonus programs. In
card emulation mode, it is also possible to control access, i.e.,
the NFC device acts as a key.
[0015] Prior to utilizing many known NFC devices for the first
time, some sort of preoperationally process is typically required.
In this regard, the present disclosure describes an activation and
authorization process that may provide security features, as well
as check NFC device compatibility and pre-configure the device
accordingly.
[0016] One example of an NFC technology application is financial
transactions. A consumer taps the NFC device on a reader to effect
a monetary transfer. Typically, a retailer enters the total amount
due, and the consumer taps the NFC device on the reader, which
causes payment de-tails to be sent to the consumer's financial
institution. Very shortly after, the consumer and retailer receive
payment confirmation. Such a method provides advantages such as
eliminating the need to carry cash and enabling a faster financial
transaction. PayPass is an example of this type of method. However,
this method is limited in that the transfer is with a retailer at a
POS terminal or reader. Further, the consumer NFC device simply
authorizes a money transfer based on the POS terminal.
SUMMARY
[0017] For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, exemplary
embodiments of peer-to-peer payments between mobile devices using
near field communication in a network environment are described
herein.
[0018] In one embodiment, a one step or "one-tap" method for
transferring money from a sender to a recipient comprises entering
information relating to the transfer into a near field
communication (NFC) enabled data communication device of the sender
and then placing the sender's device in close proximity to a NFC
enabled data communication device of the recipient. The sender's
device is operable when placed in close proximity to the
recipient's device to 1) establish an NFC link between the two
devices, 2) gather information relating to the recipient from the
recipient's device via the NFC link, and 3) transmit the
information relating to the transfer and the recipient to a third
party service provider via a network, such as the Internet, and
thereby cause the service provider to transfer the money from a
funding account of the sender to a receiving account of the
recipient.
[0019] A better understanding of the above and many other features
and advantages of the novel payment systems and methods of the
present invention may be obtained from a consideration of the
detailed description of some example embodiments thereof below,
particularly if such consideration is made in conjunction with the
several views of the appended drawings, wherein like elements are
referred to by like reference numerals throughout.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 shows that an NFC enabled device can read out an RFID
tag's information, emulate a smart card so that a reader can access
its data, or communicate directly with another NFC device in
peer-to-peer fashion when the two NFC devices are brought in direct
contact or in very close proximity to each other.
[0021] FIGS. 2 and 3 show the establishment of a Bluetooth or a
similar short range wireless communication between two computers
using NFC.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows the use of an NFC enabled computer (PC) and NFC
enabled mobile phone to download a game application from a website
directly into the mobile phone.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an example of NFC devices communicating
consumer account information via radio frequency (RF) to a
retailer's payment terminal.
[0024] FIG. 6 shows a system and method for enabling a peer-to-peer
financial transaction between mobile devices using near field
communication in a network environment in accordance with one
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 7 shows application(s) activation in accordance with
one embodiment.
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively illustrate a typical "known"
request for money and a contrasting request for money in a
peer-to-peer financial transaction between mobile devices using
near field communication in a network environment in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 9 shows examples of various interface screens that be
applicable to the a sender's mobile device and/or a recipient's
mobile device for conducting a peer-to-peer financial transaction
between mobile devices using near field communication in a network
environment in accordance with one embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Exemplary embodiments will now be described with references
to the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numbers are
used to refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in
the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted
in any limiting or restrictive manner simply because it is being
utilized in conjunction with a detailed description of certain
embodiments. Furthermore, various embodiments (whether or not
specifically described herein) may include novel features, no
single one of which is solely responsible for their novelty or
desirability.
[0029] As indicated above, NFC is a short-range wireless
connectivity technology that evolved from a combination of existing
contactless identification and interconnection technologies.
Operating at 13.56 MHz via magnetic field induction (i.e., two loop
antennas are located within each other's near field) and
transferring data at up to 424 Kbits/second, NFC provides simple
communication between electronic devices over relatively short
distances, viz., 0-20 cm. This means that no restrictions are
applied and no licenses are required for use of the NFC devices in
the RF band. NFC is both a "read" and "write" technology.
Furthermore, combining the read and write modes in more than two
mobile devices enables a third peer-to-peer mode by alternating
between read and write modes. As also discussed above, the
underlying layers of NFC technology follow universally implemented
ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards. Because the transmission range of
NFC is very short, NFC-enabled transactions are relatively secure.
However, to provide more robust security, applications may use
higher layer cryptographic protocols, such as TLS, SSL, or the
like.
[0030] In this regard, the NFC interface and protocols primarily
target consumer electronics users that will be able to use the
secure means of communication between various devices without
exerting much effort in configuring their "network". Communication
between two NFC-compatible devices occurs when they are brought in
close proximity with a wave or touch of the two device(s). This
action causes the respective NFC wireless interfaces of the two
devices to engage and configure the devices to link up in a
peer-to-peer network, enabling the automated and transparent
establishment of a network connection between the devices.
[0031] The NFC communication protocol distinguishes between an
Initiator device and a Target device of the NFC network
communication. Any device may be either an Initiator or a Target.
The Initiator, as indicated by the name, is the device that
initiates and controls the exchange of data. The Target is the
device that answers a request for data from the Initiator. A device
may also be both initiator and target, as described in the
peer-to-peer mode above.
[0032] The NFC protocol further distinguishes between two modes of
operation, viz., an Active mode and a Passive mode. All devices
support both communication modes. In the active mode of
communication, both devices, i.e., both the Initiator and the
Target, generate their own RF field to carry the data. In the
passive mode of communication, only one device (the Initiator)
generates the RF field while the other device (the Target) uses
load modulation to transfer the data. This can be an important
consideration for battery-powered devices, since the conservation
of battery power is generally a high priority. As such, the
protocol enables a device, such as a mobile phone, to operate in a
power-saving mode (passive mode of NFC communication). In other
words, the passive mode does not require both devices to generate
the RF field and enables a complete communication to be powered
from one side only. (The device still needs to be powered
internally, but does not have to "waste" the battery on powering
the RF communication interface.)
[0033] The difficulty in using longer-range protocols, such as
Bluetooth and Wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi), is in selecting the
correct device from a multitude of devices in the operating range
and providing the right parameters to establish the connection.
However, NFC overcomes this difficulty, as once the configuration
data has been exchanged using NFC, the devices can then easily
setup and continue to communicate over a greater range and using
faster protocols, such as Bluetooth or Wireless Ethernet
(Wi-Fi).
[0034] For example, as indicated by the dashed double-headed arrow
2 in FIG. 2, ordinarily, to establish Bluetooth communication
between two computers, the two devices need to be set up manually
with a password to protect communication. However, as indicated by
the broad arrow 1 in FIG. 2, NFC may be used as a first step in
establishing, e.g., a Bluetooth communication link by simply
touching, or "tapping" one of the two devices against the other, or
by bringing the two devices into close proximity to each other. By
touching the devices at a "hotspot," they can automatically open a
data connection link to exchange the parameters of the Bluetooth
communication and thereby seamlessly establish a secret key without
any further action being required on the part of the user. As
illustrated in FIG. 3, once the Bluetooth communication link is
established, the devices can then be moved away from each other in
a second step as communication between the devices continues using
the session of Bluetooth that was previously established.
[0035] Substantially the same NFC procedure may be used to
establish a wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or the like)
connection with a variety of devices, from mobile phones that
enable payment or transfer of information to digital cameras that
send their photos to a television set with just a touch. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 4, by using an NFC enabled computer
(PC) and an NFC enabled mobile phone, a game application may be
downloaded from a website directly into the mobile phone from the
PC.
[0036] NFC capabilities further include information access via
"smart poster" applications. In this example, the user taps an NFC
enabled mobile phone to a tag embedded in a poster or similar
object, which then triggers the transmission of a uniform resource
locator (URL) to the phone. The URL could be used, for example, to
direct a user to a website at which the user can gather information
or download a special coupon or token.
[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 5, other examples of NFC applications
include mobile cell phones, cards, or key fobs that have a built-in
integrated circuit (IC) microchip and antenna. The chip is able to
emulate contactless smart cards. Consumers can use the NFC device
to communicate consumer account information via radio frequency to
the retailer's payment terminal, such as the VIVO pay line of
contactless payment systems manufactured by VIVOtech. The payment
terminal then connects to the appropriate financial networks or
other back-end processing system to authorize the transaction. Once
authorized, the consumer completes the transaction and receives
payment confirmation.
[0038] Mobile cell phones or "wallet phones" may include a prepaid
"wallet" that can be used for making mobile payments. Users
interact with readers at point of sale (POS) terminals or cash
machines to recharge the wallet and access control systems located
there, for example, ticketing and reservation systems at train
stations, airports, hotels, and the like, using the wallet phone to
make purchases.
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a system and
method for enabling a peer-to-peer financial transaction between
mobile devices using near field communication in a network
environment in accordance with this invention. The system and
method for enabling a peer-to-peer financial transaction between
mobile devices 100 may include a first NFC enabled mobile device
105 and a second NFC enabled mobile device 110, a network 115 to
enable connectivity between entities/elements and the flow of
information, and a third party payment provider system 120 (PPS)
for, among other things, payment processing (verification,
authorization and confirmation) of the financial transaction
between the mobile devices 105 and 110, as well as the debiting and
crediting of appropriate accounts respectively associated with each
of the users 140 and 145 thereof.
[0040] As used herein, the term "mobile device" is a broad term and
may include, but is not limited to, cell phones, personal digital
assistants (PDAs), smart phones, key fobs, smartcards, computers or
PCs, or similar type of augmented objects or devices.
[0041] Each of the mobile devices 105 and 110 are NFC enabled and
may include, among other things, a user identifier 125, an NFC
service application 126, a network communication application 127,
and other applications 128, including a payment provider
application, a browser application, a toolbar application, and the
like, as may be necessary to enable NFC communication between the
mobile devices 105, 100 and the payment provider system 120 via the
network 115.
[0042] Broadly, the NFC service application 126 provides those
features that generally enable NFC communication between NFC
enabled devices, but may also enable the user to activate various
multimedia features, as well as to effect financial transactions
via icon linked applications, such as "send money," "request
money," "send contact information," "acquire contact information,"
and the like.
[0043] Likewise, the payment provider application provides those
features that generally enable the mobile device 105 and 110 to
communicate with the payment provider system 120, but may also
enable the user to activate various multimedia features, as well as
to effect financial transactions via icon linked applications, such
as "send money," "request money," "send contact information,"
"acquire contact information," and the like.
[0044] Accordingly, persons of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that the use of either a NFC service application and a
separate payment provider application, or the use of a single
bundled application that is the functional equivalent of the NFC
service application and the payment provider application, in any
mobile device may depend on a number of factors, including
manufacturer preferences, cost, and intended use, to name a few.
Accordingly, the term "application," "applications," or
"application(s)" as used herein indicates that either a separate
NFC service application and a payment provider application, or a
bundled application having capabilities of both the NFC service
application and the payment provider application is present in the
mobile device.
[0045] In one example embodiment, the network 115 may be
implemented as a single network or a combination of multiple
networks. For example, in various embodiments, the network may
include the Internet and/one or more intranets, landline networks,
wireless networks, and/or other appropriate types of communication
networks. In another example, the network may comprise a wireless
telecommunications network (e.g., cellular phone network) adapted
to communicate with other communication networks, such as the
Internet.
[0046] The payment provider system 120 may include, among other
things, a server identifier 130, a payment processing application
131, and an account database 132 having account information 133 and
other databases 134, as may be required to enable payment
processing between the mobile devices 105 and 110.
[0047] In one embodiment, a financial transaction between the
mobile devices 105 and 110 may include the transfer or sending of
money from the first mobile device 105 (sender) to the second
mobile device 110 (recipient). In this regard, preconditions for
the successful completion of the transfer of money between mobile
devices 105 and 110 include the assumptions that the first mobile
device 105 and the second mobile device 110 are NFC enabled; that a
payment provider service application 126, NFC service application,
or bundled application is present on the sender's 140 mobile device
105; and that at least the sender 140 has a previously established
payment provider account 132.
[0048] In this regard, the application(s) setup may be facilitated
over-the-air (OTA), wherein, depending on implementation, an OTA
application/software download can be initiated upon an action, such
as a call to the payment provider system 120 or other dialable
service, or can be performed automatically when visiting a service
site.
[0049] Alternatively, the application(s) setup may be facilitated
by using another NFC chip, wherein, for example, a pre-loaded NFC
card issued by the payment provider system 120 or other entity may
be pre-loaded with a basic application, account information, URL,
and the like, such that, when touched to an NFC enabled mobile
device, the information is transferred to the mobile device to
permit access to an OTA site where the application/software
download can be effected.
[0050] In one embodiment, an initial payment provider application
activation process may be required to be completed prior to
utilizing the application(s) 126-129 for the first time. In this
regard, as illustrated in FIG. 7, application(s) activation may
begin with the user entering login information, such as a phone
number, pin number, email address and/or password, and the like, in
the mobile device 105, 110. The application forwards the
information and a public key (unique identifier) 125 based on the
NFC mobile device's chip to the payment provider system 120. In one
embodiment, network connectivity for the communication of voice
and/data between the mobile device 105, 110 and the payment
provider, e.g., PayPal. A Short Message Service (SMS) text message
to the mobile device is then communicated from the payment provider
system 120 may be facilitated by an HTTPS (Hyper Text Transfer
Protocol Secure) connection over a general packet radio service
(GPRS). GPRS is a packet based wireless communication service that
offers continuous connection to the Internet or other network 115
for mobile phone and computer users. GPRS is based on GSM (Global
System for Mobile Communication) and complements existing services
such as circuit switched cellular phone connections and the Short
Message Service (SMS), i.e., text message. Persons of skill in the
art will understand similar protocols and wireless services may be
utilized within the scope of the disclosure to enable wireless
connectivity and communication between the mobile devices and the
payment service provider.
[0051] In response to receiving the user's information and unique
identifier, the service provider system 120 sends packet
information to the mobile device 105, 110. The packet information
from the payment provider system 120 to the mobile device may
include data relating to country, currency, language, activation
code and/or security keys. A corresponding code generated by the
application is then communicated back to the payment provider
system 120 from the mobile device 105, 110.
[0052] In this regard, such a back-and-forth communication or
"handshake" between the mobile device 105, 110 and the payment
provider system 120 allows for user and/or system verification,
authorization, and compatibility check to complete the
application(s) activation process. Typically, the users 140, 145
are then notified that the application is activated. Packet
information previously sent from the payment provider system 120 to
the mobile device 105, 110 is stored on the chipset for future use
when activating the application(s) 126-129. The payment provider
system 120 may further communicate a short welcome text message to
the mobile device 105, 110.
[0053] After the initial setup and activation of the application(s)
is complete, subsequent activation of one or more of the
application(s) may occur upon activation of the mobile device. In
one embodiment, the mobile device 105 may be a cell phone in which
activation may occur upon opening the mobile device 105. Typically,
as indicated above, access or activation of the mobile device 105
will likewise activate one or more of the applications. In another
case, the sender 140 may be required to touch a feature (e.g., an
icon, pushbutton, or the like) on the mobile device 105 to access
and activate one or more of the application(s). In yet another
case, activation of one or more of the applications may occur upon
"tapping" or bringing the mobile device 105 in close proximity with
another NFC enabled device.
[0054] Upon activation of the mobile device 105, the sender 140 may
be presented with menu options for enabling various functions,
including those associated with, for example, multimedia features
(e.g., music, video, games, and the like), user contact
information, and those relating to financial transactions, such as
"request money," "send money," and the like.
[0055] The sender 140 may then choose the desired function from the
menu options, for example, "send money" in the case of a proposed
money transfer between the mobile devices 105 and 110. In one
embodiment, the sender 140 may be asked to enter, in no particular
order, funding particulars, including a funding source (e.g., MC,
VISA, AMEX, Citibank, PPS account, or other funding source
account), the amount of money to be sent, and login information
(PIN, pass code, password, or the like).
[0056] As persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, in
the absence of an affirmative choice of one or more presented
funding particulars, preset default settings may be enabled. In
addition, in some embodiments, the sender 140 may be presented with
the opportunity to review and edit the payment choices prior to
communicating the payment request to the payment provider system
120.
[0057] Upon activation of the mobile device 110, the recipient 145
may, like the sender 140, be presented with various menu options
for enabling various functions, including those associated with
multimedia features (e.g., music, video, games, and the like), user
contact information, and those relating to financial transactions,
such as "request money," "send money," and the like.
[0058] The recipient 140 of the intended money transfer may then
choose the desired function from, for example, "receive money" or
"ready, wait" (a default setting having implications of what is
being shared) in the case of the above described proposed money
transfer between the mobile devices 105 and 110. In one embodiment,
by choosing the "receive money" function, the recipient
implicitly/explicitly agrees to provide certain designated
information, such as email address, phone number, receiving account
information, and the like, to facilitate funding by the payment
provider system 120 to the designated recipient account, digital
wallet (phone), or email address where funds may be deposited or
acquired.
[0059] The sender 140 may then simply touch or "tap" the NFC
enabled mobile device 110 of the recipient 145 with the sender's
mobile device 105 to effect the transfer of the designated
recipient information from the recipient' mobile device 110 to the
sender's mobile device 105 via NFC.
[0060] As persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand,
although the method(s)/step(s) are illustrated and described herein
as occurring in a certain order, the specific order, or any
combination or interpretation of the order, is not required.
Obvious modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
in the art, all of which will not depart from the essence of
disclosed subject matter, and all such changes and modifications
are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the
disclosure.
[0061] For example, recipient information may be acquired prior to
selecting the funding source and/or the amount of money to be sent
by the sender 140. In this regard, the acquisition of recipient
information may automatically activate the "send money" function on
the sender's mobile device 105, thereby presenting the menu options
for enabling various functions, including those relating to
financial transactions, as described above.
[0062] The sender's payment request is then automatically
communicated (submitted) to the payment provider system 120 for
processing, including, among others, verification, authorization,
distribution, and confirmation thereof. Alternatively, the sender
140 may be provided with an opportunity to review the payment
request information prior to its submission to the payment provider
system 120.
[0063] Upon the successful completion of payment processing, the
payment provider system may communicate a corresponding SMS
notification, i.e., successful transfer of funds, successful
deposit of funds, amount of transfer or deposit, or some other
related message informing the sender 140 and/or the recipient 145
of the payment processing results, such as by way of an email,
phone call, or a multimedia messaging service (MMS) message. Sender
140 and/or recipient 145 notifications may further include an
audible and/or a visible and/or a tactile indication, such as a
vibration in the respective device.
[0064] In summary, in one embodiment, contact information of the
transfer is communicated directly via NFC from the recipient's
mobile device 110 to the sender's mobile device 105. Payment review
is done via NFC from the sender's mobile device 105 to the
recipient's mobile device 110 showing the conditions of the
financial transaction. The payment request is communicated OTA to
the payment provider system 120 in real-time, while notifications
and confirmations are communicated to the sender's mobile device
105 and the recipient's mobile device 110 via SMS and/or MMS and/or
other form of sensible indicator.
[0065] As described above, peer-to-peer payment between mobile
devices 105 and 110 may be facilitated using near field
communication in a network environment. In this regard, objects
such as mobile devices 105 and 110 may be augmented with a chip to
permit users to gather information and/or conduct financial
transactions. Such transactions include the payment for goods,
receiving money, transferring money, and transferring and receiving
user information.
[0066] As further described above with reference to FIG. 6, a
financial transaction may include a "one-tap" process between NFC
enabled mobile devices 105 and 110 in which a single "tap" between
the mobile devices communicates contact information (e.g., cell
phone number or email address), and communicates the payment
request to the payment provider system if the payment amount was
previously entered.
[0067] With reference to FIG. 6, in this one step or "one-tap"
process, a "money transfer" or "financial transaction" between the
two respective NFC enabled devices of a sender 140 and a recipient
145 is effected by a third party service provider, such as PayPal,
and comprises: 1) the sender 140 entering a payment request
(amount, funding instrument, and the like) into the sender's NFC
device 105, 2) the sender then gathering recipient information and
sending the request simultaneously to the third party provider 120
via a single "tap" of the sender's NFC device 105 to the
recipient's NFC device 110, and 3) the third party service provider
then sending a transaction confirmation to both the sender and
recipient. The two devices 105 and 110 may both connect, for
example, to the Internet to effect the transaction. Additionally,
other information can be transferred along with the payment related
information, such as user IDs, avatars, icons, and the like. Once
the transaction is in progress or completed, the users are
notified, as above, such as with an audio and/or visual indication
and/or a vibration of the respective devices.
[0068] The systems and methods for payment between mobile devices
105 and 110 using near field communication in a network environment
may be utilized to facilitate an "open loop" financial transaction
in which a one time virtual credit card or debit account is issued
by the payment provider system 120 and used by a merchant so that
the user and merchant view the process as a standard financial
transaction.
[0069] Alternatively, the systems and methods for payment between
mobile devices 105 and 110 using near field communication in a
network environment may be utilized to facilitate a "closed loop"
financial transaction in which the payment provider system 120
provides POS terminals for merchants. In this regard, a user can
"tap" his or her mobile device 105 on the POS terminal to pay for
merchandise and the merchant is paid directly through the payment
provider system 120.
[0070] FIGS. 8A and 8B respectively illustrate a typical "known"
type of request for money and a contrasting request for money in a
peer-to-peer financial transaction between mobile devices using
near field communication in a network environment in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] In contrast to the known four-step process for requesting
money illustrated in FIG. 8A, a money request utilizing NFC may, as
illustrated in FIG. 8B, include a first step of (1) the recipient
sending a request for money to the sender via NFC, a second step of
(2) the sender authorizing payment with the payment provider system
via OTA, and a third step of (3) the payment provider system
notifying the recipient of the transfer of funds.
[0072] In this regard, by communicating information via NFC, the
sender only needs to enter a PIN to approve payment with the
payment provider system.
[0073] Similar to the money request disclosed in FIG. 8B, a "charge
for a service" may be conducted in a peer-to-peer financial
transaction between mobile devices using near field communication
in a network environment in accordance with one embodiment. In this
regard, in the first step of FIG. 8 data content, for example a
music download, may be communicated to the sender's mobile device
along with a money request for the music download from the
recipient's mobile device via NFC. If the sender agrees to the
purchase or sending of money for the music download the process
would continue as disclosed in step (2) and step (3) above.
[0074] FIG. 9 shows examples of various interface screens that can
be displayed on a sender's and/or a recipient's mobile device for
conducting a peer-to-peer financial transaction between two mobile
devices using near field communication in a network environment in
accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] Although the apparatus and methods of the present invention
have been described and illustrated herein with reference to
certain specific example embodiments thereof, it should be
understood that a wide variety of modifications and variations may
be made to these without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention, as defined by the claims appended hereafter and their
functional equivalents.
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