U.S. patent application number 13/618787 was filed with the patent office on 2013-01-10 for methods and systems for making a payment via a stored value card in a mobile environment.
This patent application is currently assigned to FIRETHORN MOBILE, INC.. Invention is credited to Kyle Leighton Cochran, Warren Derek Porter, Brady Lee Rackley, III, Gregory Michael Rickman.
Application Number | 20130013501 13/618787 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39052025 |
Filed Date | 2013-01-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130013501 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rackley, III; Brady Lee ; et
al. |
January 10, 2013 |
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAKING A PAYMENT VIA A STORED VALUE CARD IN
A MOBILE ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Methods and systems for making a financial payment to a payee
via a stored value (SV) card utilizing a mobile device such as a
mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless connected personal digital
assistant (PDA). The mobile device communicates wirelessly with a
mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that stores user
information and transaction information. A user enters information
via the mobile device identifying a payee and indicating a stored
value card payment method. The mobile device generates a mobile
payment instruction that includes information corresponding to the
identified payee and indicating a stored value card payment method.
The mobile payment instruction is wirelessly communicated to the
MFTS. The MFTS generates an MFTS payment instruction to a payment
instruction recipient that can issue a new stored value card and/or
reload funds onto a pre-existing stored value card. The MFTS
communicates the MFTS payment instruction to the payment
instruction recipient.
Inventors: |
Rackley, III; Brady Lee;
(Atlanta, GA) ; Porter; Warren Derek; (Atlanta,
GA) ; Rickman; Gregory Michael; (Atlanta, GA)
; Cochran; Kyle Leighton; (Mableton, GA) |
Assignee: |
FIRETHORN MOBILE, INC.
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
39052025 |
Appl. No.: |
13/618787 |
Filed: |
September 14, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11428860 |
Jul 6, 2006 |
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13618787 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/32 20130101;
G06Q 20/3255 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 20/023 20130101;
G06Q 20/3221 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G06Q 20/02 20130101;
G06Q 20/3223 20130101; G06Q 20/325 20130101; G06Q 30/04 20130101;
G06Q 30/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/41 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 20/32 20120101
G06Q020/32; G06Q 20/36 20120101 G06Q020/36 |
Claims
1-172. (canceled)
173. A method for making a financial payment to a payee via a
stored value (SV) card utilizing a mobile device connected for
communications via a wireless network, the mobile device being
connected via the wireless network with a mobile financial
transaction system (MFTS) that is operatively coupled to a payment
instruction recipient capable of issuing an SV card to the payee,
comprising the steps of: generating data for displaying a plurality
of selectable payment methods corresponding to a payment to be made
to an identified payee, the plurality of selectable payment methods
including an SV card payment method; and receiving a mobile payment
instruction comprising information corresponding to the identified
payee and indicating the SV card payment method, wherein the MFTS
is operatively coupled to a payment instruction recipient capable
of issuing an SV card to the identified payee and the MFTS
communicates a payment instruction to the payment instruction
recipient and the payment instruction recipient effects the payment
to the identified payee via an SV card by issuing a new SV card to
the identified payee or adding value to a pre-existing SV card of
the identified payee.
174. The method of claim 173, further comprising the step of
providing a Mobile Wallet application available for downloading to
a mobile device.
175. The method of claim 174, wherein the MFTS generates data that
is transmitted over the wireless network and produces selectable
commands including a Pay Anyone command, a Payment Source selection
command, and a Payment Method selection command.
176. The method of claim 175, wherein activation of a Payment
Source selection command causes the MFTS to retrieve current
account information from a selected financial service provider and
wirelessly communicate current account information over the
wireless network upon receipt of such information from the selected
financial service provider.
177. The method of claim 175, further comprising the step of
receiving selection of a payment source for making the payment in
response a Payment Source selection command.
178. The method of claim 175, wherein a Payment Source selection
command includes selection of a financial service provider and
selection of a particular account associated with the selected
financial service provider for making the payment.
179. The method of claim 173, further comprising the step of
generating data corresponding to a payee's pre-existing SV card
account number for confirmation that the payment is to be made by
crediting the payee's pre-existing SV card.
180. The method of claim 173, wherein the payment instruction
recipient is one of a financial service provider, a billing
aggregator, an SV card issuer, and a retail establishment that
handles SV cards.
181. The method of claim 173, wherein the MFTS comprises a computer
server coupled to the wireless network.
182. A system for a mobile device making a financial payment to a
payee via a stored value (SV) card, the mobile device being
connected via a wireless network with a mobile financial
transaction system (MFTS) that is operatively coupled to a payment
instruction recipient capable of issuing an SV card to the payee,
comprising: a wireless communications component for communicating
with the MFTS via the wireless network; and a processor operative
to: generating data for displaying a plurality of selectable
payment methods on the mobile device corresponding to a payment to
be made to an identified payee, the plurality of selectable payment
methods including an SV card payment method; and receiving a mobile
payment instruction comprising information corresponding to the
identified payee and indicating the SV card payment method, wherein
the MFTS is operatively coupled to a payment instruction recipient
capable of issuing an SV card to the identified payee and the MFTS
communicates a payment instruction to the payment instruction
recipient and the payment instruction recipient effects the payment
to the identified payee via an SV card by issuing a new SV card to
the identified payee or adding value to a pre-existing SV card of
the identified payee.
183. The system of claim 182, wherein the processor is further
operative to provide a Mobile Wallet application available for
downloading to a mobile device.
184. The system of claim 183, wherein MFTS generates data that is
transmitted over the wireless network and produces selectable
commands including a Pay Anyone command, a Payment Source selection
command, and a Payment Method selection command.
185. The system of claim 184, wherein activation of a Payment
Source selection command causes the MFTS to retrieve current
account information from a selected financial service provider and
wirelessly communicate current account information over the
wireless network upon receipt of such information from the selected
financial service provider.
186. The system of claim 184, wherein the processor is further
operative to receive selection of a payment source for making the
payment in response to a Payment Source selection command.
187. The system of claim 184, wherein a Payment Source selection
command includes selection of a financial service provider and
selection of a particular account associated with the selected
financial service provider for making the payment.
188. The system of claim 182, wherein the processor is further
operative to generating data corresponding to a payee's
pre-existing SV card account number for confirmation that the
payment is to be made by crediting the payee's pre-existing SV
card.
189. The system of claim 182, wherein the payment instruction
recipient is one of a financial service provider, a billing
aggregator, an SV card issuer, and a retail establishment that
handles SV cards.
190. The system of claim 182, wherein the MFTS comprises a computer
server coupled to the wireless network.
191. A system for a mobile device to make a financial payment to a
payee via a stored value (SV) card, the mobile device being
connected via a wireless network with a mobile financial
transaction system (MFTS) that is operatively coupled to a payment
instruction recipient capable of issuing an SV card to the payee,
comprising: means for generating data that produces a plurality of
selectable payment methods on the mobile device corresponding to a
payment to be made to an identified payee, the plurality of
selectable payment methods including an SV card payment method; and
means for receiving a mobile payment instruction comprising
information corresponding to the identified payee and indicating
the SV card payment method, wherein the MFTS is operatively coupled
to a payment instruction recipient capable of issuing an SV card to
the identified payee and the MFTS communicates a payment
instruction to the payment instruction recipient and the payment
instruction recipient effects the payment to the identified payee
via an SV card by issuing a new SV card to the identified payee or
adding value to a pre-existing SV card of the identified payee.
192. The system of claim 191, further comprising means for
providing a Mobile Wallet application available for downloading to
a mobile device.
193. The system of claim 192, wherein the MFTS generates data that
is transmitted over the wireless network and produces selectable
commands including a Pay Anyone command, a Payment Source selection
command, and a Payment Method selection command.
194. The mobile device of claim 193, wherein activation of a
Payment Source selection command causes the MFTS to retrieve
current account information from a selected financial service
provider and wirelessly communicate current account information
upon receipt of such information from the selected financial
service provider.
195. The mobile device of claim 193, further comprising means for
receiving selection of a payment source for making the payment in
response to a Payment Source selection command.
196. The mobile device of claim 193, wherein a Payment Source
selection command includes selection of a financial service
provider and selection of a particular account associated with the
selected financial service provider for making the payment.
197. The mobile device of claim 191, further comprising means for
generating data corresponding to a payee's pre-existing SV card
account number for confirmation that the payment is to be made by
crediting the payee's pre-existing SV card.
198. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory
computer usable medium having a computer readable program code
embodied therein, the computer readable program code adapted to be
executed to implement a method for making a financial payment to a
payee via a stored value (SV) card utilizing a mobile device
connected for communications via a wireless network, the mobile
device being connected via the wireless network with a mobile
financial transaction system (MFTS) that is operatively coupled to
a payment instruction recipient capable of issuing an SV card to
the payee, the method comprising: instructions for generating data
for displaying a plurality of selectable payment methods
corresponding to a payment to be made to an identified payee, the
plurality of selectable payment methods including an SV card
payment method; instructions for receiving a mobile payment
instruction comprising information corresponding to the identified
payee and indicating the SV card payment method, wherein the MFTS
is operatively coupled to a payment instruction recipient capable
of issuing an SV card to the identified payee and the MFTS
communicates a payment instruction to the payment instruction
recipient and the payment instruction recipient effects the payment
to the identified payee via an SV card by issuing a new SV card to
the identified payee or adding value to a pre-existing SV card of
the identified payee.
199. The computer program product of claim 198, further comprising
instructions for providing a Mobile Wallet application available
for downloading to a mobile device.
200. The computer program product of claim 199, wherein the MFTS
generates data that is transmitted over the wireless network and
produces selectable commands including a Pay Anyone command, a
Payment Source selection command, and a Payment Method selection
command.
201. The computer program product of claim 200, wherein activation
of a Payment Source selection command causes the MFTS to retrieve
current account information from a selected financial service
provider and wirelessly communicate current account information
upon receipt of such information from the selected financial
service provider.
202. The computer program product of claim 200, further comprising
instructions for receiving selection of a payment source for making
the payment in response a Payment Source selection command.
203. The computer program product of claim 200, wherein a Payment
Source selection command includes selection of a financial service
provider and selection of a particular account associated with the
selected financial service provider for making the payment.
204. The computer program product of claim 198, further comprising
instructions for generating data corresponding to a payee's
pre-existing SV card account number for confirmation that the
payment is to be made by crediting the payee's pre-existing SV
card.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to and incorporates by reference
herein the following U.S. patent applications:
[0002] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Payment Transactions in a Mobile Environment," filed on Jul.
______, 2006,
[0003] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Making a Payment via a Paper Check in a Mobile Environment," filed
on Jul. ______, 2006;
[0004] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Making a Payment via a Stored Value Card in a Mobile Environment,"
filed on Jul. ______, 2006,
[0005] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Viewing Aggregated Payment Obligations in a Mobile Environment,"
filed on Jul. ______, 2006,
[0006] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Providing a Payment in a Mobile Environment," filed on Jul. ______,
2006,
[0007] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Managing Payment Sources in a Mobile Environment," filed on Jul.
______, 2006,
[0008] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Real Time Account Balances in a Mobile Environment," filed on Jul.
______, 2006,
[0009] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Distribution of a Mobile Wallet for a Mobile Device," filed on Jul.
______, 2006,
[0010] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Indicating a Payment in a Mobile Environment," filed on Jul.
______, 2006,
[0011] Application No. 11/______, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Payment Method Selection by a Payee in a Mobile Environment," filed
on Jul. ______, 2006, and
[0012] International (PCT) application no. PCT/US06/______,
entitled "Methods and Systems for Financial Transactions in a
Mobile Environment," filed on Jul. ______, 2006, the disclosures of
which applications are incorporated by reference as if the same
were fully set forth herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention relates generally to financial
transactions, and more particularly relates to methods and systems
for conducting financial transactions in a mobile environment using
a mobile device such as a mobile telephone (cellphone) or wireless
connected personal digital assistant (PDA).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Busy consumers in mobile societies seek to maximize the use
of their time. Electronic devices such as personal digital
assistants ("PDA's") and mobile telephones ("cell phones") provide
the promise of more efficient use of time, by allowing
communication with other people and institutions wherever a user
may go. One particular demand of mobile consumers is better
capability to securely manage one's financial situation, such as
balances in bank accounts, credit cards, other sources of funds,
etc., and quickly but efficiently fulfill financial obligations
such as paying bills, transferring funds to third parties and
family members, etc. Several useful web- and personal computer
(PC)-based financial services programs are available for consumers
and businesses. These include the popular QUICKEN.TM. product from
Intuit Inc., MICROSOFT MONEY by Microsoft Corp. and others.
[0015] However, these web- and PC-based solutions to financial
payments and money management require that a user have access to a
network-connected PC. A PC may not always be readily available to a
mobile consumer when he or she needs to pay a bill. But a mobile
device such as a cellphone or PDA is more likely to be available.
(So ubiquitous are modern mobile communication devices that an
average consumer knows within about 6 minutes whether they have
lost their cellphone, but about 18 minutes before they realize they
have lost their traditional wallet.)
[0016] Consumers in mobile societies tend to carry a variety of
personal possessions, such as keys, wallets, cards, and electronic
devices. Currently popular electronic devices include mobile
phones, PDAs, MP3 players or other types of music players (e.g.
APPLE iPOD.TM.), and personal video players (also APPLE iPOD.TM.).
Such electronic devices are converging as to functionality, but the
average mobile society consumer still tends to carry too many other
personal possessions, such as a wallet, checkbook, multiple credit
cards, debit cards, membership cards, loyalty (points) cards, keys,
etc. Further consolidation and convergence of electronic and mobile
communication devices is expected in the future to alleviate some
of the personal possession clutter, but the present-day
communication and financial services infrastructure is still
lacking in the need for effective conduct of mobile financial
transactions and reduction of personal possession clutter.
[0017] Unfortunately, current mobile device technology and the
financial services infrastructure do not provide convenient,
secure, and rapid attention to a person's financial needs in the
mobile environment. To enable a mobile device such as cellular
phone or PDA to be used successfully for mobile financial
transactions, certain functionality relating to transactions is
important. A person's financial payment obligations arise from many
sources--paying bills and mortgages, sending money, checking out
purchases at a retail establishment point of sale (POS), etc. Such
obligations can involve dozens (or more) of different entities.
Different entities may require different payment forms. A mobile
financial transaction system that is attractive to mobile consumers
would provide for aggregation and consolidation of payment
obligations, and allow a choice of payment vehicles such as checks,
direct funds transfer, use of a credit card account, etc. Stored
value (SV) cards are an increasingly popular payment option in some
communities, especially the so-called "unbanked" (i.e. people who
may not have an established bank account and tend to conduct
business in cash).
[0018] Similarly, a person may have multiple sources of payments
and funds--credit cards, bank accounts with savings and checking
features, debit cards, etc. People often have preferences as to
which source of funds should be used to pay certain payment
obligations. A bank account may be desired for some payments, while
a credit card may be desired for other transactions, for many
reasons such as participation in loyalty programs such as "frequent
user" programs. Before using a particular source of funds for a
payment, a consumer often needs or wants to have information about
available funds balance or credit balance. Some form of account
balance inquiry, or perhaps real time balance information updating,
from a mobile device is desirable. In addition to balance
information, the ability to invoke other financial institution
operations while mobile is desirable. Such other operations include
funds transfer between accounts, selection of different payment
sources or accounts from a particular financial institution,
remittance and payment, inquiry and payment of loans, and the like,
at any time and anywhere, without requiring an appearance at a
banking facility in person or at a PC terminal with internet
connectivity.
[0019] Some online financial service providers, e.g. CheckFree
Corporation, offer a service known as "bill aggregation" or "bill
presentment," whereby multiple payment obligations are collected
into a centralized computer facility and provided to the consumer
as a list. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,322 to Kitchen et al.
describes a method of electronically presenting billing
information, which can be used in connection with "online bill
payment." This method includes receiving billing information
associated with a plurality of different billers, different
portions of which represent bills for different people (as payers).
Billing information is consolidated for each registered user or
payer. Individual customers can go to an Internet web site to
register an account, add information about billers, add information
about financial institutions, and pay bills online. However, the
system described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,322 patent is intended for
users with a PC and Internet access and has several shortcomings
for use in a mobile environment. One particular shortcoming is that
a web-based user interface actually provides too much information
about the user's accounts and bill detail, and is difficult to view
and navigate on a small mobile device. Another shortcoming is the
lack of integration of online bill payment with the use of multiple
and conveniently selectable different payment sources.
[0020] U.S. Published Pat. App. No. 20050086164 to Kim et al.
describes a method for utilizing a mobile phone to pay a charge of
goods or services rendered through approval of a mobile phone
network. First, a buyer uses his or her mobile phone to connect to
a payment transaction server. A buyer and "merchant store"
identification code (for each) and a bill for the goods or services
is transmitted to the payment transaction server. The payment
transaction server examines the data received from the mobile phone
and determines the approval of the transaction based on a balance
corresponding to the buyer identification code. When approved, an
approval notification is sent to a terminal at the merchant store.
After the confirmation from the approval notification at the
merchant store, the buyer receives the goods or services.
[0021] A system as described in the Kim et al. publication depends
on having a pre-established balance in a prepaid account
established by the buyer with the mobile phone networks.
Furthermore, the method involves delivering voice prompts to the
user via the mobile phone and receiving the user's selection of
options by activation of keys on the mobile phone keypad. While
such a device and system is certainly one way that financial
transactions can be conducted using a mobile phone, the well-known
method of voice prompts for keypad data entry is slow and awkward,
and is a known source of consumer frustration. Furthermore, modern
mobile devices are more than just a telephone--many such devices
now include displays, controls, and keypads, and provide more ways
for wireless interaction than voice messages and prompts.
[0022] Mobile communication devices and systems have now progressed
beyond the limitations of voice prompts and telephone keypad data
entry and option selection. The first generation (1G) of mobile
telephone systems was limited to analog radio voice transmission,
and has been surpassed by second generation (2G) systems that
provide digital signal transmission features and enable greater
functionality. Present mobile device communication systems (beyond
2G) are now all digital and utilize data communication channels for
carrying voice signals as well as other data signals. Features
enabled by the digital data communications include Short Message
System (SMS) message for text messaging, ringtone downloads, and
other features. Consumer-oriented mobile communication systems are
now progressing beyond advanced second generation (2.5G)
technologies into third generation (3G) technologies that provide
high speed broadband data connectivity for mobile devices. New 3G
systems and devices permit capabilities such as full Internet usage
on mobile devices, SMS messaging capability, person-to-person
direct calling, direct download of content such as ringtones,
music, and videos, and many other features.
[0023] Significantly, modern mobile devices now involve highly
converged PDA and telephone capabilities. New mobile devices
possess color displays, touch screens, full telephone capability as
well as music playback, streamed videos, memory for data storage
(e.g. memory cards), wireless headsets, infrared data connections,
and many other features. A system that facilitates convenient,
secure, and rapid mobile financial transactions will invariably
take advantage of available communication bandwidth and device
features in the modern 2.5G and 3G networks and their devices.
However, prior to the present invention there has been no effective
attempt to identify the usage methodologies and features that
consumers want--those that allow convenient, secure, and rapid
mobile financial transactions, in a way that is consumer-friendly
and allows reduction of personal possession clutter.
[0024] In particular, consumers require strong security in using
their devices. They require speedy, convenient checkout if used at
retail point of sale (POS). They must be able to "PayAnyone", at
any time, in any of a number of different ways. They must be
provided with the information they need to conduct a
transaction--and only such information as is necessary--and this
information must be current. Similarly, financial institutions
require strong security, which includes authentication, for
transactions initiated in a mobile environment. There must be an
opportunity for revenue opportunities as well as user retention.
There must be opportunity to lower the expense of customer service
by use of automation. For retailers and entities that send bills,
there must be rapid payment. Any POS transactions must clear
quickly. Charges based on credit cards and debit cards must be
authenticated and clear quickly--fraud prevention and reduction is
paramount both for financial institutions as well as billing
entities and other payees. Facilitation of, or at least
compatibility with, customer loyalty programs is highly
desirable.
[0025] All of these requirements--some of which are merely
desirable but some are absolutely essential--present a challenge to
the present day mobile communication and financial services
infrastructure. Prior to the present invention, no system has been
made that addresses all of these features, goals, and desires of a
mobile communication based financial transaction system in a
satisfactory manner.
[0026] Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive solution that
allows consumers using mobile devices to consolidate their bills
and other payment obligations, pay such bills and other obligations
at anytime and anywhere, using any selectable available funds, to
merchants for goods or services, or to anyone or any other
designated entity, with knowledge of the amounts to be paid and the
funds available balances. And of course, all of this must be
convenient, secure, and rapid.
[0027] As will be described and explained in detail below, the
present inventors have constructed various systems and methods for
completing financial transactions in a mobile environment that meet
these and other requirements for an efficient, effective, robust,
secure and convenient solution.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0028] Briefly described, the present invention relates to methods
and systems for making a payment by way of a stored value (SV) card
in a mobile environment utilizing a mobile device such as a mobile
telephone or wireless connected personal digital assistant (PDA)
that communicates with a mobile financial transaction system that
stores user information and transaction information.
[0029] Aspects of the invention are embodied in mobile devices, in
software for mobile devices (e.g. in the form of
computer-implemented methods), in a mobile financial transaction
system (MFTS), in software for mobile financial transaction systems
(e.g. in the form of computer-implemented methods), in systems that
combine aspects of mobile devices and mobile financial transaction
systems, and in software for such systems (e.g. in the form of
software for mobile devices and related systems that effect
computer-implemented methods).
[0030] In one aspect, the present invention relates to systems and
methods for making a financial payment to a payee via a stored
value (SV) card utilizing a mobile device connected for
communications via a wireless network. From the mobile device
perspective, such aspects of the invention involve: (i) receiving
user input at the mobile device of information identifying a payee
for a payment to be made by a stored value (SV) card payment
method, (ii) at the user mobile device in response to the user
input, generating a mobile payment instruction comprising
information corresponding to the identified payee, and (iii)
wirelessly communicating the mobile payment instruction from the
user mobile device to a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS).
From the MFTS perspective, such aspects further involve: (iv) at
the MFTS and in response to receipt of the mobile payment
instruction, determining information corresponding to an identified
payee for receiving the payment and information indicating payment
by a SV card method, (v) generating an MFTS payment instruction to
a payment instruction recipient that maintains a relationship with
a SV card issuing entity, and (vi) communicating the MFTS payment
instruction from the MFTS to the payment instruction recipient.
Further aspects involve, at the payment instruction recipient, in
response to receipt of the MFTS payment instruction, arranging for
payment to the identified payee by issuing a new stored value card
to a payee or "reloading" a pre-existing stored value card of the
payee. The payment instruction recipient can be one of a financial
service provider, a billing aggregator, a stored value card issuer,
a retail establishment that handles stored value cards, or other
entity that issues stored value cards.
[0031] In one embodiment, the mobile financial transaction system
(MFTS) includes a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS)
database for storing user information and payment source
information associated with at least one account associated with at
least one financial service provider. The MFTS database further
stores transaction information corresponding to a user's financial
transactions, the transaction information including payment to make
information in addition to other information utilized to track
status of the payment to make. The transaction information includes
one or more of the following items of information: a user ID
number, a transaction identifier, an amount, a financial service
provider identifier, an account identifier, a payee identifier, a
pending/complete flag, and other data items.
[0032] Other aspects of the invention involve identifying a payee
by selection of one of a plurality of prestored names on the mobile
device. In one aspect, a payee is identified by user entry of a
mobile number of a payee. In another aspect, at least some payee
information is input by the user via an Internet-accessible web
site accessible by the user for input of payee information and is
thereafter wirelessly communicated to the mobile device for display
to the user.
[0033] Other aspects of the invention involve displaying
information at the user mobile device corresponding to selection by
the user/payer of a SV card payment method for effecting a payment
to a payee from among a plurality of different payment methods. The
selectable payment methods include: a recipient-defined method, an
ACH funds transfer, a paper check, and a stored value (SV)
card.
[0034] Another aspect of the invention involves displaying
information corresponding to at least one selectable payment source
for the payment at the user mobile device, receiving user input
corresponding selection of a payment source for making a payment,
and including information indicating the selected payment source in
the mobile payment instruction, at the user mobile device. A
related aspect involves determining information corresponding to a
selected account at a selected financial service provider for
making the payment by retrieving such information from information
prestored in the MFTS database.
[0035] Other aspects of the invention involve the real time
updating of account balances on the user's mobile device. Such
aspects involve storing a cached account balance in the mobile
device representative of the balance in the at least one account as
of a particular date, receiving updated account balance information
for the account, and displaying updated account balance information
corresponding to the account to the user via the mobile device.
[0036] Another aspect of the invention involves receiving user
selection of at least one selectable payment source for the payment
at the user mobile device. The selection of a payment source for
making a payment includes selection of a financial service provider
and selection of a particular account associated with the selected
financial service provider for making the payment. In a preferred
embodiment, selection of a payment source causes the MFTS to
retrieve current account information from one or more financial
service providers and wirelessly communicate the current account
information to the mobile device upon receipt of such information
from the one or more financial service providers.
[0037] Another aspect of the invention involves providing a Mobile
Wallet application on the user mobile device. A Mobile Wallet
application is a mobile device application that provides
functionality for viewing and selecting bills to be paid or other
payments to make, viewing and selecting payment sources for making
such payments, viewing balances, etc. In one aspect, the Mobile
Wallet application provides a display on the mobile device of
selectable commands including a Pay Anyone command, a Payment
Source selection command, and a Payment Method selection command.
User activation of the Payment Source selection command causes the
MFTS to retrieve current account information from a selected
financial service provider and communicate current account
information to the mobile device upon receipt of such information
from the selected financial service provider.
[0038] Another aspect of the invention involves receiving user
input corresponding to selection of a payment source for making a
payment in response to display of a Payment Source selection
command. Yet another aspect involves receiving user input of a
payment source for making the payment comprising selection of a
financial service provider and selection of a particular account
associated with the selected financial service provider for making
the payment.
[0039] According to another aspect of the invention, the identified
payee corresponds to a billing entity that communicated bill
information to the MFTS. According to yet another aspect, a payment
confirmation message is communicated from the selected financial
service provider to the MFTS in response to completion of a
predetermined stage in making the payment. According to another
aspect, a payment confirmation message is communicated by the MFTS
to the mobile device in response to receipt of the payment
confirmation message from the selected financial service
provider.
[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the MFTS is coupled for
electronic communications with a user's computer via a data
communications network such as the Internet. Another related aspect
of the invention involves: (i) providing a web application in
association with the MFTS, (ii) receiving user information via the
web application corresponding to financial service providers,
accounts at financial service providers, and payees, and (iii)
storing the user information input via the web application in an
MFTS database for use in connection with payments initiated via the
user mobile device. A related aspect of the invention involves
retrieving and displaying transaction information corresponding to
transactions conducted via the user mobile device, via the web
application, to a user on the user's computer.
[0041] In one embodiment, a payee's pre-existing SV card account
number is displayed to the user for confirmation that the payment
is to be made by crediting a payee's pre-existing SV card. The
information corresponding to the payee's pre-existing SV card is
stored in an MFTS database and wirelessly communicated to the user
mobile device for display to the user and confirmation by user
command.
[0042] Another aspect of the invention relates to communications
with a payee's mobile device in connection with the payment by the
SV card method. Such aspects involve: (i) wirelessly communicating
a message to a payee's mobile device advising the payee that a
payment has been sent by a user/payer via SV card, and (ii)
receiving input from the payee at the payee's mobile device
indicating a selected manner in which the payee wishes to receive
the payment via SV card. This aspect further involves providing a
data entry screen on the payer/user's mobile device for entry of a
payee's pre-existing SV card account number for purposes of
crediting a payee's pre-existing SV card. In one embodiment, the
message to the payee's mobile device is a text message (SMS). In
another embodiment the message is provided via a Mobile Wallet
application installed on the payee's mobile device. The selected
manner in which the payee can receive payment via SV card includes
crediting the payment to a payee's pre-existing SV card and issue
of a new SV card.
[0043] Another aspect of the invention related to a response to an
indication by a payee of receipt of payment via a new SV card. Such
aspect involves: (i) displaying a data entry screen on the payee's
mobile device for receiving entry of information to identify a
location for receipt of a new SV card, such as a zip code, (ii)
receiving payee input of information for identifying a location for
receipt of the new SV card, and (iii) wirelessly communicating the
location information to the MFTS. Such aspect further involves
wirelessly communicating information back to the payee identifying
a specific retail location at which the new SV card may be
obtained.
[0044] Yet other aspects of the invention involve communicating
card pickup information to the SV card issuer that enables the SV
card issuer to issue a card to the payee and further enables a
retail location that issues SV cards to verify the identity of the
payee for SV card pickup. Another aspect involves wirelessly
communicating the card pickup information to a payee's mobile
device. The card pickup information comprises a transaction number
provided by the MFTS that is associated with the payment, a card
number, and a mobile phone number associated with the payee.
[0045] From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate that with its various aspects for a mobile device, a
mobile financial transaction system, a web interface, and
combinations of functionality, a system constructed in accordance
with aspects of the inventions provides mobile device users with
unprecedented convenience and flexibility in making payments by
issue or reloading of a stored value card, using a mobile device.
Furthermore, the invention facilitates the monitoring of bills to
pay and other payments to make, provides information about current
account balances provided in real time, and also provides other
improved functionality for mobile device users that have heretofore
not been possible at reasonable economic cost and convenience.
[0046] These and other aspects, features, and benefits of the
present invention(s) will become apparent from the following
detailed written description of the preferred embodiments taken in
conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and
modifications therein may be affected without departing from the
spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0047] FIG. 1 is a high level overview of exemplary aspects for a
mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) that embodies aspects of
the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a more detailed overview of an exemplary mobile
financial transaction system (MFTS) according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention.
[0049] FIG. 3, consisting of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, is a computer
software architecture diagram illustrating various computer program
modules that provide computer-implemented method steps for a
cellphone or mobile device application (FIG. 3A) and
computer-implemented method steps for operations of the MFTS system
(FIG. 3B), in accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main
program of a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) constructed
according to exemplary aspects of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the main
program of a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) constructed
according to exemplary aspects of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary database schemas (data table
layouts) for a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS) user
database according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0053] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary database schema (data table
layout) for a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS)
transaction database in accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0054] FIG. 8 is a flow chart diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps of a computer program embodying
operations of a mobile device communication interface for the MFTS
in accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a flow chart diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps of a computer program embodying
operations of a financial service provider (FSP) communications
interface for the MFTS in accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps of a computer program embodying
operations of a user web application input/output (I/O) interface
for the MFTS in accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps of a computer program embodying
operations of a web application for enrolling a new user in
accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a flow chart diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps of a computer program embodying
operations of a web application for a registered user in accordance
with exemplary aspects of the invention.
[0059] FIG. 13 shows a sequence of mobile device screen displays
for viewing selectable payment sources and account balances
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for viewing payment sources and
account balances according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0061] FIG. 15 shows a sequence of mobile device screen displays
for viewing bills according to a preferred embodiment and an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for viewing bills according to a
preferred embodiment and an alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
[0063] FIG. 17 shows a sequence of mobile device screen displays
for paying a bill according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0064] FIG. 18A shows a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for paying a bill according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, and
[0065] FIG. 18B shows a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for paying a bill according to an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] FIG. 19 is a sequence of mobile device screen views from a
payer's perspective as a user uses a "PayAnyone" payment option,
selects a name from a list, and uses a "recipient defined" payment
method according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0067] FIG. 20 is a sequence of mobile device screen views from a
payee's perspective of a "PayAnyone" using a "recipient defined"
payment option according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0068] FIG. 21 shows a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method from a payer's perspective as a user
uses a "PayAnyone" payment option, selects a payee, and selects a
payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0069] FIG. 22 shows a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method from a payee's perspective as a user
uses a "PayAnyone" payment option, selects "recipient defined"
payment method, selects a payment method, and receives the payment
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0070] FIG. 23 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payer's view of a "PayAnyone" payment feature with selection of
an ACH payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0071] FIG. 24 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payee's perspective of a "PayAnyone" payment feature with ACH
payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0072] FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for a "PayAnyone" payment feature
with ACH payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0073] FIG. 26 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payer's perspective as a user uses a "PayAnyone" payment feature
and selects a paper check payment method according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention.
[0074] FIG. 27 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payee's perspective of a "PayAnyone" payment feature with a paper
check payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0075] FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for a "PayAnyone" payment
feature, involving a paper check payment method according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0076] FIG. 29 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payer's perspective as a user uses a "PayAnyone" payment feature
and selects a stored value (SV) card payment method according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0077] FIG. 30 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views from
a payee's perspective of a "PayAnyone" payment feature with the
stored value (SV) card payment method according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention.
[0078] FIG. 31 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for a "PayAnyone" payment method
involving use of a stored value (SV) card payment method according
to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0079] FIG. 32 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views as a
user transfers funds or account balances according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention.
[0080] FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps for funds transfer or balance
transfers between accounts of payment sources according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0081] FIG. 34 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views that
illustrate receipt of payment for a payee with a mobile device,
with optional installation of a mobile device application to the
payee's mobile device, according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention.
[0082] FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram illustrating
computer-implemented method steps whereby a payee downloads and
installs a mobile device application from the MFTS system as a part
of the viral financial commerce system according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention.
[0083] FIG. 36 is a sequence of mobile device screen views from a
user's perspective of changing a personal identification number
(PIN) according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
[0084] FIG. 37, consisting of FIGS. 37A-37D, comprises screen
displays of the web application input/output interface illustrating
how a user enrolls for use of a mobile financial transaction system
through a web application user site according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0085] FIG. 38, consisting of FIGS. 38A-38D, comprises screen
displays of the web application input/output interface illustrating
how a user manages financial accounts of a mobile financial
transaction system through a web application user site according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] FIG. 39, consisting of FIGS. 39A-39B, comprises screen
displays of the web application input/output interface illustrating
how a user manages payees of a mobile financial transaction system
through a web application user site according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] FIG. 40 is a web application account summary display screen
in accordance with alternative exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0088] FIG. 41 is a web application billing entity details display
screen in accordance with alternative exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0089] FIG. 42 is a web application payment source details display
screen in accordance with alternative exemplary aspects of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0090] Prior to a detailed description of the invention(s), the
following definitions are provided as an aid to understanding the
subject matter and terminology of aspects of the present
invention(s), are exemplary, and not necessarily limiting of the
invention(s), which are expressed in the claims. Whether or not a
term is capitalized is not considered definitive or limiting of the
meaning of a term. As used in this document, a capitalized term
shall have the same meaning as an uncapitalized term, unless the
context of the usage specifically indicates that a more restrictive
meaning for the capitalized term is intended. A capitalized term
within the glossary usually indicates that the capitalized term has
a separate definition within the glossary. However, the
capitalization or lack thereof within the remainder of this
document is not intended to be necessarily limiting unless the
context clearly indicates that such limitation is intended.
DEFINITIONS/GLOSSARY
[0091] ACH: an acronym for "Automated Clearing House," an
electronic banking network that processes volumes of credit and
debit transactions in accordance with by rules and regulations
established by the National Automated Clearing House Association
(NACHA) and the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed).
[0092] Application: a computer program that operates on a computer
system, e.g., but not limited to, a computer program operated
within the MFTS, or a computer program operated within a cellphone
or mobile device (a mobile application). Further examples of
applications include programs that perform a search in a database,
receive and store information in a temporary memory of a mobile
device, display selected information on a mobile device, etc., and
virtually any other type of program that generates transactions or
is responsive to transactions.
[0093] Bill information: information provided by a billing entity,
or a bill aggregator, relating or corresponding to a bill to be
paid; typically consists of all information provided by the billing
entity that would appear on a bill to be paid and provided to a
user or a billing aggregator. (See "summarized bill
information.")
[0094] Billing entity: a payee; an individual person, business, or
entity that provides a bill that can be paid to a user. The term
generally includes any payee, whether or not a bill is sent to
prompt payment, although a billing entity typically may be expected
to provide a document or message (a bill) indicating an amount due
to the billing entity, whereas a "pay anyone" type payee, while
generally considered a billing entity for purposes of aspects of
the invention, may not necessarily require a bill prior to sending
a payment.
[0095] Billing (bill) aggregator: an entity that provides a service
of collecting information relating to bills to pay or other payment
obligations to an entity with whom a user or consumer maintains a
financial relationship, and in the context of the invention,
provides information about one or more bills to pay to a mobile
financial transaction system constructed as described herein, and
optionally serves as a financial service provider that handles bill
payment for a user.
[0096] Bill presentment: the presentation or presentment of one or
more of payment obligations of an entity (such as bills to pay or
payments to make), e.g. by a bill aggregator, and the electronic
communication of one or more such payment obligations, to the
entity for review and provision of payment instructions. Bill
presentment may be provided on a bill by bill basis from a billing
entity, or may be a grouping or aggregator of bills by a billing
aggregator that provides a service of collecting bills to pay an
entity.
[0097] Consumer: an individual person or other entity that accesses
or uses a mobile device to perform certain functions of a mobile
financial transaction system (MFTS), in accordance with exemplary
aspects of the inventions. Generally synonymous with user,
below.
[0098] DBMS: database management system.
[0099] Enterprise: an organization or business entity that utilizes
the present invention. An Enterprise can be a business, a
government agency, a person, or virtually any other organization
that conducts business transactions reflective of its business
activity.
[0100] Entity: something that has a separate and distinct existence
or conceptual reality outside the present invention. One example is
a billing entity, which sends out billing information about a
payment obligation.
[0101] Financial Service Provider (FSP): an entity that provides
financial services on behalf of its customers, such as a bank,
credit card company, credit union, debit card company, gift card
company, payment service company, or other financial institution,
and especially serves as a Payment Source (PS). As used herein, an
FSP is an entity that provides financial services on behalf of
users with mobile devices in accordance with exemplary aspects of
the invention. A FSP may also be a payment instruction recipient
and effect a payment.
[0102] I/O: input/output.
[0103] LAN: local-area network, a collection of computers that are
connected for electronic communications, typically located
geographically close together (that is, in the same building).
[0104] Mobile Communication Service Provider (MCSP) (generally
synonymous with wireless service provider): an entity that provides
for communication services for mobile devices to the MFTS, and
perhaps to other network-connected entities. For example, a
cellphone service provider typically can serve as a MCSP.
[0105] Mobile client (generally synonymous with mobile
application): a computer program that runs on a mobile device, to
provide services and operations as described in this document, in
accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention.
[0106] Mobile device: any device used for communication over a
wireless communication networks, such as a cellular phone, a
walkie-talkie, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a pager, a smart
phone, or any combination thereof. Mobile devices operative in the
present invention typically run a mobile client software program to
effect the functionality described herein. Generally synonymous and
used interchangeably with mobile phone, but a mobile device need
not necessarily be a telephone-type instrument.
[0107] Mobile Financial Transaction System (MFTS): a system
constructed as described in this document, that facilitates
financial transactions by use of mobile devices.
[0108] MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI): a form of Payment
Instruction (PI) (see below) that comprises a communication
initiated by the MFTS and transmitted to a payment instruction
recipient such as a financial institution to instruct that
institution to make a payment to an identified selected entity.
[0109] Mobile Payment Instruction (MPI): a form of Payment
Instruction (PI) (see below) that is generated and provided from a
mobile device in accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention.
[0110] Mobile Wallet: a name given to a mobile device application
that provides functionality for viewing and selecting bills to be
paid or other payments to make, viewing and selecting payment
sources for making such payments, viewing balances, etc., in
accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention.
[0111] PayAnyone: a feature of aspects of the present invention
that allow a user to pay a person having a wirelessly connected
mobile device, without regard to whether that person is physically
present, mainly by way of communicating messages to the payee's
wireless device, soliciting instructions, and determining a
preferred method for receipt of the payment by the payee.
[0112] Payee: a person or an entity receiving payment. A payee may
also be a payment instruction recipient.
[0113] Payer: a person or an entity making a payment. A payer is
also a person or an entity sending out a payment instruction.
[0114] Payment Instruction (PI): a collection of information that
typically includes one or more selected payments to make, at least
one payment source for use in making the payment, and other
information. A mobile payment instruction (MPI) is initially
generated and provided from a mobile device in accordance with
exemplary aspects of the invention. An MFTS payment instruction
(MFTSPI) is a communication initiated by the MFTS and transmitted
to a payment instruction recipient to instruct that recipient to
make a payment to an identified entity.
[0115] Payment Instruction Recipient (PIR): an entity to whom a
payment instruction is given for purposes of making a payment; a
payment instruction recipient may itself make a payment, or may
provide an instruction to another entity to make the payment, such
as a financial service provider. For example, a payment instruction
recipient may be a financial service provider, a bill aggregator,
or a billing entity (e.g. a company that has authorization from a
payer to draft a payment directly from a payer's bank).
[0116] Payment method: the manner in which a payment is provided to
a payee by a payment instruction recipient or its agent, i.e. a
financial instrument of some sort provided to a payee; a payment
can be made by various means including but not limited to paper
check, stored value card, ACH funds transfer, crediting a credit
card account, wire transfer, money order, credit to a PayPal or
other online financial account, another type of financial
instrument, etc. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a
payment method may be chosen by a payer in certain embodiments, or
may be chosen by a payee in other embodiments. A payment source
differs from a payment method in that a payment source provides
funds for an instrument of a chosen payment method.
[0117] Payment to Make (PM): A payment obligation of a mobile
device user, for which an instruction to make a payment is made
using aspects of the invention. Such obligations include any bills
that a person or a family receives on a regular basis such as water
bills, electric bills, gas bills, mortgage payments, automobile
payment, insurance payments, telephone and/or mobile phone bills,
credit card bills etc. These payment obligations also include any
payments that a person needs to make occasionally such as gasoline
purchase, movie theater tickets, any cash-only purchases as well as
payment to any individuals.
[0118] Payment Source (PS): funds or money available to a person or
family, usually through an account that can be accessed by aspects
of the present invention. These sources include credit card
accounts, debit card accounts, checking and/or saving accounts,
department store credit card accounts, etc.
[0119] Payment source information: information relating to a
payment source that is stored at the MFTS, and a portion of which
(summarized payment source information) is communicated to user's
mobile device.
[0120] Protocol: A set of formal rules describing how to transmit
data, especially across a network. Low level protocols define the
electrical and physical standards to be observed, bit- and
byte-ordering and the transmission and error detection and
correction of the bit stream. High level protocols deal with the
data formatting, including the syntax of messages, the terminal to
computer dialogue, character sets, sequencing of messages etc.
[0121] Stored Value (SV) card: a payment card, typically including
a magnetic stripe or other electrical, magnetic, or electronic
information carrying medium, that is accepted as a form of payment
by certain commercial enterprises; money can be "loaded" onto a SV
value card through various different mechanisms and systems and
then can be used to pay bills, purchase goods, etc. A stored value
(SV) card is not a debit card or a credit card, although a SV card
bears certain physical resemblance to such other types of
cards.
[0122] Summarized bill information: a reduced subset of bill
information that is displayed to a user via a user's mobile
device.
[0123] Summarized payment source information: a reduced subset of
information relating to an account and/or a financial institution
that is displayed to a user via a user's mobile device.
[0124] Transaction: a set of system actions that result in a
completed business activity, for example, the following are
exemplary transactions: the transfer of a certain amount of money
(funds) from one person to another; the debiting of a credit card
account of one person (e.g. a payer) and the corresponding
crediting of a bank account of another person (e.g. a payee); the
payment of a bill; the issuance of an instruction to issue a stored
value (SV) card.
[0125] SMS: short message service, a text communication service
available on many digital mobile devices or phones that permits the
sending of short messages (also known as text messages, messages,
or more colloquially SMSes, texts or even txts) between mobile
devices or phones.
[0126] User: an individual or other entity that accesses or uses a
mobile device to perform certain functions of a mobile financial
transaction system. See also Consumer. As used herein, these terms
are generally synonymous. A user may also use a web interface to
access the MFTS for configuration and use, as described herein.
[0127] User/payee: an MFTS system user and also a payee who
receives payments.
[0128] User/payer: an MFTS system user and also a payer who makes
payments.
[0129] User identifier (user ID): a code used to identify a user to
the MFTS, or to a financial service provider, or to another
component that requires information identifying a user for some
purpose in connection with the invention.
[0130] UI: User Interface. Typically means a software application
with which a User interacts for purposes of entering information,
obtaining information, or causing functions of an associated system
to execute; includes a mobile device user interface.
[0131] WANs: wide-area networks, a collection of computers that are
connection for electronic communications, typically where the
computers are further apart than a LAN and are connected by
telephone lines, fiber optic cables, satellite transmission, or
radio waves.
[0132] WLAN: wireless local area network, e.g. a technology that is
used to connect devices, including mobile devices, laptops, desktop
computers, entertainment equipment, etc. through a wireless radio
signal. Examples include the known WiFi and WiMAX data
communication standards.
System Overview
[0133] In a best mode contemplated by the inventors, aspects of the
present invention are preferably implemented using mobile devices
coupled for electronic (preferably wireless) communications with a
mobile financial transaction system (MFTS). Mobile devices include
such items as cellphones and PDAs that are connected for data
communications via a wireless network to an MFTS. The MFTS is in
turn connected to allow remote network access (e.g. Internet
access) by users for account setup, configuration, editing,
monitoring of transactions, etc. As will be known by those skilled
in the art, such mobile devices are essentially small, hand-held
computing devices that include features such as microphones and
speakers (to enable telephone usage), a wireless signal circuit
such as a digital radio, a microprocessor as a central processing
unit (CPU), a color or other display, a keyboard or keypad, a
stylus, a scroll wheel, control buttons, Bluetooth wireless
signaling, infrared data signaling, etc. The MFTS is similarly a
general purpose computing device containing one or more processors
and/or central processing units (CPU), data storage in the form of
disk drives and random access memory (RAM), communication
interfaces such as LAN connections, WAN connections, Internet
connections, Ethernet connections, etc.
[0134] Accordingly, it will be understood that various embodiments
of the present invention described herein are preferably
implemented as a special purpose or general-purpose computer
including various computer hardware as discussed in greater detail
below. Embodiments within the scope of the present invention also
include computer-readable media for carrying or having
computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.
Such computer-readable media can be any available media which can
be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or
downloadable to a mobile device through wireless communication
networks. By way of example, and not limitation, such
computer-readable media can comprise physical storage media such as
RAM, ROM, flash memory, EEPROM, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical disk
storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
any type of removable non-volatile memories such as secure digital
(SD), flash memory, memory stick etc., or any other medium which
can be used to carry or store computer program code in the form of
computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can
be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or a
mobile device.
[0135] When information is transferred or provided over a network
or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless,
or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the
computer properly views the connection as a computer-readable
medium. Thus, any such a connection is properly termed and
considered a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above
should also be included within the scope of computer-readable
media. Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example,
instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer,
special purpose computer, or special purpose processing device such
as a mobile device processor to perform one specific function or a
group of functions.
[0136] Those skilled in the art will understand the features and
aspects of a suitable computing environment in which aspects of the
invention may be implemented. Although not required, the inventions
will be described in the general context of computer-executable
instructions, such as program modules, being executed by computers
in networked environments. Such program modules are often reflected
and illustrated by flow charts, sequence diagrams, exemplary screen
displays, and other techniques used by those skilled in the art to
communicate how to make and use such computer program modules.
Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects,
components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or
implement particular abstract data types, within the computer.
Computer-executable instructions, associated data structures, and
program modules represent examples of the program code for
executing steps of the methods disclosed herein. The particular
sequence of such executable instructions or associated data
structures represent examples of corresponding acts for
implementing the functions described in such steps.
[0137] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the
invention may be practiced in network computing environments with
many types of computer system configurations, including personal
computers, hand-held devices, multi-processor systems,
microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,
networked PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like.
The invention may also be practiced in distributed computing
environments where tasks are performed by local and remote
processing devices that are linked (either by hardwired links,
wireless links, or by a combination of hardwired or wireless links)
through a communications network. In a distributed computing
environment, program modules may be located in both local and
remote memory storage devices.
[0138] An exemplary system for implementing the inventions, which
is not illustrated, includes a general purpose computing device in
the form of a conventional computer, including a processing unit, a
system memory, and a system bus that couples various system
components including the system memory to the processing unit. The
computer will typically include one or more magnetic hard disk
drives (also called "data stores" or "data storage" or other names)
for reading from and writing to. The drives and their associated
computer-readable media provide nonvolatile storage of
computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules,
and other data for the computer. Although the exemplary environment
described herein employs a magnetic hard disk, a removable magnetic
disk, removable optical disks, other types of computer readable
media for storing data can be used, including magnetic cassettes,
flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), Bernoulli
cartridges, RAMs, ROMs, and the like.
[0139] Computer program code that implements most of the
functionality described herein typically comprises one or more
program modules may be stored on the hard disk or other storage
medium. This program code, as is known to those skilled in the art,
usually includes an operating system, one or more application
programs, other program modules, and program data. A user may enter
commands and information into the computer through keyboard,
pointing device, or other input devices (not shown), such as a
microphone, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, or the like. These
and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit
through known electrical, optical, or wireless connections.
[0140] The main computer that effects many aspects of the
inventions will typically operate in a networked environment using
logical connections to one or more remote computers or data
sources, which are described further below. Remote computers may be
another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer
device or other common network node, and typically include many or
all of the elements described above relative to the main computer
system in which the inventions are embodied. The logical
connections between computers include a local area network (LAN)
and a wide area network (WAN) that are presented here by way of
example and not limitation. Such networking environments are
commonplace in office-wide or enterprise-wide computer networks,
intranets and the Internet.
[0141] When used in a LAN networking environment, the main computer
system implementing aspects of the invention is connected to the
local network through a network interface or adapter. When used in
a WAN networking environment, the computer may include a modem, a
wireless link, or other means for establishing communications over
the wide area network, such as the Internet. In a networked
environment, program modules depicted relative to the computer, or
portions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device.
It will be appreciated that the network connections described or
shown are exemplary and other means of establishing communications
over wide area networks or the Internet may be used.
Consolidation of Payment Obligations
[0142] With the foregoing implementation architecture in mind,
please refer now to FIG. 1, which provides an overview of a mobile
financial transaction system (MFTS) 18 and certain features
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. A user 12 of a
mobile device 15 (such as a cellphone or wireless PDA) accesses the
MFTS 18 to select payments to make ("PM") and to select payment
sources ("PS") for making such payments, in the manner that will be
described. The major inputs to the MFTS 18 comprise payments to
make 20 (hereinafter "PM") and payment sources 30 (hereinafter
"PS").
[0143] PAYMENT TO MAKE (PM): A payment to make (PM) 20 comprises
any and all payment obligations and/or instructions, whereby money
or credits are transferred from one person or entity to another.
These obligations include bills that a person or a family receives
on a regular basis such as water bills, electric bills, gas bills,
mortgage payments, automobile payment, insurance payments,
telephone and/or mobile phone bills, credit card bills, etc. These
payment obligations may also include any payments that a person or
a family initiates such as gasoline purchases, movie theater
tickets, any cash-only purchases, other retail payments at
point-of-sale, as well as payment to an individual. Accordingly,
PMs may occur either by presentment of a bill by a billing entity
or in response to initiation by a user.
[0144] Certain PMs 20 that constitute household bills may be
communicated to the MFTS through a bill presentment channel of the
MFTS. In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the invention,
regular household bills are communicated to the MFTS at a
predetermined interval or on request of the user by communication
with an electronic bill aggregator, such as CheckFree Corporation,
that provides a service of "bill presentment" electronically.
[0145] PMs 20 that constitute "occasional" purchases (e.g. at
retail establishments) or payments to individuals are typically
initiated by the user, as opposed to provided in the first instance
to the MFTS by an aggregator or by a specific billing entity. Such
user-initiated transactions are typically sent to the MFTS via
wireless communications devices through the services of a mobile
communication network (not shown in this figure). Such PMs may be
characterized as "PayAnyone" transactions as they contemplate the
making of a payment to any identified entity including an
individual person as well as a commercial entity, at the initiation
of the user.
[0146] Generally speaking, information associated with a PM 20
typically includes the name(s) of the account owner(s) (i.e. the
person who is responsible for making the payment, if a typical
household bill), a mobile device number associated with the account
and/or account holder, account numbers, account balances, due date,
minimum payments, electronic payment account numbers, addresses of
the billing entities, etc. This information is generally the same
whether the PM is the result of bill presentment or from user
initiation.
[0147] PAYMENT SOURCES (PS): The payment sources (PS) 30 comprise
any and all funds available to a person or a family for use in
making payments. These fund sources include credit card accounts,
debit card accounts, bank checking and/or saving accounts,
department store credit card accounts, etc. These funds are usually
divided into two major categories: banking entities and credit
entities. Entities that provide and/or maintain such funds are
typically financial service providers (FSPs), which are often
financial institutions (FI). Banking entities usually include
checking and/or savings accounts where the money available to a
person or a family is kept. The credit entities usually include all
credit facilities available to a person or a family.
[0148] Generally speaking, information associated with a payment
source (PS) 30 includes the name(s) of the account owner(s) (i.e.
the person who owns or controls the funds), account numbers,
account balances, credit available and credit limits for a credit
card or other credit facilities, available cash advance amount,
names of other authorized users or co-owners of the account,
special personal identification numbers (PIN), restrictions on use
of the account, etc.
[0149] Still referring to FIG. 1, the major output from the MFTS
system 18 comprises a subset of information related to one or more
payments to make (PM), a subset of information related to one or
more payment sources (PS), both of which are provided from the MFTS
18 to an individual mobile device 15 and displayed and/or presented
to a user 12 for reaction and response. In response to presentation
of a PM (or initiation of a PM), the mobile device 15 provides a
payment instruction to a payment instruction recipient such as a
financial service provider or financial institution to make a
payment, in accordance with the information in the payment
instruction.
[0150] The overall methodology for making a payment in accordance
with exemplary aspects of the invention involves seven primary
steps. Interactions between the MFTS 18 and mobile devices 15 are
established through communication services provided by a mobile
communication service provider (MCSP, not shown in FIG. 1) and
involve the first four steps of the methodology. The seven primary
steps are as follows: [0151] 1. A first step is to push out PM
information (step 1 shown in a triangle) and a PS information (step
1 shown in a square) from the MFTS 18 to a mobile device 15, as
shown at Step 1. [0152] 2. A second step is for a user 12 of a
mobile device 15 to view available payments to make (step 2 shown
in a triangle) and payment sources (step 2 shown in a square)
available for use in making selected payments, as shown at Step 2.
[0153] 3. A third step is for a user to activate a pay bill
function, as one example, using the mobile device application on a
mobile device 15, which results in construction of a mobile payment
instruction (MPI) based on the information input by the user 12, as
shown at Step 3. [0154] 4. A fourth step is the communication of
the mobile payment instruction (MPI) from the mobile device 15 to
the MFTS for handling, as shown at Step 4. [0155] 5. A fifth step
in the overall methodology, but which does not involve the mobile
device or communications with the MCSP, is the construction of an
MFTS payment instruction utilizing information from the mobile
payment instruction, and communication of that MFTS payment
instruction to a payment instruction recipient, as shown at Step 5.
[0156] 6. A sixth step in the overall methodology of the invention
is the transfer of funds to selected payee by a payment instruction
recipient, typically through a financial service provider, using a
selected payment source, as shown at Step 6. [0157] 7. A seventh
step in the overall methodology of the invention is for the
financial service provider to send a payment confirmation message
back to the MFTS upon successful processing of the MFTS payment
instruction.
[0158] More details regarding these steps will now be provided.
[0159] With regard to Step 1, the information pushed out to the
mobile device includes a subset of payment to make information as
shown at Step 1 (PM) and/or a subset of payment source information
as shown at Step 1 (PS). The information pushed out does not
include all available information received by the MFTS from the
payment to make and/or payment sources. Rather, a reduced subset of
the payment to make information and/or the payment source
information is pushed out to the mobile device to facilitate a
mobile payment or payment source view. In accordance with exemplary
aspects of the invention, the information is reduced so as to
provide quicker and more concise information to a user that
facilitates a decision about making payment and what fund source to
utilize. For bills, this reduced information typically only
includes the name(s) of the billing entities, a balance due or
payment due, and a due date for the payment to make. For payment
sources, the consumer's account name(s), current balance, funds
available etc will be shown.
[0160] With regard to Step 2, a user 12 of a mobile device 15 views
payments to make as shown at Step 2 (PM) and views payment sources
for use in making a payment as shown at Step 2 (PS). In accordance
with an exemplary aspect of the invention, the mobile device user
12 is notified via a text message (SMS) when a new payment to make
is received by the MFTS 18 and/or an update is received by the MFTS
from a financial institution for an account associated with a
mobile device through other communication means. According to
another exemplary aspect, the mobile device 15 retrieves
information from the MFTS relating to new payments to make or
updated financial account information, upon activation of selected
functions on the mobile device such as "view bills," "pay bills,"
"pay anyone," as will be described in detail in connection with
various functional software modules, herein.
[0161] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the
invention, when a mobile device user 12 is ready to review the
payments to make, he/she can launch a "mobile wallet" application
that runs on the mobile device to review the PM and PS. A PM is
viewed through a "View Bills" (also called "View Payment to Make")
function and a PS is viewed through a "View Payment Sources"
function. An exemplary display screen of information displayed
through these functions is shown in FIG. 1. With the "View Bills"
function, the mobile device user can review bills received to date
and decide which bill(s) to pay at what time. Through the "View
Payment Sources" function, a mobile device user can view and decide
what fund source(s) to use for paying a bill of his/her choice. The
selection made in this step is not transmitted to the MFTS until a
"Pay Bills" function is activated. It should be understood that
viewing payments to make and payment sources does not necessarily
require that the user select a bill for payment, although that is
one of the primary intended functions of the invention.
[0162] With regard to Step 3, the user invokes a "Pay Bills"
function in the mobile device application on the mobile device 15
to select a payment to make and a corresponding payment source,
which causes the mobile application to construct a mobile payment
instruction (MPI). This step includes selecting a payment to make,
selecting a payment source, and constructing the mobile payment
instruction. The mobile payment instruction typically includes
billing entity information, an amount to pay, the date and/or time
to pay, and a selected payment source for this payment.
[0163] With regard to Step 4, the mobile application provides the
mobile payment instruction (MPI) via the wireless connection from
the mobile device to the MFTS for handling.
[0164] With regard to Step 5, the MFTS processes the MPI and
constructs an MFTS payment instruction to a payment instruction
recipient, which in some cases is a selected financial service
provider or financial institution associated with the selected
payment source. The complete MFTS payment instruction typically
includes information contained in the mobile payment instruction,
together with selected other information stored in the database of
the MFTS associated with the mobile device users such as the mobile
device user's account number, the appropriate account to use for
payment, the amount of the payments, the date and/or time to pay,
account credentials, etc.
[0165] With regard to Step 6, the payment instruction recipient
effects the payment by various means, for example it can make the
payment itself, or provide instructions to a selected financial
institution to use the selected payment source (PS) identified in
the MFTS payment instruction to transfer funds to an account or
other payment vehicle of the identified entity associated with the
payment to make (PM).
[0166] With regard to Step 7, the financial service provider (FSP)
communicates a confirmation message back to the MFTS upon
successful processing of the MFTS payment instruction.
[0167] It should be particularly appreciated that because the
information provided to the mobile device is a selected and reduced
subset of the information that is typically associated with a
financial transaction for making an electronic payment using a
selected payment source, the mobile device user only sees the
minimally required information he or she needs to decide to make a
particular payment, and what source to use. The more detailed and
comprehensive information required to consummate a transaction is
stored in the MFTS, transparently to the user, but retrieved and
utilized to make the payment using the selected payment source.
Advantageously, the user is presented with the required but limited
information needed to make payments quickly, concisely, and
efficiently, using his or her mobile device, at a place and time of
his or her convenience. Yet, the full details of the transaction
are preferably captured and stored by the MFTS, and may be accessed
and viewed by the users at their convenience, for example through a
web interface, as will be described in greater detail later.
[0168] More details on the implementation of these general steps
will be provided below.
[0169] Referring now to FIG. 2, as system 200 in accordance with
aspects of the invention includes the MFTS 18, a mobile
communication service provider (MCSP) 110, a communications network
120 such as the Internet or private network, a bill presentment
system 190, a web interface for users 140, mobiles device(s) 15,
connections or interfaces to billing/payment entities 180 and
payment sources 30, and other components for certain purposes.
[0170] The MFTS 18 includes a computer system comprising a database
158, telecommunications interfaces 152, and software. The MFTS 18
supports three major interfaces or communication methods: a
financial service provider (FSP) communication interface 156, a
wireless or mobile device (mobile client) interface 152, and a
world wide web (WWW) or Internet user interface (UI). As known to
those skilled in the art, an "interface" is a means or method for
interaction between machines, devices, computer programs or other
complex tool, and a user interface (UI) is a means or method by
which a user interacts with a particular machine, device, computer
program or other complex tool. A user interface provides a means of
input (allowing a user to send information to a system such as the
MFTS) and a means of output (allowing the MFTS system to display
information to the user). These inputs and outputs are transported
via the Internet and viewed by the users using a web browser
program such as Netscape Navigator, Internet Explorer, Firefox, or
any other web browsers. According to aspects of the invention,
users provide personal information to register for service, input
personal and financial information to the MFTS, and verify such
information through a display on the user's computer system.
[0171] The financial service provider (FSP) communication interface
156 is an interface to financial entities 30 that provide payment
sources (PS) and a bill presentment interface 155 to
billing/payment entities 180 for payments to make (PM). The
computer system of the MFTS connects to the computer systems of
financial entities through various types of computer networks, such
as a frame secured dedicated path 160, local-area networks (LANs),
wide-area networks (WANs), etc. as well as the known Internet
120.
[0172] The wireless or mobile device (mobile client) interface 152
provides connections to a user's mobile device 15. The computer
system of the MFTS has a plurality of interfaces to communicate to
users' mobile devices through various wireless telecommunication
service providers providing voice/data service with CDMA, GSM,
GPRS, other 2G wireless data communication services, and newly
emerging 3G wireless data services. As known to those skilled in
the art, in addition to the standard voice function of a mobile
telephone, many mobile devices support many additional services
such as SMS for text messaging, packet switching for access to the
Internet and MMS for sending and receiving photos, sound, music,
and/or video. The system 18 thus preferably includes an SMS
generator 151 for generating SMS message. The mobile device
communication interfaces 150 allow the users to receive financial
and other information wherever they are (provided that they are
within the coverage area of their MCSP), interact with the MFTS 18,
and complete various financial transactions.
[0173] The world wide web (WWW) or Internet user interface (UI)
comprises one or more web applications 154 for a user to access the
MFTS for registration for service, configuration and account setup,
maintenance of accounts, viewing of payments to make and payment
sources and status, etc. Preferably, user account financial
information could be submitted to the MFTS from enrollment for
service, for example through a business arrangement with a selected
financial institution that has a relationship with an operator of
the MFTS. Alternatively, the user can also user a web user
interface to enter user account financial information.
[0174] Still referring to FIG. 2, in certain aspects of the
invention the MFTS 18 communicates with a user 12 via his or her
mobile device(s) 15 and/or his or her associated computer 140, a
mobile communication service provider 110, a data communication
network such as the Internet 120, a secured dedicated network path
160, financial service providers (FSPs) 30, that provide payment
sources 30, billing entities 180, and/or a bill presentment system
190.
[0175] The mobile devices 15 communicate with the MFTS 18 via a
wireless connection (illustrated as antenna 112), using a wireless
communication service provided by a mobile communication service
provider (MCSP) 110. The mobile devices 15 comprise any devices
that are connected for data communications with a mobile
communication network via the MCSP 110. Such devices 15 may include
a pager 15a, a personal digital assistant (PDA) 15b, cellular or
mobile phone 15c, or any other electronic device that includes
functionality of a PDA or mobile phone, with the capability of
receiving information via a wireless link, receive user input, and
transmit data (e.g. a payment instruction) to the MFTS.
[0176] The present invention will be described in terms generally
applicable to various types of mobile communication services
provided by an MCSP 110. Those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate that the invention is not limited to any particular
type of mobile, or wireless, communication standard, but may be
implemented using any of a number of different but functionally
equivalent wireless data communication standards. At the present
time in the United States, digital cell phone networks are
primarily based on two underlying standards: GSM (Global System for
Mobile communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
Some MCSPs use GSM, while others use CDMA. Yet others use a
standard called PCS, which is based on CDMA but uses different
frequencies. Furthermore, so called "broadband" wireless data
communication standards know as WiFi and WiMAX, which are currently
used for WLAN implementations, are also usable for implementing
embodiments of the invention, but such standards are not at the
present time widely deployed in handheld mobile devices.
[0177] These and other, perhaps not yet created, wireless data
communication standards may be employed in constructing embodiments
of the inventions described herein, without undue experimentation
as those skilled in the art will understand how to employ such
technologies in making embodiments of the inventions.
[0178] It will also be understood that presently-contemplated
upgrades to both GSM and CDMA mobile wireless standards, as well as
upgrades to other data communication standards, will be useful in
constructing embodiments of the inventions. For example, to better
handle data traffic (in addition to voice traffic), many GSM
networks now operate using a standard called GPRS (General Packet
Radio Service) that can carry data at up to 56 Kbps--about the same
speed as a dial-up connection--together with the GSM signals that
carry the voice traffic. More recently, the networks that use GSM
have added an enhancement called EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for GSM
Evolution) that increases the data transmission speed to 144 Kbps.
CDMA networks have also upped their data speeds using a standard
known as 1xRTT (Radio Transmission Technology) measuring throughput
at 144 Kbps. A further recent upgrade for CDMA networks is called
1xEV-DO (Evolution-Data Only) which can carry data at a theoretical
maximum of several megabits per second--as fast as present day DSL
or cable Internet connections. Further still, some MCSPs now
provide a service called UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications
System), an upgrade to GSM networks that speeds connections to a
maximum of 384 Kbps and allows for simultaneous voice and data, a
desirable feature for users to make and receive voice calls while
simultaneously using data services such as wireless laptop use.
[0179] It is expected that as demand for wireless data
communications increases, MCSPs will introduce even faster
standards and enhancements to their networks. For example the
contemplated Rev A EV-DO will speed up EV-DO networks to 1.8 Mbps
upstream and 3.1 Mbps downstream, and HSDPA (High-Speed Down Packet
Access), an upgrade to UMTS that promises speeds of 1.8 Mbps and
also allows for simultaneous voice and data.
[0180] Further still, it should be understood that the technologies
for short text messaging (e.g. SMS) are typically implemented using
the above-described data communication technologies to carry text
messages. Such wireless data communication technologies are also
used to support functions such as wireless Internet browsing on
mobile devices; downloading of music, ringtones, videos,
photographs; and protocol support for wireless applications (e.g. a
mobile application constructed as described in this document).
[0181] Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that
numerous equivalents for the elements of the invention that
provides the wireless connection between the mobile devices 15 and
the MFTS 18, for supporting the mobile application and facilitating
transactions the manner described herein, are contemplated for use
in constructing embodiments of the invention.
[0182] The data network 120, which includes the well-known
Internet, offers accessibility to the MFTS 18 through wired or
wireless connections. Users 12 can access the Internet 120 through
their home/office connection as well as through their mobile
devices 15. A user's computer, shown at 140, is connected to the
Internet 120 through their home/office connection, or wirelessly
connected through a mobile communication service provider.
According to aspects of the invention, users have the flexibility
to access billing information and payment information either with a
computer online with web view access or via a mobile device 15 with
mobile views.
[0183] It will be appreciated that, in general, a mobile view will
provide less information to the user than a web view, because
mobile devices typically have smaller display screens (to
facilitate mobile use) and users are often desirous of using
certain basic functionality quickly and efficiently in a mobile
environment, provided that they have more detailed information
available via other means, at a later time. However, the present
invention specifically contemplates modes of operation where
further transaction details may be obtained through a function of
the mobile device, as well as through web views using a computer
140 connection for Internet usage.
[0184] The MFTS 18 includes several software components, described
in greater detail later in this document, that execute on a
computer server associated with the MFTS. Such components include
an SMS generator 151, MFTS mobile device communication interfaces
150, one or more web applications 154, a plurality of partner
financial service provider (FSP) interfaces 156, and a user
database 158.
[0185] The mobile device communication interfaces 152 are
preferably an HTTP Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interface that
provides mobile clients with access to financial services available
on the MFTS. The mobile client interface is preferably designed to
facilitate communications between the MFTS 18 and the mobile users,
including all data transmissions and receptions, as well as SMS
transmissions and receptions through the SMS generator 151. The SMS
generator is a software component that receives a message for
communication to a mobile device and converts the message into SMS
format, which is usually purely textual information, and transmits
the message to a MCSP in the SMS format as specified by the MCSP.
Details of the required SMS format for a particular MCSP may be
obtained by inquiry of the applicable MCSP.
[0186] The web applications 154 reside on the server of the MFTS,
and comprises one or more of the following major components: a User
Site 153, and an Administration (Admin) Site 157.
[0187] A User Site 153 is a web application (HTML) whose purpose is
to allow users to enroll or register for services provided by the
MFTS 18, manage their mobile clients, and perform other
user-related functions such as account maintenance, adding a new
payee, verifying account information for payment sources or
payments to make, etc. A User Site 153 is used for a user to enroll
to receive services by providing appropriate information such as
name, address, mobile number, etc., to obtain a username and a
password for security purposes, and to provide the MFTS 18 with
detailed information about a user's billing entities and their
payment sources such as account number, access/authentication
methods etc.
[0188] An Administration Site 157 is an application (typically web
or HTML) used by the MFTS Production Operation personnel to
administer the system. It is typically used by information
technology (IT) administrators of the MFTS 18, troubleshooting,
answer inquiries, account maintenance, view transaction history,
general system monitoring, etc.
[0189] The MFTS 18 also comprises multiple financial service
provider communication interfaces 156 to partner Financial Service
Providers (FSPs) 30, which are entities that provide functions such
as payment source detail, bill aggregation or bill payment
connectivity, or are entities to whom payment instructions are sent
on behalf of a user. The financial service provider communication
interfaces 156 facilitate electronic data communication information
transfer between the MFTS and individual financial service
providers such as banking entities, credit entities, etc. The
technical requirements for these interfaces vary in their
implementation and may need to be customized to accommodate each
individual financial service institution. Such interfaces are
typically implemented as real time web services interfaces or batch
mode file transfer protocols, depending on the capabilities and
requirements of the participating partner financial service
providers. Details of the data communication requirements of
specific FSPs may be obtained from the FSP directly.
[0190] A special secured dedicated network path 160 such as a frame
relay, a private network, an internet virtual private network
(VPN), or a web service is preferably used for data communications
between the MFTS 18 and various FSPs to ensure the security of the
financial information transmission. Details about the particular
forms of security, protocols, requirements, etc. will be
established between the MFTS 18 and each financial institution that
participates in the system and methods described herein.
[0191] Still referring to FIG. 2, a user database 158 associated
with the MFTS 18 stores information related to all users, financial
service providers that serve users, billing entities that serve the
users, payees and how to make payments to them, and other related
information. Details about the information stored in the user
database 158 are provided in connection with FIG. 6 and the
associated discussion.
[0192] As previously described, FSPs that provide payment sources
(PS) 30 include banking entities such as banks, credit unions,
savings and loans, brokerage firms that provide
savings/checking/money market accounts, and other financial
institutions; credit entities such as credit card issuing
companies, banks and/or department stores, gasoline companies,
etc.; and any other financial institutions with whom the users of
the MFTS do business. Payment sources 30 provide payments 194 to
selected billing entities 180, in the manner described herein.
[0193] Billing entities 180 include service companies that serve
the users such as gas 185, water, electricity 181, phone/cell phone
183, satellite/cable/Internet providers, credit card companies, and
any other entities that send a bill to a user for products
purchased or services rendered. As will be understood, many billing
entities 180 send bills 192 on a regular basis (often monthly).
Bills can also come from billing entities that provide services to
users such as insurance companies, homeowner associations, trash
pickup, pest control, auto repair, lawn & garden, landscaping,
cleaning, etc. Some entities do not send bills on a monthly basis,
but on a semi-annual, quarterly, or annual basis, or on demand when
a service is rendered. Occasionally, people have the need to pay
others individually such as co-workers, friends, family members,
etc. All of these bill or non-bill payment obligations are referred
as a payment to make (PM).
[0194] According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a bill
presentment system 190 can be utilized to receive bills from
billing entities 180 and aggregate them into a package for
presentment to a user, electronically or otherwise. A bill
presentment system 190 can be either a service or component of the
MFTS 18 or an independent service entity. For example, CheckFree
Corporation, Norcross, Ga., provides a billing aggregation and bill
presentment service. A bill presentment system retrieves bills from
one or more individual billing entities and presents the bills to
the MFTS system; information relating to the collected/retrieved
bills is stored in the user database 158 of the MFTS 18.
[0195] It will be understood and appreciated that a billing
aggregator and the MFTS 18 may be constructed as a separate
systems, operated by the same or by different entities, or may be
constructed as an integrated system wherein the aggregator
functions and the MFTS functions are carried as complementary and
intercommunicating computer processes. Thus, although FIG. 2 shows
the MFTS 18 and the aggregator/bill presentment system 190 as
separate entities, those skilled in the art will understand that
such functionality can be provided in an integrated system.
[0196] According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, the
mobile devices 15 may be configured to operate in conjunction with
a billing entity such as a retail establishment by receipt of a
payment to make (PM) from a radio frequency identification (RFID)
device 187. Various forms of RFID-based payment terminals are now
becoming available in the realm of commerce. As will be known to
those skilled in the art, RFID-based payment terminals are
operative to detect the presence of an RFID electronic circuit,
perhaps contained in a mobile device, in proximity to an RFID-based
payment terminal, and automatically transmit a wireless (WiFi,
Bluetooth, infrared, etc.) signal constituting payment information
in return to the associated device. It is contemplated that a
mobile device 15 can be configured to receive a payment obligation
(a PM) from a merchant at point-of-sale (POS) via a wireless
communication in a direct manner, and thereby provide the user the
capability and opportunity to pay a billing entity for the goods or
services provided, as described herein.
[0197] Also shown in FIG. 2 is a special financial service provider
(FSP) 175 that provides a special holding account on behalf of the
MFTS 18, for purposes of holding funds in connection with
transactions on a temporary or interim basis. The holding account
FSP 175 provides an FDIC-insured account for holding funds in
connection with escrow-type transactions wherein release of payment
to a billing entity 180 is conditioned on some event such as
delivery of particular goods or services, or specific authorization
from a user, or other purposes. The holding account FSP 175 may be
utilized in the following exemplary manner: upon selection of a
payment source (PS) by a user for making a payment, the selected
payment source can be instructed, with a payment instruction, to
transmit the funds to the holding account 175, where such funds
will be held on behalf of the user until a release event (e.g.
delivery of goods, execution of an agreement, or other
predetermined event), at which time the holding account 175 will
transmit the funds to the indicated billing or payment entity.
General Operation of MFTS
[0198] Prior to discussing the software architecture of the
preferred embodiments of the invention, the overall operation of
the disclosed MFTS 18 will be briefly described. As will be
understood, much of the functionality of the embodiments of the
invention are implemented in computer software and involves user
interaction with his or her mobile device, creation of data
records, communications between mobile devices and the MFTS 18, and
communications between the MFTS 18 and various other parties and
their systems such as financial institutions, billing entities,
person to whom payments are made, etc. Still referring in this
regard to FIG. 2, the overall operation of the MFTS 18 according to
certain aspects of the invention includes the following exemplary
steps: [0199] 1. A customer or user 12 first registers with the
MFTS 18 and creates an account with the MFTS service. This
registration is completed via the user web site interface 154
either through a computer 140 with a internet connection, or
through a mobile device 15 that has Internet access capabilities.
The account owner (user) chooses or is given a username and a
password for security and authentication purposes. A user profile
is created for the account and necessary information such as a
mobile device identification number or phone number associated with
the account is entered and saved to the user database 158 in a user
record. All billing entities for payments to make (PM) that the
user wishes the MFTS to serve are entered by the user into the user
database, including account number, name and address of the account
owner, billing cycles, and any other related information. Likewise,
one or more payment sources (PM) are also entered into the user
database, including the bank routing number(s) and account
number(s), name(s) and address(es) of the account owner(s), access
codes such as PIN, access methods, credit card number(s),
expiration date(s) of the credit card(s), etc. Alternatively, the
FI information can be pulled into the MFTS through the FSP
communication interface 156. [0200] 2. According to one exemplary
aspect of the invention, the user 12 downloads to his/her mobile
device 15 a mobile client (also called a mobile application or a
"Mobile Wallet") from the MFTS main website, as shown at 215. The
downloaded mobile application may be (a) downloaded to the user's
computer 140 for later synchronization and/or loading into with the
mobile device for situations where a mobile device's software must
be loaded from a PC, or (b) alternatively directly downloaded via
the wireless network into the mobile device for situations where a
mobile device is capable of direct application download. The mobile
client or application is configured and certified for the brand and
model of mobile device 15 possessed by the user 12. For example,
the mobile application in the disclosed embodiment is an
application that resides on the user's mobile device. It will be
understood that, according to a preferred exemplary aspect of the
invention, because the mobile client is an application that runs
independently on the mobile device and does not require an active
communication connection to the MFTS 18, it can operate in an
offline mode when or where the mobile device is out of its coverage
area by utilizing local storage on the mobile device. The ability
to utilize local storage on the devices allows data caching, which
speeds up end user interactions and the ability to queue
user-initiated transactions until connectivity is restored.
Additionally, offline support allows for eliminating intermittent
signal activity that could impact the user experience seen in
WAP-based solutions in the marketplace today. [0201] 3. At
predetermined intervals, the MFTS sends requests to a billing
aggregator (e.g. bill presentment system 190) or to the billing
entities 180 to retrieve the bills 192 of MFTS users.
Alternatively, the MFTS may receive bills from billing entities at
certain billing cycles, from a billing aggregator or directly from
a billing entity. [0202] 4. The MFTS receives the bills and
notifies the user of the due bill via SMS (according to one
aspect). The user then launches the mobile client software on the
mobile device 15, which communicates with the mobile device
communication interface 152 to see the bill that is payable. The
SMS message preferably only contains brief and abbreviated
information as simple as the name of the billing entity and amount
due; additional information may be obtained by the mobile device
(see next step). [0203] 5. The user opens the Mobile Wallet
application on his/her mobile device(s) to view received bill(s)
via a request to all applicable billing entities. [0204] 6. If the
user decides to pay a bill, the user can select one of the
available payment sources (PS) and select one of possible plurality
of bills (PM) to make a payment. A payment instruction is formed by
the user by selecting a PM and selecting the PS for the PM. [0205]
7. The user is preferably presented with a confirmation screen on
the mobile device that presents the basic information about the
bill to pay, the timing on the payment, the balances available,
etc., before committing the payment to the system. If the user
confirms the payment, the mobile device 15 sends an abbreviated
mobile payment instruction to the MFTS 18. [0206] 8. In response to
receipt of the mobile payment instruction from a mobile device, the
MFTS 18 appends other related information to form a complete
payment instruction (MFTS payment instruction) that instructs a
selected financial service provider to complete the payment
transaction by transferring funds from a selected PS to the payee,
using a payment method that has either been preselected or selected
as a part of the PM and PS selection process.
[0207] Further details about specific communications between the
mobile device 15, the MFTS 18, FSPs with payment sources 30,
billing entities 180, bill presentment system 190, etc. are
provided in various flow charts and diagrams, elsewhere in this
document.
Software Architecture
[0208] The software architecture of the mobile financial
transaction system (MFTS) is shown in FIG. 3. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, the software of the MFTS
comprises two major components: a mobile device application 400
("Mobile Wallet") and MFTS software 500. The mobile device
application 400 resides on a mobile device and is accessed by the
owner of the mobile device. The MFTS software application 500
resides on a server computer connected to the Internet and it is
accessed by users through their Mobile Wallet application and web
browsers.
[0209] Referring now to FIG. 3A, a software architecture diagram of
a mobile device application 400 ("Mobile Wallet") is shown
according one embodiment of the present invention. The mobile
device application 400 comprises: a mobile device main program 335
for controlling the operation of the mobile device application 400;
a mobile device input/output interface 331 for displaying messages,
receiving user selections or inputs, and facilitating the user's
operation; a security manager 333 for providing security measures
for wireless communication; a mobile device storage interface 337
for storing and retrieving data to/from a local storage device 341
such as a non-volatile memory device within the mobile device; and
a mobile device communication interface 339 for communicating with
the mobile device radio hardware 343 on the mobile device, which in
turn communicates with the mobile communication service providers
(MCSPs) 110 according to their specific protocols.
[0210] FIG. 3A also illustrates a number of routines or functions
301, 303, 305, 307, 309, 311, 313, 315, and 321 that are provided
by the mobile device software or mobile wallet application 400.
Such routines or functions provide user functionality on the mobile
device, as shown. A View Payment Sources routine 301 provides a
display of payment sources on the user's mobile device; details of
this routine are provided in FIGS. 13 and 14. A View Bills routine
302 provides a display of bills or payments to make on the user's
mobile device; details of this routine are provided in FIGS. 15 and
16. A Pay Bills routine 305 provides for selecting of a bill to pay
or a payment to make on the user's mobile device; details of this
routine are provided in FIGS. 17 and 18. A Pay Anyone by Name
routine 307 provides for making a payment to a person by name on
the user's mobile device; details of this routine are provided in
FIGS. 19-22 and 26-28. A Pay Anyone by mobile number routine 309
provides for making a payment to a person by mobile number on the
user's mobile device; details of this routine are provided in FIGS.
23-25 and 29-31. A Balance Transfer routine 311 provides for moving
funds between a user's accounts via the user's mobile device;
details of this routine are provided in FIGS. 32 and 33. A Download
Application routine 313 provides for downloading a Mobile Wallet
application to a user/payee's mobile device from the MFTS, in
connection with receiving a payment to allow use of aspects of the
invention by payees in connection with receiving a payment; details
of this routine are provided in FIGS. 34 and 35. A Change PIN
routine 315 allows a user to change his or her personal
identification number (PIN) via the mobile device; details of this
routine are provided in FIG. 36. A Receive SMS (text message)
routine 321 provides for sending a text message (SMS) to a payee,
to advise a payee that a payment has been received; details of this
routine are provided in FIGS. 15 and 20.
[0211] Referring now to FIG. 3B, a software architecture diagram of
the MFTS software 500 is shown according one embodiment of the
present invention. The MFTS software 500 comprises: an MFTS main
program 350; an MFTS mobile device communication interface 150 for
communicating with mobile communication service providers 110; a
web application interface 154 for receiving user's enrollment,
registration, retrieving and updating information through a user
web site over the Internet 120; a P2P service 375 for facilitating
person to person financial transactions; a storage/database (DB)
interface 377 for storing and retrieving data to/from a MFTS user
database 158; a financial account service 379 for facilitating user
authentication; a financial service provider (FSP) communication
interface 156 for communicating with financial service providers
30, as well as MFTS bank holding account 175 (if applicable); and a
bill presentment interface 155 for receiving bills from various
billing entities 180 through a bill presentment system 190.
[0212] The MFTS main program 350 interacts and coordinates with the
other modules and services in the MFTS, and acts as a "traffic cop"
for information routed between the various storage and
communication interfaces.
[0213] The preferred web application input/output interface 154
allows users to enroll or register with the MFTS system, to
add/edit/view/delete mobile clients, add/edit/view/delete credit
card/bank accounts, and add/edit/view/delete payees or billing
entities. The web application interface 154 further allows user to
initialize a mobile client, and to unlock a locked mobile device
after a series of failed logins. Exemplary displays associated with
the preferred web application interface 154 are shown and described
in connection with FIGS. 10-12.
[0214] The preferred web application interface 154 provides a
number of functions or routines for users to access via an Internet
(web) connection, if desired. It will be appreciated that users may
prefer to conduct certain types of functions such as enrollment,
adding a payee, changing configurations of the operations, etc. via
an Internet web interface instead of via a mobile interface. For
example, and in accordance with aspects of the invention, functions
that are provided in the preferred embodiment via a web interface
include enrollment 351 (see e.g. FIG. 37); editing a mobile client
353 (see e.g. FIGS. 37B, 37D); editing credit card and/or bank
accounts 355 (see e.g. FIGS. 38A-38D); editing or adding a payee
357 (see e.g. FIGS. 39A, 39B); initializing a mobile client 359
(see e.g. FIGS. 37A, 37C); and unlocking a mobile client 361 (see
e.g. FIG. 37A). Details of the preferred software routines are
provided in connection with the referenced figures.
[0215] The preferred input/output interface 154 may be replaced
with an alternative embodiment of the interface 154', which
provides a different web user interface functionality and display,
as described in connection with FIGS. 40-42.
Mobile Device Software
[0216] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the main program 335, which is one
of the software modules of the mobile device or "Mobile Wallet"
software 400 that runs on a mobile device 12 in accordance with
aspects of the invention. It will be understood from FIG. 3A that
the mobile device main program 335, in the disclosed embodiment, is
the main program loop of the mobile wallet software 400 that
coordinates the operations of the other mobile device software
modules including the mobile device input/output interface 331, a
security manager module 333, a mobile device storage module 337,
and a mobile device communication interface module 339.
[0217] In typical use, a mobile device user turns on his/her mobile
device, reviews any recent text messages (in some embodiments),
navigates to or "launches" the mobile device application 400 by
initiating the operation of the mobile device main program 335,
views the displays generated by the program, and interacts with the
program to provide commands and inputs, e.g. to view a bill, or
select a payment source, or make a payment. In accordance with
aspects of the invention, a user may launch the mobile device
application 400 in response to receipt of a text message indicating
that a new bill is available to be paid (or other message from the
MFTS), or may independently launch the mobile device application to
invoke a function of viewing a bill, paying a bill, etc.
[0218] In FIG. 4, a first step 405 involves the mobile device
checking whether a text message (SMS) has been received. For
example, according to an aspect of the invention a text message is
sent by the MFTS to a mobile device to inform the user that a new
bill has been received and can be paid, or that a payment has been
received from another user. See FIGS. 15 and 20 in this regard.
[0219] It will be understood that a received text message may or
may not be related to the MFTS or any functions thereof. However,
any unrelated text messages will be ignored for the purpose of
discussion here and it is assumed that all messages received are
related to the MFTS and its operations. It will also be understood
that in some mobile devices text messages are received by an
independent process or module and stored in memory for access by
other processes, while text message receipt and processing could be
optionally incorporated as an integrated function within the mobile
device software 400. If a text message relating to an MFTS function
has been received, whether by an independent process in the mobile
device or integrally within the application, at step 460 the user
may open the text message and determine what to do in response to
the message.
[0220] At step 470 the user may elect to download the mobile device
software (e.g. download the Mobile Wallet software), if they are
not currently an enrolled user. The user will be provided with
information as to how to access and download the software. More
information is provided about enrollment elsewhere in this
document. The user would be required to download the Mobile Wallet
software and execute it on his/her mobile device before any of the
other functionality in FIG. 4 can be invoked.
[0221] After step 460, the program loops to step 490 to look for an
exit (terminate) command or event, and can loop back to step 405 in
a continuous loop and repeat the operations.
[0222] Returning to step 405, if no text message is received, the
program control passes to step 410, where the user may elect to
activate the mobile wallet software 400 and utilize the functions
provided thereby. If not (i.e. there is no user command to enter
the mobile wallet software at step 410), control loops back to test
for text messages and/or activation of the mobile wallet
software.
[0223] If at step 410 the user has launched operation of the mobile
wallet software 400, control passes to step 415 where the user may
choose from a list of functions provided by the software on the
mobile device. Those functions will be described below. The program
loops continuously awaiting user input of a selected function,
which includes an "exit" command as shown at step 490.
[0224] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, at step
415 the user may choose to invoke or run the following functions
provided by the mobile device main program 335: [0225] 1. View
payment sources and balances as shown in step 420 (see FIGS. 13 and
14 for further discussion); [0226] 2. View bills as shown at step
425 (see FIGS. 15 and 16 for further discussion); [0227] 3. Pay
bills as shown at step 430 (see FIGS. 17, 18A and 18B for further
discussion); [0228] 4. Invoke a "Pay Anyone" function as shown in
step 435 (see FIGS. 19-31 for further discussion); [0229] 5.
Request an account balance transfer as shown in step 440 (see FIGS.
32 and 33 for further discussion); and [0230] 6. Change the
personal identification number (PIN) as shown in step 445 (see FIG.
36 for further discussion).
[0231] Other functions are also provided according to an aspect of
the invention, if provided with an "inbox" and "outbox" function
for viewing incoming and outgoing payments: [0232] 7. View Inbox
payments as shown at step 450 (see FIGS. 20, 22-24 for further
discussion); and [0233] 8. View Outbox payments as shown at step
455.
[0234] It should be understood that the functions of view inbox
payments (step 450) and view outbox payments (step 455) are
optional functions for an embodiment where a listing of incoming
payments from other users (inbox payments) is maintained in the
mobile device, and/or a listing of outgoing payments that have been
generated and sent from the mobile wallet software is maintained in
the mobile device while the payment is pending, for viewing
independently of the operation of the mobile wallet software.
[0235] Still referring to FIG. 4, after the user invokes a
particular function, appropriate program instructions for effecting
those functions are executed by the mobile device. Exemplary
displays and discussion of such functions is provided in connection
with the referenced figures in FIG. 4, and the reader is referred
to such discussions elsewhere. After each function is performed,
the mobile device application proceeds to step 490 and either loops
back to test for input of another user function or exit. The user
can either continue further operation of the mobile device
application or terminate the application. If the user decides to
continue, the mobile device application returns to step 405 to
check text messages or continue operation of the mobile wallet
application.
[0236] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the MFTS main program 350, which is
one of the MFTS software modules 500 that runs on a computer system
or server in an MFTS 18 in accordance with aspects of the
invention. This main program 350 coordinates the other programs and
functions of the MFTS as shown in FIG. 2, e.g. MFTS mobile device
communication interface 150, SMS generator 151, web applications
153, FSP communication interface 156, bill presentment interface
155, accessing and maintenance of the user database 158, etc. It
will be understood from FIG. 3B that the MFTS main program 350, in
the disclosed embodiment, is the main program loop of the MFTS
software modules 500 that coordinates the operation of other
software modules associated with and forming a part of the MFTS
18.
[0237] In typical use, the MFTS 18 operates continuously to monitor
for inputs from various sources. The primary inputs come from user
enrollment, where a user inputs information to establish an account
or relationship with the MFTS system operator, from mobile devices
as users view and pay bills, from communications with billing
entities, financial institutions, and/or FSPs to receive bills to
pay, provide payment instructions to such institutions and
partners, and receive information such as account balances and
payment confirmations. Those skilled in the art will understand
that the software 500 is preferably constructed to run on a
computer server in a multi-threaded, multi-tasking, web-enabled,
secure, real-time 24/7 computing environment, that is
message-driven by the various entities with which the system
communicates.
[0238] In FIG. 5, the process for the MFTS main program 350 starts
with determining that an input from an associated entity (e.g. user
via mobile device, user via web interface, FSP, etc.) has been
received and must be processed. The system determines at step 505
if an input has been received from the mobile device communication
interface 152, at step 510 if an input has been received from a web
application 154, at step 515 if an input has been received from the
bill presentment system interface 155, and at step 520 if an input
has been received from a financial service provider (FSP) interface
156. At step 530, the program 350 then branches to or executes to
an appropriate routine or interface to carry out the specific
function associated with the incoming message. Specifically in
accordance with aspects of the invention, such routines or
interfaces comprise (a) handling communications and messages with a
bill presentment service via the bill presentment interface 155;
(b) handling communications and messages with a web-accessing user
or administrator via the web application interface 154; (c)
handling communications and messages with mobile devices via the
mobile device communication interface 152; (d) handling
communications and messages relating to a person to person (P2P)
type payment through a person to person payment service 375; (e)
handling communications and messages relating to financial accounts
of a user via a financial account service 545; and (f) handling
communications and messages relating to financial service providers
(FSPs) via the FSP communication interface 156.
[0239] As described above briefly in connection with FIG. 3B, a
mobile device user may wish to enroll as a registered member of the
MFTS, after receiving a payment from a registered user, or at
his/her own will. The user may access a web site designated by the
MFTS using his/her computer connected to the Internet and web
browser to use the web application. The web site may contain
information related to the services and benefits the MFTS provides
and a specific page for user enrollment. If the user decides to
enroll, he/she then accesses the web application, which is effected
by the web application interface 154, and selects a function to
perform.
[0240] As shown generally in FIG. 3B, typical web-accessible
functions provided to a user include the following: [0241] 1.
Enrolling a new mobile client to the MFTS (see FIG. 37A for a
preferred embodiment and FIG. 40 for an alternative embodiment);
[0242] 2. Editing a mobile client including adding, editing,
viewing and deleting a mobile client (see FIGS. 37B and 37D for a
preferred embodiment and FIG. 40 for an alternative embodiment);
[0243] 3. Editing credit card and/or bank accounts including
adding, editing, viewing and deleting credit card and/or bank
accounts (see FIGS. 38A-D for a preferred embodiment and FIG. 42
for an alternative embodiment); [0244] 4. Editing a payee including
adding, editing, viewing and deleting a payee (see FIGS. 39A-B for
a preferred embodiment and FIG. 41 for an alternative embodiment);
[0245] 5. Initializing a mobile client including downloading
software to a designated mobile device, setting up a password, and
activating the mobile device (see FIGS. 37A and 37C for a preferred
embodiment); and [0246] 6. Unlocking a mobile client after the
mobile device is locked (perhaps accidentally or to prevent fraud)
after a predetermined number of failed logins (see FIG. 37A for a
preferred embodiment).
[0247] Returning to FIG. 5, after each function is performed, the
MFTS main program 350 continues to run by looping back to test for
new input at steps 505, 510, 515, and 520.
User Database and Schemas
[0248] Although not shown specifically as an independent step or
process in FIG. 5, but shown in FIG. 3B, those skilled in the art
will understand that the MFTS 18 includes a storage/database (DB)
interface 377 for storing and retrieving data to and from the MFTS
user database 158. This database 158 stores two primary categories
of data: user data and transaction data. User data comprises
information about individual users of the system including their
respective payees, financial institutions, and accounts.
Transaction data comprises information that is specific to a
particular transaction of a particular user, e.g. when a user
provides the system with an instruction to pay a particular bill.
The transaction information is a record of each transaction that is
initiated by a user. Both the transactions data and user data are
stored in tables in the user database 158 arranged in a particular
format or schema in accordance with aspects of the invention.
[0249] FIG. 6 illustrates database schemas (data table layouts) for
the user database 158 in a mobile financial transaction system
(MFTS) according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. The user
database 158 comprises several data tables that are related: a
master user table 610, a user financial accounts table 620, a
financial service provider (FSP) table 630 and a payees table 640.
These tables store data associated with users, accounts of users,
financial service providers (payment sources) associated with
users, and payees associated with users. As is known to those
skilled in the art, database tables typically comprise a plurality
of records, each record containing one or more fields or items of
data that are associated. Further, those skilled in the art will
understand that a "record," in database parlance, is a single
instance or data item, usually consisting of a collection of one or
more fields or sub-items of information, each field or sub-item
typically having a field identifier in a schema that identifies
what the information in the field represents; an array or
collection of multiple records is often referred to as a "table" or
a "database." Databases or tables often include one or more index
fields or items that allow rapid access to a particular record so
that the record may be identified, retrieved, and utilized in a
transaction or updated with new information as needed.
[0250] The master user table 610 comprises a set of information (a
record) for each registered MFTS user. In one aspect of the
invention as shown in FIG. 6, the set of information comprises a
user identifier or user ID, a name (e.g. the full name of a user),
a user name (e.g. a login name associated with a user), and other
information that allows a particular user of the system to be
identified as enrolled for use of the system. Further information
that can be included in the user table 610 comprises an account
number (e.g. an account number of a user with an entity that
operates the MFTS), the user's contact information such as mailing
address, residential phone number and mobile phone number, phone
number for the mobile device associated with the MFTS, email
address and password, etc. As will be understood, a mobile device
will typically provide a user identifier in some form to the MFTS,
upon login of the user, so as to allow the system to authenticate
the user for purposes of using the system to make payments, view
bills, obtain real time account balances, etc. in accordance with
various aspects of the invention.
[0251] The set of information in the master user table 610
preferably further comprises pointers to entries in a user
financial accounts table 620, a financial service provider table
630, and a payee table 640 associated with the user. As known to
those skilled in the art, a "pointer" in a database is information
that allows a computer program module to locate and retrieve
related information in another table in the database.
[0252] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, each user may
have a plurality of financial accounts and a plurality of financial
service providers for such accounts. For each user, the user
financial account table 620 comprises information about one or more
accounts of a user with at least one financial institution or
financial service provider (FSP), which information includes the
user's account number with a particular financial institution, the
financial account type (e.g. checking, savings, credit card, money
market, etc.), the account number of the user in his/her financial
institution, an index or pointer to a particular financial
institution (shown as "FSP ID" (provider number) or provider in the
financial service provider table 630, etc. Other information
relating to identification and/or utilization of a user's financial
accounts may also be stored and is contemplated.
[0253] The financial service provider table 630 comprises
information corresponding to one or more financial service
providers associated with a user. For each financial service
provider entry in the table 630, the table includes information
including but not limited to an index number and/or identifier (ID)
associated with an associated financial account in the user
financial account table 620, the provider's name and/or nickname,
type of service provided (e.g. a bill presentment service, a bank,
a credit facility, etc.), an account number with the financial
service provider (not shown), associated password (not shown),
account holder's contact information, verification data, etc. Other
information relating to identification and/or utilization of a
user's financial service providers may also be stored and is
contemplated.
[0254] Payee information is stored in a payee table 640. Payee
information is information that is needed to identify a particular
payee to whom a payment is or may be sent, and how that payee
should be paid. A plurality of payees can be set up for each user
of the MFTS. Payees may be billing entities that provide services
such as water, gas, electrical power, communication services such
as local phone or mobile phone services, mortgage, credit card,
and/or other companies providing monthly bills or otherwise
providing bills on a regular basis. On the other hand, payees may
also be an individual (e.g. a user's peer, colleague, acquaintance,
relative, etc.) to whom a user may have an occasional payment
obligation. The payee table 640 comprises information relating or
associating a particular user to one or more payees, including an
account number or identifier associated with the user of the MFTS
that ties that payee to a particular user, a payee number or
identifier (e.g. payee ID) that identifies the payee, an account
number associated with the payee, payment periods, payment
authorization, etc. Other information relating to identification
and/or utilization of a user's payees may also be stored and is
contemplated. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a
particular payee associated with a user is identified in the payee
table 640, through provision of information to the MFTS through a
mobile payment instruction, which causes the MFTS to access the
table 640 to obtain information about the payee so that a payment
can be made to that payee.
[0255] Referring now to FIG. 7, a transaction table 710 is
maintained in a transaction database 705 for storing information
relating to mobile transactions such as payment source balance
inquiries, payment to make inquiries, and payments made by a user.
Those skilled in the art will understand that each payment or each
inquiry transaction from a mobile device results in creation of at
least one record that is stored in the transactions table, for
purposes of creating an audit trail, a dated record of
transactions, and facilitating database commit and rollback
operations. Each transaction record comprises information including
but not limited to: a transaction identifier (a unique identifier),
date and time stamp for the start and end, user name or ID, or
both, selected one or more transaction-related financial
institutions, their names, or nicknames, or coded identifiers,
selected account, the nature of the transaction, timers for
synchronized responses, balance amounts for each account related to
an inquiry, balance due amount related to a bill inquiry, payee
name or coded identifier, or both, payee phone number, amount paid,
status flag relating to a payment as pending/complete. It will be
appreciated that a transaction is typically initiated at a mobile
device, but can also be initiated by the user 12 using the web
application. The transaction is sent to the MFTS. The MFTS
processes the inquiry or payment, creates a transaction record 715
corresponding to the transaction in a transaction table 710 of the
transaction database 705, stores the record in the transactions
table 710, creates a MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) for a
selected particular financial institution or payment source (PS),
and transmits the MFTSPI to that financial institution or PS. Upon
completion of the payment by the PS and receipt of a payment
confirmation message back from the PS, the corresponding
transaction record 715 in the table 710 is updated to indicate that
the payment has completed, e.g. by changing a status flag from
pending to complete. According to one embodiment of the present
invention, the record for a completed transaction is moved to a log
file according its completion time for archive. Other information
relating to transactions and their status may also be stored and is
contemplated.
Mobile Device Application Flowcharts
[0256] The mobile device application flowcharts are shown in FIGS.
8-9 according to embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3A,
a mobile device communication interface 339 is used to facilitate
the communication between the mobile device main program 335 and
the mobile device radio hardware 343. The mobile device
communication interface 339 communicates with the MFTS mobile
device communication interface 150 in the MFTS 18 via wireless
communications through the MCSP 110.
[0257] A flowchart of the MFTS mobile device communication
interface 150 is shown in FIG. 8. It will be understood that this
process 150 on the MFTS side communicates with similar processes in
the mobile device, via the mobile device communication interface
339 in a mobile device. In this flowchart, the MFTS mobile device
communication 150 interface first establishes communication link to
the mobile communication service provider (MCSP) the user
subscribed in step 805. The mobile device communication interface
is set up between a mobile device and the MCSP and the interface
receives data communication from both sides. The mobile device
communication interface 150 comprises a continuous loop shown in
step 810 to check if any new message is received from either the
MCSP or a mobile device. If no message is received, the loop
continues until a new message is received. When the mobile device
communication interface 150 receives a message, it checks in step
815 to determine where the message comes from by checking the
sender/receiver information. If the message comes from a mobile
device that is requesting information from the MFTS server, the
mobile device application proceeds to step 840 to add a task to
processing queue and set a timer to wait for a response from the
MFTS server through the MCSP in step 845. The mobile device
communication interface waits until it receives a response from the
MFTS server or the timer times out, whichever comes first. If the
mobile device communication interface receives a response within a
predetermined timeout period, the message is sent to the mobile
device in step 850. Otherwise, if the MFTS mobile device
communication interface 150 does not receive any response in time,
then an error message is sent to the mobile device notifying the
user a failure occurred. Both step 850 and step 820 converge in
step 825 to extract a subset of information from the message or the
response received from the MCSP. The information extracted in step
825 is sent to the user's mobile device for display in step 830.
After the message is displayed, the mobile device communication
interface goes back to wait for next message in step 860 until the
user turns off the mobile device and terminates the mobile device
application.
Mobile Client Security Aspects
[0258] In order to use the MFTS 18, a user 12 with a suitable
mobile device 15 must register for service with an entity that
operates an MFTS 18 constructed in accordance with exemplary
aspects of the invention. This registration process necessarily
involves the input and storage of important personal and financial
information about the user either manually or via external system.
Safety and security of the personal and financial information
mandates that the MFTS 18 provide security guarantees and measures
from MFTS administrators. According to an exemplary aspect of the
invention, the disclosed MFTS 18 implements strong security
measures on both ends of the mobile communication: (1) at the
mobile client, and (2) at the MFTS server system itself. In
accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention, one or more of
the following security measures are implemented in the MFTS 18 with
respect to communications with mobile devices:
[0259] Secure Mobile Client Delivery: In accordance with one aspect
of the invention, the mobile application is delivered (e.g. by
downloading) into a mobile device via a secure wireless delivery
method. In accordance with this aspect, the mobile application is
constructed as a wirelessly-deliverable or downloadable application
or "applet" that is downloaded into a mobile phone from a central
site, e.g. from the MFTS 18. Those skilled in the art will
understand that a number of different but generally equivalent
programming environments currently exist to develop applications
for various types of mobile phones and wireless data communication
technologies.
[0260] One known secure delivery methodology is the BREW.TM.
wireless content delivery platform for CDMA communication
technologies provided by Qualcomm, Inc. Details of the application
development and delivery methodology for Qualcomm-compatible mobile
devices are available from the manufacturer.
[0261] Another delivery method is via a JAVA.TM. Archive file, also
called a JAR, the platform for which is available from Sun
Microsystems, Inc. In this case, the mobile application is
constructed as a downloadable JAVA.TM. application that is
downloaded into a JAVA-compatible mobile phone. Those skilled in
the art will understand that the Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME)
programming environment may be used to develop applications for
certain types of mobile phones (e.g. Motorola). Such applications
are also called "applets" or "midlets", but essentially are
computer programs that run within the specific operating
environment of the particular type of mobile phone. Details of the
J2ME application development environment are available from the
manufacturer.
[0262] Preferably, the JAR file used to distribute the mobile
client application is digitally signed with a code signing digital
key issued to the MFTS 18 by an authentication process, e.g. a
digital key process provided by VeriSign, Inc. This allows users to
verify the authenticity of the mobile client application. Details
of the mobile security techniques provided by VeriSign are
available in the literature and web site of VeriSign, Inc.
[0263] SSL communication to MFTS Server: Those skilled in the art
will understand the significance of security for communications
between users and the MFTS 18 via either a mobile device or via the
web interface. Accordingly, preferably all HTTP communications to
the server in the MFTS 18 are via HTTPS, i.e. secured via the known
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol. As will be known to those
skilled in the art, SSL is a protocol developed by Netscape
Communications Corporation for transmitting private documents via
the Internet. SSL uses a cryptographic system that uses two keys to
encrypt data--a public key known to everyone and a private or
secret key known only to the recipient of the message. Details of
the SSL security protocol are available from the manufacturer.
[0264] Alternatively, a lesser level of security may be implemented
for wireless communications by use of the known Wireless Transport
Layer Security (WTLS). However, it will be understood that WTLS may
not be as secure as the SSL protocol, because it uses weaker
encryption algorithms and several exploits have been identified for
the protocol. In addition, data communicated with WTLS is decrypted
at the WAP gateway and re-encrypted via SSL to the destination
host, which provides an opportunity for compromising the WAP
gateway to intercept sensitive transmissions.
[0265] The MFTS mobile client application preferably makes a direct
SSL connection to the MFTS server and is not as susceptible to the
security issues plaguing WTLS and WAP applications. It will
therefore be appreciated that if HTTPS is used for all
communications between the mobile client and the MFTS server, the
underlying mobile data transmission technology such as GPRS and
CDMA between the mobile device and the MFTS should have no
significant bearing on the security of the data for
transactions.
[0266] Digital Keys on Client: According to another exemplary
aspect of the invention, a unique digital key is issued to each
client (mobile device) for use in digitally signing all
communications to the MFTS server. This strongly authenticates the
mobile client to the server and dissuades attempts to impersonate
or spoof the mobile client. It will be appreciated that such a
methodology affords stronger security than online banking sites
that require only a username and password for access, which are
much easier to compromise than digital keys. It is believed that
use of the MFTS mobile client to access financial services is
equally if not more secure than commonly used browser based online
banking systems that require only a password for
authentication.
[0267] PIN Required to Unlock Client: According to another aspect
of the invention, further security for the mobile device 15 is
provided by requiring the user to enter a PIN to unlock the mobile
client each time it is launched. This prevents use of the
application if the phone is stolen or "borrowed". PIN lockout is
also preferably implemented on the mobile client so that the client
will lock down after several failed login attempts and not permit
further attempts until the client is unlocked by the user
contacting support or logging into the MFTS system (e.g. via the
web application) and invoking a procedure to unlock the mobile
client. This prevents efforts to use "brute force" to guess the
PIN. It will be appreciated that the combination of a PIN and the
digital certificate creates a two-factor authentication mechanism
for use of the mobile wallet software 400 on a mobile device.
[0268] Mobile Client Deactivation in Event of Theft or Loss: If the
user's mobile device is stolen or lost, the user can access the
MFTS 18 via the web application to deactivate the mobile client.
This will prevent further communication between the mobile client
and the MFTS and delete all demographic information from the mobile
client about the user's mobile wallet.
[0269] Encryption of Data Placed in Local Storage: All data placed
into local storage on the mobile device 15 is preferably encrypted.
This insures that if the mobile device is lost or stolen, the data
stored in the mobile client in local storage is unreadable.
However, it will be appreciated that, because the mobile device
does not store full information regarding the user's accounts,
banks, account numbers, etc., but only stores a reduced set of
information, represented by codes, the risk of compromise of the
user's confidential information is reduced. For example, the mobile
device only stores information indicating that a user has an
account e.g. My Checking or xxxxxx2125), but the user's account
number is stored in the MFTS 18, not in the mobile device. This
aspect is believed to be a particular advantage of the architecture
of a mobile financial transaction system constructed in accordance
with the present invention--providing and storing a reduced subset
of information in the mobile device, with more complete information
stored in a secure server, enhances the overall security for mobile
transactions.
[0270] Verification of Phone Number Possession: In accordance with
yet another aspect, further security is provided by verification
that a payment instruction originates from a particular mobile
number associated with a user. This security measure is implemented
in the disclosed embodiment by providing the mobile number
associated with the mobile device as a part of the mobile payment
instruction (MPI) to the MFTS 18, preferably encrypted together
with other information of the MPI. The MFTS is responsive to the
MPI to parse out the mobile number and determine if the payment
instruction has originated from a mobile number that is consistent
with both the account identified as a payment source (PS), as well
as the name of the payee as having already been entered and stored
in the payee table in the user database.
[0271] According to yet another exemplary aspect of the invention,
during an enrollment process, an SMS containing a predetermined
verification code is sent to the phone number entered when setting
up the mobile client. This code must be entered by the user when
online at the user site web application 153 to successfully
initialize a mobile client for operations. This prevents a person
from registering a phone number they do not have possession of with
the intent of committing fraud.
[0272] One Time Password Used to Initialize Mobile Client: Still
further security is provided by requiring entry of an
initialization code or password the first time the mobile client is
run to trigger the generation and installation of the client's
digital certificate. This initialization code is a one-time
expiring one time password that is presented to the user at the
user site web application 153 during the initialization process for
the mobile client. This process establishes a difficult-to-forge
link between a user account and an instance of the mobile client on
the user's mobile device.
[0273] Mobile Client Initialization: The following steps describes
the best mode currently contemplated for a process of user
enrollment in a system constructed in accordance with exemplary
aspects of the invention and installing the mobile client: [0274]
1. A user with an Internet-accessible computer (e.g. computer 140
in FIG. 2) navigates to the Internet-accessible user site web
application 153 in their browser and completes the enrollment form
displayed by the web application. (NOT SHOWN.) The user provides
the requested information by entering information into appropriate
fields in the data form displayed. Alternatively, enrollment could
be implemented by a third party enrollment system with whom the
MFTS system operator maintains a relationship, e.g. an associated
financial service provider. [0275] 2. When enrollment is complete,
the user accesses a mobile client management section of the user
site web application 153 and adds a new mobile client.
Alternatively, addition of a new mobile client could be implemented
by a process provided by a third party with whom the MFTS system
operator maintains relationship, e.g. an associated financial
service provider or mobile communication service provider. [0276]
3. The user then enters the phone number of the mobile device on
which he/she wishes to install the mobile client and clicks an
initialize button. [0277] 4. Another step involves generation of a
verification code to activate the mobile client on the mobile
device: [0278] (a) In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the MFTS 18 sends an SMS to the phone number specified;
this SMS contains a verification code. The user is then prompted by
the mobile application to enter the verification code to activate
the mobile client to conduct transactions. [0279] (b) In accordance
with another aspect, the user views the verification code in the
SMS and enters the verification code into a browser verification
screen at the user site web application 153. Presumably, the mobile
phone with verification code will be in the user's immediate
possession during enrollment. The user then clicks a "verify"
button to activate the mobile application. [0280] 5. Another step
involves generation of an initialization code and downloading of
the mobile application into the mobile device (for a new
installation of the mobile device software): [0281] (a) According
to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a user with Internet
access to the user site web application is next presented with an
initialization code for the mobile client. This initialization code
is later entered into the mobile device (see below) upon prompting,
for activating the mobile client. [0282] (b) According to another
exemplary aspect of the invention, on the mobile device, the MFTS
18 sends the mobile device a second SMS that contains a clickable
link for downloading the mobile client. The user then clicks the
link and downloads the application into the mobile device. [0283]
6. After the mobile client is finished downloading into the device
and activated by the user, it will present a screen prompting for
the initialization code. The user will then key in the
initialization code into the mobile client. [0284] 7. The
initialization code is then communicated from the mobile device 15
to the MFTS 18, to be used for device and mobile client
authentication. When a valid initialization code is received by the
MFTS 18, a unique digital key is placed onto the mobile client.
[0285] 8. Upon receipt of a digital certification from the MFTS 18,
the mobile client then prompts the user to enter and confirm a PIN.
[0286] 9. After the PIN is received and stored, the mobile device
is ready for use, and displays a main menu screen that allows entry
of billing entities, payment sources, viewing of balances in
accounts that were previously entered by the user via the user site
web application 153, etc.
MFTS Server System Security Aspects
[0287] In accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention,
various security measures are implemented in the MFTS 18 by various
software routines appropriate for the various entities with which
the MFTS communicates. One or more of the following security
measures are implemented in the preferred MFTS 18:
[0288] Web Applications Require SSL: Preferably, all externally
accessible web applications that run at the MFTS 18 (e.g. the web
applications 154 including User Site 153 and the Admin Site 157)
only permit SSL secured connections. If a user tries to initiate a
plain HTTP connection to one of the web applications, it will be
redirected to an HTTPS connection.
[0289] Password Complexity Requirements: Passwords for web
application logins preferably must meet stringent complexity
requirements. Password protection can be implemented at various
stages of the operation.
[0290] Account Lockout and Password Reset: Preferably, but
optionally, accounts will be locked out after several failed login
attempts to the user site web application 153. Users whose accounts
have been locked out will have to activate an Account Unlock
function provided at the user site 153 and enter the correct reply
to a password reset question they established during enrollment to
unlock the client and reset their password. If the user is unable
to remember the correct reply, they will have to contact a customer
service facility (web site, representative, etc.) to have their
account unlocked and password reset.
[0291] Security of FSP Interfaces: Interfaces to FSPs are
preferably secured with mechanisms appropriate to the nature of the
interface and/or as required by the particular FSP. Any interface
using the public Internet for data transmissions is preferably
secured via encryption and authentication requirements that are
acceptable in the financial services industry. Details of security
requirements for communications with particular FSPs should be
obtained from the FSP.
[0292] From the foregoing, it will be understood and appreciated
that various mechanisms may be employed, singularly or in
combination, to ensure security in an equivalent manner as
described above for communications with the MFTS 18, whether via
mobile devices 15 or via the user site 153. Other security measures
and techniques may occur to those skilled in the art, while
remaining within the scope of the invention.
MFTS Interface Software Routines
[0293] As described above in connection with FIG. 3B and FIG. 5,
the MFTS software 500 comprises various program modules including
the main program 350 (FIG. 5) and various communication interfaces
for handling communications and functions associated with the
various entities involved in a system constructed in accordance
with the disclosed aspects of the invention. Other software or
program modules include an MFTS mobile device communication
interface 150, a web application interface 154, a financial service
provider communication interface 156, and a bill presentment
interface 155. Further software routines include a P2P service 375,
an SMS generator 151, and a financial account service 379.
[0294] Turn next to FIG. 8 for a description of the MFTS mobile
device communication interface software or routine 150 in
accordance with an aspect of the invention. The MFTS mobile device
interface software 150 preferably runs as a continuous independent
process on the MFTS server computer, asynchronous to other
processes, and provides for handling of communications and messages
between the MFTS 18 and the mobile devices of users. By use of the
term "interface," we mean a computer program or routine 150 and
associated hardware such as a communications component or storage
element that is driven by the program. The interface 150 handles
messaging between the various processes in the MFTS 18 and mobile
devices, for example, when a user at a mobile device generates a
command to "View Bills" or "Pay Bills," that command is received
over a wireless network and processed by the MFTS mobile device
communication interface 150 as described herein, to cause the MFTS
18 to carry out functions in accordance with the invention.
[0295] Starting at step 805, the first step taken is for the
interface to establish communication with a mobile communication
network, that is, with particular mobile communication service
providers (MCSP), so that communications between the MFTS 18 and
mobile devices that subscribe for service with particular networks
may be established. Essentially, this is an initialization process
that involves determination of appropriate protocols for
communications with a specific MCSP and establishing contact with
an MCSP by exchanging messages in a manner corresponding to the
communication protocol. After establishing communications, the
interface tests at step 810 for receipt of a message either
incoming from a mobile device or from another process within the
MFTS 18, for example, if a billing entity or bill presentment
system provides information about a new bill for a particular
user.
[0296] At step 815, the interface determines whether an incoming
message is a task-initiating message (for example, from a mobile
device in an affiliated mobile network) or is a message from
another MFTS process (for example, a response message from the FSP
interface 156). If the incoming message is a task-initiating
message, the interface process proceeds to step 840, where a new
processing task is created and added to a processing queue for the
interface 150. For example, a processing task derived from a mobile
device incoming message may be a mobile payment instruction (MPI),
or a "View Bills" instruction, or a "Balance Transfer," or other of
the various functions of the mobile wallet. Typically, a processing
task will generate a new transaction record that is stored in the
transaction table in the user database 158. Thus, at step 842, a
new transaction record (if appropriate for the incoming message) is
created and stored in the transaction database.
[0297] At step 845, the interface sets a timer (a predetermined
time period) appropriate for the particular task and process, and
initiates a timing loop. Control then passes to step 850, where the
interface tests for expiration of the predetermined time period. If
the timer has expired, an error condition has occurred (the task
added to the queue has not been properly processed in time), and at
step 855 an error message is generated and sent to the user's
mobile device that triggered the task.
[0298] If an appropriate response from the queued task is received
within the predetermined time, control from step 850 passes to step
860, where the transaction record created in conjunction with the
incoming message is updated with any information that resulted from
processing the queued task. For example, if the task involved
making a payment using a particular payment source to a particular
payee, and the payment is accepted and timely handled by the
selected financial service provider, the transaction record is
updated to indicate confirmation of the payment.
[0299] After the transaction record is updated (if applicable),
control passes to step 870, and a corresponding message relating to
the task-initiating message is sent out to the requesting user's
mobile device or other task-initiating process. For example, if a
payment instruction was received from a mobile user and that
payment instruction was duly and timely processed, a payment
confirmation message is sent to the user's mobile device.
[0300] Returning to step 815 in FIG. 8, if the MFTS mobile device
communication interface 150 determines that an incoming message is
from another MFTS process (e.g. a response message or other
non-task-initiating message), control passes to step 820, where the
message is processed. For example, a message from another MFTS
process could be a message provided by a billing presentment system
that a new bill for payment has been received for a particular
user, or a message provided by a financial service provider with
information as to balances available in particular accounts for a
particular user. In accordance with aspects of the invention, a
message from various other processes and associated entities may
include information that is not required by the mobile device
interface, i.e. only a reduced set of information is to be provided
to the mobile device. Specifically, a financial service provider
(FSP) 30 may provide information about a user's financial accounts
that is more comprehensive (i.e. "excessive") than required for
display and handling on a mobile device, in that all of the
information from the FSP is not needed or desired for display on
the mobile device. In such cases, a reduced set of information
appropriate for display on the mobile device, as shown in various
exemplary mobile device displays shown elsewhere in this document,
is prepared for sending to the mobile device as a message. In such
a case, at step 825 a subset of information that was received
and/or stored in the MFTS is prepared for transmission to a
selected user's mobile device.
[0301] Control passes from step 825 to step 860, where any
corresponding transaction records associated with the message (if
any) are updated with information from the message of the MFTS
process. Then, at step 870, an appropriate message to the mobile
device corresponding to information in the message processed (step
810) is prepared for transmission to the mobile device. The process
150 then loops back to process any other messages that may have
arrived.
[0302] After step 870, the process 150 loops back to step 810 to
process another incoming message. From the foregoing, those skilled
in the art will understand and appreciate how the MFTS mobile
device communication interface 150 is operative to process messages
from either mobile devices or from other MFTS processes,
communicate relevant information in the form of tasks for
processing by other MFTS processes, update any corresponding
transaction or user database records, and/or communicate
appropriate return messages to a user's mobile device or other
message-delivering sources.
[0303] Turn next to FIG. 9 for a description of the financial
service provider (FSP) interface software or routine 156 in
accordance with an aspect of the invention. The financial service
provider (FSP) interface 156 preferably runs as a continuous
independent process on the MFTS server computer, asynchronous to
other processes, and provides for handling of communications and
messages between the MFTS 18 and the financial service providers of
users.
[0304] Although FIG. 9 shows exemplary steps of an interface for
communications between the MFTS 18 and one or more FSPs 30, it
should be understood that a similar methodology is employed for the
bill presentment interface 155, the financial account service 379
(for third party user authentication), the P2P service 375. All are
similar continuous, independent asynchronous computer-implemented
processes that receive messages from either another MFTS process or
from a third party connected for communications with the MFTS,
process those messages by determining an appropriate destination
(e.g. storage of data in the user database 158 to update user
information or to create or update a transaction record,
communication to a mobile device, etc.), and forwarding processed
information to such destinations. Accordingly, the discussion of
FIG. 9 will be understood as generally applicable to other
communication interface processes, except as noted.
[0305] Starting at step 905, the first step taken is for the
interface 156 to establish communication with a financial service
provider (FSP) 30 so that communications between the MFTS 18 and
the FSP may be established. Essentially, this is an initialization
process that involves determination of appropriate protocols for
communications with a specific FSP and establishing contact with an
FSP by exchanging messages in a manner corresponding to the
communication protocol. After establishing communications, the
interface tests at step 910 for receipt of a message either
incoming from a mobile device (via MFTS the mobile device
communication interface 150) or from another process within the
MFTS 18, for example, if a user has initiated a transaction via the
web application interface 154.
[0306] At step 915, the interface determines whether an incoming
message is a task-initiating message or is a return/response
message from an FSP 30. A task-initiating message is a message that
causes the interface to initiate a communication to a particular
FSP 30, for example from a mobile device (MFTS mobile device
communication interface 150) or from another MFTS process such as a
web application initiated payment instruction. If the incoming
message is a task-initiating message such as from a mobile device,
the interface process proceeds to step 940, where a new processing
task is created and added to a processing queue for the interface
156. For example, a processing task derived from a mobile device
incoming message may be a mobile payment instruction (MPI), or a
"Pay Bill" instruction, or a "Balance Transfer," or a "View Payment
Sources," or other of the various functions of the mobile wallet.
For the FSP communication interface 156, a typical new processing
task is in the form of a MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) that is
communicated to a selected FSP 30, so as to instruct that FSP to
make a payment on behalf of a user, using a selected account as
payment source (PS).
[0307] As mentioned in connection with FIG. 8, and in accordance
with an exemplary aspect of the invention, a processing task
derived from a mobile device incoming message generates a new
transaction record that is stored in the transaction table in the
user database 158. It will be understood that information from this
transaction record is utilized in the processing task for the queue
in interface 156, for example, in assembling the information
required for the MFTSPI to the selected FSP 30. Further, it will be
understood that the transaction record is updated if necessary with
information from the FSP upon receipt of a response.
[0308] At step 945, the interface sets a timer (a predetermined
time period) appropriate for the particular task and process, and
initiates a timing loop. Control then passes to step 950, where the
interface tests for expiration of the predetermined time period. If
the timer has expired, an error condition has occurred (the task
added to the queue has not been properly processed in time), and at
step 955 an error message is generated and sent to the process that
triggered the task.
[0309] If an appropriate response from the queued task is received
within the predetermined time (e.g. a response from the FSP
containing information about the user's account balance, a payment
confirmation, or other information), control from step 950 passes
to step 960, where the transaction record created in conjunction
with the incoming message is updated with any information that
resulted from processing the queued task. For example, if the task
involved making a payment using a particular payment source to a
particular payee, and the payment is accepted and timely handled by
the selected financial service provider, the transaction record may
be updated to indicate confirmation of the payment. As discussed in
connection with FIG. 8, the MFTS mobile device communication
interface 150 may be responsible for updating the corresponding
transaction record, but it will be appreciated that other
circumstances may require that the FSP communication interface
update a transaction record. Other information associated with the
task and received from the FSP may also result in updating other
records in the user database 158, e.g., the addition of a new
account of a user with a selected FSP will require addition of a
record in the user financial accounts table 620 (FIG. 6), or a
closed account status of a particular FSP with a user will require
updating (or deletion) of a record in the financial service
provider table 630 (FIG. 6).
[0310] After a transaction record or other user database table is
updated (if applicable) at step 960, control passes to step 970,
and a corresponding message relating to the response from the FSP
is sent out to the process that initiated the communication, e.g.
to the requesting user's mobile device. For example, if a payment
instruction was received from a mobile user and that payment
instruction was duly and timely processed by a selected FSP, a
payment confirmation message is sent to the user's mobile device.
In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the invention, messages
of this type such as a confirmation message is in the form of a
message passed to the MFTS mobile device communication interface
150.
[0311] Returning to step 915 in FIG. 9, if the FSP communication
interface determines that an incoming message is from the FSP (as
opposed to the mobile device communication interface or other
task-initiating interface), control passes to step 920, where the
message is processed and any response information from the FSP is
received. After step 920, control passes to step 970, where
information corresponding to the message from the FSP is forwarded
to the intended destination, e.g. to the mobile device
communication interface or to a web application interface that
initiated a payment instruction.
[0312] After step 970, the process 156 loops back to step 910 to
process another incoming message. From the foregoing, those skilled
in the art will understand and appreciate how the FSP communication
interface 156 is operative to process messages from various MFTS
processes (such as from the MFTS mobile device communication
interface 150), communicate relevant information to a selected FSP,
receive a response message, update any corresponding transaction or
user database records, and/or communicate appropriate return
messages to a user's mobile device or other message-delivering
source.
[0313] Turn next to FIG. 10 for a description of the web
application interface software or routine 154 in accordance with an
aspect of the invention. The web application interface 154
preferably runs as a continuous independent process on the MFTS
server computer, asynchronous to other processes, and provides for
handling of communications and messages between the MFTS 18 and
users who access the MFTS via the Internet 120 using a web browser
on a computer 140 (FIG. 2), as opposed to a mobile device. As will
be understood by those skilled in the art, the web application
interface serves as the main program loop for displaying an
Internet-accessible web page (such as the User Site shown in FIG.
37) for user access to the MFTS 18 via the Internet to conduct
transactions, view account history, add payees, add financial
institutions and accounts, etc. It will be recalled from FIG. 3B
that, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention, the
web application interface 154 provides for several primary
web-accessible functions including enrollment of a new user,
editing a mobile client, editing credit card or banks accounts,
adding a new payee or editing information about a payee,
initializing a mobile client, unlocking a mobile client, and other
operations.
[0314] Starting in FIG. 10 at step 1005, the first step taken by
the web application interface software 154 is to initialize the
interface so that it is ready to communicate with users via the
Internet. Those skilled in the art will understand that such
initialization operations entail initializing any associated
hardware so that it can send and receive TCP/IP packets that are
conventional for Internet communications. Control then passes to
step 1010 where the process loops awaiting receipt of TCP/IP
packet(s) from a web browser of a user or prospective user who
navigates to the User Site. In response to receipt of packet(s),
control passes to step 1015, where the packets are received and
parsed to determine their contents.
[0315] After step 1015, control passes to inquiry step 1020, where
in the inquiry is made whether the user sending the packets has
been authenticated and established a communications session. If
not, control passes to step 1025, where a login operation (i.e.
user authentication and session establishment) is carried out, in
the manner that will be known to those skilled in the art. If the
user cannot be authenticated, other processes (not shown) are
carried out to allow a new user to enroll or register, or the
entity attempting to communicate with the MFTS is refused access
(i.e. the packet(s) are ignored or dropped). If at step 1020 the
user was previously authenticated in a prior operation and a
session established, or after the login/authentication step 1025,
control passes to step 1030 for display of appropriate information
corresponding to the current status of the session.
[0316] At step 1030, the web application interface 154 provides
return packets to the user corresponding to display of a web page
appropriate for the state of the current session with the user. For
example, if the user is initially logging in for authentication, a
conventional user login screen for entry of username and password
(not shown) is provided. As another example, if the user is in the
process of managing information about their mobile device, a User
Site screen such as shown in FIG. 37A is displayed. As another
example, if the user is adding or editing information about a
mobile device, a User Site screen such as is shown in FIG. 37B is
displayed.
[0317] After the display step 1030, control passes to step 1040,
where the interface receives and processes any packet(s) that
include information input by the user in response to the displayed
web page. Afterward, at step 1045, the interface stores any
received information from the user and generates any message(s)
that would be required for delivery to other processes or
interfaces in the MFTS 18. For example, the user's input may
require updates to certain tables in the user database 158, or may
require generation of a payment instruction or a "View Bills"
command that requires a communication to a financial service
provider 30.
[0318] Control then passes to step 1050, where the interface
determines if any messages have been received from any process or
interfaces in the MFTS. For example, if the user's input required
generation of a payment instruction or a "View Bills" command that
required a communication to a FSP, a return or response message
will eventually be returned to the web application interface
containing the requested information. If such a message is
received, control passes to step 1055, where the message is
processed, which may include updating the web page with any
information in the received message. From step 1050 (if no message
from another process has been received) or from step 1055 (after
processing any message), control returns to step 1010 to await
further user web application interaction, i.e. receipt of
additional packets.
[0319] From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate how the web application interface 154 is operative
to process web interactions from users via the Internet or from
other MFTS processes.
[0320] As will be recalled from the discussion above, the web
application interface 154 provides for several web-accessible
functions such as enrollment of a new user, editing a mobile
client, editing credit card or banks accounts, adding a new payee
or editing information about a payee, initializing a mobile client,
unlocking a mobile client, and other operations. One of these
exemplary functions is the enrollment of a new user, i.e. a person
must be registered or enrolled to use the service provided by the
operator of the MFTS. According to an aspect of the invention, a
new user can access the MFTS 18 via the Internet and provide
information to the system for enrollment for service.
[0321] Turn in this regard to FIG. 11 for a discussion of a web
application 1100 for enrolling a new user to use the MFTS 18 in
accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention. The new user
web application 1100 is exemplary of a process that is subsidiary
to the general web application user interface 154 of FIG. 10, in
that the process of FIG. 11 utilizes the web interface 154 for
interactions with the user via the Internet, but the steps of FIG.
11 are specific to the process of enrolling a new user.
Specifically, it will be understood that a new user will not pass
the authentication step in FIG. 10, and will typically be presented
with a "new user" web page that includes controls that allow a user
to input personal information and configure an account.
[0322] Starting at step 1105 in FIG. 11, the MFTS generates an
"enroll new user" web page (not shown) that includes information
needed by the new user and provides for controls and data entry
fields for entry of information required by the MFTS to enroll a
new user. At step 1110, the new user enters information prompted on
the "enroll new user" web page, for example, name, address,
telephone number, email address, and other information. The
enrolling user must also enter certain information about billing
entities (i.e. payees), financial institutions or financial service
providers (FSP) 30 with whom the new user maintains a relationship
and accounts, and information about specific accounts maintained
with such financial institutions or FSPs that can be selected as a
payment source. At step 1115, the system test for a user command to
edit information about a billing entity or a payment source. If the
command is associated with a billing entity, control branches to
step 1120, where the system tests for a command to enter a new
billing entity or to edit information about an existing billing
entity (for example, if one or more billing entities have already
been entered for this enrolling new user at this point in the
processing).
[0323] At step 1120, if a command has been received to enter
information about a new billing entity, control passes to step 1125
for receipt and storage of information about new billing entity or
payee. It will be understood that information about a billing
entity is stored in the payees table in the user database 158 (see
FIG. 6). If no command is received to enter information about a new
billing entity, control passes to step 1130 to test for a command
to edit an existing billing entity. At step 1130, if a command has
been received to edit information about an existing billing entity,
control passes to step 1135 for receipt and storage of edited
information about the existing billing entity or payee. Upon
completion of any billing entity input or editing, control passes
to step 1160 and either loops back to step 1115 or tests for user
logout.
[0324] Returning to step 1115, the system tests for a user command
to edit information about a billing entity or a payment source. If
the command is associated with a payment source such as a financial
institution or financial service partner, control branches to step
1140, where the system tests for a command to enter a new payment
source or to edit information about an existing payment source (for
example, if one or more payment sources have already been entered
for this enrolling new user at this point in the processing).
[0325] At step 1140, if a command has been received to enter
information about a new payment source, control passes to step 1145
for receipt and storage of information about new payment source. It
will be understood that information about a payment source is
stored in the user financial accounts table and/or the financial
service provider table in the user database 158 (see FIG. 6). If no
command is received to enter information about a new payment
source, control passes to step 1150 to test for a command to edit
an existing payment source. At step 1150, if a command has been
received to edit information about an existing payment source,
control passes to step 1155 for receipt and storage of edited
information about the existing payment source. Upon completion of
any payment source input or editing, control passes to step 1160
and either loops back to step 1115 or tests for user logout.
[0326] Turn next to FIG. 12 for a discussion of a registered user
web application 1200 that allows a registered or enrolled user to
access and use the MFTS 18 in accordance with exemplary aspects of
the invention. The registered user web application 1200 is
exemplary of a process that is subsidiary to the general web
application user interface 154 of FIG. 10, in that the process of
FIG. 12 utilizes the interface 154 for interactions with the user
via the Internet. However, the steps of FIG. 12 are specific to the
process whereby a registered user uses the Internet to add or edit
information about billing entities or payees, and/or information
about payment sources. Specifically, it will be understood that a
registered user will log in and be authenticated at the
authentication step in FIG. 10, and will typically be presented
with a registered user web page that includes controls that allow a
user to input and edit information about billing entities and
payment sources. Thus, at step 1205, the registered user first logs
in to the web application and provides his or her login and
password information, and is presented with a "registered user" web
page containing information specific to the billing entities and
payment sources associated with that registered user.
[0327] It will be appreciated from reviewing FIGS. 11 and 12 that
the overall structure of the processes 1100 and 1200 are similar.
Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand and
appreciate that the remaining steps in FIG. 12 are similar to those
in FIG. 11 and need not be discussed further herein.
Mobile Device Operation
[0328] FIG. 13 and the figures that follow accompany the following
discussion of exemplary display screens generated on a mobile
device 15 by a mobile client application, in connection with
viewing payment sources and account balances, in accordance with
exemplary aspects of the invention. Before the presentation of
exemplary sequences of screen views of a mobile device 15, it
should be noted that in the drawings which follow, a payer's view
is represented by a rectangular screen view with four rounded
corners, while a payee's view is represented by a rectangular
screen view with four square corners. A payee's view is provided in
connection with certain payment sequences and methods in aspects of
the invention, for example certain types of "PayAnyone" payments
involve sending a message to a user of a mobile phone (a second
user, a user other than the user who is making the payment),
display of a text message, and (if selected) downloading of the
mobile application into the second user's mobile device. Such payee
views have the squared corners in the drawing figures.
[0329] It will be understood that different mobile devices
typically have different screen appearances, different screen
sizes, different screen layouts and fonts, etc. However, the main
messages for display are presented in the following drawings. The
message texts, fonts, lines of text display may vary depending on
the mobile devices. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to
those skilled in the art. Viewing, selecting a payment source, and
viewing the account balance of each available account are basic
functionalities of the MFTS mobile application.
[0330] It will also be understood from the following description
that various methods for selecting a payee (e.g. select payee by
name, select by mobile phone number, etc.) are contemplated in
various aspects of the inventions, that various methods for
communicating the fact of a payment to a payee (e.g. by text
message, by display of a message on a payee/user's mobile device,
etc.) are contemplated in various aspects of the inventions, that
various methods for effecting the payment (e.g. paper check, ACH
transfer, stored value card, etc.) are contemplated in various
aspects of the inventions, and that various methods for selecting
an applicable payment method (e.g. payer selects, payee selects)
are contemplated in various aspects of the inventions. Those
skilled in the art will therefore understand and appreciate that
the foregoing various aspects may be combined in various ways to
provide flexibility and choice in payee identification and
selection as well as payment method selection, as will be described
in connection with the various exemplary mobile device user screen
views for various embodiments and aspects of the inventions.
Mobile Device Operation
Viewing Payment Sources and Account Balances
[0331] Referring now to FIG. 13, a series of user screen views 1300
of a mobile device as the user views the Payment Sources (PS) is
presented according an exemplary aspect of the invention.
Typically, a user is presented with a selection screen on their
mobile device, for example screen 1302, allowing selection of an
application for execution on the mobile device. As shown in the
screen view 1302, "Mobile Wallet" is one of the options of
applications. The user can use a stylus, multifunction button,
trackwheel, or other navigation input device or control to
highlight the selection, or use the numeric keypad to make the
selection by numeric entry. For example, the user can use arrow
keys on the mobile device to navigate and highlight the "Mobile
Wallet" and press "Select" Key to go to the "Mobile Wallet"
application. Alternatively, the user may press the numeric "1" key
to go directly to the "Mobile Wallet" application.
[0332] It should be understood that a similar entry and selection
mechanism, as described for selecting an application, is used for
selection of data items on the various mobile device display
screens in the several views discussed. These details will not be
repeated to avoid needless repetition.
[0333] In response to selection of the Mobile Wallet application in
screen 1302, a login screen 1304 is displayed. In this screen, the
user is prompted to enter a predetermined number of digits as a PIN
or pass-code to enter the "Mobile Wallet" as a security measure. In
alternative embodiments, a login screen 1304 or equivalent
functionality can be placed at other locations of the screen or in
other situations, as when a user turns on the mobile device,
chooses applications, selects "Mobile Wallet", views bills, pays
bills, or other appropriate location and/or circumstance. In the
descriptions of other drawing figures of other payment scenarios,
the application selection screen 1302 and login screen 1304 are
omitted, but it will be understood that such functionality can be
provided if desired.
[0334] In response to entry of a valid login or PIN, screen 1306 is
displayed on the mobile device. This screen 1306 preferably
comprises a menu of available options of the Mobile Wallet
application according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. In
this embodiment, the available applications include: (1) View
Payment Sources, (2) View Bills, (3) Pay Bills, (4) "PayAnyone",
(5) Balance Transfer, and (6) Change PIN. Other functions can also
be provided for selection here for various embodiments or
implementations.
[0335] When the user highlights the "View Payment Sources" option
and presses the "Select" button or enters "1", a new screen view
1308 displaying one or more registered payment sources available to
the user is shown. A scrolling bar (not shown) may be included on
the screen if the screen is not large enough to display all payment
sources. The user activates a navigation tool to highlight a
payment source and presses "Select" to select a particular payment
source. Selection of a particular payment source results in a
display of information 1310 relating to the selected payment
source, for example the balance(s) of various accounts of the user.
For example, screen 1310 shows a current balance, available credit,
and available cash advance amount for the user, in connection with
the financial service provider's logo to facilitate brand
recognition. Display of the financial institution's logo is
optional; some model mobile devices may not have graphic capability
and may only display the name of the payment source rather than the
logo.
[0336] Screen 1310 also shows exemplary "Back" and "Next" keys or
buttons on the screen view that may be used to navigate the
available payment sources. When the "Next" key is pressed, other
payment source views, for example screens 1312, 1314, and 1316 are
displayed in a sequence, until a "Select" key is pressed. In this
example, the Discover Card is displayed as selectable payment
source as shown in screen view 1312. Other selectable payment
sources "Georgia Savings & Loans" and "Bank of USA" are
displayed in screen views 1314, 1316 respectively. The account
balances and other related information of these payment sources are
also displayed with these screen views.
[0337] According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, the
balances available to the user are retrieved from by the MFTS 18
during a communication session between the MFTS 18 and the mobile
device 15, so that real time (when mobile device is within the
range of wireless service) account balances are displayed to the
user, the last known balance stored in the memory of the mobile
device may be displayed. It will be appreciated that as the user is
viewing the payment sources and their account balances in the
various payment sources screens 1300, the mobile device 15 is
communicating with the MFTS 18 and receiving real-time balance
information from the corresponding financial institutions.
According to another exemplary aspect of the invention, in the
event that wireless signal is not available to the mobile device,
or MFTS 18 is unable to communicate with a particular financial
service provider/payment source 30, the last (most recent) balance
information, will be pulled from the mobile device 15, as such
information is cached in local memory of the mobile device. In the
event that the mobile client retrieves the balance from offline
storage, the date/time of the last successful request to the server
will be displayed.
[0338] Still referring to FIG. 13, in accordance with an exemplary
aspect of the invention, the mobile client application is
configured so that one particular payment source is automatically
selected as a default payment method, for use automatically and by
default by the user unless overridden. Screen 1318 reflects
selection of a particular payment source (e.g. Bank of USA) as a
default payment source. Thus, when the "Select" key is pressed as
shown in screen view 1316, the user elects the specific payment
source displayed on the screen as a default payment method. In
screen 1316 the default payment source selected is "Bank of USA".
Screen 1318 preferably provides a prompting message "Use as Default
Payment Source?" for confirmation by the user. Other payment
sources, such as different credit cards, are also available for
selection as the default payment source. Preferably, the selected
default payment source will remain until it is changed by the user
upon a subsequent execution of the View Payment Sources screen
1308. According to a variation of this aspect, the system also
includes code for the mobile application and/or the User Site that
allows a user to change the default payment method on the fly.
[0339] According to an aspect of the invention, the user's
selection and activation of a View Payment Sources command on the
Mobile Wallet application causes the generation of a mobile payment
instruction to the MFTS, which responds by requesting real time
updated account balance information from the payment sources
available to the user and provides such updated account balance(s)
to the user's mobile device. It will be appreciated that such
updated account balance information includes all types of payment
sources including bank accounts, credit cards, credit unions, or
any other financial account that can be accessed by a system and
with methods as described herein.
[0340] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method 1400 for
viewing payment sources and account balances according to one
exemplary aspect of the invention. In FIG. 14 and other sequence
diagrams, it will be understood that the oblong objects across the
top of drawing represent entities that communicate electronically
via the exchange of signals, messages, data packets, TCP/IP, etc.;
that the rectangular boxes along a line extending vertically
downwardly from a communicating entity represent steps taken by
that entity; that lines with arrows extending between rectangular
boxes represent communications directed from one entity to another
entity; and that time proceeds in a direction from top to bottom of
the drawing figure. This convention is utilized in all sequence
diagrams illustrating embodiments and aspects of the invention,
unless otherwise noted.
[0341] Several entities are illustrated in FIG. 14: a user's mobile
device 15, the MFTS server 18, and various financial institutions
(FI) with which a user 12 (not shown) has business relationships
such as (FI-1) 30A and (FI-N) 30N. Usually, communications between
the mobile device 15 and the MFTS 18 are provided by a wireless
carrier network, not separately shown in the drawing.
Communications between the MFTS 18 and a payee, or a payee's
financial institutions, or any third party service providers, are
typically provided by a telecommunication network, an Internet
service provider, a dedicated communication path, or any other
available secure communication networks, although not separately
shown in the drawing.
[0342] Starting in FIG. 14 at step 1402, the user opens a "Mobile
Wallet" application on the mobile device 15; he/she is preferably
required to log in by providing a password or PIN for verification
as indicated at step 1404. The password or PIN is entered by the
user, is validated locally and the signed, encrypted messages are
sent to the MFTS for authentication via an authentication message
(AM) 1406. At step 1408, the MFTS 18 validates the login and allows
the Mobile Wallet application to execute, for example, by providing
a communication or authentication confirmation message (ACM) 1410
back to the mobile device 15 that includes a signal or validation
code that allows the Mobile Wallet application to execute on the
mobile device 15. If the user enters an incorrect password or PIN a
predetermined number of times in a row, preferably he/she is denied
service and the mobile device is locked. In this case the user is
required to take steps (not shown) to access the User Site 153 or
contact a customer service representative to unlock the mobile
device.
[0343] If password or PIN is entered correctly, the authentication
confirmation message 1410 from the MFTS 18 informs the mobile
device 15 that the login is valid and launches the "Mobile Wallet"
application on the mobile device 15, as shown at step 1412. At step
1414, the user is presented with a screen (e.g. FIG. 13) that
allows viewing and selection of payment sources and account
balances.
[0344] Also at step 1412, the user can make a selection on screen
1306 (as shown in FIG. 13) to View Payment Sources. According to
one exemplary aspect of the invention, the MFTS 18 automatically
retrieves account balances for various payment sources (and
retrieves bills to be paid), upon login at step 1412. According to
another exemplary aspect of the invention, the MFTS retrieves such
information in response to specific activation of the corresponding
function, e.g. selection of View Payment Source (screen 1306 in
FIG. 13) sends a message to the MFTS to cause retrieval of payment
source information such as account balances, and selection of View
Bills (also screen 1306) sends a message to cause retrieval of
payments to make.
[0345] In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile device 15
communicates a request to view payment sources and account balances
to the MFTS 18, and the MFTS corresponding interacts with the
available payment sources to retrieve their respective account
information as shown at step 1418 by sending out requests 1420A or
1420B to their corresponding financial institutions 30A, or 30B. In
accordance with a preferred embodiment of certain inventions,
real-time information of all payment source accounts available to
the user is collected and sent back to the MFTS as shown at steps
1422 and 1424 through messages 1426 and 1428. Although only two
financial institutions are shown in FIG. 14 for illustration
purposes, it will be understood that the system is operative to
communicate with some or all available and registered financial
institutions associated with the user.
[0346] At step 1430, the MFTS 18 collects and accumulates account
balance information from the various financial institutions
associated with the user, and sends one or more messages 1432
containing this information to the mobile device 15. According to
one aspect of certain inventions, a collection of account balance
information is accumulated and communicated to the mobile device in
a single communication. According to another aspect, account
balance information for a particular financial institution is
communicated to the mobile device as quickly as possible after it
is received, as the various systems of financial institutions are
independent and operate asynchronously with respect to other
systems.
[0347] At step 1434, upon receipt of the account balances from
financial institutions, information of all registered accounts is
provided for the user to view. He/she can then use the navigation
controls to view selected payment sources and account balances. The
user can also perform other functions such as selecting a default
payment method as described in connection with FIG. 13.
[0348] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention,
after the user enters a valid password or PIN, the login is
validated by the MFTS system 18. At this point, the MFTS can start
to gather information for the user prior to the selection of any
Mobile Wallet options. In one embodiment, the MFTS system 18 sends
out balance requests to part or all of user's billing entities to
retrieve up to the minute balance information from these billing
entities. In another embodiment, the MFTS system 18 sends out
payment source information requests to part or all of user's
financial service providers to retrieve up to the minute (real
time) balance information from these entities. These operations are
completed before the user even starts to make any Mobile Wallet
selections. The information retrieved from the billing entities and
financial service providers is stored (cached) in a temporary
database or memory in the use's mobile device, and/or is cached in
the MFTS system. The user is likely to make some selection of the
mobile wallet operation after he/she logs into the mobile wallet.
When he/she makes any selection of the mobile wallet operation such
as view bills, view payment sources, etc., the user will receive
updated information from the temporary database or cache in the
MFTS system immediately. Therefore the MFTS provides a prompt
response to the user with information received prior to the user's
selection of the mobile wallet operation. It will be appreciated
that an advantage of this approach is a quick response and
virtually "real time" updating of account balance information in a
user's mobile device.
Viewing Bills
[0349] FIG. 15 is a series of user screen views 1500 of a mobile
device as the user views bills to pay according aspects of the
invention. The user has at least two ways to view his/her bills
according to such aspects. A first method 1500a start with user
activation of the "Mobile Wallet" application and a second method
1500b starts with receipt of an SMS text message from the MFTS
18.
[0350] The first method 1500a starts at screen 1502. When the user
uses the "Mobile Wallet" application to view the bills, he/she
selects the "Mobile Wallet" option from the mobile device screen
view 1502 and is presented with a login screen view 1504. After the
user logs in and provides a valid password (or is otherwise
authenticated to the mobile device 15), he/she is presented with a
number of choices as shown in screen 1506, e.g. View Payment
Sources, View Bills, Pay Bills, etc, "PayAnyone", Balance Transfer,
Change PIN, etc. In accordance with this exemplary aspect of the
invention, the user selects the "View Bills" option or presses the
numeric key "2". In response to selection of the View Bills option
by either method, the user is presented with a View Bills screen
1512.
[0351] According to another aspect, a second method 1500b involves
receipt of an SMS text message, instead of in response to user
activation of the mobile wallet application. Screen 1522 shows an
exemplary text message display screen that includes a number of
text messages that the user has received, e.g. Power Bill Due, Get
Milk & Juice, Gas Bill Due, Phone Bill Due, etc. In this
example, several of the SMS messages in the user's text message
display screen relate to payment of bills, but not all messages are
bill payment related. As is known, a user may receive a number of
different text messages relating to a number of different subjects.
In accordance with certain aspects of the inventions, the receipt
of an SMS message relating to payment of a bill can prompt the user
to activate the Mobile Wallet application, or the reading of an SMS
message relating to a bill due can activate the Mobile Wallet
application, or the receipt of an SMS message containing
predetermined codes can automatically activate the Mobile Wallet
application under certain predetermined circumstances.
[0352] In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the invention, a
bill aggregator (e.g. an operator of a bill presentment system 190
as shown in FIG. 2) receives a number of bills to pay on behalf of
a user, and presents information regarding those bills to the user
via a text message, so that the user is notified that a new bill
has been received and can obtain more information about the bill,
or can activate the Mobile Wallet application to pay the bill. In
accordance with this exemplary aspect of the invention, when a new
bill is received at the MFTS server from a bill presentment system,
the user is notified by a short text message. This short message is
preferably brief and only informs the user that a new bill has
arrived. In one embodiment, the message is limited to the name of
the billing entity (e.g. power company, gas company, etc.), the
total amount due, and the due date. Other information may be
provided in the SMS message, if desired, but in accordance with
this exemplary aspect of the invention the information is limited
to the foregoing information so that the user may quickly and
efficiently be notified of only the most important information.
[0353] In the example of FIG. 15, assume that the user has selected
the message Power Bill Due, as shown at screen 1524. When the
"Read" key is pressed, in accordance with this exemplary aspect of
the invention, a text message relating to a bill to pay (e.g. "XXX
Bill Due") is automatically detected by the mobile application as
relating to a bill to pay and launches the Mobile Wallet
application on the mobile device. In response to launching of the
Mobile Wallet application, the user is presented with a login
screen 1526 to allow user to enter a password or PIN. After the
user logs in and provides a valid password (or is otherwise
authenticated to the mobile device 15), he/she is presented with
the View Bills screen 1512.
[0354] Either of methods 1500a, 1500b lead to the View Bills screen
1512. Due to the limited size of the mobile device screen, it will
be understood that content of the "View Bills" screen is not as
detailed as paper version of bills that users receive regularly.
However, in accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention,
some or all of following information are displayed in some
embodiments of the invention: (1) the name of the billing entity;
(2) the date when the bill was received; (3) the amount due, and
(4) the due date. Other related information such as minimum payment
amount, outstanding balance, billing cycle, last payment amount and
date etc. may also be displayed depending on the size of the mobile
device screen. An optional scrolling bar may be added for a larger
display.
[0355] Display screens 1512, 1514, 1516 illustrate a succession of
different bills that user sees when using the navigation controls
(e.g. the Next button), to cause display of bills that can be paid
in accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention. When the
user presses the "Next" key as shown in mobile device screen view
1512, the next bill is shown in the next mobile device screen view
1514. The user may use the "Back" and "Next" keys to view each
individual bill until the "Select to Pay" key is pressed as shown
in mobile device screen view 1516.
[0356] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method 1600 for
viewing bills according to an exemplary aspect of the invention.
The method or process 1600 involves communications or messages
between a mobile device 15, the MFTS 18, and at least one billing
entity. In accordance with a currently contemplated best mode, a
bill presentment system 190 receives bills from a number of
different billing entities on behalf a user, and provides
information to the MFTS 18 relating to a plurality of bills from a
plurality of billing entities. FIG. 16 therefore illustrates this
mode or embodiment, but it will be understood and appreciated that
the MFTS 18 may communicate separately and independently with
billing entities, without requiring that all bills or payments to
make be provided by a bill presentment system 190.
[0357] In one preferred embodiment, the user views bills by opening
his/her/mobile device's mobile wallet option as shown in step 1612.
In accordance with an alternate exemplary aspect of the inventions,
a billing entity provides information to a bill presentment system
190, as shown at step 1602. The bill presentment system 190
communicates a message 1606 to the MFTS 18 as shown at step 1604.
At step 1608, the MFTS 18 sends a short text message (SMS) 1610
containing selected abbreviated information to the user through the
SMS generator 151 (FIG. 2) and wireless network service provider
110. As discussed earlier, the user opens the Mobile Wallet or
reads the text message when it is convenient to him/her as shown at
step 1612. He/she is prompted to login and the password or PIN is
validated step 1614. In response to validation by the mobile
application of the user via login of password or through other
authentication means, the mobile application sends an
authentication message (AM) 1616 to the MFTS 18. At step 1618, the
MFTS 18 validates the login from the authentication message 1616
and communicates an authentication confirmation message (ACM) 1620
back to the mobile device 15 that allows the Mobile Wallet
application to execute. At step 1622, the mobile device opens the
Mobile Wallet application, which allows the user to view more
detailed information about a bill to pay or payment to make. At
step 1624 the user selects the "View Bills" option (a shown and
described in connection with FIG. 15). At step 1626, the user
selects one bill to view. In response to selection of a bill to
view, the mobile device 15 communicates a request message 1628 to
the MFTS 18 to request information relating to the selected
bill.
[0358] At step 1630, the MFTS 18 receives the request for
information relating to the selected bill and generates a message
1632 to the bill presentment system 190. At step 1634, the bill
presentment system retrieves information relating to the selected
bill (or optionally, for one or more bills associated with the
particular user) and retrieves detailed billing information.
Preferably, therefore, all bills associated with the user are
forwarded to the MFTS via a message 1636. At step 1638, the MFTS 18
receives the detailed billing information from the bill presentment
system 190 and stores the detailed billing information in the MFTS
database in a table of detailed billing information (see FIG. 6).
The MFTS 18 then prepares a message 1639 with selected reduced
information appropriate for the mobile device (i.e. a subset of
detailed billing information) and forwards the message containing a
subset of the detail billing information to the user's mobile
device 15. At step 1640, the user views his/her due bills, via
screens as shown in FIG. 15.
[0359] Although FIG. 16 shows a sequence of steps for obtaining
bill information from a bill presentment system, it will be
understood that the steps are similar for obtaining information
from a billing entity independently. From the foregoing, it will be
appreciated that an aspect of the present invention involves a
method for obtaining selected reduced information relating to
payments to make (bills to pay) and this information is obtained
from one or more billing entities, either independently or from a
bill presentment system 190.
Paying Bills
[0360] FIG. 17 is a series of user screen views 1700 of a mobile
device that relate to a user paying his/her bill(s). As in other
aspects of the invention described elsewhere, a user is preferably
required to activate the Mobile Wallet application on their mobile
device and be authenticated (i.e. log in) for use of the
application on that particular mobile device. Thus, screen 1702
shows a number of selectable applications such a Mobile Wallet,
Download Music, Games, etc., and screen 704 shows a login screen
that is generated upon initial execution of the Mobile Wallet
application upon selection in screen 1702. After the user logs into
the "Mobile Wallet" application as shown as screens 1702, 1704, a
Mobile Wallet screen 1706 is displayed. In accordance with
exemplary aspects of the invention, the Mobile Wallet screen
includes a number of selectable options that provide for various
functions relating to mobile financial transaction viewing,
monitoring, and payment. For example, screen 1706 shows options for
View Payment Sources, View Bills, Pay Bills, "PayAnyone", Balance
Transfer, and Change PIN. In accordance with the aspect of paying
bills, the Pay Bills option is shown highlighted (selected),
indicating that the user has elected to activate the Pay Bills
function of the mobile application. The user can activate this
function by selecting Pay Bills from the menu on screen 1706 or may
press the "3" key on the keypad. In response, the Mobile Wallet
application presents a display screen Pay Bills as shown at
1708.
[0361] In accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention, the
Pay Bills screen 1708 provides a list of selectable pending bills.
In one embodiment, the list can be arranged so that the latest bill
is listed at the top and oldest bill is listed at the bottom, as
shown in screen view 1708. Other arrangements such as the oldest
bills are listed first can also be implemented. According to one
exemplary aspect of the invention, and as shown in screen 1708,
when the "Pay Bills" function is selected, the oldest bill is
automatically highlighted for the user to pay first, e.g. "Phone
Bill Due Nov. 17, 2005 $34.45". In this as in other exemplary
aspects of the invention, a user navigates the list by using up and
down navigation controls and selects the one that he/she wishes to
pay by pressing the "Select" Key when an appropriate bill is
highlighted.
[0362] In response to selection of a particular bill, information
about the selected bill is displayed to the user, as shown in
screen 1710. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the invention,
selected information relating to the selected bill is displayed,
for example the name of the billing entity, the date the bill was
received, the amount of the bill, optionally a minimum payment, and
the due date, as shown in screen view 1710. Optionally, but not
shown in screen 1710, the overall balance due on an account may be
shown. The exemplary screen 1710 also preferably includes a Pay,
Back, and a Next button as navigation controls that permit viewing
other bills in a sequential list of bills. As will be appreciated,
the Pay button or control is used to pay the bill currently on
display.
[0363] According to exemplary aspects of the invention, when the
"Pay" key is pressed, the Mobile Wallet application provides a
screen view 1712 that allows the user to select the amount to pay.
In a preferred embodiment, the user is offered following options:
(1) to pay the minimum amount due; (2) to pay the full amount due;
or (3) to pay a user specified amount. The first two options are
self-explanatory and lead to proper payment based on the
information on the record. The third option provides the user with
flexibility to specify a desired amount. If the third option is
selected, the Mobile Wallet application provides a screen view (not
shown) that allows entry of a desired amount to pay. The exemplary
screen 1712 also preferably includes a Pay, Back, and a Next button
as navigation controls that permit viewing other bills in a
sequential list of bills, or proceeding with payment of the
selected bill. As will be appreciated, the Pay button or control is
used to pay the amount currently selected.
[0364] Continuing with screen 1712, when the user has decided the
amount to pay and the "Pay" key is pressed, a screen view 1714 is
displayed that shows a default payment source (Bank of USA, in this
case) and its related information. In the exemplary screen 1714,
the default payment source Bank of USA has three selectable
accounts, e.g. a Savings Balance, a Checking Balance, and Other
(e.g. a money market account or perhaps a borrowing account).
According to an exemplary aspect, a particular default account is
shown highlighted (e.g. the Checking Balance), to indicate to the
user that the Checking Account for this payment source is the
default payment source that will be utilized unless overridden by
the user by other means.
[0365] According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, the
screen 1714 further includes text prompting the user to confirm the
currently displayed default payment source, e.g. the text reads
"Pay with default payment source?" If the user presses the "Select"
key in screen view 1714, indicating confirmation that the current
bill is to be paid with the default payment source, then the Mobile
Wallet application generates a screen view 1716 that includes
information confirming the payment and updating the payment source
information. At this point, the user can either press the "Done"
button to complete the mobile payment transaction or press "Next"
to make other payments. In accordance with exemplary aspects of the
invention, the amount of the current payment ($34.45 in the example
shown) is subtracted from the balance shown on the default payment
source (the Checking Balance), so that the user's payment source
information is instantaneously updated to reflect the payment (i.e.
the Checking Balance is reduced by $34.45, as shown between screens
1714 and 1716. This occurs in exemplary embodiments even though the
amount of the bill has not yet actually been debited from the
user's bank account.
[0366] FIG. 18A is a sequence diagram illustrating a method 1800
for paying a bill according to a preferred embodiment of the
present invention. The method or process 1800 involves
communications or messages between a mobile device 15, the MFTS 18,
at least one billing entity (e.g. a bill presentment system 190 or
a separate billing entity), and a selected financial institution 30
that serves as a selected payment source (PS). In this example, the
user's default financial institution (FI) 30A is described as the
selected payment source.
[0367] It is assumed in FIG. 18A that the user has previously
viewed payment sources and account balances, and has selected a
particular bill to be paid. Thus, the initial step of the process
1800 is step 1802, where the user has received information about
all bills to pay and is ready to select a particular bill to pay,
e.g. via screen 1708 in FIG. 17. When the user is ready to pay a
bill, at step 1804 he/she selects a particular bill to pay. As
shown in the exemplary screen views 1712 and 1714, the user selects
a payment source and decides/enters an amount to pay in the step
1806. In response to entry of an amount to pay, a mobile payment
instruction (MPI) message 1808 is communicated from the mobile
device 15 to the MFTS 18 that includes the desired amount and
identifies the financial institution selected for making the
payment. At step 1810, the MFTS 18 receives the MPI message, and
prepares an MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) message 1812 to the
selected financial institution 30A. The MFTSPI message 1812 is
preferably an inquiry message to the financial institution to
verify whether the selected payment source has sufficient funds for
making the payment, and/or an instruction to make the payment if
sufficient funds are available.
[0368] Further at step 1814, the MFTSPI message 1812 is
communicated to the financial institution 30A, and received at step
1814. If sufficient funds are not available to cover the payment,
the FI 30A generates and communicates a reply message 1816' (not
shown) to the MFTS 18 to advise that funds are not available and in
turn, the MFTS sends an acknowledgement message (not shown) to the
user that the requested payment failed. Otherwise, the FI prepares
a funds available message (FAM) 1816 indicating that sufficient
funds are available and transmits this message to the MFTS. At step
1818, the MFTS 18 receives the funds available message and prepares
a corresponding funds available message 1820 to the mobile device
15 that permits the Mobile Wallet application to proceed with
generating a payment instruction message. This funds available
message is received at the mobile device at step 1822, where the
Mobile Wallet application proceeds with processing the payment.
Step 1822 includes actions such as generating a payment
confirmation display for the user, e.g. screen 1714 (FIG. 17),
which requests that the user confirm "Pay with default Payment
Source?" It will be of course appreciated that the user could
decline payment with the default payment source and use the
navigation controls to select a different payment source, in which
case further and correspondingly appropriate messages from the
Mobile Wallet application are generated and returned to the MFTS
18.
[0369] In response to the user confirmation of the payment source,
e.g. via confirmation of the default payment source, the Mobile
Wallet application generates and transmits a message 1824
indicating confirmation of the payment to the MFTS 18. The payment
confirmation message from the mobile device 15 is received at the
MFTS 18 at step 1826. At step 1826 the MFTS 18 receives the
confirmed payment instruction from the mobile device 15 and
constructs a payment source payment instruction message 1828.
According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, as shown in FIG.
18A, a payment source payment instruction message 1828 is
communicated to the bill presentment system 190. In the event of
utilization of a bill presentment system 190, at step 1830 the
system 190 receives the payment source payment instruction 1828,
generates a corresponding payment instruction message 1832 to the
financial institution 30A, and processes the payment internally,
e.g. by clearing the bill due from the user's queue of unpaid
bills.
[0370] At step 1834 the financial institution 30A receives the
payment source payment instruction, from a bill presentment system
190 and responds accordingly. As will be appreciated, the financial
institution takes steps internally to withdraw funds or enter a
debit on behalf of the user from the selected account, and generate
an appropriate payment instrument to the billing entity. The
generation of an appropriate and selected payment instruction, for
example a paper check, an ACH funds transfer, a stored value card,
etc. is described elsewhere herein.
[0371] Upon completion of appropriate steps to generate and
transmit a payment to the billing entity at step 1834, a payment
confirmation message 1836 is generated by the financial institution
30A and transmitted to the Bill Presentment System 190. At step
1831, the Bill Presentment System 190 receives the payment
confirmation message, clears the bill on record, generates a mobile
payment confirmation message 1837, and communicates this message
1837 to the MFTS 18 as shown in step 1838. The MFTS 18 receives the
confirmation message 1837 and forwards another confirmation message
1840 to the mobile device 15. At step 1842, the mobile device 15
receives the mobile payment confirmation message 1840 and displays
payment confirmed information, e.g. display screen 1716 in FIG.
17.
[0372] Referring now to FIG. 18B, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown. Here the steps/messages 1802 through
step 1826 and the step/message after 1838 are the same or similar
to the steps/messages shown in FIG. 18A. At step 1826 the MFTS 18
receives the confirmed payment instruction from the mobile device
15 and constructs a payment source payment instruction message
1828'. A payment source payment instruction message 1828' is
communicated to the bill presentment system 190. In the event of
utilization of a bill presentment system 190, at step 1830' the
system 190 receives the payment source payment instruction 1828',
generates a corresponding payment instruction message 1832' to the
financial institution 30A, and processes the payment internally,
e.g. by clearing the bill due from the user's queue of unpaid
bills.
[0373] At step 1834' the financial institution 30A receives the
payment source payment instruction, from a bill presentment system
190 and responds accordingly. Upon completion of appropriate steps
to generate and transmit a payment to the billing entity at step
1834', a payment confirmation message 1836' is generated by the
financial institution 30A and transmitted to the MFTS 18.
[0374] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that variations
on the above-described process will occur to those skilled in the
art.
Payanyone Payment Method
[0375] FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate exemplary display screens on
a mobile device 15 of a user/payer and a second user/payee,
respectively, in connection with a "PayAnyone" payment process. A
"PayAnyone" payment process is a payment method for paying an
entity other than a user's preregistered regular billing entities
or service providers. Examples include making payments at point of
sale, with the identity of the payee determined at the time of
making the payment; making a payment to an individual that
possesses a mobile device capable of running the Mobile Wallet
application (but perhaps not yet downloaded and operational);
making a payment to an individual or other entity that does not
possess a mobile device but requests a certain form of payment such
as a paper check, electronic funds transfer, stored value card,
etc. Numerous variations on the "PayAnyone" payment method will
occur upon consideration of the following display screens and
process steps.
[0376] It will thus be appreciated that certain options of the
"PayAnyone" payment method contemplate payment to an entity that
has registered with the MFTS 18, and other options contemplate
payment to an entity that was not previously registered. The
"PayAnyone" payment method allows users to send other registered or
non-registered people payments as an alternative to cash. The
method also contemplates making payments anywhere--at point of
sale, locally, across country, and across national borders (of
course within the confines of applicable currency regulations)
without physically handling of cash or checks. The method also
contemplates receipt of a payment by the recipient and relatively
fast (virtually instant) availability of the funds.
[0377] Key issues in a "PayAnyone" payment method include (1)
identification of a payee and (2) the manner and/or form of making
the payment. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, a
user is given a choice of either selecting a payee from a list
provided by the MFTS through the mobile device, or
selecting/entering a payee by entering/selecting a mobile phone
number associated with a payee. Similarly, and according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention, there are several different ways
for the payee to receive payments. For example, the user/payer can
select a payment method from following payment methods: (1)
"Recipient Defined", (2) "Bank Draft" (or ACH electronic transfer),
(3) "Paper Check" and (4) "Stored Value Card". The "Recipient
Defined" method allows the payee to choose one of the three
remaining methods, i.e. "Bank Draft", "Paper Check" and "Stored
Value Card".
[0378] It is to be noted that the payee selection and payment
method selection are entirely independent. The following
descriptions of preferred embodiments of a "PayAnyone" illustrate
that various payee selections and payment method selections are
contemplated as exemplary aspect of the inventions. For example, in
FIG. 19 and FIG. 26, a payee is chosen by selecting a name from a
list, while in FIG. 23 and FIG. 29, a payee is chosen by entering a
payee's mobile phone number. In FIG. 19 through FIG. 31, all four
different payment methods are discussed. Any combinations of payee
selection and payment method selection are possible in light of the
following teaching. The description of the exemplary embodiments of
the invention has been presented only for the purpose of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.
[0379] PayAnyone with Recipient Defined Payment Method: FIG. 19
shows a sequence of payer's mobile device screen views 1900 as a
user uses "PayAnyone" option, selects a name from a list, and uses
a "Recipient Defined" payment method according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention. Screens 1902, 1904, 1906 are exemplary
screens for displaying selectable applications, login, and
selection of Mobile Wallet applications that have been described
elsewhere herein and will not be repeated. It will, however, be
seen in screen 1906 that one of the selectable options is a
"PayAnyone" option, shown highlighted and therefore selected. In
response to selection of the "PayAnyone" option in screen 1906, in
accordance with one exemplary aspect of the invention the user is
presented with a short menu shown in screen view 1908 to allows
selection of a payee by name or by mobile phone. In accordance
therewith, the user can either select a payee's name from a list or
select/enter a payee's mobile phone number.
[0380] In this example, assume that the user selects the "Paying by
Name" option from the menu. In response to selection of this
option, a screen is displayed on the mobile device comprising a
list of pre-entered payees, e.g. screen 1910, with names Jane
Bennett, John Doe, Robert Johnson, Carol Jones, etc. As shown in
screen 1910, the payee name John Doe is shown highlighted and
therefore selected for action. Information relating to the names on
the list in the screen 1910 may be stored locally in the mobile
device and/or in the MFTS 18 user database.
[0381] Although not discussed in connection with FIG. 19, it will
be understood that that the user may select the "Paying by Mobile
Phone" option in screen 1908 and enter a mobile phone number for a
different form of payment, as discussed elsewhere herein.
[0382] As in other mobile device screen displays described herein,
a scroll bar navigation control on the right of the display screen
indicates that the name list is larger than the mobile device can
display and allows scrolling down the list. Likewise, the user can
activate the "Back" or "Next" keys or navigation control to
navigate the name list and a payee is selected on the list by using
a "Select" key.
[0383] Continuing with the example, in response to selection of a
particular payee in screen 1910 (e.g. John Doe), a screen 1912 is
presented that allows the user to enter an amount to pay. In the
example, the user has entered $123.45. The user then presses the
"Next" button, which results in a display screen 1914 that requests
confirmation of the default payment source. At this point, the user
can also use the "Back" key to make further changes or press the
"Cancel" key to abandon the payment.
[0384] In response to user entry of an amount to pay, the Mobile
Wallet application presents the exemplary screen view 1914, that,
as in previous examples, permits the user to select an account from
several available accounts of the default payment source. As in a
previous example, the Bank of USA account is shown as a default
payment source, and the checking account is shown
selected/highlighted as the default account for use. After the
selection of a particular account, the user presses the "Select"
key to continue the process for making a payment.
[0385] In response to selection of an account in screen 1914, and
according to one exemplary aspect of the invention, the user is
presented with a display screen 1916 that allows selection of one
of a plurality of different payment instruments or methods for
making the payment to the payee. In this example, four choices are
provided: (1) Recipient Defined, (2) ACH (e.g. bank draft), (3)
Paper Check and (4) Stored Value Card. The user can use the "Back"
and "Next" keys to navigate the menu and use the "Select" key to
make selection of a particular payment method or instrument. In
this example, the "Recipient Defined" payment method is chosen,
i.e. the recipient can select the method of receiving payment when
information relating to the payment is received by the payee. The
selection by the payee of the payment instrument is described in
connection with other figures, e.g. see FIG. 20. As will be seen in
FIG. 20, the payee is given the choice of selecting from ACH, Paper
Check, or Stored Value Card; such steps and displays for the
recipient/payee are discussed in connection with FIG. 20.
[0386] Continuing with FIG. 19, in response to user selection of
the payment method or instrument, the Mobile Wallet application
generates a display screen 1918 that allows user confirmation of
the payment. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention,
the screen view 1918 displays a confirmation of the payment and the
remaining balance of the payment source used in this transaction,
for example, the Checking Balance of the default payment source is
debited by the amount of the payment $123.45 from that shown in
screen 1914. At this point, the user may press the "Done" button to
finish the "PayAnyone" application, or the "Next" button to
initiate another transaction.
[0387] Turn next to FIG. 20 for a discussion of the payee's view of
the recipient defined payment method. It should be understood that
the display screens shown in FIG. 20 assume that the payee/payment
recipient possesses a mobile device that is capable of running the
Mobile Wallet application, is configured for operation with a
system and methods as described herein, and is a registered use of
the MFTS 18. In the event that the payee/recipient is not so
configured and registered, he or she may receive a text message
(SMS) indicating that the payer wishes to make a payment, and
providing instructions to the payee/recipient as to how to download
and execute the Mobile Wallet application on his or her mobile
device, or take other action to receive the payments. Discussion of
such operations and features for a non-registered payee/recipient
is provided elsewhere herein.
[0388] Generally, and according to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, on the payee side, an SMS text message is received by
the payee from the MFTS SMS generator 151 (FIG. 2). If the payee
has the Mobile Wallet application installed on his/her mobile
device, he/she can directly invoke the application while reading
the SMS text message to receive the payment. Accordingly, FIG. 20
shows a sequence 2000 of user/payee's mobile device screen views in
response to receipt of messages and communications generated by a
user/payer that has invoked a "PayAnyone" option, selects a name
from a list, and uses a "Recipient Defined" payment method.
[0389] Display screen 2002 is an exemplary mobile device display
that a payee sees in response to receipt of a message from the MFTS
18, e.g. an SMS message or a message in a format especially adapted
for communications between the MFTS 18 and the Mobile Wallet
application. As shown in screen 2002, information is displayed to
the payee indicating that a person with an identified mobile number
(e.g. 404-404-4040) is sending the payee/recipient a payment in the
amount of $123.45, and prompting the payee/recipient to select a
payment receipt method from a list of several different payment
receipt methods. According to an exemplary aspect of the invention,
the message from the MFTS 18 either (a) automatically launches the
Mobile Wallet application or (b) prompts the payee/recipient to
activate the Mobile Wallet application. In either case, the payee
is notified that someone (either with a name or a phone number) has
sent a payment and the amount of the payment. The payee is
requested/prompted to select a payment method from a list of
possible payment delivery methods: ACH, Paper Check or Stored Value
Card. The payee then makes the selection according to the
instruction as shown in screen view 2002.
[0390] ACH: In response to selection by the payee of the ACH
method, according to one exemplary aspect of the invention, the
Mobile Wallet application provides a display screen 2010 to effect
this method. In accordance with this aspect, the payee is shown a
default ACH account with a default bank routing number and account
number as shown in screen view 2010. The screen preferably includes
controls for Confirm, Change Account, and Cancel. The Confirm
control effectively confirms the displayed default payment receipt
method. If the payee confirms the default payment receipt method,
another screen view 2012 is displayed that informs the payee the
ACH transfer is completed. On the other hand, the payee has the
ability to change to another ACH account by selecting the Change
Account control, which displays a separate display screen (not
shown) for entering a new bank routing number and account number.
The Mobile Wallet application then preferably displays another
screen similar to that at 2010 upon entry of an alternative bank
routing number and account number, followed by a confirmation such
as screen view 2012 after the transaction is completed and
confirmed.
[0391] Paper Check: In response to selection by the payee of the
paper check payment receipt method from screen 2002, according to
one exemplary aspect of the invention, the Mobile Wallet
application provides a display screen 2020 to effect this method.
In accordance with this aspect, the screen view 2020 displays a
default mailing address to which a paper check should be mailed.
The exemplary screen also includes selectable controls for Confirm,
Change Address, and Cancel. The screen effectively prompts the
payee to confirm the displayed default mailing address which is
stored in the MFTS 18. If the payee confirms the default mailing
address by pressing "Confirm" control, an exemplary screen view
2022 is displayed to inform the payee that a paper check will be
mailed to the default mailing address. On the other hand, the payee
has the ability to change to another mailing address by entering a
new mailing address by selecting the Change Address control, which
displays a separate display screen (not shown) for entering a
different mailing address. The Mobile Wallet application then
preferably displays another screen similar to that at 2020 upon
entry of an alternative mailing address, followed by a confirmation
such as screen view 2022 after the transaction is completed and
confirmed.
[0392] Stored Value Card: In response to selection by the payee of
the Stored Value Card payment receipt method from screen 2002,
according to one exemplary aspect of the invention, the Mobile
Wallet application provides a display screen 2030 to effect this
method. In accordance with this aspect, the screen view 2030
displays a default stored value card account into which the funds
would be deposited. The exemplary screen also includes selectable
controls for Confirm, Change Account, and Cancel. The screen
effectively prompts the payee to confirm the displayed stored value
card account which is stored in the MFTS 18. If the payee confirms
the default stored value card account by pressing "Confirm"
control, an exemplary screen view 2032 is displayed to inform the
payee that the indicated amount will be deposited in the default
stored value card account. On the other hand, the payee has the
ability to change to another stored value card account by entering
a new account by selecting the Change Account control, which
displays a separate display screen (not shown) for entering a
different stored value card account number. The Mobile Wallet
application then preferably displays another screen similar to that
at 2030 upon entry of an alternative stored value card account,
followed by a confirmation such as screen view 2032 after the
transaction is completed and confirmed.
[0393] According to one exemplary alternative aspect of the
invention, the payee/recipient is not required to have the Mobile
Wallet application installed on their mobile device, especially for
the paper check and stored value options. In accordance with this
aspect of the invention, one or more text messages (SMS) containing
information essentially as shown in FIG. 20 can be generated by the
MFTS 18 and communicated to a mobile device possessed by a
payee/recipient, with instructions to the payee/recipient to return
a text message (SMS) containing information indicated, e.g. to
confirm a default mailing address for a paper check or stored value
account, or provide an alternative mailing address or stored value
account. It will thus be appreciated that aspects of the invention
can readily be constructed using SMS messaging techniques, for
payees with mobile devices that do not have the Mobile Wallet
application installed or where the payee has not elected to use and
run the Mobile Wallet application.
[0394] FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating a method 2100 for
a "PayAnyone" payment method according to an exemplary aspect of
the invention. The method or process 2100 involves communications
or messages between a mobile device 15 and the MFTS 18, and allows
selection by the user of a particular form of payment for making a
payment to a person identified during interactions with the system.
This process is in contrast to the previously described method for
making a payment to a pre-identified billing entity.
[0395] Starting at step 2102, the user activates the Mobile Wallet
application and logs in or otherwise provides authentication
information at step 2104. An authentication message (AM) 2106 is
generated and communicated to the MFTS 18, which at step 2108
authenticates the user. Upon authentication of the user by the MFTS
at step 2108, an authentication confirmation message (ACM) 2110 is
returned by the MFTS 18 to the mobile device 15, which permits the
Mobile Wallet application to execute on the mobile device, as shown
at step 2112. According to one exemplary aspect of the invention,
at step 2112 the MFTS 18 also retrieves a predefined payee list
associated with the user from the user database and sends this
user's payee list back to the mobile device, where it is displayed
to the user (see exemplary screen in FIG. 19).
[0396] After the Mobile Wallet application is opened at step 2112,
assume that the user selects the "PayAnyone" option in step 2114.
He/she then selects a name from the predetermined payee list or
enters a mobile phone number to choose a payee as shown in step
2116, and enters the amount in dollars and cents to pay in step
2118. At step 2120, the user selects one of the available payment
methods, e.g. Recipient Defined, ACH, Paper Check, or Stored Value
Card, as shown in FIG. 19. In this example, assume that the user
has selected to pay with the Recipient Defined payment method.
Information corresponding to the selected payment method is
provided in a mobile payment instruction (MPI) message 2122 and
forwarded to the MFTS 18 for further processing by the MFTS 18 and
other related parties as shown in step 2124.
[0397] FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating a recipient
defined "PayAnyone" method 2200 according to an exemplary aspect of
the invention. The method or process 2200 involves communications
or messages between a user/payer's mobile device 15 (not shown
here), the MFTS 18, a payee's mobile device 2202, a user/payee's
financial institution 30A, a payee's financial institution 2260,
the payee 2270, and stored value card issuing company 2280. In this
example, assume that in FIG. 21 the user has selected the Recipient
Defined payment method at step 2120 and this decision has been
communicated to the MFTS 18. According to one exemplary aspect of
the invention, the MFTS sends the payee a text message (SMS) 2206
such as the one shown in screen view 2002 of FIG. 20, as indicated
at step 2204. This message 2206 informs the payee that a payment of
a certain amount is pending and that the payee should make a
selection from a list of selected payment methods as shown in step
2208. The payee then preferably uses his/her mobile device 2202 to
make a selection from three payment methods offered in step 2210.
Such a selection may be made by return text message, or by use of
the Mobile Wallet application if installed on the payee's mobile
device. In any case, a mobile payment instruction (MPI) message
2212 including information relating to a selected payment method is
returned to the MFTS 18, e.g. a message 2212A for selecting the ACH
payment method, a message 2212B for selecting a paper check, or a
message 2206C for selecting a stored value card payment method.
[0398] ACH payment method: If the payee chooses an ACH payment
method, a payment method selection message 2212A including the
payee's ACH account information and payment amount are forwarded to
the MFTS 18 through the wireless carrier networks as shown in step
2214. A corresponding request 2220A is then sent to the
user/payer's financial institution 30A (the payment source) for
payment to a specified bank account of the payee from an account
specified by the user, as indicated at step 2222. Once the
user/payer's financial institution 30A verifies that the user has
sufficient funds to cover the payment, the payer's financial
institution sends an ACH draft to the specified account of payee's
financial institution 2260 as indicated at step 2226.
[0399] Paper Check payment method: if the payee chooses a paper
check payment method, a payment method selection message 2212B
including the payee's mailing address information and payment
amount are forwarded to the MFTS 18 through the wireless carrier
networks as shown in step 2216. A corresponding request 2220B is
then sent to the user/payer's financial institution 30A for
generation of a paper check drawn on the specified account of the
user/payer and mailing of that check to the payee, as indicated at
step 2222. Once the user/payer's financial institution 30A verifies
that the user has sufficient funds to cover the payment, the
payer's financial institution mails a check 2224B to the payee, the
receipt of which by the payee is indicated at step 2228.
[0400] Stored value payment method: if the payee chooses a stored
value card payment method, a payment method selection message 2212C
including the payee's stored value card account information and
payment amount are forwarded to the MFTS 18 through the wireless
carrier networks as shown in step 2218. A corresponding request
2220C is then sent to the user/payer's financial institution 30A
for crediting the payee's identified stored value card account,
drawn on the specified account of the user/payer, as indicated at
step 2222. Once the user/payer's financial institution 30A verifies
that the user has sufficient funds to cover the payment, the
payer's financial institution credits the identified stored value
card account (through 2224C) in the designated amount, the receipt
of which by the payee is indicated at step 2230. It should be
understood that step 2230, indicating receipt of loaded stored
value card, reflects both (a) the crediting of a preexisting stored
value card account associated with the payee, or (b) the issuance
of a new loaded stored value card to the payee, for example by
providing the payee with information indicating a location at which
an unloaded stored value card may be obtained and also providing
information such as a validation code that would permit the payee
to present the unloaded card to a terminal or representative so as
to "load" the card with the payment amount. Such details of loading
and delivering stored value cards to individuals are known to those
skilled in the art and do not form a separate part of the
invention.
[0401] It will be understood that, for a payment, these three
methods can be used independently or combined so the payee may have
the flexibility of allocating a portion of the payment with ACH,
and the remaining portion of the payment to paper check and/or
stored value card.
Pay Anyone by Phone Number
[0402] FIG. 23 shows a sequence of payer's mobile device screen
views 2300 for a "PayAnyone by phone number" payment method
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. In this
particular method, the payer/user selects/enters a mobile device
phone number to identify a payee. Specifically illustrated is an
"ACH" payment method according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention. It will be understood that the payer can alternatively
select a paper check or stored value card payment method, and that
the particular payment method described is merely exemplary.
[0403] As in previously described embodiments and aspects, the user
first selects the Mobile Wallet application in screen 2302,
provides authentication information (e.g. a login) via screen 2304,
and is authenticated by the MFTS before being presented with
options for making a payment at screen 2306. Assume that in screen
2306 the user selects the "PayAnyone" option. In response to this
selection the user is provided with a short menu of options as
shown in screen view 2308 to select a payee, either by name or by
mobile phone number. According to this exemplary aspect of the
invention, in response to selection of the option "Paying by Mobile
Phone" by either entry of the numeral "2" or activating the Select
control, the user is presented with a screen 2310 for entry of the
payee/recipient's mobile phone number.
[0404] According to this exemplary aspect of the invention, an
exemplary payee's phone number 404-555-2121 is entered as shown in
the screen view 2310. The screen 2310 further includes controls for
Next, Back, and Cancel, which operate in the manner as previously
described to continue the process, return to a previous screen, or
cancel the transaction. In response to the user's activation of the
Next control after entry of the payee's phone number, the user is
presented with a payment amount data entry screen 2312 for entry of
the amount to pay. The user then enters the amount to pay. In this
example, the user has entered $123.45. As in other exemplary
screens, the amount entry screen 2312 includes a Next, Back, and
Cancel control. In response to the user's activation of the Next
control, the user is presented with a screen 2314 that displays the
default payment source (e.g. Bank of USA), available balances in
the default accounts of the default payment source, and prompts the
user to confirm the selected default. As in previous examples, the
user can activate the "Select" control to select the default
account and payment source, or navigate to an alternative payment
source.
[0405] After selection and/or confirmation of the payment source
via screen 2314, the user is presented with a screen 2316 that
allows selection of a payment method. The user uses the "Back" and
"Next" keys to navigate the menu and uses the "Select" control to
make a selection. In this example, the "ACH" payment method is
shown highlighted and therefore chosen. In response to activation
of the Select control in screen 2316, the user is presented with a
screen 2318 that displays a confirmation of the payment, the
selected payment method, and the remaining/updated balance of the
payment source used in this transaction. At this point, the user
may activate the "Done" control to finish the "PayAnyone"
application or the "Next" control to initiate another
transaction.
[0406] FIG. 24 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views 2400
from a payee's perspective, via a payee's mobile device, for a
"PayAnyone" option where a user selects/enters a mobile device
phone number and uses an "ACH" payment method according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention. As in other embodiments and
aspects, the information shown may be presented to the payee either
by a sequence of text messages (SMS) or by displays generated by
the Mobile Wallet application if loaded and activated on the
payee's mobile device.
[0407] As shown in screen 2402, an SMS text message is received
from the SMS generator 151, or similar information generated by the
Mobile Wallet application running on the payee's mobile device. In
accordance with this message, the payee is notified that someone
with a phone number 404-404-4040 has sent a payment in the amount
of $123.45 for delivery via an ACH funds transfer. According to one
exemplary aspect of the invention, the message to the payee
includes a default payment receipt method, for example, deposit to
a predetermined bank (as identified by bank routing number) and
account. If generated by the Mobile Wallet application, the screen
2402 preferably includes a "Confirm" control, a "Change Account"
control, and a "Cancel" control. By activating the "Confirm"
control the payee/recipient can confirm that the displayed ACH bank
routing number and account number stored in the MFTS database is
correct for the payment. On the other hand, the payee has the
ability to change to another ACH account by entering a new account
number and bank routing number by activating the "Change Account"
control. As in other examples, if the payee activates the "Change
Account" control in screen view 2402, a separate screen (not shown)
is displayed at which the payee is allowed to enter another ACH
bank routing number and account number.
[0408] If the payee confirms the payment delivery method by
activating the "Confirm" control in screen 2402, a screen view 2404
is shown that prompts the payee to confirm the deposit to the
identified ACH account. The screen 2404 also preferably includes a
"Done" control, a "Change Account" control, and a "Cancel" control.
The "Change Account" control works in the manner described
elsewhere. Activating the "Done" control causes display of a screen
2406 that prompts the user to set the currently selected bank
account as a default ACH account for the payee. If the payee
activates the "Yes" control in screen 2406, then the default ACH
account information is sent back to the MFTS 18 for storage in
association with other information relating to this particular
payee. Otherwise, the default ACH account is not changed.
[0409] Upon confirmation of the bank account as a default ACH
account by activation of the "Yes" control or by activation of the
"No" control to leave the identified account intact, a screen 2408
is displayed that prompts the payee/recipient to confirm the
deposit of the payment to the currently selected account. A "Yes"
and a "No" control are provided to confirm or reject the deposit to
the account. If the answer is "Yes", the payee's answer is sent to
the MFTS 18 for further processing of the transaction. In response
to processing of the transaction by making the ACH payment,
according to one exemplary aspect of the invention the payee
receives a confirmation message or display 2410 indicating that the
received payment will be deposited into the ACH account the payee
specified previously. At this point, the payee may activate a
"Done" control to finish receiving payment or a "Next" control
process another transaction, if applicable.
[0410] FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram of a "PayAnyone" with ACH
payment method or process 2500 according to an exemplary aspect of
the invention, showing the interactions among a payer/user's mobile
device 15, a payee's mobile device 2521, the MFTS 18, a third party
payment provider 2560, and a payee's financial institution 2580.
The third party payment provider 2560, as in previous aspects, is a
payment instruction recipient that effects a payment to the payee,
in this case by transferring funds to the payee's financial
institution 2580.
[0411] As in previous methods described elsewhere, steps 2502, 2504
involve authentication of the user/payer to the MFTS 18 through
message 2506, authentication by the MFTS 18 in step 2508, and
sending an authentication confirmation message 2510 and user's
payee list to the user's mobile device 15. In response to
authentication, the user opens the Mobile Wallet application in
2502 and enters the password or PIN in 2504, the MFTS authenticates
the login and sends user's current payee list (2510) to the user's
Mobile Wallet of his/her mobile device in step 2508. This action
allows the user to proceed with use of the Mobile Wallet
application at step 2512. The user then selects "PayAnyone" in step
2514 and selects a payee name from the payee list received during
the login, or enters a phone number to specify a payee in step
2516. The user then enters a payment amount with the mobile device
in step 2518 and selects the ACH payment method in step 2520.
[0412] In response to the foregoing steps, a mobile payment
instruction (MPI) message 2522 is generated by the Mobile Wallet
application and communicated to the MFTS 18. The MPI 2522 will
typically include the payment amount, payment method (in this case
an ACH payment), and payee information including the payee's phone
number. At step 2524, the MFTS 18 examines the payment instruction
and generates a message 2526 to the payee's mobile device 2521 to
request the payee to specify or confirm the ACH method for the
payment. This message 2526 is sent to the payee's mobile device and
received at step 2528. According to an exemplary aspect of the
invention, the payee can receive the message 2526 via one or more
text messages or by a communication that activates an appropriate
routine of the Mobile Wallet application (not separately shown). At
step 2528 the payee selects an account into which the funds should
be deposited. A return payment account selection message 2530 is
generated (e.g. a return text message or communication from the
Mobile Wallet on the payee's device) that indicates the account
into which the payee wishes to deposit the payment. This return
payment account selection message 2530 is transmitted back to the
MFTS 18 and received at step 2532.
[0413] At step 2532, the MFTS 18 receives the payment account
selection message 2530 and determines the identity of a third party
payment provider (i.e. a payment instruction recipient) that
generates the ACH payment transaction. An MFTS payment instruction
(MFTSPI) 2534 is generated and communicated to third party payment
provider 2560. This MFTSPI 2534 is received at step 2536. At step
1562, the third party payment provider generates an ACH funds
transfer (2538) and communicates this electronically in the known
ACH funds transfer manner to the payee's financial institution
2580. Receipt of this ACH funds transfer at the payee's financial
institution is shown at step 2540. A payment confirmation message
(not shown) is preferably generated either by the payee's financial
institution 2580, or the third party payment provider 2560, and
provided back to the MFTS 18 so that the data records associated
with this payment can be updated and any appropriate payment
confirmation messages provided to the payee's mobile device and/or
the payer's mobile device.
Pay Anyone by Name
Paper Check
[0414] FIG. 26 shows a sequence of payer's mobile device screen
views 2600 for a "PayAnyone by name" payment method according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention. In this particular method, the
payer/user selects/enters a name to identify the payee.
Specifically illustrated is a "paper check" payment method
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. It will be
understood that the payer can alternatively select an ACH payment
method (as described above) or stored value card payment method,
and that the particular payment method described is merely
exemplary.
[0415] As in previously described embodiments and aspects, the user
first selects the Mobile Wallet application in screen 2602,
provides authentication information (e.g. a login) via screen 2604,
and is authenticated by the MFTS before being presented with
options for making a payment at screen 2606. Assume that in screen
2606 the user selects the "PayAnyone" option. In response to this
selection the user is provided with a short menu of options as
shown in screen view 2608 to select a payee, either by name or by
mobile phone number. According to this exemplary aspect of the
invention, in response to selection of the option "Paying by Name"
by either entry of the numeral "1" or activating the Select
control, the user is presented with a screen 2610 comprising a list
of selectable pre-entered payees.
[0416] According to this exemplary aspect of the invention, an
exemplary payee's name "John Doe" is shown highlighted in screen
2610 and therefore selected. The screen 2610 further includes
controls for Select, Up, and Down, which operate select a
particular name or navigate the list of pre-entered names. In
response to the user's activation of the Select control after a
particular payee's name, the user is presented with a payment
amount data entry screen 2612 for entry of the amount to pay. The
user then enters the amount to pay. In this example, the user has
entered $123.45. As in other exemplary screens, the amount entry
screen 2612 includes a Next, Back, and Cancel control. In response
to the user's activation of the Next control, the user is presented
with a screen 2614 that displays the default payment source (e.g.
Bank of USA), available balances in the default accounts of the
default payment source, and prompts the user to confirm the
selected default. As in previous examples, the user can activate
the "Select" control to select the default account and payment
source, or navigate to an alternative payment source.
[0417] After selection and/or confirmation of the payment source
via screen 2614, the user is presented with a screen 2616 that
allows selection of a payment method. The user uses the "Back" and
"Next" keys to navigate the menu and uses "Select" control or a
numeric key to make a selection. In this example, the "Paper Check"
payment method is shown highlighted and therefore chosen. In
response to activation of the Select control in screen 2616, the
user is presented with a screen 2618 that requests a confirmation
of the payment and the selected payment method, e.g. "Send a paper
check to Mr. John Doe's default address?" At this point, the user
may select a "Yes," "No," or "Cancel" control. In response to
selection of the "Yes" control is screen 2618, the user is
presented with a screen 2620 that requests confirmation of the
transaction and includes information about the transaction
including the name and mailing address of the payee. The screen
2618 includes a "Pay," "Change Address," and "Next" control that
operate to confirm the payment, or change the payee's address.
[0418] In response to selection of the Pay control, indicating
confirmation of the payment, screen 2622 is displayed. Screen 2622
displays confirmation information that a payment in the indicated
amount of $123.45 will be made to John Doe by paper check, together
with updated account balance information reflecting deduction of
the payment amount from the account balance as reflected in the
MFTS 18 records. At this point, the user may activate the "Done"
control to finish the "PayAnyone" application or the "Next" control
to initiate another transaction.
[0419] FIG. 27 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views 2700
from a payee's perspective, via a payee's mobile device, for a
"PayAnyone" payment method, where a user, selects/enters payee's
name and uses a paper check payment method according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention. As in other embodiments and
aspects, the information shown may be presented to the payee either
by a sequence of text messages (SMS) or by displays generated by
the Mobile Wallet application if loaded and activated on the
payee's mobile device.
[0420] As shown in screen 2702, an SMS text message is received
from the SMS generator 151, or similar information generated by the
Mobile Wallet application running on the payee's mobile device. In
accordance with this message, the payee is notified that someone
with a phone number 404-404-4040 has sent a payment in the amount
of $123.45, via a paper check mailed to an indicated address.
According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, the message to
the payee includes a default payment address for mailing of the
check. If generated by the Mobile Wallet application, the screen
2702 preferably includes a "Confirm" control, a "Change Address"
control, and a "Cancel" control. By activating the "Confirm"
control the payee/recipient can confirm that the displayed name and
address for as stored in the MFTS database is correct for mailing
the check. On the other hand, the payee has the ability to change
the mailing address by activating the "Change Address" control. As
in other examples, if the payee activates the "Change Address"
control in screen view 2702, a separate screen (not shown) is
displayed at which the payee is allowed to enter an alternative
address.
[0421] If the payee confirms the payment delivery method by
activating the "Confirm" control in screen 2702, a screen view 2704
is shown that prompts the payee to confirm the mailing address. The
screen 2704 also preferably includes a "Done" control, a "Change
Address" control, and a "Cancel" control. The "Change Address"
control works in the manner described elsewhere. Activating the
"Done" control causes display of a screen 2706 that prompts the
user to set the currently displayed address as a default mailing
address for the payee. If the payee activates the "Yes" control in
screen 2706, then the default address information is sent back to
the MFTS 18 for storage in association with other information
relating to this particular payee. Otherwise, the default address
is not changed.
[0422] Upon confirmation of the mailing address by activation of
the "Yes" control in screen 2706 or by activation of the "No"
control to leave the identified address intact, a screen 2708 is
displayed that prompts the payee/recipient to confirm the mailing
of a check to the currently displayed address. A "Yes" and a "No"
control are provided to confirm or reject the mailing to the
indicated address. If the answer is "Yes", the payee's answer is
sent to the MFTS 18 for further processing of the transaction. In
response to processing of the transaction in preparation for
mailing the check, according to one exemplary aspect of the
invention the payee receives a confirmation message or display 2710
indicating that the paper check payment will be mailed to the
address the payee specified previously. At this point, the payee
may activate a "Done" control to finish with this function or a
"Next" control process another transaction, if applicable.
[0423] FIG. 28 is a sequence diagram of a "PayAnyone" by paper
check payment method or process 2800 according to an exemplary
aspect of the invention, showing the interactions among a payee's
mobile device 2801, the MFTS 18, a third party address provider
2840, a third party payment provider 2860, and a payee 2880.
According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, the mailing
address of the payee is located by: (1) retrieving a default
address information associated with the payee stored in the MFTS
database, (2) entered by the user (the payer), or (3) entered by
the payee, or (4) through a third party address provider. If the
address information is not available at the time the user requested
paper check payment, the MFTS sends a request to the third party
address provider to perform address lookup.
[0424] As in previous methods described elsewhere, this method 2800
involves steps (not shown) for authentication of the user/payee to
the MFTS 18, authentication by the MFTS 18, and sending an
authentication confirmation message and user's payee list to the
user's mobile device 15. In response to authentication, the user
opens the Mobile Wallet application and enters the password or PIN,
the MFTS authenticates the login and sends user's current payee
list to the user's Mobile Wallet of his/her mobile device. This
action allows the user to proceed with use of the Mobile Wallet
application. The user then selects "PayAnyone" and selects a payee
name from the payee list received during the login or enters a
payee name. The user then enters a payment amount with the mobile
device in and selects the paper check payment method. Similar steps
have been described in detail elsewhere and need not be repeated
here.
[0425] In response to the foregoing steps, a mobile payment
instruction (MPI) message (not shown) is generated by the user's
Mobile Wallet application and communicated to the MFTS 18. The MPI
will typically include the payment amount, payment method (in this
case a paper check payment), and payee information. The MPI is
received at the MFTS 18 and processed to initiate the paper check
payment method according to this aspect of the invention.
[0426] Starting at step 2804, the MFTS 18 examines the payment
instruction and generates a message 2806 to a third party address
provider to obtain the address of the payee. According to one
exemplary aspect of the invention, payee address information is
stored in a table in the user database 158 (FIG. 2) indexed by
mobile phone number, by name, or by other information.
Alternatively, the message 2806 is communicated to an independent
address provider 2840 that provides address information in response
to provision of a phone number.
[0427] At step 2810, the requested address information is provided
from the third party address provider 2840 via a message 2810. The
message 2810 is received by the MFTS 18 at step 2812 and formulated
into a message 2814 including the payee's address information that
is communicated to the payee's mobile device 2802. A display such
as that shown at screen 2702 in FIG. 27 is generated to the payee,
as indicated by 2802. It will be understood that the payee may
receive an SMS message with this information or the Mobile Wallet
application running on the payee's mobile device may provide this
information to the payee.
[0428] At step 2818, the payee confirms the address presented, via
screens as shown in FIG. 27. A confirmation message 2820 is
generated and returned to the MFTS 18. At step 2822, the MFTS
formulates an MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) message 2824 and
communicates this message to a third party payment provider 2860.
The third party payment provider receives the message at step 2826,
and processes the MFTSPI message 2828 to generate a paper check
that is mailed to the payee at the address indicated in the
messages. At step 2830, the payee 2880 receives the paper check
payment via mail.
[0429] Pay Anyone--Stored Value Card
[0430] FIG. 29 shows a sequence of payer's mobile device screen
views 2900 for a "PayAnyone by phone number" payment method
according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. In this
particular method, the payer/user selects/enters a mobile device
phone number to identify a payee, although it will be understood
that other ways to identify a payee are contemplated. Specifically
illustrated is a payment method involving use of a stored value
(SV) card according to an exemplary aspect of the invention. It
will be understood that the payer can alternatively select an ACH
or paper check payment method, and that the particular payment
method described is merely exemplary of payment using a stored
value card.
[0431] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that
payment by a stored value (SV) card involves payment transaction
infrastructure that does not form a part of the present invention,
but is conventional and in widespread use. Specifically, a payment
instruction is provided by a system constructed as described herein
to a payment instruction recipient that has facilities for issuing
a new stored value card or adding value to a pre-existing stored
value card. It will be appreciated that various entities may serve
the function of the payment instruction recipient regarding issue
of a stored value card, including a financial service provider or a
billing aggregator (either separately or in conjunction with
another entity that handles SV card), a stored value card issuer,
or a retail establishment that handles stored value cards.
[0432] Generally, making a payment to a stored value card typically
involves acquisition by a payee of a "blank" or "unloaded" magnetic
stripe or electronic smart card from a vendor of SV cards, followed
by "loading" of the card with value (i.e. payment credits that can
be drawn upon) by presenting the card to a vendor of the SV card
having a terminal that can read information from the magnetic
stripe or other electronic data storage medium on the card. The
vendor then loads the card by providing information to a back
office system indicating the amount of credit or payments available
for use on the card, and returning the card to the cardholder. The
cardholder can then use the card in a manner similar to other
payment cards (debit cards, credit cards), except that the card
must be presented to an entity that can read the card and determine
the available funds "loaded" to the card by accessing the card
vendor's electronic payment system. According to one exemplary
aspect of the invention, funds can be loaded onto a conventional
stored value card from a mobile device (a new stored value card
that is issued to a payee, or loading or reloading a pre-existing
stored value card), in the manner shown and described herein.
[0433] As in previously described embodiments and aspects, the user
first selects the Mobile Wallet application in screen 2902,
provides authentication information (e.g. a login) via screen 2904,
and is authenticated by the MFTS before being presented with
options for making a payment at screen 2906. Assume that in screen
2906 the user selects the "PayAnyone" option. In response to this
selection the user is provided with a short menu of options as
shown in screen view 2908 to select a payee, either by name or by
mobile phone number. According to this exemplary aspect of the
invention, in response to selection of the option "Paying by Mobile
Phone" by either entry of the numeral "2" or activating the Select
control, the user is presented with a screen 2910 for entry of the
payee/recipient's mobile phone number.
[0434] According to this exemplary aspect of the invention, an
exemplary payee's phone number 404-555-2121 is entered as shown in
the screen view 2910. The screen 2910 further includes controls for
Next, Back, and Cancel, which operate in the manner as previously
described to continue the process, return to a previous screen, or
cancel the transaction. In response to the user's activation of the
Next control after entry of the payee's phone number, the user is
presented with a payment amount data entry screen 2912 for entry of
the amount to pay. The user then enters the amount to pay. In this
example, the user has entered $123.45. As in other exemplary
screens, the amount entry screen 2912 includes a Next, Back, and
Cancel control. In response to the user's activation of the Next
control, the user is presented with a screen 2914 that displays the
default payment source (e.g. Bank of USA), available balances in
the default accounts of the default payment source, and prompts the
user to confirm the selected default. As in previous examples, the
user can activate the "Select" control to select the default
account and payment source, or navigate to an alternative payment
source.
[0435] After selection and/or confirmation of the payment source
via screen 2914, the user is presented with a screen 2916 that
allows selection of a payment method. The user uses the "Back" and
"Next" keys to navigate the menu and uses "Select" to make a
selection. In this example, the Stored Value Card payment method is
shown highlighted and therefore chosen. In response to activation
of the Select control in screen 2916, the user is presented with a
screen 2918 that displays a confirmation of the payment and the
selected payment method. According to an aspect of the invention,
the exemplary screen 2918 displays a stored value card number for a
pre-existing card of the payee (pre-stored), and provides buttons
for Pay, New Card, and Cancel. Selection of the Pay button results
in making payment via the pre-existing stored value card, while
selection of the New Card button results in issuance of a new
stored value card. It will of course be understood that a stored
value card number of a pre-existing card of a payee is pre-stored
in the user/payer's mobile device or elsewhere, so as to enable
payment in this manner. Selection of the Pay button would then
cause display of the screen 2922, which indicates that the payment
of $123.45 was made to the stored value card, using the
pre-existing card number.
[0436] According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, in the
event of selection by the user of the New Card button, a display
screen 2920 is provided, indicating a location at which a new and
"loaded" stored value card may be obtained. For example, the screen
2920 shows "Please pick up your new stored value card at CVS store
as 123 Main St." plus a transaction ID. After this screen, the
screen 2922, as in other embodiments, is displayed and provides a
confirmation screen that advises the payer that a payment in the
indicated amount ($123.45 in this example) is paid to the mobile
number identified, to the indicated stored value card account. In
addition, preferably the account balance of the utilized payment
source is updated and displayed to reflect the reduction of the
available funds.
[0437] FIG. 30 shows a sequence of mobile device screen views 3000
from a payee's perspective, via a payee's mobile device, for a
"PayAnyone" option where a user selects/enters a mobile device
phone number and uses a stored value card payment method according
to an exemplary aspect of the invention. As in other embodiments
and aspects, the information shown may be presented to the payee
either by a sequence of text messages (SMS) or by displays
generated by the Mobile Wallet application if loaded and activated
on the payee's mobile device.
[0438] As shown in screen 3002, an SMS text message is received
from the SMS generator 151, or similar information generated by the
Mobile Wallet application running on the payee's mobile device. In
accordance with this message, the payee is notified that someone
with a phone number 404-404-4040 has sent a payment in the amount
of $123.45 for delivery via a stored value card. According to one
exemplary aspect of the invention, the message to the payee
includes a default payment receipt method, for example, deposit to
a predetermined stored value card account. If generated by the
Mobile Wallet application, the screen 3002 preferably includes a
"Confirm" control, a "Change Card" control, and a "Cancel" control.
By activating the "Confirm" control the payee/recipient can confirm
that the displayed stored value card account number stored in the
MFTS database is correct for the payment. On the other hand, the
payee has the ability to change to another stored value card
account by entering a new account number after activating the
"Change Card" control.
[0439] If the payee activates the "Change Card" control in screen
view 3002, a separate screen 3004 is shown that ask the user/payee
if they want to receive a new card. The available controls on this
screen are "Yes", "No" and "Done"
[0440] If the user selects "Yes", they will be prompted on screen
view 3006 to enter and Confirm the zip code for picking up the
card. Available controls on this screen view are "Confirm", "Back"
and "Done".
[0441] Upon entering a valid zip code and selecting the "Confirm"
control, the user will be presented on screen view 3008 store
locations for picking up a new card. Available controls on this
screen are "Confirm", Back", and "Cancel".
[0442] In response to processing of the transaction by making the
payment, according to one exemplary aspect of the invention the
payee receives a confirmation message or display 3010 indicating
that the received payment will be deposited into the newly issued
stored value card account upon retrieval by the user/payee. At this
point, the payee may activate a "Done" control to finish receiving
payment or a "Next" control process another transaction, if
applicable.
[0443] FIG. 31 shows a sequence diagram for a "PayAnyone" payment
method 3100 involving use of a stored value card according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention. This sequence diagram shows the
interactions among the following parties: payee's mobile device
3102, the MFTS 18, a third party Stored Value Card provider 3140,
and a payee 3160. Generally speaking, in this example a user/payer
selects a stored value payment method as shown in step 3104 and
communicates this decision to the MFTS 18 through a MFTS PI 3106.
The MFTS sends a request to the third party Stored Value Card
provider to create a transaction and a transaction ID as shown in
step 3108. The payment amount is drawn from the payment source of
the user (the payer) and the third party Stored Value Card provider
configures a stored value card account on behalf of the payee in
step 3112 with a message 3110. The payee receives the transaction
ID in an SMS message and is informed stored value card pick up
locations as shown in step 3116. The payee can then acquire a
stored value card from a retail location associated with the stored
value card vendor and have the card "loaded" as shown in step 3118.
A message 3120 is sent to third party stored value card provider to
provide the transaction ID, card number and phone number etc at
step 3122.
[0444] Starting at step 3104, it is first assumed that the
user/payer has already selected the stored value card payment
method, in a manner as described elsewhere, and have provided the
MFTS 18 with a mobile payment instruction (MPI) indicating the
payment amount and selected payment method. The MFTS 18 receives
this MPI and generates a corresponding MFTS payment instruction
(MFTSPI) message 3106 containing information required by a third
party pre-paid (stored value) card provider or vendor 3140, and if
required, effects a funds transfer to the card provider by drawing
on the selected payment source of the user/payer. The MFTSPI 3106
is communicated to the third party stored value card provider 3140,
and received at step 3108. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the MFTSPI will include a zip code provided by the payee
or payer, to facilitate location of one or more retail locations at
which the payee can obtain an unloaded SV card (or can reload an
existing SV card). At step 3108, the third party stored value card
provider 3140 generates a transaction identifier (ID) and conducts
a zip code lookup to locate one or more nearby retail locations for
the payee to pick up and/or load a Stored Value Card. According to
one exemplary aspect of the invention, the transaction ID is
maintained by the card provider to be used for authentication
purposes when the payee requests that the card be loaded with the
payment.
[0445] Further at step 3108, the third party card provider 3140
generates a message 3110 back to the MFTS 18 to inform the system
that the stored value card account is configured and ready for use.
According to one exemplary aspect of the invention, this message
3110 includes information that allows the payee to identify
locations at which an unloaded stored value card may be obtained
and then loaded, and the transaction ID number. At step 3112, the
MFTS 18 receives the message 3110 and generates a message 3114 to
the payee's mobile device 3102 advising that a payment has been
made, locations that a card may be obtained and/or loaded at
certain retail locations associated with the card vendor, and the
transaction ID, which is required for authentication of the card to
the payee. Exemplary screens in this regard as shown in FIG.
30.
[0446] At step 3116, the payee's mobile device 3102 receives the
message 3114 and displays (either via SMS text message or via the
Mobile Wallet application, if installed) information informing the
payee that a payment is waiting by stored value card payment
method, and information as to potential pick up locations for
obtaining and/or loading a stored value card. At step 3118, and
according to one exemplary aspect of the invention, the payee
physically goes to a location identified in the message and obtains
a stored value card, typically not yet loaded. Further at step
3118, the payee with the stored value card presents the card to a
retail location or terminal associated with the third party card
provider 3140, so as to load the card for use.
[0447] At step 3122, the third party card provider 3140 is
presented with a stored value card by the payee, with a request to
activate and/or load the card with the payment. The third party
card provider typically at this time requires authentication
information to activate and/or load the stored value card. In this
case the authentication information comprises one or more of the
following items of information: the transaction ID number, the card
number, the mobile phone number, and optionally other information
such as name, address, etc.
[0448] After the payee presents the required information to the
third party card provider 3140, at step 3124 the card provider
loads the card with the funds provided earlier, obtained from the
user/payer. At step 3128, the stored value card, now loaded with
the payment, is returned to the payee 3160 through transaction
3126, who can then use the card at locations that accept the
particular type of stored value card, as a payment form.
[0449] According to an exemplary aspect of the invention, if the
payee already has a Stored Value Card, he/she can contact the third
party Stored Value Card provider 3140 to claim the payment with an
existing Stored Value Card, and follow the steps from 3122.
[0450] It will be appreciated that the foregoing payment method
involving use of a stored value card payment method is useful for
making payments to subscribers/users of the MFTS 18, as well as
non-subscribers, as the payee need only be provided with the
transaction ID number and type of stored value card in order to
receive a payment. According to an exemplary aspect of the
invention, not described in detail, information corresponding to
the stored value card can be displayed in the first instance to the
payer, for provision (e.g. via a note or writing) to a payee that
does not have a mobile device that can receive SMS messages or run
the Mobile Wallet application, or does not have a mobile device at
all. Once the initial stored value card account is created on
behalf of a particular payee, the user/payer can load additional
funds into a stored value card account associated with the payee,
as the name of the payee will be stored in the MFTS 18 as described
above, and can therefore be quickly and readily reused to provide
additional funds to the selected payee.
Balance Transfer
[0451] FIG. 32 shows a sequence 3200 of mobile device screen
displays corresponding to a "Balance Transfer" financial
transaction option according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention. A balance transfer is a financial transaction involving
the transfer of funds between different accounts of the same user.
A balance transfer allows a user of the MFTS to use his or her
mobile device to obtain and monitor information relating the user's
financial accounts, and move funds from one account to another.
[0452] As in previously described embodiments and aspects, the user
first selects the Mobile Wallet application in screen 3202,
provides authentication information (e.g. a login) via screen 3204,
and is authenticated by the MFTS before being presented with
options for making a payment (or balance transfer) at screen 3206.
Assume that in screen 3206 the user selects the "Balance Transfer"
option. In response to this selection the user is provided with a
Balance Transfer screen 3208 that allows selection of a funds
transfer from one of a plurality of selectable accounts. As shown
in screen 3208 as examples, the user can select to transfer funds
from a MasterCard.TM. account, a VISA.TM. account, a Discover.TM.
account, a GaSL account, or a Bank of USA account as payment
sources usable for a balance transfer. Corresponding balances
associated with such accounts are also preferably displayed in
accordance with this aspect of the invention. The screen 3208
further preferably includes a "Select," "Back," and "Next" controls
for navigation and selection, similar to that in other functions.
The screen 3208 shows the Bank of USA account highlighted and
therefore selected.
[0453] In response to user activation of the "Select" control in
screen 3208 with a selection in the list of available accounts, an
exemplary screen for the selected account, e.g. Bank of USA, is
displayed as screen 3210. Screen 3210 displays several different
accounts associated with the particular payment source, Bank of
USA, namely, a savings balance, a checking balance, and other (e.g.
a money market account). The screen 3210 further preferably
includes a "Select," "Back," and "Next" controls for navigation and
selection, similar to that in other functions. The screen 3210
shows the checking balance highlighted and therefore selected.
[0454] In response to activation of the "Select" control in screen
3210 with a selection in the list of available accounts (i.e. the
checking balance in the example shown), screen 3212 is displayed.
Screen 3212 presents the list of available account/payment sources
similar to that of screen 3208, except indicated for a transfer to
as opposed to a transfer from. The screen 3212 further preferably
includes a "Select," "Back," and "Next" controls for navigation and
selection, similar to that in other functions. The screen 3212
shows the GaSL account highlighted and therefore selected.
[0455] In response to user activation of the "Select" control in
screen 3212 with a selection in the list of available accounts, an
exemplary screen for the selected account, e.g. GaSL, is displayed
as screen 3214. Screen 3214 displays several different accounts
associated with the particular account a balance transfer
destination, GaSL, namely, a savings balance, a checking balance,
and other (e.g. a money market account). The screen 3214 further
preferably includes a "Select," "Back," and "Next" controls for
navigation and selection, similar to that in other functions. The
screen 3214 shows the checking balance highlighted and therefore
selected.
[0456] In response to user activation of the "Select" control in
screen 3214 with a selection in the list of available accounts,
e.g. the checking account at GaSL, a balance transfer confirmation
screen 3216 is displayed. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the balance transfer confirmation screen 3216 provides a
data entry region for user entry of an amount of funds transfer,
e.g. $2000 is shown. The screen 3216 further preferably includes a
"Transfer," "Back," and "Next" controls for navigation and
selection, similar to that in other functions. In response to user
activation of the Transfer control, a balance transfer confirmation
screen 3218 is displayed, containing information indicating that
the balance transfer has been effected. In the example shown, the
balance transfer of $2000 is transferred from a Bank of USA
checking account to a GaSL checking account. Preferably, also,
screen 3218 includes a display of the current balances of each of
the accounts involved in the balance transfer, updated to reflect
the balance transfer.
[0457] FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram of a balance transfer payment
method or process 3300 according to an exemplary aspect of the
invention, showing the interactions among a payer/user's mobile
device 15, the MFTS 18, a first financial institution 30A
associated with the user, and a second financial institution 30B
associated with the user. The balance transfer is effected between
these two financial institutions 30A and 30B.
[0458] As in previous methods described elsewhere, initial steps
3302, 3304, 3307, and 3309 in the balance transfer method involve
receiving authentication message 3306 from the user/payee,
authentication by the MFTS 18, and sending an authentication
confirmation message 3308 to the user's mobile device 15. In
response to authentication, the user opens the Mobile Wallet
application at step 3302 and enters the password or PIN in 3304,
the MFTS authenticates the login and sends activates the user's
Mobile Wallet of his/her mobile device in step 3307. This action
allows the user to proceed with use of the Mobile Wallet
application at step 3309. The user then selects Balance Transfer
option in step 3310. At step 3312 the mobile device formulates a
mobile payment instruction (MPI) message 3314 and transmits this
message to the MFTS 18. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the MPI message 3320 includes information identifying a
payment source account, a destination account, and a balance
transfer amount, so that the MFTS can construct appropriate MFTS
payment instructions to the selected and identified financial
institutions.
[0459] At step 3316, the MFTS 18 receives the MPI message 3314 and
constructs an appropriate MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) message
3318 for communication to the first or payment source financial
institution 30A. At step 3320, the first or payment source
financial institution 30A receives the MFTSPI message 3318 and
debits the selected account for the indicated amount of funds. The
first or payment source financial institution 30A then takes action
in accordance with its own procedures to transfer these funds to
the selected second financial institution 30B through a message
3322, as indicated at step 3320. At step 3324, the second or
destination financial institution 30B updates its records to
indicate receipt of funds. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the first and second financial institution 30A, and 30B
provide balance transfer confirmation messages, indicated by
messages 3330A, 3330B, back to the MFTS 18, so that the MFTS 18 can
update its local record of the funds available at each of the
accounts at each of the financial institutions.
[0460] At step 3328, the MFTS 18 receives the balance transfer
confirmation messages 3330A, 3330B and updates the records of the
user to reflect the balance transfer. Further at step 3328, the
MFTS 18 communicates a balance transfer confirmation message 3332
to the mobile device 15. At step 3334, the mobile device 15
receives the balance transfer confirmation message 3332 and updates
its local storage of the balances associated with the user's
accounts and financial institutions, to reflect the completion of
the balance transfer.
Receiving Payment at Payee Mobile Device by Mobile Wallet
Installation
[0461] The reader may have noticed from the discussion above that
aspects of the present invention involve a payee either (1)
receiving and sending a series of SMS messages (text messages) in
order to interact with the MFTS to select a payment receipt method,
or (2) installing and utilizing the Mobile Wallet application on
the payee's mobile device in order to interact with the MFTS to
select a payment receipt method and/or be enabled to conduct
transactions (make payments) as an MFTS user. A payee thus need not
have the Mobile Wallet application installed on his or her mobile
device in order to realize the benefits of certain aspects of the
invention. However, a payee with most currently available types of
mobile device is presented with an opportunity to download,
install, and use the Mobile Wallet, in accordance with certain
features and aspects of the invention. Thus, and according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention, persons to whom a user wishes to
make a payment can be provided with an opportunity to download the
Mobile Wallet application and receive the benefits of both
receiving payments and selecting payment receipt options in
accordance with described aspects of the invention, as well as
utilizing the mobile payment services provided by an operator of
the MFTS 18.
[0462] In order to "spread" the benefits of the Mobile Wallet to
payees (who are prospective users of the MFTS, upon installation
and activation of the Mobile Wallet application), the present
invention includes aspects for informing a payee of the opportunity
to download and utilize the Mobile Wallet application and register
as a user of the MFTS, provide the code for the Mobile Wallet via a
wireless download, activate the payee to become a user of the MFTS
services and utilize the Mobile Wallet application as a user.
[0463] Turn in this regard to FIG. 34 for a discussion of a method
for a payee to receive a payment from a user of the MFTS 18 and
also download and install the Mobile Wallet application. FIG. 34
shows a sequence of mobile device screen views 3400 from a payee's
perspective, via a payee's mobile device, for a payment receipt
method that includes steps for providing a payee with an
opportunity to download and install the Mobile Wallet application,
register for service with the MFTS, and thereby becoming users
themselves of the MFTS services. Advantageously, the method allows
the so-called "viral spreading" of the benefits of the Mobile
Wallet application and use of the MFTS, by providing payees who
receive payments from users who are already participants in the
MFTS system with the ability to download and use the Mobile Wallet
application quickly and easily, thereby becoming new MFTS users,
and in turn spread the benefits in turn to payees of the new MFTS
user. Such new user's payees in turn are likewise afforded the
opportunity to join and participate.
[0464] As in other embodiments and aspects, for a payee that does
not have the Mobile Wallet application installed on their mobile
device, the information shown will be presented to the payee by a
sequence of text messages (SMS).
[0465] As shown at screen or message 3402, a payee typically
receives a text (SMS) message that indicates that a user has sent
the payee a payment, and advising the payee as to how to receive
the payment. For example, the screen or message 3402 states that
"404-404-4040 has sent you a payment of $123.45." Further in
accordance with this exemplary aspect of the invention, the screen
or message 3402 includes the text, "Your mobile device does not
have the necessary application to receive the payment, do you want
to download the application?" A "Yes" control and a "Cancel"
control are also preferably provided so that the user can elect to
receive the application download or to receive the payment without
installing the mobile device application. If the user decides not
to install the mobile device application or the mobile device is
not capable of installation of the mobile device application, the
user is given other options to receive the payment. A screen is
displayed if the user selects the "Cancel" button as shown in
screen view 3402. The screen view (not shown in FIG. 34) provides
the user other options such as receiving the payment with paper
check, by way of ACH transaction, or a stored value card. The user
may respond the payment with a text (SMS) message back to the payer
and inform the payer how he/she would like to receive the payment
without installation of the mobile device application. The
responses the user send to the payer may include the method of the
reception of the payment, as well as the user's address
information, or account information and any other related
information.
[0466] In the event that the payee selects the "Yes" control, a
message bearing the maker name, model number of the mobile device
is sent back to the MFTS through the MCSP. The MFTS identifies the
type of mobile device possessed by the payee and an appropriate
Mobile Wallet application code, that is executable on the payee's
mobile device, is sent to the mobile device, and a self
installation process starts on the mobile device after the Mobile
Wallet application code is downloaded to the mobile device. A text
message indicating that a installation operation has begun may be
displayed, as illustrated at screen view 3404. A conventional
progress bar may be displayed as part of the installation process,
as shown in screen or message 3404 to advise the payee of the
installation progress. A "Cancel" control is optionally provided so
that the payee may terminate the installation operation if
desired.
[0467] Upon completion of the Mobile Wallet application download, a
completion screen or message 3406 is displayed, according to one
embodiment of the invention. This completion screen view 3406
preferably indicates that the installation of the Mobile Wallet
application is completed. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, the Mobile Wallet application then executes and displays
screens (or messages) that it generates. At this stage, preferably,
the Mobile Wallet application may optionally prompt the payee to
enter a PIN for use of the application and/or an account of the
payee maintained by the MFTS operator. Preferably, "Next," "Back,"
and "Cancel" controls are also provided for their indicated
functions. In response to the payee's selection of the Next control
in screen or message 3406, a PIN confirmation screen 3408 is
preferably next displayed to prompt the payee to re-enter the PIN
for confirmation. Similarly, "Next" and "Cancel" controls are
preferably provided.
[0468] In response to the payee's selection of the Next control, a
Payment Received screen 3410 is displayed. This screen preferably
repeats the text that "404-404-4040 has sent you a payment of
$123.45," and further includes text prompting the payee to select
one of a plurality of possible payment reception methods. In the
exemplary screen 3410, the payee is presented with the options of
receiving payment by ACH, paper check, or stored value (SV) card.
Methods, screen displays, and operations for such payment methods
have been described elsewhere in this document and need not be
repeated here. By way of example and not limitation, the paper
check payment method is shown highlighted in screen 3410 and
therefore selected. The MFTS is able to obtain the mail address of
the user based on the phone number through a third party address
provider. If the user decides to receive the paper check with a
different address, the user selects the "Change Address" button on
a screen view 3412. A plurality of screen views may follow to allow
the user to change, edit and confirm a new mailing address. These
screen views will be understood by those skilled in the art and not
described here in detail.
[0469] The screen 3412 requesting confirmation of the mailing
address, etc. is preferably displayed, as described elsewhere in
greater detail. A payment confirmation screen 3414 confirming the
mailing address of the payment (or other selected payment method,
if selected) is preferably displayed next, as described elsewhere
in greater detail.
[0470] At this point, the payee has now downloaded and installed
the Mobile Wallet application and is enabled for further use, upon
provision of further registration information such as provision of
account information to set up payment sources that can be used for
the payee (now a user) to make payments to billing entities and
other persons in accordance with previously described aspects of
the invention. Although the user's mobile device is currently
enrolled, and enabled in the MFTS, the user still needs to visit
the MFTS user web site to add, enter information relating to
payment source, billing entities etc. This information entry will
be discussed later in this document.
[0471] FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram of a Mobile Wallet
installation by payee method or process 3500 according to an
exemplary aspect of the invention, showing the interactions among a
mobile device 3501 of a payee/prospective user, the MFTS 18, and a
third party payment provider 30P, so as to enable a payee to
receive a payment, download and install the Mobile Wallet
application to the payee's mobile device 3501 and thereby be
enabled as a user of the MFTS. It will be understood that the steps
of the method 3500 are typically carried out after a user has
instructed the MFTS 18 to make a payment to a particular payee by
mobile telephone number or name, and the MFTS contacts the payee by
one or more messages to advise the payee that a payment is pending.
The steps in method 3500 therefore typically occur at the point of
determining a payment delivery method to the payee.
[0472] Starting at step 3502, the first step taken is the receipt
by a payee, a non-subscriber to the services of the MFTS 18
operator, of a message 3503 indicating that a user has made a
payment to the payee. According to one exemplary aspect of the
invention, this message is text message (SMS) delivered to the
mobile number of the payee. At step 3502, the non-subscriber/payee
sees the message as shown in screen view 3402 of FIG. 34 and
determines whether he/she wants to download and install the Mobile
Wallet application for his or her mobile device, e.g. by selecting
the "Yes" control in screen 3402 in FIG. 34. A message 3506 is
returned to the MFTS 18, with the confirmation of the downloading
and installation of the mobile wallet application, as well as the
make and model number, or serial number of the mobile device. At
step 3508, the MFTS downloads an appropriate Mobile Wallet
application to the designated mobile device and installs the
downloaded Mobile Wallet application as indicated by message 3510.
At step 3512, the user is notified that the download and
installation operations are complete, and the payee/prospective
user is prompted to create a login (or PIN, or password, as
appropriated) and become a user of the MFTS. After the
login/password/PIN authentication process (see FIG. 34), at step
3516 the payee/user is provided with a Payment Received screen
including details of the payment and requesting selection of a
payment method. At step 3518, the user selects a desired payment
method (e.g. ACH, paper check, or stored value card), and at step
3520 provides applicable account details needed for the payee/user
to receive payment. This account setup information is communicated
to the MFTS 18 via one or more electronic messages 3520.
[0473] At step 3522, the MFTS 18 receives the account setup
information and stores the account information in association with
identification information corresponding to the payee/user, in the
user database of the MFTS. Also at step 3522, the MFTS 18
communicates an MFTS payment instruction (MFTSPI) message 3523 to a
selected third party payment provider 30P or financial institution
30 (e.g. an ACH payment generator, or a paper check issuer, or a
stored value card vendor) to cause the issue of the selected form
of payment to the payee as shown in step 3524. After providing this
MFTSPI to the selected payment provider, also at step 3522 the MFTS
18 provides a payment confirmation message 3526 to the payee/user
through his/her mobile device 3501. At step 3528 the payee/user
receives the payment confirmation information that the payment has
been sent for processing.
[0474] Subsequent to the foregoing steps, and as indicated at step
3530, the payee (now a registered user of the MFTS services) is
empowered and enabled not only to receive further payments via the
installed Mobile Wallet application, but also to register billing
entities to whom payments should be made, as well as the
payee/user's payment sources. The payee/now user can also
facilitate the spread of the Mobile Wallet application and
convenient use of the MFTS and associated services by making
payments to others that may not have the Mobile Wallet, and thereby
facilitate the spread of use of the systems and methods of the
present invention. According to an exemplary aspect of the
invention, the new user is preferably provided with information
identifying the MFTS website and prompting the new user to access
the web application (FIGS. 37-42) to enter and provide detailed
information relating to billing entities, persons to pay, payment
sources, accounts, viewing of transaction details, default payment
and receipt methods, etc.
[0475] Referring now to FIG. 36, a serial screen view 3600 are
shown for a registered user to change the login PIN when such an
action is needed, according one embodiment of the present
invention. The screen views 3602 and 3604 were explained elsewhere
in this document and are not described here. In screen view 3606,
the user highlights and selects the "Change PIN" option from a menu
provided on the screen view. For security purposes, this action
requires the user to enter the current PIN number for verification
in screen view 3608. The user is requested to enter a new PIN in
screen view 3610 and to re-enter the PIN again for verification
purpose in screen view 3612. According to one embodiment of the
present invention, the PIN comprises six numerical digits for easy
remembrance and can be extended to any reasonable length. In
another embodiment, the PIN comprises alpha-numerical digits, if
the mobile device has a full keyboard. In one embodiment, the PIN
comprises case-sensitive alpha-numerical digits. In another
embodiment, the PIN comprises not case-sensitive alpha-numerical
digits. In one embodiment, the PIN is fixed length. In another
embodiment, the PIN is variable length with pre-determined minimum
length and maximum length.
[0476] A message is sent to the MFTS to notify the MFTS to change
the PIN and store the changed PIN in the user database of the MFTS.
The MFTS sends a confirmation message back to the user's mobile
device to inform the user that the PIN is successfully changed, and
this message is displayed on the screen view 3614. Here an option
button "Main Menu" brings the user to the main menu screen view
3616 of the mobile wallet application.
[0477] Turning next to FIG. 37, consisting of FIGS. 37A-37D, for a
discussion of a user interface comprising screen displays of a web
application input/output interface illustrating aspects of user
enrollment for use of a mobile financial transaction system (MFTS),
through a web application user site, according to an aspect of the
present invention. FIG. 37 is an illustrative screen display of the
web application 154, in particular, the user site web application
153 (FIG. 2). In particular, FIG. 37A illustrates aspects of
enrollment of a user for use of the services provided by the MFTS
18. FIGS. 37B, 37C, & 37D illustrate aspects of adding or
editing mobile devices, and editing aspects of a mobile device.
[0478] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the
web application provides a User Site screen display 3701 which
includes a first region 3705 including a plurality of selectable
links or buttons for pre-determine functions, a second region 3710
for data entry, and a plurality of user control 3715 to provide
specific functionality. In the first region 3705, selectable links
labeled "Mobile Devices", "Accounts", "Payees", and "Logout" are
provided. A user's selection of the Mobile Devices link presents
the display as shown in 3701, which enables a user manage Mobile
Devices for use in connection with the MFTS according to an aspect
of the invention. A user's activation of Accounts links provides a
display as will be discussed in connection with FIG. 38. A user's
activation of the Payee's link provides a user's display as shown
in FIG. 39 as will be discussed below.
[0479] The data entry second region 3710 displays the mobile
numbers of any Mobile Devices that have previously been enrolled by
the current user for use with the MFTS 18. The second region 3710
shows a single Mobile Device number (404) 505-6060, which is an
exemplary mobile telephone number.
[0480] The selectable user control 3715 provides commands to
implement functions in conjunction with enrolled mobile number(s).
According to an aspect of the invention, presently considered a
preferred embodiment, the user control 3715 comprises an "Add
Device" button 3717, an "Initialize Device" button 3720, an "Edit
Device" button 3725, a "Lost Device" button 3730, an "Unlock
Device" button 3735, and a "Delete Device" button 3740.
[0481] These functions are self-explanatory, and will be understood
by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the "Lost Device"
function is to disable a reported lost mobile device for user's
protection. The "Unlock Device" function is to re-enable a disabled
mobile device or re-activate a mobile device after several
consecutive failed logins. The "Delete Device" function is to
remove an enrolled mobile device from mobile financial transaction
system service.
[0482] User activation of either the "Add Device" button 3717 or
the "Edit Device" button 3725 causes the MFTS web application to
provide a screen display 3701B, as shown in FIG. 37B. The display
screen 3701B includes a data entry region 3745 for entry of a
mobile device phone number, into which a user can enter a number. A
"Submit Query" button 3750 is provided to cause the web application
to utilize the number entered into the data entry region 3745 and
enter/retrieve user information corresponding to the mobile device
number such that information may be entered for use in connection
with the MFTS 18, or that properties or information relating to a
pre-entered number may be edited. The "Add Device" button 3717 and
the "Edit Device" button 3725 allow the user to enter detailed
account information related to the mobile device. The information
related to the mobile device comprises: user name, mailing address,
billing address, web access username and password.
[0483] FIG. 37C illustrates a User Site display screen 3701C which
is displayed to a user upon entry of a new mobile device number, in
order to configure the Mobile Device for use with the MFTS 18 in
accordance with aspects of the invention. According to one
embodiment of the present invention, upon receipt of a
newly-entered mobile device number for use in the system, a text
(SMS) message is transmitted to the mobile device with the mobile
device number entered. This SMS message, in accordance with an
aspect of the invention, provides information to the user at the
mobile device for downloading and installation of a mobile device
application so as to configure the mobile device for use in
connection with the system. Instructional information such as shown
at 3760 is preferably displayed to the user, informing the
transmission of the text message and the instruction. Additionally,
and in accordance with an aspect of the invention, an
initialization code is provide for the mobile device for security
purposes, with a prompt to the user to enter the initialization on
code upon running of the mobile device application on the mobile
device.
[0484] FIG. 37D provides a display screen 3701D comprising a
message 3765 displayed in response to user activation of the
"Delete Device" button 3740 in FIG. 37A.
[0485] FIG. 38 illustrates various exemplary User Site display
screens 3801 that are displayed by the web application 154 in
response to user activation of the Accounts link or button in the
controller region 3705. In FIG. 38A, a display screen of 3801A is
initially provided in response to activation of the "Accounts"
button. The display screen 3801A includes an information display
region 3805 comprising a listing of one or more accounts associated
with the user presently interacting with the MFTS 18, an
informational display region 3810 displaying specific and detailed
information regarding a selected account, shown highlighted in
region 3805, and a plurality of control buttons 3815 to implement
functions with respect to a selected account. For example, the
account "Kyle's Checking" is shown highlighted in region 3805, and
specific information regarding the selected account such as routing
number, account number, account nickname, etc., is shown in
informational display region 3810.
[0486] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the user
controls 3815 include an "Add Account" dropdown menu 3817, an "Edit
Selected" button 3820, and a "Delete Selected" button 3825. User
selection of the "Add Account" menu 3817 or activation of the "Edit
Selected" button 3820 leads to a display screen such as shown in
FIG. 38B as screen 3801B.
[0487] FIG. 38B illustrates aspects of the web application for
editing information relating to a selected account. The display
screen 3801A includes exemplary data entry regions 3830 for
displaying and editing specific information relating to a selected
account. For example, in accordance with an aspect of the
invention, there is provided a region for entry and editing of
routing and transit number 3832, entry and editing of an account
number 3835, entry and edit of account type 3840, and entry and
editing of a nickname for an account 3845. A "Submit" button 3850
is provided to update and save the information, and a "Cancel"
button 3855 is provided as operative in a manner known to those
skilled in the art.
[0488] FIG. 38C is an exemplary User Site display screen 3801C that
is displayed by the web application 154 in response to user
selection of an account in region 3805 (FIG. 38A) that is a card
type account, for example, a credit card or a stored value card, as
opposed to a bank account, such as shown in FIG. 38B. The display
3801C includes an information display region 3860 for information
relating to a card type account. As shown in FIG. 38C, the display
areas include a card number display region 3862 and a nickname
region 3865, for entry of a short name for the account to promote
remembrance. A "Next" button 3870 moves to another account of a
plurality of accounts stored and maintained by the MFTS 18, and the
"Cancel" button 3875 operates in a known manner.
[0489] FIG. 38D illustrates an exemplary display screen 3801D, that
is displayed in response to a user change of information relating
to a card account, e.g. if a user changes any information relating
to a card account such as in FIG. 38C. The display screen 3801D
includes an informational display region 3880 for displaying a card
number of an account that has been selected for entry or editing,
and a personal identification number (PIN) data entry region 3885
for entry of a PIN associated with a card account for security
purposes. A "Submit" button 3890 and a "Cancel" button 3895 are
provided and are operative in the known manner.
Identifying Information
[0490] FIG. 39 illustrates User Site display screen 3901 that is
displayed in response to user activation of the "Payees" link or
button in region 3705, for managing payees for receiving payments
in accordance with an aspect of the invention. In FIG. 39A, the
"Manage Payee" display screen 3901A includes a region 3905 for
displaying information relating to payees that have been previously
input by a user into the MFTS 18, either by the web application 154
or, as appropriate, via mobile device application entry. As shown
in FIG. 3901A, at least information relating to a name of a payee
and a mobile device number of the payee is displayed. In accordance
with another aspect of the invention, a payee in the system has
other information stored in association therewith, including an
address of the payee (if available), a default payment method, a
preferred account number for one or more payment methods available
to the particular payee, and other identifying information. As
shown in FIG. 39A, a particular payee may be highlighted or
displayed specific information and for operations such as editing
or deletion. Also shown in FIG. 39A, are control buttons for an
"Add Payee" button 3910, an "Edit Selected" button 3915, and a
"Delete Selected" button 3920. User selected of the "Add Payee"
button 3910 or the "Edit Selected" button 3915 produces a display
such as is shown in FIG. 39B.
[0491] FIG. 39B is an exemplary User Site display screen 3901B that
is displayed in response to a user of the web application electing
to add a payee or edit a selected payee. The exemplary display
screen 3901b includes a data entry and display region 3925, which
displays information relating to a particular payee that was
selected in FIG. 39A, and allows entry or updating of the
information. In this embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a "First Name" field 3927, and a "Last Name" field 3930, and a
"Phone Number" field 3935. In accordance with another aspect of the
invention, address information, account number information, a
default selection for payment method field, and other information
is also provided. A "Submit" button 3940 and a "Cancel" button 3945
are provided and are operative in the known manner.
[0492] Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate from
a review of FIGS. 37-39 that there is provided an
internet-accessible web application input/output interface 154 that
allows users to input and edit information relating to "Mobile
Devices", "Accounts", and "Payees" so as to provide functionality
as described elsewhere in this document.
[0493] FIG. 40 is an alternative embodiment of user display screens
generated by a web application input/output interface 154,
construction in accordance with an alternative aspect of the
invention. FIGS. 40-42 provide an alternative method for user
interaction with the web application, with a somewhat different
manner of displaying information and receiving user interaction
with respect to selected accounts, mobile devices, billing
entities, and payment sources.
[0494] FIG. 40 illustrates an exemplary display screen 4001
provided by the web application for managing accounts. The display
screen 4001 is provided by the web application for managing
accounts. The display screen 4001 includes three selectable tabs,
an "Account Summary" tab 4005, a "Billing Entities" tab 4010, and a
"Payment Sources" tab 4015. Shown selected in FIG. 40 is the
"Account Summary" tab 4005. The information associated with the
"Account Summary" tab 4005 includes information relating to the
particular user including an account number, mobile number
associated with the user's mobile device, and other identifying
information as is shown. Other relevant information relating to the
user such as address information, registration date information and
other information relating to billing entities and payment sources
is preferably provided in a display area 4035. An "Edit" button
4020 is provided for editing the information displayed, while a
"New" button 4025 is provided for generating a data entry display
screen that would allow entry of the information as is shown in
FIG. 40.
[0495] FIG. 41 is an exemplary alternative display screen 4101 is
displayed in response to user activation of the "Billing Entities"
tab 4010. The information displayed in the display screen 4101
includes information identifying the specific account or mobile
device number for the current user, as well as a display region
4120 that displays information regarding a plurality for "billers"
or billing entities, or people to whom a payment can be made, e.g.,
a payee and "pay anyone" payment scenarios as described elsewhere
in this document. An "Edit" button 4020 and a "New" button 4025 are
provided and are operative in a manner described above and will be
known to those skilled in the art.
[0496] The billers data region 4120 as shown in FIG. 41 includes
selectable tabs for a plurality of billers, 4105, 4110, and 4115.
The activation of the "New" button 4025 adds a new tab and a new
page for a new "biller". The exemplary tab 4110 is shown as
selected, and displays information relating to a particular biller
for which information has been previously entered. In the example
shown in FIG. 41, an exemplary billing entity George Electricity
Company is shown together with a relevant account number, address,
and other identifying information required so as to enable the MFTS
18 to receive a bill from the billing entity and generate a payment
to this billing entity in accordance to the aspects of the
invention.
[0497] Also, provided in the screen 4101 is a current balanced data
display region 4125, which displays information relating to a
current account balance with respect to the identified and selected
biller, e.g., "Biller 2" shown in tab 4110.
[0498] FIG. 42 is an exemplary alternative web application display
in the form of a display screen 4201 displayed in response to
selection of the payment sources tab 4015. The exemplary display
screen 4201 includes the information identifying the account being
viewed such as account number, mobile number, etc., as in the
previous screen, and also provides an "Edit" button 4020 and a
"New" button 4025 operative as described elsewhere and in the known
manner.
[0499] The "Payment Sources" tab 4015 also includes an information
display region 4220 for displaying information relating to a
selected account. A plurality of selectable tabs with respect to
specific accounts available to the user are provided in exemplary
selectable tabs 4205, 4210, 4215, which are identified as "Bank 1",
"Bank 2", and "Bank 3". Shown selected in FIG. 42 is "Bank 2" 4210.
The display region 4220 thus display information associated with
the selected payment source, which in this case identifies a
specific financial institution and a specific account associated
with the selected financial institution. For example, the
information preferably include the name of the payment source,
e.g., "Georgia Best Bank", and the corresponding account number,
account type, address, and other identifying information. Also,
preferably provided is information display region 4225 for
displaying a current balance associated with the selected
account.
[0500] From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will understand
and appreciate that the web application input/output interface 154
can alternatively provide display screens and controls such as
shown in FIGS. 40-42, to allow user data entry and editing payment
sources, billing entities or other payees, in accordance with
aspects of the invention.
[0501] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of
the inventions has been presented only for the purposes of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teachings.
[0502] The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
explain the principles of the invention and their practical
application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention and various embodiments and with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in
the art to which the present invention pertains without departing
in spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present
invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described
therein.
* * * * *