DE19624693A1 - Procedure for cashless payment processing - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a cashless payment method for payment by means of a card. According to this method, machine-readable information is read from the card at a payment point and, together with an amount of money to be paid, is transmitted to an authorization centre or bank via a digital data network signalling channel. The authorization centre or bank checks that the card information is valid and that there are sufficient funds in the account to cover the amount to be paid. If the card information is valid and sufficient funds are available, an authorization number is generated. If a useful channel in the connection between the authorization centre or bank and the digital network is free, the authorization number is transmitted to the payment point via this useful channel. Otherwise, the authorization numbers are transmitted via the signalling channel.

Description

The present invention is concerned with a method for cashless payment processing using a card, in particular by means of a check card or a credit card te.

It has become common nowadays, on so-called Scheckkar tenkassen, such as those found in many department stores and petrol stations can be taken to pay cashless. At a typical payment process using the check card becomes a magnetic stripe reader on a magnet strip of information stored on the check card read. Typically, this card information includes the card type, the bank code of the cardholder's bank, his account number and the name of the cardholder. The one to be paid The amount of money is determined by the check card cash register. Of the Cardholders give their secret via an input terminal number one. Then it is typically done using an automatic dialing system the construction of a data ver binding to a modem via the analog telephone network Authorization point of the payment system. The autorisia verifies whether the card information is in itself is conclusive, d. H. whether bank sort code, account number, check card number and secret number as matching one existing bank account for which the Authorization agency operates. Then it is checked whether the amount of money to be paid by the current status of the The cardholder's account is covered. If so the authorization authority transmits an authorization  number to the payment agent and keeps the money debit from the account.

A disadvantage that is clearly disruptive in practice ten cashless payment method is that the Establishing a connection between a payment agent and the Au authorization point often takes a considerable amount of time, this processing time is often of the order of magnitude almost a minute is coming. Such waiting times are with the today's personnel costs are no longer justifiable.

Another problem is that the often re relatively long use of a line between the payment and the authorization agent with the payment agent significant telecommunications costs.

You can counter such problems by: between the paying agent and the authorization agent provides a dedicated line. Such, festge switched lines, however, typically do not lead to Acceptable high rental costs by the operator of the lines be billed.

From DE 44 16 254 A1 it is already known within an alarm system to avoid fixed lei between decentralized units and a central office to provide decentralized units with interfaces, which a communication of commands and messages via the so-called called D channel of the ISDN network in the so-called "UUS frame" enable. However, according to the applicable postal code conditions to use the D channel of the ISDN network other purposes than to control a desired connection establishment or disconnection is not permitted or required at least one network service provider specially offered for this purpose German Telekom. This known method therefore also represents an illegal, illegitimate Use of the ISDN network, since there data on the Signaling channel can be transmitted and exchanged,  without intending to connect via the Establish the useful channel of the digital network.

Based on this state of the art, this is the case the invention has for its object a method for bar cashless payment processing using a check card create what an extremely safe and fast settlement enables and with low cost for the groove creating a network between the paying agent and the car can be realized.

This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 solved.

The inventive method for cashless payment processing using a card, in particular using a Credit card or credit card includes the following procedure steps:

• - Capture card information from the card a payment point of a payment system;
• - Capture an amount of money to be paid on the Paying agent
• - Transfer the card information and the money amount from the paying agent via a signal sation channel of a digital data network to one Authorization authority or bank of payment systems;
• - Check the validity of the card information and the Coverage of one designated by the card information Account in the amount of money to be paid;
• - Generation of authorization information which the Authorization or non-authorization for the number processing;  
• - Check whether there is a useful channel connecting the car risk agency or the bank to the digital network free is;
• - if the user channel of the connection of the authorization office or the bank to the digital network is transferring the authorization information from the authorization center or the bank through the User channel to the payment agent;
• - if the user channel of the connection of the authorization station or bank to the digital network is transferring the authorization information from the authorization center or bank via the Signali channel to the payment agent.

According to a particularly important aspect of the invention, at the step of transmitting the card information and the Amount of money also the number of the payment agent from the Paying agent via the signaling channel of the digital Transfer data network to the authorization center, which checks whether the number of the payment agent in a ver drawing of contractual partner payment agencies is included. If this is not the case, the connection is terminated chen. This check closes especially in the event that the digital network used is the ISDN network is an abusive access based on one Connection that is not a connection of a contract partner of the Authorization Authority is listed.

Even if it tries to tamper with the car Data packet sent to the risk agency with a fake one Call number of a contract partner would be provided this is not due to the way the ISDN network works a feedback to the connection from which the An attempt at forgery was made. This is an access from non-contractual partners of the authorization authority to the  Authorization authority excluded, increasing security payment processing is significantly increased.

A preferred embodiment of the invention Procedure is described below with reference to the enclosed ing drawings explained in more detail. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a first preferred embodiment of the inventive method for cashless payment processing; and

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a second preferred embodiment of the inventive method for cashless payment processing.

First, with reference to FIG. 1, a flow chart for explaining a first embodiment of the method according to the invention for cashless payment processing is described in more detail here using the example of payment processing using a check card.

In a first method step S1, the machine is read bare information on the magnetic stripe of a credit card detected by means of an appropriate reading device. This information mation typically includes the account number and the check card number. As a rule, it also includes the bank control number, where applicable, the holder and the card type of the relevant check card. By entering it separately Cardholders on an input device that works with the cash register of the If the payment agent is connected, the Secret number that is assigned to the check card can. As is generally known, this is said to Abuse of a lost check card, at least complicate.

In a subsequent process step S2, the becomes amount of money paid.  

At step S3, the payment agent transmits in the signa lization channel or D channel of the ISDN network a few bytes before the so-called UUS frame (field for communication between the users of this network) their own number, and in the so-called UUS frame the card information and the Amount of money to the authorization point of the payment system.

It is the authorization point of the payment system for example, the so-called clearing house of Banks participating in the Euro check card payment system men.

In the subsequent step S4, the autorisie checks agency, whether the one transferred to it by the paying agent Calling Party Number in a directory of Telephone numbers of the contracting parties paying agents of this car risk agent is included. If not the method proceeds to step S5 an error message within the authorization center is generated that has a faulty, unauthorized access represents attempted grip, whereupon the connection is broken will.

If the number checked in step S4 turns out to be proves a number of a contractual partner payment agent, the method continues with step S6. At the step S6 is first checked whether the card information is valid is. In individual cases, it is checked whether the transmission NEN components of the map information, for example the bank sort code, account number, credit card number, the Inha about, the card type and the secret number as belonging together under a bank account number for which the authorization is active, are saved. If so Case, so the card information is considered valid is still checked within this step S6 the authorization point, whether the transfer in step S3 amount of money due to the current status of the above  Account is covered. If so, it drives Continue with step S7. Otherwise it works Proceed to step S10.

In step S7, the method checks whether the user channel or B channel of the connection of the authorization point to the digital network, namely the ISDN network, is free. If so the case is, a connection is established via the utility channel or B-channel, whereupon an authorization number for the relevant debiting transaction is confirmed.

In the subsequent method step S9, the relevant amount of money debited from the account. Although this is is not shown in detail in the flow diagram, it is possible Lich, the debiting of the amount of money from the account only then to be carried out if the payment agent arrives beforehand the authorization number.

The program checks again in step S10 around, whether a useful channel or B channel connecting the Authorization point to the ISDN network is free. If so the case is, a connection is established again via the useful channel or B channel in step S11, whereupon the feedback is that no authorization door the debit in question is given.

It is found in test step S10 that the B channel is occupied is, the feedback is given that the relevant Abbu process is not authorized, via the D channel or Signaling channel of the ISDN network.

If it is found in test step S7 that the useful channel or B channel of the connection of the authorization point to the ISDN network is not free, so the procedure continues with the Step S13 continues, in turn via the signaling channel or D-channel a feedback of the authorization number for the relevant payment transaction from the authorization place to the payment agent, whereupon the Ver  go to step S9 by debiting the amount of money from the account.

The method according to the invention was described with reference to the ISDN network explained. It is obvious to the expert Lich that other data networks are also used can, as far as this over a signaling channel for the Establishing a connection and a user channel.

A preferred further exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for cashless payment processing will now be described with reference to FIG. 2.

In a first method step S21, a machine-readable information referred to as card information tion preferably from a magnetic strip of a credit card or a credit card or other suitable card read for a payment processing. This card information in the case of the check card again typically includes Account number and bank card number. In the case of credit card includes the credit card number. In case of In addition to the account number, the check card can also be used for the bank routing number, owner name, card type and PIN be included on the card as card information. In the event of the credit card will typically include the holder's details, the specification of the credit card type or credit card company mens be included in the card information.

According to an advantageous aspect of this embodiment the card information further includes the telephone number of the Authorization authority. It should be noted that under the Be did not use the "authorization point" in the sense of this application only those referring to the first embodiment Understand the clearing house of the banks already mentioned but also a bank branch itself, for example the method according to the invention makes it possible, on the basis of simple data communication without the intermediary of a own clearing house authorization for a money transfer operation  directly from a bank branch or bank to make central. In other words, the The term "authorization center" in the sense of the present An notification of anyone entitled to a payment authorization Position within a payment system.

At the subsequent step S22, the money again amount recorded.

Although this is not shown in the flowchart in FIG. 2, analogous to the method in FIG. 1, a step can be provided following step 22 of collecting the amount of money, in which the authorization point is either in the form of the bank branch or in the form of a reference the bank branch external agency checks whether the calling party number transmitted to it by the payment agency is contained in a directory of the phone numbers of the contractual partner payment agencies of this authorization agency. If this is not the case, the method proceeds to a step, also not shown, in which an error message is generated within the authorization point, which represents a faulty, unauthorized access attempt, whereupon the connection is terminated.

At the following step S23, map information and Amount of money, the bank details, for example in the form of Account number and sort code and the number of the number via the signaling channel to those on the Card specified phone number of the authorization center transfer. As already mentioned, it is in the case of the ISDN network with the signaling channel around the D channel of the ISDN network, in which case the aforementioned informa tion within the UUS frame.

In the test step S26 following the step S23 it is checked whether the card information is valid and whether the account is covered. If the card information is valid  is considered and the one transmitted in step S23 Amount of money due to the current status of the named account the method continues with step S27. Otherwise the method continues with step S30.

At step S27, the process checks whether the data channel or usage channel or message channel is free. In the event of of the ISDN network is checked whether the B channel of the ISDN network zes is free.

If so, the method moves to step S28 continues, in which a connection is established via the data channel or usage channel or message channel is brought about. An authorization code is then returned from the authorization point to the payment point. In which Authorization code can be an authorization number act for the relevant debiting transaction.

However, the authorization code can provide more information included from the authorization point to the payment job to be transmitted. So it may be useful the customer with scarce or only slightly lacking Coverage of his account notifying that the current Ab booking accepted and thus authorized, however white Other debits will only be accepted if the account is brought back into the credit area in advance.

In the final step S29, the for data necessary for the money transfer in the authorization center or the bank branch concerned. In the later execution of the money transfer, i.e. the transfer, can in addition to the card information and the amount of money also the telephone number of the payment agent to the target bank are also transmitted so that they can be checked later can whether the telephone number of the payment agent with a Account number relevant to the paying agent or the data relating to the paying agent are correct.  

In step S30, the program checks how whether a data / usage channel or message channel of the Connection of the authorization point to the digital data network is free. In the case of the ISDN network, it is checked whether the B channel is free. If so, the Step S31 establishes a connection via the data channel introduced. The authorization authority then effects one Feedback to the payment agent that the Ab booking process is not authorized. Here too Supplement to the notification of non-authorization further appropriate information or commands to the payment agent be transmitted. For example, an Ent evaluation of the credit cards or credit card are transferred, through which a correspondingly modified credit card or Credit card reader for example by punching the card or destruction of the magnetic stripe makes it unusable.

If the data or usage channel or message channel of the digital network is not free, takes place in the step S32 the feedback via the signaling channel that the The relevant cashless payment transaction is not authorized is. The command for cancellation can also be added here transferred to the card.

If it results from the check in step S27, that the data / usage channel of the digital network is not free is, the program proceeds to step S33. In the In this case, the authorization code is reported via the signaling channel. There is no connection here too, as in the case of step S32, a verb Dismantling not required.

In particular, the second embodiment of the described The method according to the invention is suitable for direct digi tal payment processing between the payment agent and a bank branch, where the bank branch has the function the authorization authority can exercise itself.  

As mentioned, can be used instead of the preferred ISDN network any other digital data network the, as far as this over a signaling channel as well has a data channel or usage channel.

Claims (8)

1. Method for cashless payment processing by means of a card, in particular by means of a check card or credit card, with the following procedural steps:

• - Collecting (S1) card information from the card at a payment point of a payment system;
• - Detection (S2) of an amount of money to be paid at the payment point;
• - Transfer (S3) the card information and the amount of money from the payment point via a signaling channel of a digital data network to an authorization point or a bank of the payment system;
• - Checking (S6) the validity of the card information and the coverage of an account designated by the card information in the amount of the amount of money to be paid;
• - Generating (S8, S11, S12, S13) an authorization information which represents the authorization or non-authorization for the payment processing;
• - Check (S7, S10) whether a user channel of the connection of the authorization point or the bank to the digital network is free;
• - If the user channel of the connection of the authorization point or the bank to the digital network is free, transmitting (S8, S11) the authorization information from the authorization point or the bank via the user channel to the payment point;
• - If the useful channel of the connection of the authorization center or bank to the digital network is occupied, transmitting (S12, S13) the authorization information from the authorization center or bank via the signaling channel to the payment center.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the card information tion includes the account number and the card number. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the card information further comprises at least one of the following information:
the bank sort code, the name of the account holder, the card type and a secret number. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the step (S3) of transmitting the map information and the amount of money also the number of the payment put on the signaling channel of the digital Da network to the authorization center or bank will wear. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the further Step of checking (S4) whether the number of the number agent in a directory of contractual partner payment agents at the authorization center or bank is included, and with the further step of Abort (S5) the connection, if not the Case is. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Authorization information in case of validity of the Card information and if the account is covered an authorization number for the payment in question processing includes. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the card information  tion also the telephone number of the authorization center or the bank, wherein the transfer of cards information and the amount of money from the paying agent over the signaling channel to the authorization place or the bank of the payment system, which is determined by the phone number in question. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which before Execution of a transfer in addition to the cards information and the amount of money the phone number of the Paying agent is submitted to a target bank to allow a check whether the phone number the paying agent with the account number of the payment is registered and therefore the specified account number of the paying agent is correct.