Abstract: Consumer with a token incorporating a transaction code on their Smartphone brings their Smartphone to a retailer equipped with a transaction module. When purchasing an article, connection is established between the Smartphone and the transaction module and the transaction module transmits its identity code to the Smartphone. The Smartphone subsequently runs the transaction code and identity code through an authentication algorithm. If authenticated, the Smartphone sends authentication signal to the transaction module and a transaction report to a transaction server. Upon receipt of the authentication signal, the transaction module outputs a corresponding validity indication. This enables any retailer possessing a transaction module to process an electronic transaction without directly altering the retailers system. This therefore provides a simpler and potentially cheaper way of implementing electronic transactions at a wide variety of unrelated retail outlets.

Abstract: A mobile terminal is adapted to receive a message via a mobile communications network; request authentication data from the user of the mobile terminal; and automatically generate an acknowledgement message to the sender of the message including the authentication data.