SIM CHIP BANK SYSTEM AND METHOD
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Chip Bank system and method for enabling users registered in the system to control their financial and telecommunications resources from their mobile device over a mobile communications network. The system combines mobile network providers and financial services through the use of SIM chips without the need for modifying the users' mobile devices or SIM chip installed thereon. A SIM Chip Bank System Operator (SCB-O) regulates data flow between users, banks, mobile communications service providers, SIM Chip Automated teller Machines and SIM Chip Service Providing Machines through a plurality of communications channels. Upon a user connecting to the SCB-O to request a transaction, the SCB-O connects to the appropriate bank to authorize the requested transaction. Upon successful completion, reports are sent back and forth to users confirming the event.
This application claims priority on Jordan Application No. 110/2008, filed on Mar. 9, 2008 and which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Chip Bank System and method. In particular, the system and method enable users to perform various bank operations and to acquire telecommunications services through the use of personal mobile phone with SIM chips installed thereon.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe Internet has revolutionized the manner in which the financial services industry conducts business, in particular by providing customers with permanent accessibility through online and mobile banking business models, which alleviate the need for users to visit their correspondent financial institution. Typically, mobile banking allows customers of a bank to use their mobile devices to access banking services at anytime and from any location through a web browser or using software applications downloaded to the mobile device. Further applications, such as mobile contactless payments or fund transfer between mobile devices, are under development.
Still, one of the main challenges with current mobile banking systems is a lack of interoperability between different technology standards. In particular, a plurality of protocols is currently being used for mobile banking, thus making it difficult for mobile banking applications to connect multiple banks to provide financial services between accounts held within different banks. Also, given the large variety of mobile devices currently on the market, it is a challenge for banks to offer mobile banking solutions on any type of device. In particular, some devices necessitate Wireless Application protocol (WAP) capabilities to have access to a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) of the corresponding banking server, while others require installation of software applications on the mobile device (thus requiring the device to have relatively large memory capacity) or even complete replacement of the mobile device's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card with extended function SIM cards. In addition, most prior art banking systems require service providers to be equipped with Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals to confirm the occurrence of a transaction. Other systems necessitate special chips to be integrated in the mobile devices to enable users to remotely access Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), POS terminals and the like, which are in turn equipped with SIM card readers. As a result, the complexity of the overall system is significantly increased. Moreover, strong security concerns arise as financial transactions are executed from remote locations.
What is therefore needed, and an object of the present invention, is a simplified and efficient SIM chip banking system that enables users to control their financial and telecommunications resources from their mobile device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn order to address the above and other drawbacks, there is disclosed a method for enabling a user of a network enabled mobile device and having an account at a bank to effect financial transactions by directly accessing the account over a wireless network, the mobile device having associated therewith an identifier. The method comprises registering the mobile device with the bank for acquiring mobile payment capabilities, the registering comprising associating the identifier with the account, providing a system operator in communication with the bank, establishing a connection between the mobile device and the system operator, requesting a financial transaction using the account via the connection, the system operator authenticating the user through the identifier and upon authentication directing the request to the bank, and the bank communicating with the user for confirming the request prior to effecting the financial transaction.
There is also disclosed a system for enabling a user of a network enabled mobile device and having an account at a bank to effect financial transactions by directly accessing the account over a wireless network. The mobile device has associated therewith an identifier and has been registered with the bank for acquiring mobile payment service capabilities, the registration comprising associating the identifier with the account The system comprises a system operator in communication with the bank, and a connection between the mobile device and the system operator. When the user requests a financial transaction using the account via the connection, the system operator authenticates the user through the identifier and upon authentication directs the request to the bank, the bank communicating with the user for confirming the request prior to effecting the financial transaction.
Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
In the appended drawings:
The present invention is illustrated in further details by the following non-limiting examples.
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Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method for enabling a user of a network enabled mobile device and having an account at a bank to effect financial transactions by directly accessing the account over a wireless network, the mobile device having associated therewith an identifier, the method comprising:
- registering the mobile device with the bank for acquiring mobile payment capabilities, said registering comprising associating the identifier with the account;
- providing a system operator in communication with the bank;
- establishing a connection between the mobile device and said system operator;
- requesting a financial transaction using the account via said connection, said system operator authenticating the user through the identifier and upon authentication directing said request to the bank; and
- the bank communicating with the user for confirming said request prior to effecting said financial transaction.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising installing in the mobile device a smart card comprising a SIM chip programmed with the identifier, the identifier being a mobile phone number.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said connection is a SSL connection.
4. The method of claim 1, said bank communicating with the user comprising establishing a communication channel between the mobile device and the bank for obtaining at the bank confirmation, modification, or cancellation of said financial transaction.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said financial transaction is selected from a menu of potential financial transactions available using the account.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the mobile device comprises a keypad and the user selects one of said potential financial transactions using the keypad.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said financial transaction is selected from a menu of potential financial transactions provided by an Interactive Voice Response system.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said financial transaction is between the user and a second user having a second account at a second bank, the method further comprising the bank sending a payment commitment message to said second bank upon completion of said financial transaction.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said connection is a combined voice and data connection and wherein said confirming said request comprises authenticating a voice of the user.
10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a banking terminal interconnected with said system operator and wherein requesting a financial transaction comprises withdrawal of banknotes from said banking terminal.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said banking terminal is affiliated with a second bank different from the bank and further wherein upon effecting said withdrawal of banknotes from said banking terminal, said second bank requests financial settlement from said system operator.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said banking terminal is an ATM having an ATM SIM chip installed thereon, said ATM SIM chip programmed with a unique ATM identifier associated with said ATM, said ATM identifier registered with said system operator.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein said banking terminal comprises an intercommunication device and a camera, and further wherein said system operator opens via said intercommunication device and said camera a live visual and vocal connection and wherein said confirming said request comprises confirming an identity of the user via said live visual and vocal connection.
14. The method of claim 1, further comprising a service providing machine in communication with said system operator and wherein requesting a financial transaction comprises transferring funds in payment for a service provided to the user by said service providing machine.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said service providing machine has a SPM SIM chip installed thereon, said SPM SIM chip having stored therein a unique SPM identifier, said SPM identifier registered with said system operator.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said service providing machine is selected from the group consisting of a food vending machine, a beverage vending machine, and a fuel pump.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein said service providing machine comprises an intercommunication device and a camera, and further wherein said system operator opens via said intercommunication device and said camera a live visual and vocal connection and wherein said confirming said request comprises confirming an identity of the user via said live visual and vocal connection.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein requesting a financial transaction comprises transferring funds from the account to a second account held by said service providing machine at a second bank.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said second bank is different from the bank, and further wherein upon completion of said transfer of funds, said second bank requests financial settlement from said system operator.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the identifier enables the user to effect a first predetermined set of financial transactions using the account.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising associating a second identifier with the mobile device, said registering comprising associating said second identifier with the account, and said requesting a financial transaction using the account comprising said system operator authenticating the user through said second identifier.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising installing in the mobile device a second smart card comprising a second SIM chip programmed with said second identifier, said second identifier being a second mobile phone number.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein said second identifier enables the user to effect a second predetermined set of financial transactions using the account, said second set being different from said first set.
24. A system for enabling a user of a network enabled mobile device and having an account at a bank to effect financial transactions by directly accessing the account over a wireless network, the mobile device having associated therewith an identifier and having been registered with the bank for acquiring mobile payment service capabilities, the registration comprising associating the identifier with the account, the system comprising:
- a system operator in communication with the bank; and
- a connection between the mobile device and said system operator;
- wherein when the user requests a financial transaction using the account via said connection, said system operator authenticates the user through the identifier and upon authentication directs said request to the bank, the bank communicating with the user for confirming said request prior to effecting said financial transaction.
25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a smart card comprising a SIM chip programmed with the identifier installed in the mobile device, the identifier being a mobile phone number.
26. The system of claim 24, wherein said connection is a SSL connection.
27. The system of claim 24, wherein the bank comprises an integration system for establishing a communication channel between the mobile device and the bank for obtaining at the bank confirmation, modification, or cancellation of said financial transaction subsequent to said request.
28. The system of claim 24, wherein said financial transaction is selected from a menu of potential financial transactions available using the account.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the mobile device comprises a keypad and the user selects one of said potential financial transactions using the keypad.
30. The system of claim 24, wherein said financial transaction is selected from a menu of potential financial transactions provided by an Interactive Voice Response system.
31. The system of claim 24, wherein said connection is a combined voice and data connection and wherein said confirming said request comprises authenticating a voice of the user.
32. The system of claim 24, further comprising a banking terminal interconnected with said system operator and wherein said financial transaction comprises withdrawal of banknotes from said banking terminal.
33. The system of claim 32, wherein said banking terminal is affiliated with a second bank different from the bank and further wherein upon effecting said withdrawal of banknotes from said banking terminal, said second bank requests financial settlement from said system operator.
34. The system of claim 32, wherein said banking terminal is an ATM comprising an ATM SIM chip installed thereon, said ATM SIM chip programmed with a unique ATM identifier associated with said ATM, said ATM identifier registered with said system operator.
35. The system of claim 32, wherein said banking terminal comprises an intercommunication device and a camera, and further wherein said system operator opens via said intercommunication device and said camera a live visual and vocal connection and wherein said confirming said request comprises confirming an identity of the user via said live visual and vocal connection.
36. The system of claim 24, further comprising a service providing machine in communication with said system operator and wherein said financial transaction comprises transferring funds in payment for a service provided to the user by said service providing machine.
37. The system of claim 36, wherein said service providing machine comprises a SPM SIM chip installed thereon, said SPM SIM chip having stored therein a unique SPM identifier, said SPM identifier registered with said system operator.
38. The system of claim 36, wherein said service providing machine is selected from the group consisting of a food vending machine, a beverage vending machine, and a fuel pump.
39. The system of claim 36, wherein said service providing machine comprises an intercommunication device and a camera, and further wherein said system operator opens via said intercommunication device and said camera a live visual and vocal connection and authenticates said unique identifier by confirming an identity of the user via said live visual and vocal connection.
40. The system of claim 36, wherein said financial transaction comprises transferring funds from the account to a second account held by said service providing machine at a second bank.
41. The system of claim 40, wherein said second bank is different from the bank, and further wherein upon completion of said transfer of funds, said second bank requests financial settlement from said system operator.
42. The system of claim 24, wherein the identifier enables the user to effect a first predetermined set of financial transactions using the account.
43. The system of claim 42, wherein a second identifier is associated with the mobile device, said second identifier associated with the account during the registration, and further wherein when the user requests a financial transaction using the account said system operator authenticates the user through said second identifier.
44. The system of claim 43, wherein the mobile device has installed therein a second smart card comprising a second SIM chip programmed with said second identifier, said second identifier being a second mobile phone number.
45. The system of claim 43, wherein said second identifier enables the user to effect a second predetermined set of financial transactions using the account, said second set being different from said first set.
Type: Application
Filed: May 14, 2008
Publication Date: Dec 30, 2010
Inventor: Mahmoud Anass Mahmoud Al-Sahli (Mississauga)
Application Number: 12/918,462
International Classification: G06Q 40/00 (20060101);