WO2006122364A1

WO2006122364A1 - Transaction device, system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2006122364A1
Application number: PCT/AU2006/000660
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas David Picton-Warlow
Original assignee: Mobileglobal Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-05-18
Filing date: 2006-05-17
Publication date: 2006-11-23

Abstract

A transaction device (12) is provided as part of an electronic transaction system (10). The transaction system provides for electronic credit card transactions over point of sale devices (14). The transaction device, which comprises a handheld cellular radio telephone, is operable to send a confirmation to an issuing bank (18) during the transaction process. This confirmation message includes a unique identifier for the transaction device and typically, is the IMEI for that phone. If the unique identifier matches the credit card and other account information then the transaction will proceed. Without the confirmation message, the transaction will not proceed. The confirmation will only be sent when the telephone is proximate to the credit card paying for the transaction. The presence of the card is determined either by sending a signal from the card to the telephone, or, alternatively, by having the card connected to the phone and establishing an operative signal when the card is placed, for example, in an open position. In this way, fraudulent use of the credit card is minimised.

Description

"Transaction Device, System and Method"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transaction device, system and method. It also relates to a purchasing system and method using the transaction device, system and method.

The device, system and method are particularly relevant to facilitating secure credit card transactions.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Background Art

The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

People may fraudulently use a credit card linked to an account, or other account identification details, to illegally conduct transactions in respect of the account without authorisation from the legitimate account owner. The present invention seeks to provide a transaction device, system and method that reduces or prevents the occurrence of such fraud to at least some extent.

Cellular radio telephones which enable communication using handheld cellular radio telephones are known. In addition to providing voice communication, these telephones include additional services such as Internet access, email, and text messaging. An efficient way to enable users to access Internet services is through 'preloaded content' which enables users to link directly to Internet services. One example of this is the "RealPlayer" ® application that allows users to access music and video wherever they are in the world. Other applications allow users to buy concert and airline tickets for example.

Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transaction device for use in an electronic transaction system, the electronic transaction system including a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message for transmission to a transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate with an account server holding details pertaining to the account identified by the account identifier, to determine whether the transaction can proceed, wherein the transaction device comprises:

a communications means having a transaction device storage means for storing a transaction device identifier therein, and processing means operable to generate a confirmation message for transmission to the account server, the confirmation message including the transaction device identifier, the communication means being operable to transmit the confirmation message to the account server to establish an online status for the account upon receipt of the confirmation message, whereby the transaction can only proceed in response to the establishment of the online status. Preferably, the communications means is operatively coupled to an account information storage means to transmit and receive signals there between, and is operable to generate and transmit the confirmation message in response to a signal from the account information storage means, the account information storage means being arranged to store the account identifier thereon.

Preferably, the communications means is arranged for wireless coupling to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

Alternatively, the communications means is arranged to be connected to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

Preferably, the account information storage means is arranged for reading by the transaction message generating means to read the account identifier therefrom for inclusion in the transaction message, and wherein the confirmation message is sent as the account information is read from the account information storage means.

Preferably, the transaction device further comprises detection means for detecting when the account information storage means is read by the transaction message generating means, and notification means for notifying the communications means when the account information storage means is read, wherein when the detection means detects that the account information storage means is being read, the notification means notifies the communications means.

Preferably, the communications means is operable to receive a transaction complete message from the transaction facilitator server when the transaction is complete.

Preferably, the communications means is operable to receive a confirmation request message from the account server if the confirmation message is not received.

Preferably, the communications means is operable to resend the confirmation message on receipt of the confirmation request message. - A -

Preferably, the account information storage means comprises one or a combination of the following set: credit card, payment card, debit card, smart card, memory chip, and magnetic stripe.

Preferably, the account identifier comprises a unique number.

Preferably, the communications means comprises a mobile or handheld cellular radio telephone, in which case the transaction device identifier may be an International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), a Mobile Equipment Identity ("MEI"), a Subscriber Identity Module ("SIM"), or a telephone number.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a financial server arrangement comprising an account server and a transaction facilitator server for use in an electronic transaction system, the electronic transaction system including a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message for transmission to the transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate the account identifier to the account server to determine whether the transaction can proceed, the financial server arrangement being arranged to receive a confirmation message from a transaction device, the confirmation message including a transaction device identifier unique to the transaction device and linked to an account identifier, whereby the account server is operable to:

parse the received confirmation message for the transaction device identifier;

compare the transaction device identifier with the account identifier to establish that the account identifier and the transaction identifier are linked;

establish an online status for the account in response to a linked transaction device identifier and account identifier; and generate a transaction proceed message for transmission to the transaction facilitator server upon successful comparison of the transaction device identifier and the account identifier in response to the online status.

Preferably, the account server is operable to generate and transmit a transaction complete message to the transaction device when the transaction is complete.

Preferably, the account server is operable to generate and transmit a confirmation request message to the transaction device if the confirmation message is not received.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic transaction system including:

a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message;

a transaction facilitator server; and

an account server, the transaction message generating means being operable to transmit a transaction message to the transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate with the account server holding details pertaining to the account identified by the account identifier, to determine whether the transaction can proceed, the electronic transaction system further including:

a transaction device comprising a communications means having a transaction device identifier storage means for storing a transaction device identifier therein; and

processing means operable to generate a confirmation message for transmission to the account server, the confirmation message including the transaction device identifier, the communication means being operable to transmit the confirmation message to the account server to establish an online status for the account upon receipt of the confirmation message, whereby the transaction can only proceed in response to the establishment of the online status. Preferably, the electronic transaction system further includes an account information storage means, wherein the communications means is operatively coupled to the account information storage means to transmit and receive signals there between, and is operable to generate and transmit the confirmation message in response to a signal from the account information storage means, the account information storage means being arranged to store the account identifier thereon.

Preferably, the communications means is arranged to be connected to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

Preferably, the account information storage means is arranged for reading by the transaction message generating means to read the account identifier there from for inclusion in the transaction message, and wherein the confirmation message is sent as the account information is read from the account information storage means.

Preferably, the communications means is operable to receive a confirmation request message from the account server if the confirmation message is not received. Preferably, the communications means is operable to resend the confirmation message on receipt of the confirmation request message.

Preferably, the account identifier comprises a unique number.

Preferably, the communications means is a mobile or handheld cellular radio telephone, in which case the transaction device identifier may be an International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), a Mobile Equipment Identity ("MEI"), a Subscriber Identity Module ("SIM"), or a telephone number.

Preferably, the transaction device identifier unique to the transaction device is linked to the account identifier, whereby the account server is operable to:

parse the received confirmation message for the transaction device identifier;

establish the online status for the account in response to a linked transaction device identifier and account identifier; and

generate a transaction proceed message for transmission to the transaction facilitator server upon successful comparison of the transaction device identifier and the account identifier in response to the online status.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transaction method for conducting a transaction, the method comprising:

storing account information for an account, the account information including an account identifier;

reading the account identifier; generating and transmitting a transaction message, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including the account identifier, for facilitating payment for the transaction;

receiving the transaction message;

parsing the received transaction message for the account identifier;

storing a transaction device identifier linked to the account identifier;

generating and transmitting a confirmation message, the confirmation message including the transaction device identifier;

receiving the confirmation message;

parsing the received confirmation message for the transaction device identifier;

comparing the transaction device identifier with the account identifier and establishing an online status for the account in response to a successful comparison of the transaction device identifier and the account identifier; and

generating and transmitting a transaction proceed message upon establishment of the online status.

Preferably, the method further comprises generating and transmitting a transaction complete message when the transaction is complete.

Preferably, the method further comprises generating and transmitting a confirmation request message if the confirmation message is not received.

Preferably, the method may further comprise receiving the confirmation request message and resending the confirmation message on receipt thereof.

Preferably, the online status is established for a predetermined period of time.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for purchasing goods or services, the system comprising a communication device having a first and a second memory, the first memory having an application preloaded thereon, and the second memory having an identifier stored therein for uniquely identifying thθ communication device, the communication device being operable to communicate with a first server using the preloaded application to purchase goods or services, and to send details of the unique identifier to the first server when in communication therewith, the first server being operable to store details of the unique identifier received from the communication device.

Preferably, the unique identifier is the International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI").

Preferably, the unique identifier is a manufacturer's identifier.

Preferably, the first server can then be operable to compare the unique identifier with data stored in a look up table, to thereby identify the manufacturer of the communication device.

Preferably, the communication device is further operable to communicate with a second server, the second server being accessible by the manufacturer, and to send details of the unique identifier to the second server, along with a transaction identifier, the transaction identifier being unique to a transaction used by the preloaded application to purchase goods or services.

Preferably, the second memory has a payment account identifier stored therein for identifying a payment account through which payment for the transactions may be facilitated, the communication device being operable to transmit the payment account identifier to the server to facilitate payment for the transaction.

Preferably, the payment account number is a credit card number.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device, the communication device having a first memory and a second memory, the first memory having an application preloaded thereon, and the second memory having an identifier stored therein for uniquely identifying the communication device, the method comprising using the preloaded application to communicate with a server and to place a transaction therewith to purchase the goods or services, sending details of the unique identifier to the server when in communication therewith, and storing details of the unique identifier received from the communication device at the server.

Preferably, the method further comprises comparing the unique identifier to details stored in a look up table to identify the manufacturer of the communication device.

The unique identifier may be the International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), or any other suitable identifier.

Preferably, the method further comprises sending details of the unique identifier, as well as a transaction identifier, to a second server accessible by the manufacturer.

Preferably, the method further comprises using a payment account identifier stored in the second memory to facilitate payment for the transaction.

Preferably, the payment account identifier is a credit card number.

It can be seen that the present invention provides a number of advantages over systems and methods available to date. It enables manufacturers and providers of goods and services to share revenues from services. It allows them to obtain information about the popularity, or otherwise, of the services and goods that they provide, enabling them to tailor these more successfully. The provision of a payment account identifier removes the need for users to carry with them a separate credit/debit card to pay for purchases made through this preloaded content.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a transaction system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the components of a transaction device of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front view of the transaction device of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an issuing computer of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the transaction device of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a front view of another alternative embodiment of the transaction device of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 is a front view of a further alternative embodiment of the transaction device of the transaction system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a system using the transaction device of Figures 2 to 7; and

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of alternative embodiment of the system of Figure 8.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

Mobile or handheld cellular radio telephones and other mobile wireless devices, credit cards and credit card facilities, Point of Sale ("POS") systems, and Automatic Teller Machine ("ATM") systems are known, and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as they are relevant to the present invention.

In Figure 1 , there is shown a first embodiment of a transaction system 10 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The transaction system 10 comprises: o a transaction device 12;

o transaction means in the form of a POS system 14 for generating a transaction message for transmission to a transaction facilitator; and

o transaction facilitators in the form of an acquiring bank 16 and an issuing bank 18.

The transaction device 12 comprises communications means in the form of a mobile or handheld cellular radio telephone 20, or other communications device, operatively coupled to account information storage means in the form of a credit card 21.

The POS system 14 is operated by a merchant, not shown, and allows bank customers to effect transfers of funds from their bank accounts and other financial transactions at a retail point of sale. The acquiring bank 16 is a bank that has a relationship with the merchant and receives all credit card transactions from the merchant conducted via the POS system 14 and distributes these to the issuing bank 18. The acquiring bank 16 holds an account for the merchant. The issuing bank 18 issues credit cards to customers and records details of the accounts of its customers. Additionally, the issuing bank 18 funds the merchant's account when a charge is made to one of their customer's credit cards, and later bills the customer for that charge.

These and other components of the transaction system 10 will now be described in further detail.

The transaction device 12, illustrated in Figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, is owned and operated by an owner, not shown, and as stated previously comprises the telephone 20 and the credit card 21.

The telephone 20 comprises a body 22 housing a microprocessor 24 and other processing circuitry, not shown, a memory 26 comprising a read only memory ("ROM") 28, a random access memory ("RAM") 30 and a flash memory 32, an antenna 34, a display 36, a keyboard 38, a microphone 40, a speaker 42, and a power supply, not shown. Additionally, the telephone 20 has an operating system, not shown, for executing application software stored in the memory 26. Application software may be used to operate various features of the telephone 20.

In the embodiment described, the body 22, or handset, of the telephone 20 is of small size. A small handset size provides a commercial advantage in cases where the credit card 21 is physically attached to the telephone 20, as most customers do not like large, bulky mobile devices. Smaller card sizes allow smaller handsets to be used.

The operation and configuration of a cellular radio telephone is well known to persons skilled in the art and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

In the embodiment described, a transaction program, facilitating the transaction features of the telephone 20, is stored in the ROM 28 of the memory 26, and is preloaded onto the ROM 28 during manufacture by a manufacturer, not shown. In alternative embodiments of the invention, the transaction program may be downloaded or otherwise saved to the memory 26 after manufacture.

The communications means is not limited to being a telephone, and may be any communications device capable of sending and optionally receiving messages via a communications network, including any mobile communications device, such as a Personal Digital Assistant ("PDA").

The ROM 28 stores identification numbers unique to the telephone 20, including a subscriber identity module ("SIM"), device number, and specifically the International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"). The IMEI of the telephone 20 serves as a transaction device identifier to identify the transaction device 12. In alternative embodiments, the ROM 28 stores future identifiers such as the Mobile Equipment Identity ("MEI") that is proposed to be similar to the IMEI except that it uses hexadecimal digits. The IMEI is a number unique to the telephone 20, which is allocated to the telephone 20 at the point of manufacture. The IMEI is a 15 digit number, which includes digits referring to the Type Allocation Code ("TAC") - which can be used to identify the type of telephone, and where it has been approved for use - and a serial number ("SRN") allocated by the manufacturer, as well as a check digit. With the IMEI, it is therefore possible to identify the manufacturer of the telephone 20.

The telephone 20 is used within a communications network 42. The communications network 42 is owned and/or operated by a carrier, not shown. The communications network 42 facilitates communication between parties connected thereto, in a way that is well known to persons skilled in the art and, as such, need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

The communications network 42 includes all features of known cellular radio telephone networks - including a number of base stations, not shown and a network service centre or mobile switching centre, not shown. The mobile switching centre routes communications to the appropriate destination. The communications network 42 comprises a number of "cells", not shown - each cell being served by a base station. Mobile stations, such as the telephone 20, can roam within the communications network 42, and are in communication with the base station serving the cell in which they are located - provided that they are either in an active mode or a standby or "listening" mode. Thus, the mobile stations are able to send and receive signals to and from the base stations to transmit data - such as audio, control and text data - to the mobile switching centre, and from there to it's intended recipient, such as other mobile stations, or servers such as Internet servers.

In the embodiment described, the communications network 42 is a Global System for Mobile Communication ("GSM") network. GSM cellular radio telephone networks, the operation of such networks, and terminals using the networks are well known to persons skilled in the art, and therefore need not be described in any further detail herein, except in as is relevant to the present invention. Please note that the communications network 42 is not limited to being a GSM network, and alternative embodiments of the invention may use other communications protocols.

The carrier provides a Short Message Service ("SMS") on the communications network 42, and, in this regard, the mobile switching centre includes a short message service centre ("SMSC"), not shown, that is operable to manage the SMS functions of the communications network 42. In particular the SMSC receives SMS messages from a variety of sources, identifies the sender, the content and the recipient for the message, and delivers it to that recipient.

A subscriber or user of the communications network 42 can send or receive text messages using the SMS provided on the communications network 42, for example using a mobile station such as the telephone 20, or using a computer such as an issuing computer 44 of the issuing bank 18 coupled to an SMS gateway via the Internet, or any other suitable means.

The credit card 21 is retained within a sliding carriage 46 provided in the body 22 of the telephone 20, and comprises account information and an account identifier. The carriage 46, and the credit card 21 , are moveable from a first position in which the credit card 21 is completely contained within the body 22, to a second position in which a readable portion of the credit card 21 extends from the body 22 to facilitate reading thereof by a POS system in a conventional manner.

The credit card 21 contains information pertinent to an account of the owner of the transaction device 12, facilitated by the issuing bank 18. This information comprises such information as the name of the owner, the expiry date of the credit card 21 , and a unique sixteen-digit account identification number (typically referred to as a Primary Account Number ("PAN")), and is recorded on a first side of the readable portion of the credit card 21 in a magnetic stripe. The information is held on what is conventionally termed Track 1 , 2, and 3 of the magnetic stripe. This information can be additionally embossed onto a second side of the readable portion, opposite to the first side thereof. In the embodiment described, the credit card 21 is operatively coupled to the telephone 20 via the carriage 46, so that when the carriage 46 is manipulated so that it and the credit card 21 are in the second position, with the readable portion of the credit card 21 extended from the body 22, the carriage 46 makes an electrical connection with the processing circuitry of the telephone 20, signalling to the telephone 20 that a confirmation message is to be generated and transmitted. The confirmation message serves to confirm with the issuing computer 44 of the issuing bank 18 that the transaction that is being made by use of the credit card 21 is legitimate and approved by the owner, as will be described in further detail below.

When the carriage 46 is manipulated so that it and the credit card are in the first position, completely contained within the body 22, the electrical connection is broken.

In all other respects, the credit card 21 is the same as a conventional credit card, and interacts with POS systems in a conventional manner, well known to persons skilled in the art.

This is advantageous as there is no need for conventional POS systems already in existence to be modified or altered in any way to allow the transaction device 12 to be used therewith.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, rather than being a passive element, the credit card 21 may be reactive and provided with detection means operable to detect when the magnetic stripe thereof is swiped through, or otherwise read by, a POS system, and notification means operable to communicate notification of such reading to the telephone 20. In such a case, the telephone 20 will be operable to produce and send the confirmation message on receipt of such communication.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the information may be recorded onto the credit card by any suitable means, such as via a chip and personal identification number ("PIN") configuration. Similarly, the account identification means may comprise any means by which an account may be identified, including other forms of payment cards, debit cards, or smart cards. The account identification may alternatively be embedded in the memory 26 of the telephone 20, in which case the telephone 20 may be provided with an appropriate wireless transmission functionality to enable the account identification to be transmitted to a POS system having wireless reading capability.

The POS system 14 comprises a conventional credit card reader, not shown.

The POS system 14 is in communication with the acquiring bank 16 via the communications network 42. The acquiring bank 16 is similarly in communication with the issuing computer 44 of the issuing bank 18 via the communications network. The issuing computer 44 is also in communication with the telephone 20 via the communications network 42.

The interaction between merchant POS systems, acquiring banks and issuing banks is well known to persons skilled in the art, and as such need not be described in further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 4 of the drawings, the issuing computer 44 of the issuing bank 18 comprises an issuing server cluster comprising a transaction facilitator server 48 and an account server 50.

The transaction facilitator server 48 has facilitator memory, not shown, for storing a facilitator program, and a facilitator operating system for executing application software stored in the facilitator memory, such as the facilitator program. Additionally, the transaction facilitator server 48 comprises a processor coupled to the facilitator memory. The facilitator program is operable to enable the transaction facilitator server 48 to perform various functions, described in further detail below.

The account server 50 has account memory, not shown, for storing an account database 52 and an account program operable to enable the account server 50 to perform various functions as will be described. The account server 50 additionally comprises an account operating system for executing application software stored in the account memory, such as the account program, along with a processor coupled to the account memory.

The account database 52 has a plurality of records 54. Each record 54 comprises a set of account information relating to an account facilitated by the issuing bank 18 via the issuing computer 44, including:

o the name of the account owner;

o the address of the account owner;

o the limit of the account;

o the present balance of the account;

o details of transactions conducted in respect of the account;

o the unique sixteen-digit account identification number of the credit card linked to the account;

o the expiry date of the credit card linked to the account;

o the identity of the carrier;

o an identifier for communicating with the device linked to the account, e.g. a telephone number, email address, etc;

o the SIM, device number, and IMEI of the device linked to the account; and

o whether owner authorisation monitoring is enabled or disabled for the account. Any suitable database structure can be used, providing it enables the appropriate storage and query of the stored data.

These details are used to identify the account owner when cross checking transactions being completed in respect of the account.

The account owner is able to select whether owner authorisation monitoring is enabled or disabled for the account, thereby providing the account owner with optional levels of transaction security. The credit card linked to the account may also be provided with a PIN, for an additional level of security. In such a case, the PIN is also recorded in the set of account information.

One of the records 54 is for the owner of the transaction device 12, and hereafter shall be referred to as the owner record 56. The owner record 56 contains the relevant details for the owner and the transaction device 12.

In the embodiment described, the transaction device 12 is issued to the owner by the issuing bank 18 on creation of the owners account, and the necessary details are entered into the owner record 56 at that time. The owner record 56 is used by the issuing bank 18 to facilitate transactions in respect of the owners account.

In an alternative embodiment, the issuing bank 18 may send the telephone 20 and the credit card 21 by mail to a customer once their account is created, rather then giving them to the customer directly. In such a case, the customer then inserts the credit card 21 into an appropriate opening in the telephone 20 to couple it thereto and form the complete transaction device 12. Once coupled, the customer operates the telephone 20 to send an activation message to the issuing computer 44 via the communications network 42 to confirm the transaction device 12 is complete, and the account is to be activated. On receipt of the activation message, the issuing computer 44 activates the account.

The functions of the above components, and additional features of the transaction system 10, will now be described with reference to the transaction system 10 in use. To conduct a transaction using the transaction system 10, for example payment for goods supplied by the merchant and totalled on the POS system 14, the owner manipulates the carriage 46 of the transaction device 12 to slide it and the credit card 21 to the second position in which the readable portion of the credit card 21 is extended from the body 22.

The readable portion of the credit card 21 is then swiped through the credit card reader so that the magnetic stripe thereof, and the information stored thereon, is read by the credit card reader. The read information is then inserted into a transaction message generated by the POS 14. The transaction message comprises details of the transaction including an identifier for the merchant and the details of the goods supplied including their total cost.

The transaction message, including the read account identifier information - namely the name of the owner, the expiry date of the credit card 21 , and the unique sixteen-digit account identification number or PAN, is then communicated to the acquiring bank 16 via the communications network 42. On receipt of the transaction message, the acquiring bank 16 passes the transaction message on to the issuing computer 44 of the issuing bank 18.

As described previously, when the carriage 46 is manipulated so that it and the credit card 21 are in the second position, the carriage 46 makes an electrical connection with the processing circuitry of the telephone 20, signalling to the telephone 20 that a confirmation message is to be generated and transmitted.

On establishment of the electrical connection, the transaction program is operable to gather the IMEI from the ROM 28. The means by which this is done will depend upon the operating system being used by the telephone 20. For example, if the Symbian ® operating system is being used, this can be done using the following:

#include <plpvariant.h> void DeviceUtils::Getlmei(TDes& almei)

{ #ifndef WINS TPIpVariantMachineld imei;

PlpVariant::GetMachineldl_(imei); almei.Copy(imei); #else

// Return a test IMEI when working on emulator

_LIT(KEmulatorlmei, "000000000000000"); almei.Copy(KEmulatorlmei); #endif }

Once the transaction program has retrieved the IMEI, it is inserted into the confirmation message and sent to the issuing computer 44 via a secure connection on the communications network 42. A "hard coded" manufacturer identifier can also be used if required to identify the manufacturer of the telephone 20.

On receipt of the transaction message by the issuing computer 44, the transaction facilitator server 48 thereof parses the received transaction message for the account identifier information contained therein and communicates with the account server 50 to determine whether the transaction can proceed.

The account server 50 then operates to look up the owner record 56 in the account database 52, identified by the account identifier information, and validate that the transaction is allowed to proceed.

If the owner authorisation monitoring is disabled in respect of the account, then a conventional validation technique is used by the account server 50 to check the account balance and confirm the transaction is allowed to proceed. Such conventional validation techniques are well known to persons skilled in the art, and need not be described in further detail herein.

If the transaction is validated as being allowed to proceed, the account server 50 notifies the transaction facilitator server 48 accordingly and records the details of the transaction in the account database 52, and the issuing computer 44 produces and sends an acceptance message to the acquiring bank 16 via the communications network. The acceptance message comprises a notification that the transaction is to proceed. The acquiring bank 16 then forwards the acceptance message to the POS system 14. On receipt of the acceptance message, the POS system 14 transacts accordingly. In the event that the transaction is not validated as being allowed to proceed, the account server 50 notifies the transaction facilitator server 48 of the same and a rejection message is generated by the issuing computer 44 and transmitted to the acquiring bank 16 via the communications network. The rejection message comprises a notification that the transaction is not to proceed. The acquiring bank 16 then forwards the rejection message to the POS system 14. On receipt of the rejection message, the POS system 14 cancels the transaction. ,

If the owner authorisation monitoring is enabled in respect of the account, then once the conventional validation technique is used to check the account balance and confirm the transaction is allowed to proceed, the issuing computer 44 waits to receive the confirmation message from the telephone 20.

On receipt of the confirmation message by the issuing computer 44, the account server 50 thereof parses the received confirmation message for the IMEI contained therein, i.e. the transaction device identifier. The account server 50 then compares the IMEI contained in the transaction message with the IMEI stored in the owner record 56 identified by the account identifier information. If these are identical, then this activates an 'online' status for the card, and, if the transaction has also been validated, then the account server 50 generates and transmits a 'transaction proceed' message to the transaction facilitator server 48, and records the details of the transaction in the account database 52. On receipt of the transaction proceed message by the transaction facilitator server 48, the issuing computer 44 produces and sends an acceptance message as described previously.

In the event that the issuing computer 44 does not receive the confirmation message within a prescribed time period, the issuing computer 44 is operable to produce and send a confirmation request message to the telephone 20, comprising the details of the transaction and requesting confirmation that the transaction is authorised by the owner. Once received by the telephone 20, the confirmation request message is shown on the display 36. The owner may then operate the telephone 20 to send an authorisation message to the issuing computer 44 in response to the confirmation request message, comprising the IMEI and a notification that the transaction is legitimate.

It should be noted that such action would be taken when the confirmation message has been sent but not received by the issuing computer 50, and also in the case where the account identifier information has been submitted by means not requiring the credit card 48 to be physically read, such as via a payment gateway provided on the Internet, or via voice over internet protocol ("VOIP").

If the transaction is not legitimate, then the owner may take action to inform the issuing bank 18 of the same, and cancel the transaction.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the transaction program may resend the confirmation message in response to receipt of the confirmation request message.

On receipt by the issuing computer 44 of an authorisation message or a resent confirmation message in response to the confirmation request message, the account server 50 parses the received authorisation message or resent confirmation message for the IMEI contained therein. The account server 50 then compares the received IMEI with the IMEI stored in the owner record 56 identified by the account identifier information. If these are identical, and the transaction has been validated, then the account server 50 generates and transmits a transaction proceed message to the transaction facilitator server 48, and records the details of the transaction in the account database 52. On receipt of the transaction proceed message by the transaction facilitator server 48, the issuing computer 44 produces and sends an acceptance message as described previously.

If an authorisation message or resent confirmation message are not received, then a rejection message is generated and sent as described previously.

By such comparison between the transaction device identifier and the account identifier, proof is obtained that the account identified is related to the transaction device identified and the transaction is legitimate before it is permitted to proceed. Requiring the issuing computer 44 to receive a confirmation message in addition to the transaction message to accept the transaction provides a major benefit against fraud. If the owner authorisation monitoring is enabled a transaction can only be approved if confirmation that the transaction is legitimate is received from the transaction device 12. It is therefore not enough to merely have the credit card number and expiry date, or Card Verification Value Code ("CW"), as is the case with traditional credit cards. In this regard, most current fraud activity is based on knowledge of these details. If the owner authorisation monitoring is enabled it will help to prevent this common type of fraud from taking place.

A further advantage of the invention is that from the information recorded in the accounts database 52, namely the identity of the carrier and the IMEI of the device linked to the account, it is possible for the issuing computer 44 to identify both the carrier and the manufacturer of the telephone 20 in relation to each transaction made by use of the transaction device 12. This information may then be used to enter into a revenue sharing agreement by which the carrier and/or the manufacturer, as well as the issuing bank 18, and other interested parties, receive a portion of the revenue from transactions undertaken by the owner. This can be achieved in a number of ways. As an example, if the issuing computer 44 reports details of the total value of transactions undertaken by the owner using the transaction device 12 in a prescribed period, then the report can be accompanied by the agreed payment to the respective parties.

In an alternative embodiment, rather than being physically connected to the telephone 20, the credit card 21 can be coupled remotely to the telephone 20, but in such a way that the credit card 21 needs to be proximate the telephone 21. The coupling, for example, could be achieved through infra red (IR), Radio Frequency (RF) or other suitable means. The use of IR and RF to couple signals and data between devices located close to each other is known and need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

This is illustrated schematically in Figure 7. The credit card 21 includes a card signal means 58, and the telephone 20 includes a telephone signal means 60. These two signal means 58, 60 are in the form of matched transceivers using IR or RFID technology.

In this embodiment, when a transaction has been made and the usual transaction process carried out, the telephone 20 under control of the transaction program is operable to poll the credit card 21 by sending a signal - such as an RF or IR signal - to the card 21. If the credit card 21 is close to the telephone 21 , then a signal will be returned to the telephone 20 in response to the poll. If a positive response is received, then the telephone 20 proceeds to communicate the IMEI number as described above, thus establishing an 'online' status for the card. The transaction can then be finalised as before.

As mentioned above, the online status of the telephone 20 is established by communication of the IMEI to the issuing computer 44. This online status can be arranged to exist for a predetermined period before the status of the telephone reverts to an offline status. If a user wishes to reactivate this online status, then the user would be required to enter a PIN to the telephone 20. In response to this, the telephone 20 is then operable to resend the IMEI to the issuing computer 44 to thereby re-establish the online status.

Alternatively, the user could use this PIN to prompt the telephone 20 to send the IMEI to the issuing computer 44 at any other time, thereby establishing an online status outside of a transaction episode.

Additional credit cards can be attached to the telephone 20 - either by a physical link or a wireless link. In the case of the physical link, the transaction device could be arranged to provide for multiple cards to be part of the transaction device 12, or they could be interchangeable. In a wireless connection, signals from the card to the telephone 20 would identify the credit card 21.

Examples of the use of the transaction device 12 are outlined below:

1. A user switches on the transaction device 12 and enters their PIN. The telephone 20 checks that all linked cards are proximate by polling each of the cards. Once this is successful the transaction device 12 is operable to signal the issuing bank computer 44 by communicating the IMEI to set the credit cards to an online status. The cards can now transact as normal.

2. A user switches on the transaction device 12 and enters their PIN. The telephone 20 checks that all linked cards are proximate by polling each of the cards. The transaction device 12 is linked to two cards, card A and card B. Card A is not proximate, while card B is proximate. The device contacts the issuing bank to set card A to an offline status and card B to an online status. The customer can proceed to transact on card B. If card A were to be stolen the cards PIN has been taken it would normally be possible to fraudulently transact with the card as all the required information is available. However in this case no-one can transact with card A, because card A is not proximate to the transaction device 12 and so it is in an offline status.

3. If a user wishes to conduct a "card not present" transaction, for example when buying over the phone or over the Internet, the user can still put the card into an 'online' status with the issuing bank computer 44. This is achieved as above by switching the transaction device 12 on, and allowing it to poll the card. As the poll is nearby, then the telephone 12 will receive a signal from the card, and, in response will transmit the IMEI to the issuing bank computer 44. The transaction will proceed as usual and, because the card has an 'online' status then the transaction will be allowed to proceed (providing there are available funds and so on). If the card were to be stolen, and an attempt to use the card in a "card not present' transaction, the transaction would not be allowed because the card would have an 'offline' status because of its non-proximity to the transaction device 12.

It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described. For example, the invention as described can include the following modifications and/or additions: o any appropriate identifiers may be used for the account identifier and the transaction device identifier.

Additionally, the account identifier and the transaction device identifier may be the same, or the account

5 identifier may include the transaction device identifier;

o rather than relying on the telephone 20 to automatically generate and transmit the confirmation message, the owner may create and send a message to the issuing computer 44 themselves prior to conducting a

10 transaction, provided that the owner knows the IMEI and can insert it into the message along with the details of the transaction. In such a case, the transaction device 12 is not required, as long as the owner knows the transaction device identifier and the account identifier;

15 o the credit card 21 may be able to be removed from the carriage 46 of the telephone 20, and replaced with an alternative credit card;

o the transaction device 12 may be provided with a plurality of account identification means, each providing

20 information pertinent to a different account of the owner of the transaction device 12, such as a number of credit cards. In this case, the transaction device 12 may be provided with account selection means operable to enable the owner to select the account to be used for a

25 transaction. The account selection means may comprise a "card jukebox" storing a plurality of cards from which the credit card corresponding to the desired account can be selected and moved to a readable position, a coil of magnetic stripes from which the appropriate magnetic

30 stripe may be selected, or a selectable database of accounts, for example; o the telephone 20 may be provided with security features preventing unauthorised operation of the telephone 20, and hence the transaction device 12. Such security features may comprise a personal identification number,

5 or biometic authentication of the owner;

o the transaction device 12 may be combined with other technologies for advanced or multiple functions. For example, magnetic stripes may be used in conjunction with RFID or biometics systems for authentication of the

10 owner or non-contact situations. Other possible combinations include magnetic stripes and smart cards for read/write and data interaction capabilities, and magnetic stripes combined with two dimensional barcodes on a card for text and image applications;

15 o alternative mechanisms may be used to extend the credit card 21 from the telephone 20 for reading, such as those illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings; and

o the credit card 21 may be able to be optionally connected to and disconnected from, or linked and unlinked from,

20 the transaction device 12 as desired by the owner. Once disconnected or unlinked from the transaction device 12, the credit card 21 may be used to make transactions in a conventional manner. This is advantageous in situations where the transaction device 12 is left somewhere known

25 to the user that is out of range for communication, but the user still wishes to use the credit card 21 to make a transaction in the meantime. Connection and disconnection or linking and unlinking of the credit card 21 to the transaction device 12 may require security

30 requirements to be satisfied, such as submission of a request and password by the owner to the issuing bank 18, for example.

It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, can be combined to form yet further embodiments falling within the intended scope of the invention.

In an additional embodiment, the telephone 20 of the transaction device 12 may be provided with preloaded content to provide additional functionality for a user. For example, the preloaded content may allow a user to book airline tickets via an airline website. The provision of preloaded content on cellular radio telephones for enhanced functionality is known, and need not be described in any further detail herein, except as is relevant to the present invention.

This is illustrated schematically in Figures 8 and 9.

The telephone 20, communicates via the communications network in the usual way.

The website of the content service provider is hosted on a server 111 , and accessed via the Internet in the usual way, using the application software loaded on the ROM 28 in the telephone 20. The user will open up the preloaded application by selecting the appropriate icon displayed on the display 36, in a manner that is well known.

The website is accessed through means of the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) as is well known, and the telephone 20 is in communication with the server 111. The server 111 will be coupled to one or more databases 112 for storing information. Once in communication, the user can proceed with the relevant transaction to purchase the tickets, for example, in a known manner.

At the same time as the application software is launched, the application software is operable to gather the IMEI from the ROM 28, as described above. OΠCΘ the application software has retrieved the IMEI, then it is attached to the URL, and transmitted as part of it when the application software contacts the server 111 using the URL in a known manner. A "hard coded" manufacturer identifier can also be used if required to identify the manufacturer of the telephone 20.

When the server 111 receives the data from the telephone 20, it parses the URL and identifies the attached IMEI and stores it in the database 112. Alternately, the interface message could be used. The interface message can be sent using an external Internet Protocol address or IP address. This IP address is visible to users of the internet. The "hard coded" manufacturer identifier can also be stored if required. This can be achieved using any suitable programming steps appropriate for the operating system used by the server 111.

As the IMEI is unique to the telephone 20, and can therefore identify the manufacturer, the server 111 is operable to compare the IMEI with a lookup table in the database 12 to determine the manufacturer of the telephone involved in the transaction. The manufacturer identifier can also be used as the lookup. The server 111 is then operable to communicate to the manufacturer 116 that a telephone manufactured by them has been used to access this particular service providers services. The manufacturer 116 also has a server 117 and one or more databases for use in electronic communication with remote servers and computers, and for hosting a website. The information regarding the IMEIs can be supplied to the manufacturer 116 in a number of ways: electronically as the IMEI itself - either singularly or in batches - or simply as a number indicating how many times phones from that manufacturer have accessed the service providers services. The electronic communication can be via the Internet, or other suitable means of communication. The data could also be sent in a non-electronic format.

In one embodiment of the invention, the server 111 can retrieve a relevant transaction identifier from the transaction process, in a known manner, and can store that with the relevant IMEI in the database 112. The transaction identifier and the IMEI can then be sent together to the manufacturer 116. In another embodiment of the invention, the IMEI can be sent to the server 111 at another point on the transaction, for example, when the transaction is completed. This can be achieved programmatically using any suitable programming steps. This will enable the manufacturer to identify the relevant service that has been accessed by the user. This is particularly useful where the service provider 115 has a number of services accessible through the telephone 20.

The manufacturer 116 and service provider 115 are able to enter into a revenue sharing agreement by which they both receive a portion of the revenue from the transactions undertaken by users. This can be achieved in a number of ways. As an example, if the content provider 115 reports details of how many times a manufacturer's telephone has been used to access their services, then the report can be accompanied by the agreed payment.

In another embodiment of the invention, the application loaded on the telephone 20, can provide for the ability of the telephone 20 to transmit details of the transaction to the manufacturer 116 directly. This application software can be operable to retrieve the transaction identifier from the transaction process in any suitable manner, and send the transaction identifier and the IMEI to the manufacturer 116. This could be done in any suitable manner, for example, over the Internet 100, or other electronic communication method such as a messaging interface. In this way, both the manufacturer 116 and service provider 115 receive independent information, which can be useful for auditing and confirmation of the revenue sharing agreement.

To pay for any services or goods acquired through this system, the transaction device described above could be used and in the manner described.

In yet another embodiment, the ROM 28 could be preloaded with a number which can act as a credit card number. This number would be preloaded during manufacture, but would be activated later by the user. The ROM 8 would also have preloaded content enabling communication with a credit service provider 119 in the same way as a user can communicate with any other service provider. In this regard, the credit service provider 119 has a server 120, and one or more databases 121 , to send and receive data from remote servers and to host a website. When the user is undergoing a transaction with a service provider, for example to purchase airline tickets as described above, the application software can enable the preloaded credit number details to be used for the transaction. In this embodiment, the application software retrieves the credit number as well as the IMEI from the ROM 28, and sends these - in a separate communication - to the credit service provider 119 to enable payment to be made. This communication between the telephone 20 and the credit service provider 119 is enabled through any suitable communication means, such as the Internet 100 between the telephone 20 and the server 120 hosting the credit service website.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

1. A transaction device for use in an electronic transaction system, the electronic transaction system including a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message for transmission to a transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate with an account server holding details pertaining to the account identified by the account identifier, to determine whether the transaction can proceed, wherein the transaction device comprises:

a communications means having a transaction device storage means for storing a transaction device identifier therein, and processing means operable to generate a confirmation message for transmission to the account server, the confirmation message including the transaction device identifier, the communication means being operable to transmit the confirmation message to the account server to establish an online status for the account upon receipt of the confirmation message, whereby the transaction can only proceed in response to the establishment of the online status.

2. A transaction device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the communications means is operatively coupled to an account information storage means to transmit and receive signals there between, and is operable to generate and transmit the confirmation message in response to a signal from the account information storage means, the account information storage means being arranged to store the account identifier thereon.

3. A transaction device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communications means is arranged for wireless coupling to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

4. A transaction device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communications means is arranged to be connected to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

5. A transaction device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the account information storage means is arranged for reading by the transaction message generating means to read the account identifier there from for inclusion in the transaction message, and wherein the confirmation message is sent as the account information is read from the account information storage means.

6. A transaction device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the transaction device further comprises detection means for detecting when the account information storage means is read by the transaction message generating means, and notification means for notifying the communications means when the account information storage means is read, wherein when the detection means detects that the account information storage means is being read, the notification means notifies the communications means.

7. A transaction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications means is operable to receive a transaction complete message from the transaction facilitator server when the transaction is complete.

8. A transaction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications means is operable to receive a confirmation request message from the account server if the confirmation message is not received.

9. A transaction device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the communications means is operable to resend the confirmation message on receipt of the confirmation request message.

10. A transaction device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the account information storage means comprises one or a combination of the following set: credit card, payment card, debit card, smart card, memory chip, and magnetic stripe.

11. A transaction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the account identifier comprises a unique number.

12. A transaction device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communications means comprises a mobile or handheld cellular radio telephone, and the transaction device identifier comprises an International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), a Mobile Equipment Identity ("MEI"), a Subscriber Identity Module ("SIM"), or a telephone number.

13. A financial server arrangement comprising an account server and a transaction facilitator server for a use in an electronic transaction system, the electronic transaction system including a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message for transmission to the transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate the account identifier to the account server to determine whether the transaction can proceed, the financial server arrangement being arranged to receive a confirmation message from a transaction device, the confirmation message including a transaction device identifier unique to the transaction device and linked to an account identifier, whereby the account server is operable to:

parse the received confirmation message for the transaction device identifier;

compare the transaction device identifier with the account identifier to establish that the account identifier and the transaction identifier are linked; establish an online status for the account in response to a linked transaction device identifier and account identifier; and

14. A financial server arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein the account server is operable to generate and transmit a transaction complete message to the transaction device when the transaction is complete.

15. A financial server arrangement as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the account server is operable to generate and transmit a confirmation request message to the transaction device if the confirmation message is not received.

16. An electronic transaction system including:

a transaction message generating means for generating a transaction message;

a transaction facilitator server; and

an account server, the transaction message generating means being operable to transmit a transaction message to the transaction facilitator server, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including an account identifier for an account for facilitating payment for the transaction, whereby the transaction facilitator server is operable to parse the received transaction message for the account identifier and to communicate with the account server holding details pertaining to the account identified by the account identifier, to determine whether the transaction can proceed, the electronic transaction system further including: a transaction device comprising a communications means having a transaction device identifier storage means for storing a transaction device identifier therein; and

processing means operable to generate a confirmation message for transmission to the account server, the confirmation message including the transaction device identifier, the communication means being operable to transmit the confirmation message to the account server to establish an online status for the account upon receipt of the confirmation message, whereby the transaction can only proceed in response to the establishment of the online status.

17. An electronic transaction system as claimed in claim 16, further including an account information storage means, wherein the communications means is operatively coupled to the account information storage means to transmit and receive signals there between, and is operable to generate and transmit the confirmation message in response to a signal from the account information storage means, the account information storage means being arranged to store the account identifier thereon.

18. An electronic transaction system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the communications means is arranged for wireless coupling to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

19. An electronic transaction system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the communications means is arranged to be connected to the account information storage means for the transmission of signals there between.

20. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the account information storage means is arranged for reading by the transaction message generating means to read the account identifier there from for inclusion in the transaction message, and wherein the confirmation message is sent as the account information is read from the account information storage means.

21. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the transaction device further comprises detection means for detecting when the account information storage means is read by the transaction message generating means, and notification means for notifying the communications means when the account information storage means is read, wherein when the detection means detects that the account information storage means is being read, the notification means notifies the communications means.

22. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the communications means is operable to receive a transaction complete message from the transaction facilitator server when the transaction is complete.

23. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the communications means is operable to receive a confirmation request message from the account server if the confirmation message is not received.

24. An electronic transaction system as claimed in claim 23, wherein the communications means is operable to resend the confirmation message on receipt of the confirmation request message.

25. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the account information storage means comprises one or a combination of the following set: credit card, payment card, debit card, smart card, memory chip, and magnetic stripe.

26. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the account identifier comprises a unique number.

27. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the communications means comprises a mobile or handheld cellular radio telephone, in which case the transaction device identifier comprises an lnternational Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI"), a Mobile Equipment Identity ("MEI"), a Subscriber Identity Module ("SIM"), or a telephone number.

28. An electronic transaction system as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 27, wherein the transaction device identifier unique to the transaction device is linked to the account identifier, whereby the account server is operable to:

parse the received confirmation message for the transaction device identifier;

29. A transaction method for conducting a transaction, the method comprising:

reading the account identifier;

generating and transmitting a transaction message, the transaction message comprising details of a transaction, and including the account identifier, for facilitating payment for the transaction;

receiving the transaction message;

parsing the received transaction message for the account identifier; storing a transaction device identifier linked to the account identifier;

receiving the confirmation message;

30. A transaction method as claimed in claim 29, wherein the method further comprises generating and transmitting a transaction complete message when the transaction is complete.

31. A transaction method as claimed in claim 30, wherein the method further comprises generating and transmitting a confirmation request message if the confirmation message is not received.

32. A transaction method as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the method further comprises receiving the confirmation request message and resending the confirmation message on receipt thereof.

33. A transaction method as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the online status is established for a predetermined period of time.

34. A system for purchasing goods or services, the system comprising a communication device having a first and a second memory, the first memory having an application preloaded thereon, and the second memory having an identifier stored therein for uniquely identifying the communication device, the communication device being operable to communicate with a first server using the preloaded application to purchase goods or services, and to send details of the unique identifier to the first server when in communication therewith, the first server being operable to store details of the unique identifier received from the communication device.

35. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in claim 34, wherein the unique identifier is the International Mobile Equipment Identity ("IMEI").

36. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in claim 34, wherein the unique identifier is a manufacturer's identifier

37. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the first server is operable to compare the unique identifier with data stored in a look up table, to thereby identify the manufacturer of the communication device.

38. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in any one of claims 34 to 37, wherein the communication device is further operable to:

communicate with a second server, the second server being accessible by the manufacturer; and

to send details of the unique identifier to the second server, along with a transaction identifier, the transaction identifier being unique to a transaction used by the preloaded application to purchase goods or services.

39. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in any one of claims

34 to 38, wherein the second memory has a payment account identifier stored therein for identifying a payment account through which payment for the transactions may be facilitated, the communication device being operable to transmit the payment account identifier to the server to facilitate payment for the transaction.

40. A system for purchasing goods or services as claimed in claim 39, wherein the payment account number is a credit card number.

41. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device, the device having a first memory and a second memory, the first memory having an application preloaded thereon, and the second memory having an identifier stored therein for uniquely identifying the communication device, the method comprising using the preloaded application to communicate with a server and to place a transaction therewith to purchase the goods or services, sending details of the unique identifier to the server when in communication therewith, and storing details of the unique identifier received from the communication device at the server.

42. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device as claimed in claim 41 , further comprising comparing the unique identifier to details stored in a look up table to identify the manufacturer of the communication device.

43. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device as claimed in claim 41 or 42, wherein the unique identifier is the International Mobile Equipment Identifier ("IMEI"), or any other suitable identifier.

44. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 43, further comprising sending details of the unique identifier, as well as a transaction identifier, to a second server accessible by the manufacturer.

45. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 44, further comprising using a payment account identifier stored in the second memory to facilitate payment for the transaction.

46. A method for purchasing goods and services using a communication device as claimed in claim 45, wherein the payment account identifier is a credit card number.

47. A transaction device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

48. A transaction device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

49. A transaction device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

50. A financial server arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

51. An electronic transaction system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

52. A transaction method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

53. A system for purchasing goods or services substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.

54. A method for purchasing goods or services substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings as appropriate.