WO2007061290A1

WO2007061290A1 - A system and a method for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers

Info

Publication number: WO2007061290A1
Application number: PCT/NL2006/000585
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martinus Cornelius Maria Hermans
Original assignee: PAYDUTCH HOLDING BV
Current assignee: PAYDUTCH HOLDING BV
Priority date: 2005-11-24
Filing date: 2006-11-20
Publication date: 2007-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2008-05-24
Also published as: NL1030506C2

Abstract

A system for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers. The system comprises a server, by which an independent site can be presented via the network. The site comprises a public part and a transaction page secured by at least one access code. At least two addresses, i.e. an address of a first party and an address of a second party, can be communicated to the system by means of a single computer connected to the public part of the sites via the network. These addresses make it possible for the system to contact the parties. The access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be sent to an address of the second party using a means of communication.

Description

A system and a method for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers

The invention relates to a system for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers, which system comprises a server by which an independent site can be presented via the network, said site comprising a public part and a transaction page secured by at least one access code.

The invention further relates to a method for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers.

Such a system and method are known from US-6,865,559. To enter into a transaction between two parties via an independent site, the parties must register with the system. To that end the system comprises a database of registered users. A transaction is initiated by one of the parties by sending a message to the system. Said message includes the content of the transaction and the identity of the other registered party with whom the transaction is entered into. Once the other party has confirmed the transaction, the obligations associated with the transaction can be carried out.

A drawback of such a system is that parties need to register before they can make use of the system. This makes it necessary for the system to manage databases, which requires high security standards so as to ensure the privacy of all users.

The object of the present invention is to provide a system by which a transaction can be set up via an independent site in a simple manner. This object is accomplished with the system according to the present invention in that at least two addresses, i.e. an address of a first party and an address of a second party, can be communicated to the system by means of a single computer connected to the public part of the site via the network, making it possible for the system to contact the parties, wherein the access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be sent to an address of the second party using a means of communication.

When two parties decide to enter into a transaction with each other, they can make use of the system according to the present invention without needing to be registered with the system. The setting up of a transaction, using the system according to the present invention, is done by one of the two parties, who communicates two addresses to the system via a computer. These addresses enable the system to contact both a first party and the second party, so that the system cannot only send an access code to both parties via the means of communication, but also warnings, reminders, etc. The transaction is set up online, i.e. an access code for a transaction page that has been completed by a first party is sent to the second party after two addresses have been communicated to the system and the transaction page has been completed by the first party. The second party can either accept or reject the first party's offer and the conditions subject to which the system may be used. When such a system is used, a transaction can be effected comparatively quickly.

One embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be communicated to the system simultaneously with the two addresses. The public part of the site may comprise one or more fields to be optionally completed, and a first party can complete the transaction page simultaneously with the listing of the two parties' addresses. In this way the transaction is concluded comparatively quickly. It is also possible to download a standard transaction page from the public part of the site and to upload the completed standard transaction page upon communicating the two addresses to the system.

Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the public part of the site comprises a subpage, by which at least the address of the second party can be communicated to the system, said subpage being accessible via a link comprising the first party's address, which can be activated from a sales site of the first party, wherein the link automatically delivers a transaction page that has been completed by the first party to the system.

This embodiment is used when setting up a transaction between a sales site, or a first party, and a second party. A link between the sales site and the public part of the system site has been placed on the first party's sales site. Said link is a hyperlink, which comprises additional information for the system. Upon activation of the link by a second party via a computer, a subpage is opened in the public part of the site. When the second party's address is communicated, for example by entering said address into the subpage, the additional information in the link, comprising the first party's address as well as the transaction page that has been completed by the sales site, is sent to the system as well. Following that, the system sends an access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the sales site to the second party via a means of communication, which second party can accept or reject the offer and the conditions for using the system.

Yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that once two addresses have been communicated to the system, the means of communication is activated for sending a first access code for the transaction page to the first party, wherein, once the transaction page has been completed by the first party, the means of communication is activated for sending a second access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party to the second party.

When the first party does not complete the transaction page yet upon sending the two addresses or when this possibility is not available, the first party may complete the transaction page after an access code for the transaction page has been sent to the first party's address using the means of communication. After the transaction page has been completed online by the first party, the second party obtains access to the transaction page that has been completed by the first party through an access code, after which the second party can accept or reject the offer and the conditions subject to which the transaction is to be carried out. Neither of the two parties needs to register in advance, so that no secured databases are required to ensure the privacy of the parties to the system and time is saved.

Yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the two addresses of the first and the second party are identical, wherein the system can separate the first party from the second party by means of the access codes as sent.

There is a possibility that two identical addresses are communicated to the system. The parties can nevertheless use the system in that case, because they communicate the access codes to each other. The parties can be distinguished from each other within the system in that two different access codes are used. In this way a transaction between two parties can be set up after all, for example with a mobile telephone number.

Yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the address is an e-mail address, a unique ip-address via which a party can be contacted, a mobile telephone number, a fixed line number or a fax number.

Using such unique addresses, two parties can be easily contacted. The term "unique ip-address" is understood to mean an Internet protocol address associated with a single person or connection, by means of which address the person in question can be contacted via the Internet. Every address can be contacted via an associated means of communication, such as a mobile/fixed telephone, a fax machine or e-mail. Preferably, an access code is sent via SMS (short message service). It is also possible to communicate two or more addresses, for example an e-mail address and a telephone number, of a second party to the system together with an address of the first party, or vice versa, or to communicate two or more addresses of both parties to the system.

Yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the system comprises an electronic bank account, on which an amount can be deposited as security for the transaction.

A problem that presents itself in the case of transactions between parties remote from each other, is the risk of the parties fraudulously not fulfilling their obligations. The use of an escrow, for example a bank account of the system, for paying the product, renders a transaction between parties remote from each other less prone to fraud. Briefly put, an escrow functions as follows: a second party transfers the amount involved in a transaction to a bank account of the system, and after the first party has delivered the agreed product(s) and the delivered product(s) has (have) been approved by the second party, the amount of the bank account can be transferred to the first party. If anything should be wrong, the second party must react within an agreed period of time and the money will remain on the bank account for the time being.

A transaction between parties as explained above is set up in an efficient manner by the system according to the present invention, with the risk of fraud being reduced by the use of an escrow. Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the electronic bank account is monitored by a processor that is connected to the means of communication.

The moment a change occurs on the electronic bank account, said change is registered by a processor, which can communicate this change to the parties as feedback information via the means of communication. Furthermore, the time is registered, and after the expiry of a time limit the parties are either notified or the transaction is ended.

Yet another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the period of time during which the access codes for the secured part of the site are valid is limited.

In this way the maximum duration of the transaction is limited in time in a simple manner.

Another embodiment of the system according to the invention is characterised in that the access codes are built up of several parts, each part granting once-only access to the secured part of the site either individually or in combination with another part.

An access code that is sent to a party is divided into a number of parts, wherein each part can be used only once, either individually or in combination, as an access code for the transaction page. As a result, the transaction page is secured against hackers in a simple manner, because an access code intercepted by a hacker upon logging in cannot be used a second time.

The invention will not be explained in more detail with reference to the appended figures, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows the operation of the system according to the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically shows a public part of the site and the transaction page;

Figure 3 schematically shows the operation of an embodiment of the system according to the present invention; and

Figure 4 schematically shows a subpage of the site and a transaction page.

Like parts are indicated by the same numerals in the various figures. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the operation of the system according to the present invention. Using the system, it is possible to set up a transaction between at least two parties P1 , P2 via a network N of computers C1. C2.

The system comprises a server S, by means of which an independent site SITE can be presented via the network N.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the public part P and a transaction page TP secured by at least one access code TC.

When two parties P1 , P2 decide to set up a transaction with each other via the system according to the present invention, one of the two parties

P1 , P2 gives notice of the transaction to the public part P of the site by means of a computer C1 , C2 via the network N, preferably the Internet. Said giving notice takes place by entering two addresses A1 , A2, which are preferably each associated with one of the parties P1 , P2, so that the two parties P1 , P2 can be contacted by the system.

After the addresses have been entered, an access code TC is sent to the first party P1 by means of the server S and/or a means of communication CO, such as a means for generating an e-mail e, a fax f or an SMS m/v. This can be done by using the network N via e-mail e or a unique IP number i, but also by using another network via an SMS m/v or a fax f.

The first party P1 obtains access to the transaction page TP by entering the access code TC. On the transaction page, the first party P1 can enter its offer TG1 , as well as an additional address TG2, which data is subsequently stored by clicking on the button TG3. The moment the transaction data is stored, a second access code

TC is sent to the second party P2, using the means of communication CO.

The second party P2 obtains access to the transaction page TP that has been completed by the first party P1 by entering the access code TC on the public part P of the site SITE. The second party P2 may also enter additional data on the transaction page TP. To set up the transaction, the second party P2 must click on the button TG3, by which the second party P2 indicates to agree to the offer of the first party P1 and to the conditions imposed by the system.

Figure 2 shows that the public part P comprises an optional field TG. Normally, the field TG will be subdivided into a number of subfields (not shown). By entering data in the field TG, the transaction page TP for the first party is automatically completed upon sending the two addresses A1 , A2.

As a result of data being entered in the field TG, the step of sending an access code TC to the first party P1 can be skipped.

Furthermore, the addresses A1 , A2 may be identical, in which case the parties need to communicate with each other as regards the submission of the access codes required for setting up a transaction.

Figure 3 schematically shows the operation of one embodiment of the system according to the present invention. The system comprises a server S1 , by means of which an independent site SITE can be presented via the network N.

The main difference with figure 1 is that the first party P1 has been substituted for a sales site V, which is presented on the network N by means of a server S2.

A second party or buyer P2 visits the sales site V by means of a computer C2. When the buyer P2 wishes to buy at least one product on the sales site V, the system according to the present invention can be used for setting up a transaction between the parties.

Via the network N, a subpage SP of the site is opened by clicking on a link K on the sales site V. The subpage SP is shown in figure 4 and comprises two fields TC and A1. In the field A1 , the buyer P2 must enter an address A1 at which the buyer P2 can be contacted by the system.

The link K is a hyperlink, which moreover sends additional information to the system. Said additional information comprises an address by means of which the sales site V can be contacted by the system, as well as an offer from the sales site V. This offer concerns the product that the buyer P2 wishes to have and the price of the product. The transaction page TP is automatically completed by using the link K.

By sending the address A1 to the system according to the present invention, the address of the sales site V is automatically sent along with the address and the transaction page TP is automatically completed.

Following the sending of the address A1 , an access code TC is sent to the buyer P1 , using a means of communication CO. This can be done in the ways discussed with reference to figure 1.

By entering the access code TC on the public part P of the site SITE, the buyer P2 obtains access to the transaction page TP that has been automatically completed via the link K. The buyer P2 may enter additional information into the transaction page TP. To set up the transaction with the sales site V, the buyer P2 will furthermore click on the button TG3, thereby indicating to agree to the offer of the sales site V and the conditions imposed by the system. In the preferred embodiment that is shown in figure 3, communication between the system and the sales site V takes place via the means of communication CO, using the address of the sales site V that has been communicated to the system in the link K. To that end the means of communication sends messages to the server via the network N or the other network (fixed / mobile telephone network). The means of communication CO may also communicate to a person who is responsible for the sales site V (not shown).

The system and the method according to the present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of an example for a random buyer and a random seller.

The buyer reacts to the seller's offer, or vice versa, with the parties deciding to make use of the system according to the present invention. One of the parties starts the transaction by inputting two addresses on the site of the system. The addresses will be referred to below as mobile (telephone) numbers.

Step 2

The two numbers successively receive an SMS with an access code. First the seller receives the first access code. As soon as the seller has entered his or her data on the transaction page, the buyer will receive an SMS with a second access code that provides access to the transaction page that has been completed by the first party.

Preferably, the entire process is determined by time limits (warning period and deadlines), so that the transaction can be set up relatively quickly and be dealt with in an effective manner. If deadlines are not met, the transaction is cancelled and the parties have to enter the transaction anew. The content of an SMS message is for example as follows: access code plus a deadline.

Once the SMS has been sent to the seller, the deadline for completing the transaction page starts to run for the seller. When the seller enters the offer and any additional information into the transaction page and agrees to the conditions for using the system according to the present invention, the SMS is generated for the buyer. From that moment a deadline for completing the transaction page and agreeing to the seller's offer and the conditions for using the system according to the present invention starts to run for the buyer.

Step 3 When the seller and the buyer have both entered their data, among with their e-mail address in this case, and have agreed to the conditions for using the system according to the present invention, the parties preferably receive an e- mail. The first e-mail contains a confirmation of their entries, the total data, the further course of affairs, an invitation to the buyer to effect payment of the amount involved in the transaction, a bank account number of the system according to the present invention, and a description that is automatically generated (preferably the access code/mobile number of the buyer). Optionally, the two parties may break off the transaction on the basis of the first e-mail. If one party stops the transaction, the other party is notified of this by e-mail.

After the first e-mail, the buyer transfers the amount of the purchase to the bank account of the system according to the present invention, mentioning the access code/the buyer's mobile number. The amount must be on the account in question before the expiry of a first warning period after the sending of the first e- mail. If this is not the case, the system according to invention will send an optional e- mail with a deadline as a reminder to the buyer and possibly to the seller.

If money has been received on the bank account, the system will verify whether the received amount corresponds with the amount of the transaction page. On the basis of this verification, a second e-mail is sent to the parties, informing them whether or not the payment is OK. The next step 4 is not started until the agreed amount has been deposited on the bank account in question. If not, the transaction is terminated as a result of the deadline not being met, and the insufficient amount is transferred back to the buyer.

Step 4

When the buyer has transferred the agreed amount to the bank account on time, the system according to the present invention will send the buyer and seller a third e-mail with the following content: an acknowledgement of receipt of the amount of the purchase, an invitation to the seller to send goods and the shipping address.

After sending the products, the seller must enter the shipping date of the product into the transaction page. Possibly, a "Track and Trace code" of a transport company must be entered upon entering the shipping date. The third e- mail is the starting point of another warning period for monitoring whether the shipping date is entered into the transaction page. If the products are shipped without the shipping date being entered into the transaction page, there is a risk that the amount will be transferred back to the buyer after a predetermined period of time, whilst the buyer will also receive the product.

Step 5

The product has been shipped and the system according to the present invention monitors the deadline for delivery of the product to the buyer. Both parties receive an e-mail with the deadline. Said deadline has been selected so that any transport company will be able to deliver the product within said deadline. If the buyer should not receive the product within the deadline, the buyer must report this on the transaction page, so that the money will remain on the bank account.

In the case of normal use of the system, the buyer receives the products and is able to evaluate the products. If the buyer agrees, the amount is automatically transferred to the seller after the expiry of the deadline. If the buyer does not agree, he is obliged to report this on the transaction page within the deadline, so that the money that has been deposited on the bank account of the system according to the present invention will not be transferred to the seller. Both parties are informed of this by e-mail. In case of fraud on the part of the seller, an official report drawn up by the police is required before the money can be transferred back to the buyer.

If the buyer is not satisfied after receipt of the product, the product may be returned, and the money is transferred back to the buyer if the seller agrees to this. If the seller does not agree, the two parties are in dispute. The money remains on the bank account until the dispute has been settled.

Furthermore, the products will be automatically returned by the transport company if the buyer refuses to take delivery of the products. The buyer must report this on the transaction page, as otherwise the money will be transferred to the seller after the expiry of the deadline in question. In the case of a sales site the system and the method function as follows, for example:

A sales site comprises a link, being a hyperlink comprising additional information, to a subpage of the public part of the site. Only the address, for example a mobile number, of a buyer can be entered into said subpage. After a product/service has been selected, the sales site usually displays a page that provides a survey of the product(s) that a buyer can purchase and the associated price. By sending this data of the survey page along as additional information in the link, the transaction page for the sales site is automatically completed upon activation of the link and entry of the buyer's mobile number. This is possible because the link supplies the data required for completing the transaction page to the system in the correct standard.

After having sent his mobile number, the buyer directly receives an SMS comprising an access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party as well as a deadline. After the buyer has agreed to the offer and the conditions subject to which the system may be used, the sales site is notified of this, using a means of communication, via the address of the sales site that was included in the link.

When using the system and the method according to the present invention, the transaction may also be started by providing an additional option in the public part of the site. According to said additional option, at least one additional field is present besides the fields for entering the parties' addresses, by means of which additional field the first party can automatically complete the transaction page.

Furthermore it is possible to use an address or various kinds of addresses of a single party. If a network other than the network of the interconnected computers is used for sending the access codes, it will be more difficult for a third party to intercept the access codes. Especially if once-only access codes are used, for example the access codes that consist of various parts, wherein each part provides access to the secured transaction page either individually or in combination with other parts. By using a different network for sending said once-only access codes, a adequately secured system for setting up a transaction is provided in a relatively simple manner.

It is also possible to log in on the secured page via the public part of the site by using the address as the user name and the access code that was sent to the address as the password.

Preferably, a fixed amount is deducted from the amount that has been deposited on the bank account by the buyer for the use of the system and the method according to the present invention.

It is also possible to build in a threshold for using the system. That is, a pay number must be called for getting access to the public part, which pay number provides an access number to the public part.

An advantage of the transactions to be carried out by means of the system is that the data relating to a transaction need not be stored after the transaction has been successfully or unsuccessfully completed.

Claims

1. A system for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers, which system comprises a server by which an independent site can be presented via the network, said site comprising a public part and a transaction page secured by at least one access code, characterised in that at least two addresses, i.e. an address of a first party and an address of a second party, can be communicated to the system by means of a single computer connected to the public part of the site via the network, making it possible for the system to contact the parties, wherein the access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be sent to an address of the second party using a means of communication.

2. A system according to claim 1 , characterised in that the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be communicated to the system simultaneously with the two addresses.

3. A system according to claim 2, characterised in that the public part of the site comprises a subpage, by which at least the address of the second party can be communicated to the system, said subpage being accessible via a link comprising the first party's address, which can be activated from a sales site of the first party, wherein the link automatically delivers a transaction page that has been completed by the first party to the system.

4. A system according to claim 1 , characterised in that once two addresses have been communicated to the system, the means of communication is activated for sending a first access code for the transaction page to the first party, wherein, once the transaction page has been completed by the first party, the means of communication is activated for sending a second access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party to the second party.

5. A system according to claim 4, characterised in that the two addresses of the first and the second party are identical, wherein the system can separate the first party from the second party by means of the access codes as sent.

6. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the address is an e-mail address, a unique ip-address via which a party can be contacted, a mobile telephone number, a fixed line number or a fax number.

7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the system comprises an electronic bank account, on which an amount can be deposited as security for the transaction.

8. A system according to claim, characterised in that the electronic bank account is monitored by a processor that is connected to the means of communication.

9. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the period of time during which the access codes for the secured part of the site are valid is limited.

10. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the access codes are built up of several parts, each part granting once-only access to the secured part of the site either individually or in combination with another part.

11. A method for setting up a transaction between at least two parties via a network of computers, wherein a first party visits a public part of a site by means of a single computer connected to the network, wherein the site further comprises a transaction page secured by at least one transaction code, characterised in that a first party communicates at least two addresses, i.e. an address of the first party and an address of the second party, to the site, making it possible to contact the parties, wherein the access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be sent to an address of the second party using a means of communication.

12. A method according to claim 11 , characterised in that the transaction page that has been completed by the first party can be communicated to the system simultaneously with the two addresses.

13. A method according to claim 12, characterised in that the public part of the site comprises a subpage, which is opened by the second party via a link that can be activated from a sales site of the first party, by means of which link the first party's address is communicated to the site, wherein the second party communicates the second party's address to the site by means of the subpage, with the link automatically communicating a transaction page that has been completed by the first party to the site.

14. A method according to claim 11 , characterised in that first two addresses are communicated to the site, after which the means of communication sends the first party a first access code for the transaction page, by means of which access code the first party completes the transaction page, whereupon the means of communication sends the second party a second access code for the transaction page that has been completed by the first party.

15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 11-14, characterised in that the address is an e-mail address, a unique ip-address via which a party can be contacted, a mobile telephone number, a fixed line number or a fax number.