WO2002073333A2 - Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce - Google Patents

Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002073333A2
WO2002073333A2 PCT/IL2002/000203 IL0200203W WO02073333A2 WO 2002073333 A2 WO2002073333 A2 WO 2002073333A2 IL 0200203 W IL0200203 W IL 0200203W WO 02073333 A2 WO02073333 A2 WO 02073333A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sms
commerce
short message
server
message
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IL2002/000203
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2002073333A3 (en
Inventor
Hagai Greenspoon
Aizik Vaknin
Original Assignee
Oryantel - Mobile Commerce Solutions Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Oryantel - Mobile Commerce Solutions Ltd. filed Critical Oryantel - Mobile Commerce Solutions Ltd.
Priority to AU2002237496A priority Critical patent/AU2002237496A1/en
Publication of WO2002073333A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002073333A2/en
Publication of WO2002073333A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002073333A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06QINFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00Commerce
    • G06Q30/06Buying, selling or leasing transactions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to electronic commerce and more particularly, to
  • a system of the present invention includes a mobile
  • SMS short messages
  • SMSC short message service - internet interface
  • server provides a user, through the cellular telephone, a list of valid commands.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a system of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a flow chart describing the method of the present invention.
  • the present invention is of a method and a device that allows a reduction of the bandwidth required for e-commerce to be effectively performed.
  • a system 10 of the present invention is schematically
  • SMS-enabled short message service
  • SMSC short message service center
  • SMSC gateway 16 to transfer the short message sent by the individual to an
  • a user 23 generates a short message using the cellular
  • step 24 and transmits the message in the usual way tlirough the cellular
  • step 26 The short message is received, (step 26).
  • e-commerce server checks the short message for selected words, (step 30).
  • the short message can be interpreted as
  • step 32 the transaction is interpreted, (step 32), and the database holding any information salient to the
  • step 38 and back through the cellular telephone network to the cellular telephone of
  • the message is generated, (step 40).
  • the message is sent through the Internet, to the SMS
  • step 38 and back through the cellular telephone network to the
  • the e-commerce server uses the communication chain as described above to supply the mobile telephone of the user with a list of possible commands and
  • the user knows what are the valid commands that can be transmitted. For example, if the user must bid for a product,
  • system of the present invention can be configured to accept
  • free-form commands formulated by the user.
  • the use of free-form commands to navigate a tree as described above is well known to one skilled in the art and has been
  • the method of the present invention is exceptionally useful for e-commerce
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • SMSC Short Message Service Center
  • the computer which receives the source information, processes it with the help of the program, makes the given action, forms and transmits to the user the answer.
  • the computer managing the information received through command word, sent through SMS, forms the message to the client or group of clients.
  • the client receives the information on commands which it can send through SMS on a computer with the software recognizing these commands.
  • the client enters the message containing a line the command word and arguments in a cellular telephone, maintaining reception- transfer SMS.
  • SMSC Short Message Service Center
  • SMS the center transmits the message on a computer containing the program - interpretation of messages.
  • the computer receives message SMS, checks its erroneous data. If the message does not contain command words or arguments are incorrect, to the client departs SMS the answer with the message on the mistake. Further the computer expects new commands.
  • the method is based on transfer from the mobile phone through system SMS (Short Message Service) a special line from the text and digital symbols, containing command of change of the information in a database of the computer managing electronics' auction, trade, financial and commerce information (further "e-commerce”) .
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the message acts on SMSC center the operator of cellular communication where number of the sender and number of the addressee is defined.
  • the message is sent on a computer which operates the entering and leaving information.
  • the software established on managing computer, allows making analysis of the arrived message on a part (words and symbols) to make the analysis of the entered words and to make the appropriate e- commerce, based on the information which has arrived from the user.
  • the command line which is sent by the participant of e- commerce contains a command word which specifies to a computer managing e-commerce to make the certain e-commerce connected to this word.
  • Transferred through SMS a line the command allows the participant to receive the information about item to stop reception of the information on it item, to change the rate item, to pay item, and goods, another commercial and financial operations, etc.
  • SMSC Short Message Service Center
  • server the server, having received the command with arguments, is made with analysis of a line on words.
  • the server After performance of operation the server registers the new data received as a result of operations.
  • the server forms the answer as SMS (Short Message Service) messages for the client who has sent the command line.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the server sends the message to the client about the current change of the information through SMSC (Short Message Service Center) of the operator of cellular communication.
  • SMSC Short Message Service Center
  • the Participant of auction receives the information on opening new item, initial cost and validities through various information channels (newspapers, radio, TV, internet, etc.) For participation in auction it is necessary for him to be registered in a database of participants and to watch changes of the rate item and to make necessary actions.
  • the participant receives the information on number item, to the initial price and the special command words transmitted through SMS (Short Message Service) of his mobile phone on a computer managing auction with which help he can change rates to refuse or participate in draws new items. After registration the participant gets access to tenders.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the computer managing auction receives the message, checks a phone number of the sender of the message, his registration data in a database, breaks a line into words (" bid ",” 111 “,” 220 ").
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the new price item last participant who has established the new price, time and date of new change enters the name.
  • the server forms the answer for the participant who has sent a final price of a kind: "Your new price for lot number 11 1. Thank for participations! ". Also sends it as SMS messages on the mobile phone.
  • the server checks a database and forms the list of participants of the given auction to which transfers the following message "New price 220 dollars for item number 1 11 (short item description) '" and transfers SMS (Short Message Service) message to all participants of it item.
  • SMS message "Item number 111 is closed with price 230. Thank you for participation ".
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the present invention refers to a method and system organization of interactive access and data management, facilitating Short Message Service (SMS) on mobile phones, with usage of keywords for commerce and virtual auctions.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • the inventors have developed an interface and software (hereinafter: "the System") facilitating usage of Short Message System (SMS) for etrade and auctions.
  • SMS Short Message System
  • the proprietors shall be able to facilitate one or more services of etrade, via the cellular network by written instruction using keywords.
  • the system manages and controls through its database and applications auctions on a daily basis.
  • the system may send and receive messages operated through SMS.
  • an example may be that the system shall send a notification of the daily bid (XYZ Product) to its registered clients. Such clients shall receive it on their mobile phones tlirough the SMS. By return they may be able to participate in the BID by sending in a reply - message quoting the lot Number (XYZ) and their offered price in the operator's local currency.
  • the System shall then receive, through compilation of the SMS to apply to the System database, the different BIDs from the participating clients, and shall announce automatically the win to the Winner, and winning BID to the participating clients.
  • a client may request from the System a quotation of prices for different lots.
  • the Client may request a price quote on lot XYZ and through its receipt on the system database, the database shall then compile the information and shall send the client an offer from the System's database.
  • Novelties of the present invention include:
  • the system and the methods described herein are novel in the sense they are "manipulating" SMS into web-based etrade and commerce.
  • the system comprises unique features which facilitate a combination of SMS technology in concert with Internet Website. It allows the system to operate etrade features on the cellular network.
  • Novelty also exists on the unique software developed by the inventors, which includes the development of interface and software (hereinafter: "the System”) in order to facilitate Short Message System (SMS) for etrade and auctions.
  • the System interface and software
  • SMS Short Message System
  • Computer server containing various information and database, to wit: Auctions, customer registration and database, products' description, operating auction, opening bids, price changes during the bid, bids sent by users through the SMS Opening and closing time, optionally internet website (3 - Internet server).
  • the server generates SMS (Short Message Service) containing the necessary information, as achieved in prior art systems.
  • SMS Short Message Service
  • an Operator advises a cellular holder ("User") about the beginning of an auction, its date of closing and the initial price (the “Notice”).
  • This advice shall be sent to the user via SMS.
  • the user receives and reads the information, and responds to it by typing in keywords, whereby he or she has the ability to alter the information provided in the Notice as follows:
  • a user may type the key word "BID" and in a space for two digits, will enter the number lot and the new rate. Thereafter, the message is sent with an identifying specified number, provided automatically by the
  • the Operator's server identifies the initial word or words sent by the User, and directs the User to the Company's (BIDSMS'S server) server.
  • the first word is "BID”
  • the entire line is converted in HTTP format, using HTTP protocol, which transfers the sent message on the server, where there is changed information (for example the server of auctions).
  • the software program located on the server, operates as follows:
  • the software checks the presence of the User's phone number in the database. In case the user is not registered (in the database), the server generates and sends an error message to the User.
  • the software checks the second and third words: The condition is that the said second and third words should comprise numbers. If the condition is not fulfilled, the error message is generated and sent to the number of the user-transmitted string, (see Fig.3)
  • the second and third words are converted from string to numbers.
  • the second word identifies the product offered and the third word identifies the Users given offer. If the said numbers are rightly identified, in terms of the server's auction data, then it will pass forward, if the numbers are not rightly identified, then the server generates an error message and sends it to the User.
  • the third word (rate) is compared with all the standing offers. If the rate is higher than other rate, the highest offer will gain priority and the database will be changed accordingly. If it is lower, then it generates an error message and sends it to User. (Fig. 3)
  • the system is divided into two levels of operations:
  • Usage of the Website together with mobile phones enables identifying of the User according to his or her phone number, and provides the possibility to pay for the goods directly via the phone by means of appropriate code words.
  • a system for operating etrade features on the cellular network comprising the components described herein.

Abstract

A method and system for implementing e-commerce using limited bandwidth of a cellular telephone network (14) is provided. SMS and an SMSC Internet gateway (16) are used to transfer commands between a user equipped with a mobile phone (12) and an e-commerce server (20). At any moment during e-commerce transaction the user is supplied with a list of valid commands and arguments for performing the desired transaction.

Description

Innovative Electronic Commerce Method
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to electronic commerce and more particularly, to
a system and a method for the efficient use of wireless bandwidth for the purposes of electronic commerce.
In recent years purchasing of goods and services through the computer
network known as the Internet has become increasingly popular (e-commerce). An
individual uses a computer or such device connected with cables to the Internet to view details of a product or service, a process called "surfing". Once the individual decides to purchase a given product or service, the individual uses such input devices
as keyboards and computer mice to perform the transaction.
Concurrently with the growth of e-commerce there has been a growth in the use of mobile cellular telephones. These are mobile and compact devices based on
short-range radio transmitters communicating through a network of fixed transceivers
over a plurality of frequencies. Many have proposed using cellular telephones to
connect with and interface to the Internet.
Although seemingly a good idea, practical application is limited due to the limited bandwidth available for an individual cellular telephone from the transceiver
network as well as the necessarily small size of the typical cellular telephone display monitor. These limitations are exceptionally serious in e-commerce, preventing the
use of "internet-enabled" mobile phones for e-commerce. There is a need for a method of reducing the bandwidth required to perform an
e-commerce transaction so as to enable mobile phone e-commerce.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The above and other objectives are achieved by the innovative system and
method provided by the present invention.
There is provided according to the teachings of the present invention a method
of performing e-commerce. A system of the present invention includes a mobile
telephone configured to send short messages (SMS) through a cellular telephone
network to an SMSC (short message service - internet interface), through the internet
to an e-commerce server. The user sends a selected command and arguments to the
server that processes the command.
It is possible that the user sends "free-form" commands or receives a list of
commands valid for all possible transactions, for example, on a piece of paper. It is preferable, however, that throughout an e-commerce transaction, the e-commerce
server provides a user, through the cellular telephone, a list of valid commands.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a system of the present invention; and
FIG. 2 is a flow chart describing the method of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is of a method and a device that allows a reduction of the bandwidth required for e-commerce to be effectively performed.
The principles and operation of a system according to the present invention
may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying
description.
Turning to Figure 1, a system 10 of the present invention is schematically
depicted. An individual wishing to perform an e-commerce transaction is equipped
with an SMS-enabled (short message service) cellular telephone 12. The individual
sends and short-message in the usual way from cellular telephone 12 through a
cellular telephone network 14 to an SMSC (short message service center) gateway. As
is clear to one skilled in the art this includes "dialing a number" dedicated to the
SMSC gateway 16 to transfer the short message sent by the individual to an
e-commerce server 20 using an internet protocol 18. Once the short message has
arrived at e-commerce server 20, the short message is accepted and processed to effect
the e-commerce transaction.
As is clear to one skilled in the art, communication from e-commerce server
20 to mobile telephone 12 of the user occurs in a reverse order.
The process, described hereinabove, is described in further detail by a
flowchart 22 in Figure 2. A user 23 generates a short message using the cellular
telephone (step 24) and transmits the message in the usual way tlirough the cellular
telephone network to a SMSC gateway, (step 26). The short message is received, (step
26) and sent further through the Internet to the e-commerce server, (step 28). The
e-commerce server checks the short message for selected words, (step 30).
If the selected words are found, that is, the short message can be interpreted as
a valid command to perform an e-commerce transaction, then the transaction is interpreted, (step 32), and the database holding any information salient to the
transaction is updated, (step 34). Once the database has been updated, a confirmation
message is generated, (step 36), and sent through the internet, to the SMSC gateway,
(step 38) and back through the cellular telephone network to the cellular telephone of
the user.
If the selected words are not found, that is, the short message cannot be
interpreted as a valid command to perform an e-commerce transaction, then an error
message is generated, (step 40). The message is sent through the Internet, to the SMS
or SMSC gateway, (step 38) and back through the cellular telephone network to the
cellular telephone of the user.
Preferably, at every cycle of commands (a cycle being one pass through
flowchart 22) the e-commerce server uses the communication chain as described above to supply the mobile telephone of the user with a list of possible commands and
accompanying arguments which can be understood in the context of the transaction
process at that moment. Thus, at any moment, the user knows what are the valid commands that can be transmitted. For example, if the user must bid for a product,
two valid commands may be cancelQ and bid(dollars), where cancel has no arguments and bid has the arguments "dollars", that is the number of dollars the user
wishes to set into the specific bid. Optionally, the system of the present invention can be configured to accept
free-form commands formulated by the user. The use of free-form commands to navigate a tree as described above is well known to one skilled in the art and has been
implemented, for example, in "Text- Adventure" games. It is also possible that at some moment in time a user is supplied with a list of valid commands, for example, a printed manual and consults this manual at any moment to decide what command is to
be sent.
From the description above, it is clear that each transaction is easily described
as a tree of possibilities with a finite list of valid commands at any point of the tree.
The definition and implementation of possibility trees suitable for use in the
implementation of the present invention is clear to one skilled in the art and needs not
be discussed hereinfurther in depth. It is clear that the size of a sent message in an
SMS system and therefore the size of any valid command is limited.
Some Internet protocols that are well known and useful in implementing the .
method of the present invention include HTTP, TCP/IP and UDP. These protocols and
their implementation is well known too one skilled in the art.
The production and use of an SMS-enabled cellular telephone and SMSC internet gateways is well known to one skilled in the art and needs not be discussed
hereinfurther. The method of the present invention is exceptionally useful for e-commerce
transactions involving auctioning, managing of sales, managing the exchange of
financial personal information, purchasing goods and services and paying for goods and services.
Attached are appendix 1 and appendix 2 containing further details concerning the present invention. Description of figures
In figure 1 communication of all devices necessary for work of a described method is exhibited.
1. A cellular telephone with support SMS (Short Message Service) messages.
2. The operator of celiular.comrnunication.
3. SMSC (Short Message Service Center) of the operator of communication or using SMS gateway for reception - departures SMS.
4. The computer which receives the source information, processes it with the help of the program, makes the given action, forms and transmits to the user the answer.
In figure 2 the method of receiving, processing and dispatch SMS.
1. The computer managing the information received through command word, sent through SMS, forms the message to the client or group of clients.
2. The client receives the information on commands which it can send through SMS on a computer with the software recognizing these commands.
3. The client enters the message containing a line the command word and arguments in a cellular telephone, maintaining reception- transfer SMS.
4. The client sends the message on special service number SMSC (Short Message Service Center).
5. SMS the center transmits the message on a computer containing the program - interpretation of messages.
6. The computer receives message SMS, checks its erroneous data. If the message does not contain command words or arguments are incorrect, to the client departs SMS the answer with the message on the mistake. Further the computer expects new commands.
7. The message does not contain mistakes. A computer program interpretation command and arguments.
8. Changes in conformity with the received information are made.
9. The new answer to the client about changes is generated.
The detailed description of a method of management of the commercial information.
1. The method is based on transfer from the mobile phone through system SMS (Short Message Service) a special line from the text and digital symbols, containing command of change of the information in a database of the computer managing electronics' auction, trade, financial and commerce information (further "e-commerce") .
2. The message acts on SMSC center the operator of cellular communication where number of the sender and number of the addressee is defined. The message is sent on a computer which operates the entering and leaving information.
3. The software (command interpretation) established on managing computer, allows making analysis of the arrived message on a part (words and symbols) to make the analysis of the entered words and to make the appropriate e- commerce, based on the information which has arrived from the user.
4. This method allows to carry out constant tracking changes in rates and also to make the actions, connected to changes of the status of the participant on e- commerce. 5. The command line (further "command") which is sent by the participant of e- commerce contains a command word which specifies to a computer managing e-commerce to make the certain e-commerce connected to this word.
6. Transferred through SMS a line the command allows the participant to receive the information about item to stop reception of the information on it item, to change the rate item, to pay item, and goods, another commercial and financial operations, etc.
7. The line transferred on a computer, managing e-commerce, looks like: "<command > [argument!] [argument2] [...] " also has a restriction in 160 symbols - restriction of size SMS.
8. The message containing the command and necessary arguments, is transferred through SMSC (Short Message Service Center) of the operator of mobile communication on a computer managing e-commerce (further "server") the server, having received the command with arguments, is made with analysis of a line on words.
9. If words coincide with the words determined as of the command for the further e-commerce the server checks entrance arguments.
10. If arguments and their quantity correspond to the entered command and the information which are taking place on the server, the server carries out the given operation with arguments.
11. After performance of operation the server registers the new data received as a result of operations.
12. The server forms the answer as SMS (Short Message Service) messages for the client who has sent the command line.
13. The server sends the message to the client about the current change of the information through SMSC (Short Message Service Center) of the operator of cellular communication.
An e-commerce example of interactive auction:
1. The Participant of auction receives the information on opening new item, initial cost and validities through various information channels (newspapers, radio, TV, internet, etc.) For participation in auction it is necessary for him to be registered in a database of participants and to watch changes of the rate item and to make necessary actions.
2. The participant receives the information on number item, to the initial price and the special command words transmitted through SMS (Short Message Service) of his mobile phone on a computer managing auction with which help he can change rates to refuse or participate in draws new items. After registration the participant gets access to tenders.
3. For change of the current price on item, the participant sends SMS (Short Message Service) message (example) on number 777: " bid 111 220 " ("bid" - command, "11 1" and "220" - arguments).
4. The computer managing auction (server), receives the message, checks a phone number of the sender of the message, his registration data in a database, breaks a line into words (" bid "," 111 "," 220 ").
5. If the first word contains the command installing the new price (" bid ") the following word containing number item is checked.
6. If such item exists, the third word containing the new price item is checked. If new value of the price higher exists, in a database of auction change of the information connected with chosen item is made. 7. If the server has found out a mistake, for the sender of the message is formed SMS (Short Message Service) message with the indication of a mistake.
8. If the information is entered correctly, the new price item, last participant who has established the new price, time and date of new change enters the name. The server forms the answer for the participant who has sent a final price of a kind: "Your new price for lot number 11 1. Thank for participations! ". Also sends it as SMS messages on the mobile phone.
9. The server checks a database and forms the list of participants of the given auction to which transfers the following message "New price 220 dollars for item number 1 11 (short item description) '" and transfers SMS (Short Message Service) message to all participants of it item.
10. Participants receive the information on the occurred changes.
11. Further each of them makes a decision on participation in tenders. If other participant wishes to change the price he sends SMS (Short Message Service) message (example) " bid 111 230 ".
32. So occurs up to the moment of closing of auction then to all participants it is formed SMS message (example) "Item number 111 is closed with price 230. Thank you for participation ".
13. The congratulation on a prize on the further instructions of payment item is sent the gained participant.
14. Payment process via SMS (Short Message Service) (needed mobile security protocol).
It is one of examples which evidently show interactivity of work with the financial information, using only the mobile phone with an opportunity of reception - message transfer and the software, allowing to process entering messages and to make actions on the basis of the arrived data.
Areas of a method of management of the e-commerce information through SMS.
1. Electronic auctions with an opportunity of interactive management of the chosen data.
2. Management of sale - purchase of the various goods through electronic shops.
3. Management of the exchange and financial personal information, through electronic financial and exchange systems.
4. The order of the goods and services through SMS (Short Message Service) messages and a computer managing the acting information.
5. Payment of the goods and services in a mode of an exchange of messages with a computer managing the acting information. PROVISIONAL Patent Application
INVENTORS: Hagai Greenspoon, Yitzhak Vaknin
Assigned to: BIDSMS LTD.
TITLE
Method and system for facilitating usage of Short Message Service (SMS) for e-commerce.
Synopsis:
The present invention refers to a method and system organization of interactive access and data management, facilitating Short Message Service (SMS) on mobile phones, with usage of keywords for commerce and virtual auctions.
The inventors have developed an interface and software (hereinafter: "the System") facilitating usage of Short Message System (SMS) for etrade and auctions.
Through the software and interface, the proprietors shall be able to facilitate one or more services of etrade, via the cellular network by written instruction using keywords.
The inventors enlist examples of the facilities with novelty, for the purposes of the Patent:
Similar to an Internet web site, the system manages and controls through its database and applications auctions on a daily basis. However, according to the unique application developed by the inventors, the system may send and receive messages operated through SMS.
Thus, an example may be that the system shall send a notification of the daily bid (XYZ Product) to its registered clients. Such clients shall receive it on their mobile phones tlirough the SMS. By return they may be able to participate in the BID by sending in a reply - message quoting the lot Number (XYZ) and their offered price in the operator's local currency.
The System shall then receive, through compilation of the SMS to apply to the System database, the different BIDs from the participating clients, and shall announce automatically the win to the Winner, and winning BID to the participating clients.
Similarly, a client may request from the System a quotation of prices for different lots. In such a way the Client may request a price quote on lot XYZ and through its receipt on the system database, the database shall then compile the information and shall send the client an offer from the System's database.
Novelties of the present invention include: The system and the methods described herein are novel in the sense they are "manipulating" SMS into web-based etrade and commerce. The system comprises unique features which facilitate a combination of SMS technology in concert with Internet Website. It allows the system to operate etrade features on the cellular network.
Novelty also exists on the unique software developed by the inventors, which includes the development of interface and software (hereinafter: "the System") in order to facilitate Short Message System (SMS) for etrade and auctions.
Components of the preferred embodiment of the present invention (FIG.l):
• Cellular telephones supporting reception and transmission of SMS (Short Message Service) messages. (1 - Mobile phone )
• The Operator of the cellular network supporting SMS services (preferably
GSM). (2 - Mobile phone Operator)
• Allocated separate reception number for receipt of SMS messages (provided by the Operator) allocated through the gateway server of the Operator, for transmission and reception of SMS from cellular telephone.
• Computer server containing various information and database, to wit: Auctions, customer registration and database, products' description, operating auction, opening bids, price changes during the bid, bids sent by users through the SMS Opening and closing time, optionally internet website (3 - Internet server).
• Software and program handling the entry strings and modification to the same, by which etrade can be facilitated through SMS, all as shall be described below (4 - software)
• Optionally desktop with internet connection (5 - Computer with internet access)
Operation Description (FIG.2):
User of a cellular Operator is registered on The Server through either SMS message or
Internet access or IVR.
The server generates SMS (Short Message Service) containing the necessary information, as achieved in prior art systems.
For instance, an Operator advises a cellular holder ("User") about the beginning of an auction, its date of closing and the initial price (the "Notice"). This advice shall be sent to the user via SMS. The user receives and reads the information, and responds to it by typing in keywords, whereby he or she has the ability to alter the information provided in the Notice as follows:
In order to alter the auction rate, for instance, a user may type the key word "BID" and in a space for two digits, will enter the number lot and the new rate. Thereafter, the message is sent with an identifying specified number, provided automatically by the
Operator.
The Operator's server identifies the initial word or words sent by the User, and directs the User to the Company's (BIDSMS'S server) server. In case the first word is "BID", then the entire line is converted in HTTP format, using HTTP protocol, which transfers the sent message on the server, where there is changed information (for example the server of auctions).
Having accepted string of the message, the software program, located on the server, operates as follows:
1. The software checks the presence of the User's phone number in the database. In case the user is not registered (in the database), the server generates and sends an error message to the User.
2. The software makes analysis of string, being guided by the following rules:
Check the first word. It checks whether a word "BID" goes on other level. In case the word is not recognized, it generates error message and sends it to the User's number.
3. The software checks the second and third words: The condition is that the said second and third words should comprise numbers. If the condition is not fulfilled, the error message is generated and sent to the number of the user-transmitted string, (see Fig.3)
4. The second and third words are converted from string to numbers. The second word identifies the product offered and the third word identifies the Users given offer. If the said numbers are rightly identified, in terms of the server's auction data, then it will pass forward, if the numbers are not rightly identified, then the server generates an error message and sends it to the User.
5. The third word (rate) is compared with all the standing offers. If the rate is higher than other rate, the highest offer will gain priority and the database will be changed accordingly. If it is lower, then it generates an error message and sends it to User. (Fig. 3)
6. Once the operation is concluded, the operation-processed message is generated and sent back to the User who has sent string of changes. (Fig.3)
Who may participate in system operation:
• The Cellular Operator which is maintaining the SMS center and the technical support.
• Secondary Operators currently operating etrade through internet websites, working in concert with the Cellular Operator, to process the absorbing information, and the generation of new messages.
The system is divided into two levels of operations:
• operations on the part of the Cellular Communication Company
• operations on the part of the Internet Website's owner.
The use of code words, such as "BID", is arbitrary and is defined by both the program developers and the Cellular Communication Company technical support operators. Any variety of keywords, codes, symbols and functions may be used for these and other functions. Keywords samples:
Figure imgf000013_0001
Usage of the Website together with mobile phones enables identifying of the User according to his or her phone number, and provides the possibility to pay for the goods directly via the phone by means of appropriate code words.
Optionally using payment methods of Cellular operator, as well as direct call and existing protocols for payment procedures.
It is Claimed that:
A system for operating etrade features on the cellular network, comprising the components described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A device useful in wireless e-commerce, substantially as described in the
specification.
2. A method useful in wireless e-commerce, substantially as described in the
specification.
PCT/IL2002/000203 2001-03-13 2002-03-13 Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce WO2002073333A2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2002237496A AU2002237496A1 (en) 2001-03-13 2002-03-13 Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27513401P 2001-03-13 2001-03-13
US60/275,134 2001-03-13

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002073333A2 true WO2002073333A2 (en) 2002-09-19
WO2002073333A3 WO2002073333A3 (en) 2002-12-12

Family

ID=23051002

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2002/000203 WO2002073333A2 (en) 2001-03-13 2002-03-13 Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2002237496A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2002073333A2 (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5758088A (en) * 1995-05-08 1998-05-26 Compuserve Incorporated System for transmitting messages, between an installed network and wireless device
US6085321A (en) * 1998-08-14 2000-07-04 Omnipoint Corporation Unique digital signature

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5758088A (en) * 1995-05-08 1998-05-26 Compuserve Incorporated System for transmitting messages, between an installed network and wireless device
US6085321A (en) * 1998-08-14 2000-07-04 Omnipoint Corporation Unique digital signature

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
GREEN RUSS: 'The Internet Unplugged' EAI JOURNAL October 2000, pages 82 - 86, XP002954375 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002073333A3 (en) 2002-12-12
AU2002237496A1 (en) 2002-09-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
USRE43351E1 (en) Credit card validation for an interactive wireless network
AU771226B2 (en) Short message service (SMS) e-commerce
US6898421B2 (en) Service providing apparatus and method, and service verifying apparatus using information terminal
US20040015403A1 (en) Method, system, and business method for wireless fast business
EP1237133A2 (en) Electronic transactions by means of a wireless interface
CN102934133A (en) System and method for a commerce window application for computing devices
US20130173465A1 (en) System and method to facilitate purchases on mobile devices via automatic payment confirmation
RU2335801C2 (en) Method and device to support content purchase via public communication networks
JP4895464B2 (en) Wireless commerce
KR20000024373A (en) Credit Card Authorization Method On Wireless Communication Network and Highway Information Communication Network, and Web-based Service Method For Wire/Wireless Internet
US20040177005A1 (en) Apparatus and method for an electronic telephone wallet and/or communication device wallet
CN101730023A (en) Method and system for payment by using short messages
KR20020007885A (en) service system for present messenger and operation method for this system
US20060014524A1 (en) Communication system between a mobile terminal and a communication server and associated communication processes
RU2458400C2 (en) Issuing and returning bonus points using wireless communication protocols of encoded product
KR20050007986A (en) Electronic Commerce Method and System for Using Short Message Service
KR20040052132A (en) Method and System for Downloading Store Membership Program By Using Mobile Telecommunication Terminal
WO2002073333A2 (en) Facilitating usage of short message service (sms) for e-commerce
WO2003005270A1 (en) System and procedure for mobile electronic commerce
KR20020071488A (en) Method For Commercial Transaction In Wireless Communication Network And System Thereof
KR20080087187A (en) Settlement service system
KR20070029370A (en) Method of providing a service for changing a lump-sum payment to an installment payment of a credit
KR20020028617A (en) Internet payment management system and the payment method using the same
KR100469689B1 (en) Mobile phone to read card and operating method of mobile phone
KR20050095075A (en) Method for providing wireless internet service using hot number and system thereof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase
NENP Non-entry into the national phase in:

Ref country code: JP

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: JP