Method, apparatus and computer program product for processing cashless payments

US6829597B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• International Business Machines Corporation · US

Inventors

• Thomas Schaeck · Eppelheim, DE
• Roland Weber · Munich, DE
• Horst Henn · Eppelheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 14, 2000
• Grant date: Dec 7, 2004
• Expiry date: Aug 13, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G07F7/082
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A computer program product and programmed method for performing cashless payments between a customer and a dealer via a bank. The invention is embodied in an on-line computerized process between customer and dealer to define the payment method, check the availability frame, issue a voucher to describe the transaction, issue a payment instruction, signature of the issued voucher by the dealer and signature of the payment instruction by the dealer and the customer. In another embodiment, the information is gathered and the voucher and payment instructions are generated off-line. A subsequent on-line process between the dealer and bank transfer the signed payment instruction and signed voucher to the bank where computer coded checks the dealer and customer signature, checks the allocation between payment instruction and voucher, replaces the dealer and customer identity data with information for performance of the payment instruction, and performs the payment instruction and stores the voucher. An advantage of the process is that no sensitive customer data such as account number, credit card number etc. is stored on the customer card and hence misuse by unauthorized persons is minimiz…