System and method for performing a variety of transactions having distributed decision-making capability

Abstract

A system and method whereby a multiplicity of users may perform a variety of transactions, such as a product/service request, a bill payment request and long distance telephone service, through a system operator. The system includes a plurality of telephone instruments respectively having a telephone identifier and a wallet card swipe reader or the like for inputting a user identifier. A plurality of user actuators, such as individual buttons, are located on the telephone instrument to initiate a request for a particular transaction. A system processor in communication with the telephone instrument determines which type of transaction is being requested and determines whether the request is valid. Preferably, the validity check is completely performed at a gateway computer having a validity table in its memory corresponding to the particular telephone instrument. The gateway computer stores all transaction requests accrued over a period of time in its memory and forwards them to a central computer at a predetermined regular time. The central computer then correlates the transaction request with complete information in its database to carry out the transaction as requested.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system for use by a multiplicity of users to perform a variety of transactions through a system operator and effect collection of payment for said transactions by said system operator, said system comprising:

a plurality of telephone instruments respectively having a telephone identifier, said telephone instruments further including means for inputting a user identifier;

each of said telephone instruments further having a plurality of user actuators thereon respectively indicative of a particular transaction, said transactions including bill payment, product/service requests and closed network long distance telephone service;

system processor means in communication with said respective of said telephone instruments upon actuation of a selected user actuator by said user, said system processor means operative to receive at least said telephone identifier from said telephone instrument;

said system processor means being further able to determine which type of said transactions is being requested based on actuation of said selected user actuator;

payment means for effecting payment of bills rendered by third parties to said user on behalf of said user;

product/service means for effecting requests of products/services on behalf of said user;

long distance means for effecting long distance telephone calls by said user from said telephone instrument through a closed network;

collection means for collecting payment for said transactions based on receipt of at least said telephone identifier from said telephone instrument; and

wherein said system processor includes:

(a) at least one gateway computer having table means for storing therein a plurality of tables respectively corresponding to one of maid telephone instruments;

(b) said gateway computer further having validity processor means for checking whether a request for bill payment from one of said telephone instruments is valid, said validity processor means operative to check said request for bill payment by receiving both of said telephone identifier and said user identifier and comparing said identifiers with data in a corresponding table;

(c) a central computer in communication with said at least one gateway computer and operative to forward a payment command to said payment means, said central computer having a complete database containing sufficient information regarding said user and said third party to effect bill payment thereto as requested.

2. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said long distance means includes:

means for logging information regarding calls made from a respective of said telephone instruments;

means for dynamically analyzing said calls made from a respective of said telephone instruments and determining a rate according to a predetermined criteria; and

means in communication with said collection means for effecting payment for said calls from said user to said system operator.

3. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means of said telephone instrument for inputting a user identifier is a wallet card swipe reader.

4. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said system includes means for returning to said user a reference number indicating receipt of a valid request for bill payment by said system operator.

5. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said at least one gateway computer includes a plurality of said gateway computers functionally arranged in parallel to receive transaction requests from said telephone instruments.

6. A system as set forth in claim 5, including a plurality of integrated voice response units functionally connected between said telephone instruments and said gateway computers to facilitate response units being functionally arranged in parallel with one another.

7. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said gateway computer further includes log means for storing information regarding each said transaction received during a selected period and forwarding said information to said central computer in batch at a predetermined time.

8. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said collection means includes means for electronically transferring funds from a bank account of said user to a bank account of said system operator.

9. A system as set forth in claim 1, wherein said payment means includes:

means for electronically transferring funds from a bank account of said system operator to a bank account of said third party; and

means for producing a check drawn on said bank account of said system operator to said third party.

10. A system for use by a multiplicity of users to request payment by a system operator of bills rendered by a third party to said users, said system comprising:

a plurality of telecommunication instruments respectively having an instrument identifier, said telecommunication instruments further including means for inputting a user identifier;

at least one gateway computer having table means for storing therein a plurality of tables respectively corresponding to one of said telephone instruments;

said gateway computer further having gateway processor means for validity checking requests for bill payment from said telecommunication devices, said gateway processor means operative to receive both of said telecommunication identifier and said user identifier and comparing said identifiers with data in a corresponding table;

a central computer in operative communication with said gateway computer, said central computer having a complete database containing sufficient information regarding said user and a payee to effect bill payment thereto as requested;

payment means in communication with said central computer and operative upon receipt of a payment command therefrom for effecting payment to said third parties of said bills; and

collection means for collecting payment for said transactions.

11. A system as set forth in claim 10, wherein said collection means includes means for electronically transferring funds from a bank account of said user to a bank account of said system operator.

12. A system as set forth in claim 11, wherein said means of said telecommunication instrument for inputting a user identifier is a wallet card swipe reader.

13. A system as set forth in claim 12, wherein respective of said telecommunications instruments are telephone instruments.

14. A system as set forth in claim 13, wherein said system includes means responsive to said gateway computer for returning to said user by voice a reference number indicating receipt and acceptance by said system operator of a request for bill payment.

15. A system as set forth in claim 10, wherein said at least one gateway computer includes a plurality of said gateway computers functionally arranged in parallel to receive transaction requests from said telephone instruments.

16. A system as set forth in claim 15, including a plurality of integrated voice response units functionally connected between said telecommunications instruments and said gateway computers to facilitate communication therebetween, said integrated voice response units being functionally arranged in parallel with one another.

17. A system as set forth in claim 10, wherein gateway computer further includes log means for storing information regarding a plurality of said requests received during a selected period as abbreviated request bundles and forwarding said abbreviated request bundles to said central computer in batch at a predetermined time.

18. A system as set forth in claim 12, wherein said payment means includes:

first means for electronically transferring funds from a bank account of said system operator to a bank account of said third party; and

second means for producing a check drawn on said bank account of said system operator to said third party.

19. A system as set forth in claim 18, wherein said first means includes supplemental means for notifying said third party of an electronic funds transfer to facilitate proper crediting of an account of said user.

20. A computer-based method of effecting payment of bills rendered to consumers by third parties on behalf of said consumers, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a telephone instrument to respective of said consumers, said telephone instrument including means for communicating a telephone identifier and further including a wallet card swipe reader;

(b) providing a wallet card to respective of said consumers, said wallet card having a user identifier magnetically encoded thereon;

(c) electronically receiving a request to pay a bill, said request including said telephone identifier and said user identifier;

(d) checking said telephone identifier and said user identifier against a validity table to determine whether said request is valid;

(e) if said request is not valid, denying said request;

(f) if said request is valid, receiving an amount to be paid to said third party from inputs entered on a keypad of said telephone instrument and forming an abbreviated request bundle;

(g) correlating said abbreviated request bundle with a complete database containing sufficient information regarding said user and said third party to effect bill payment thereto as requested; and

(h) paying said bill rendered to said user by said third party on said user's behalf.

21. A method as set forth in claim 20, including the steps of:

(i) creating in a first computer a log containing a plurality of said abbreviated request bundles accrued from a plurality of said telephone instruments over a selected period; and

(j) at a predetermined time, forwarding said plurality of said abbreviated request bundles from said first computer to a second computer for respective correlation with said complete database.

22. A method as set forth in claim 20, further comprising the step of providing to said user a transaction identifier to reference receipt and acceptance of said request.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a computer-based system and method by which a multiplicity of users may perform a variety of transactions through a system operator. More particularly, the invention relates to such a system and method which includes distributed decision-making capability to enhance transaction speed and redundancy.

Various computer-based systems have been proposed to allow a multiplicity of users to perform selected transactions. For example, systems have been implemented whereby a system operator will, on behalf of a consumer, pay bills rendered to the consumer by a billing entity. The payment itself may take various forms, including a consolidated check or an electronic funds transfer. At least one such system, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,113 to Kight et al., effects electronic funds transfer utilizing the Federal Reserve automated check clearing house (ACH) system. At least one other such system, i.e., that shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,220,501 to Lawlor et al., utilizes the bank automatic teller machine (ATM) network.

Other computer-based systems have been proposed which allow consumers to order a variety of goods and services. Such systems generally include a remote telecommunications device functionally connected to a computer facility. The consumer selects the desired goods or services on the telecommunications device, which transmits this information to the computer facility. The computer facility notifies the provider of the desired goods or services that an order has been made. Examples of systems by which a consumer may order various goods or services are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,947,028 to Gorog, U.S. Pat. No. 4,799,156 to Shavit et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,858 to Schlafly.

Many of the above systems are designed to be utilized with a personal computer. While personal computers are becoming more commonplace, most people still do not have a personal computer at their disposal. In fact, many individuals remain somewhat uneasy about using a personal computer.

Other systems utilize a "screen phone" device distributed by the system operator. While these devices may be somewhat easier to use than a personal computer, many consumers still find their use relatively difficult. As a result, such consumers are deterred from using the overall system.

In addition, prior art systems generally tend to access the entire database of consumer information when deciding whether a particular transaction is allowed. In other words, a central computer facility having detailed consumer account and demographic information is accessed in order to determine whether the consumer is permitted, for example, to pay a bill. Thus, the time required to make a validity decision regarding the transaction is significantly increased. In addition, a failure of the central computer will often result in the entire system being "down."

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing disadvantages, and others, of prior art constructions and methods.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved computer-based system by which a multiplicity of users may perform a variety of transactions.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved system of the type described which performs a validity analysis of the requested transaction relatively quickly.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved system of the type described which is relatively easy to use.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a system of the type described which incorporates a degree of redundancy to enhance fault tolerance.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method by which a system operator may pay bills on behalf of consumers.

Some of these objects are achieved by a system for use by a multiplicity of users to perform a variety of transactions through a system operator. Such transactions include payment of bills rendered to the user by a third party, various requests for products or services, and closed-network long distance telephone service. The system automatically collects payment for the transactions from the user, such as by electronic funds transfer from the user's bank account.

The system comprises a plurality of telephone instruments respectively having an electronic telephone identifier. The telephone instruments further include means, such as a wallet card swipe reader, for inputting a user identifier. In addition, each of the telephone instruments has a plurality of user actuators thereon respectively indicative of a particular transaction. In exemplary constructions, the user actuators are respective buttons on the face of the telephone instrument.

When a particular user actuator is selected, system processor means in communication with a respective telephone instrument function to receive at least the telephone identifier therefrom. The system processor means are further able to determine which of the types of transactions is being requested based on which user actuator was selected by the user.

The system processor means preferably includes at least one gateway computer for receiving transaction requests from the telephone instruments. In presently preferred embodiments, a plurality of gateway computers are provided, functionally arranged in parallel. A central computer in communication with the gateway computers functions to forward a payment command to the payment means for completing the bill payment transaction. Preferably, the gateway computers include log means for storing information regarding each transaction received during a selected period and forwarding such information to the central computer in batch at a predetermined time.

Each of the gateway computers further includes table means for storing therein a plurality of tables corresponding to respective of the telephone instruments. Validity processor means of the gateway computers function to check whether requests for bill payment received from the telephone instruments are valid. The validity processor means preferably performs this validity check by receiving both the telephone identifier and the user identifier, and comparing the identifiers with data in a table corresponding to the particular telephone instrument.

In some exemplary constructions, communication between the telephone instruments and gateway computers is facilitated by a plurality of voice response units. The voice response units may function to return a reference number to the user indicating receipt of a valid request for bill payment by the system operator.

Other objects of the invention are achieved by a computer-based method of effecting payment of bills rendered to consumers by third parties. The method comprises a step of providing a telephone instrument to respective of the consumers, each of the telephone instruments including means for communicating a telephone identifier and further including a wallet card swipe reader. A wallet card, having a user identifier magnetically encoded thereon, is also provided to respective of the consumers.

As an additional step, the method includes electronically receiving a request to pay a bill, the request including the telephone identifier and the user identifier. The telephone identifier and user identifier are then checked against a validity table to determine whether the request is valid. If the request is not valid, the transaction is denied.

If the request is valid, an amount to be paid to the third party is received from inputs entered on a keypad of the telephone instrument. The amount to be paid, along with the validity information, forms an abbreviated request bundle. The abbreviated request bundle is later correlated with a complete database containing sufficient information regarding the user and the third party to effect bill payment thereto as requested. Finally, the method involves paying the bill which had been rendered to the user by the third party.

According to a presently preferred methodology, the user is further provided a transaction identifier to reference receipt and acceptance of the request. Another presently preferred methodology involves the step of creating a log in a first computer which contains abbreviated request bundles accrued over a period of time. At a predetermined time, these abbreviated request bundles are forwarded from the first computer to a second computer for respective correlation with the computer database.

Other objects, features and aspects of the present invention are discussed in greater detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic overview of a system constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a presently preferred telephone instrument for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the telephone instrument shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of preferred payment means for use with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation showing in greater detail the functional components of a gateway computers as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 5A is a flowchart illustrating a computer process by which the bill payment means of FIG. 4 may function to check transaction validity;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic representation showing in greater detail the functional components of a central computer as shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of the manner in which database information is stored by the central computer of FIGS. 4 and 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic representation of the support center for use with the system of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the means for providing long distance telephone service shown in FIG. 1.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary constructions.

A system according to the present invention for performing a variety of transactions is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 1. As can be seen, the system includes an indeterminate multiplicity of telephone instruments 10 (respectively indicated by the reference numbers 10a-10d and 10x) which are distributed to the public. As will be explained more fully below, each such telephone instrument has a unique serial number, or "identifier," which allows it to be electronically recognized by the system operator.

One or more authorized users 12 are associated with each of the telephone instruments 10. For example, telephone instrument 10a has three authorized users, i.e., users 12a.sub.1, 12a.sub.2, and 12a.sub.3. Telephone instrument 10b, however, has only one authorized user 12b in the illustrated example. Like telephone instruments 10, each user 12 also has a unique identifier which the system operator uses to determine whether a particular transaction is authorized.

In the exemplary construction illustrated in FIG. 1, telephone instruments 10 communicate with means for performing various transactions via a toll free network 14. Although details of these means will be discussed more fully below, each is shown generally in FIG. 1 for purposes of overview. First such means 18 are provided for requesting various products or services on behalf of users 12. Another such means, i.e., support center 20, allow new users to be entered into the system as well as also requesting various products or services on behalf of the consumer. Payment means 22 allow the system to pay bills on behalf of users 12.

In addition to the above, long distance means 22 are provided to allow long distance telephone calls to be made by users 12. Preferably, long distance means 22 provide this long distance telephone service through a "closed network." As used herein, the term "closed network" means that only telephone instruments 10 known to the system are authorized to make long distance calls.

For reasons which will be explained below, support center 20 and long distance means 24 are capable of communicating with payment means 22, as diagrammatically illustrated at 26 and 28. Similarly, support center 20 communicates with long distance means 24, as indicated at 30.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a presently preferred embodiment of telephone instrument 10. As can be seen, instrument 10 resembles a typical touchtone telephone in many respects. For example, instrument 10 includes a base unit 32 and a handset 34 interconnected by a coiled telephone cord 36. Instrument 10 also includes a numbered keypad and various function keys, as indicated generally at 38, which may be found on a typical telephone.

Unlike a typical telephone, however, telephone instrument 10 includes a variety of user actuators respectively corresponding to a desired transaction. In presently preferred embodiments, the user actuators are configured as respective buttons, e.g. buttons labeled 1-24 in the illustrated example (FIG. 3). Upon being pressed a single time, these buttons automatically initiate communication with other parts of the system so that a desired transaction is requested. Indicia located adjacent the buttons 40 indicate the specific type of transaction.

A number of the buttons are preferably reserved for one-touch access to bill payment. In the illustrated embodiment, botton1 through button6 are bill payment buttons arranged as follows:

Botton1--power or gas bill

Button2--phone bill

Button3--water or sewer bill

Button4--mortgage or rent

Button5--cable T.V. or newspaper

Button6--user's general payment list

The means by the present invention effects bill payment will be explained in greater detail below.

Often, an issuer of telephone instruments 10 will be a business entity other than the system operator. For example, a business with which a consumer has a special relationship, e.g., a bank, power company, newspaper, etc., may issue the telephone instruments 10 to its customers as a promotion. In this case, button7 through button9 may be reserved for use by the issuer.

As an example, a bank issuer may desire that its customers have one-touch access to interest rates or checking account information. In the case of a newspaper, issuer buttons could be used for product purchases, information processing, classified sales and the like. If a power company is the issuer, these buttons could be used to access outage reporting, meter reading, or for informational services on energy conservation and the like.

Button10 may be utilized to directly access long distance means 24. In other words, a user desiring to make a long distance call through the closed network of the system would press button10. When long distance means 24 provides a return dial tone, the number to be called is dialed via the keypad at 38.

Button11 through button18 are utilized to provide one-touch access to various goods or services. In the illustrated embodiment, these goods or services include:

Button12--travel agency

Button13--florist

Button14--home delivery of food

Button15--home repair

Button16--discount brokerage

Button17--discount pharmacy

Button18--pay per view cable television

As noted above, some of these goods or services may be provided by direct access between the user and the provider. These providers may be equipped with appropriate software to recognize the particular user based on the telephone or user identifiers in the manner discussed below. Payment for these goods or services, however, would generally be arranged separately between the user and the provider. Other goods or services may be arranged through the support center 20. In this case, payment for the goods or services would preferably be accomplished through payment means 22.

As shown, button19 through button24 are labeled as miscellaneous buttons. These buttons may be used to access additional goods or services. Alternatively, these buttons may be used as speed dial buttons as are frequently provided on typical telephones.

Telephone instrument 10 also includes a wallet card reader device, preferably of the type satisfying ISO standards 78XX. Such card readers are capable of detecting an alphanumeric code impressed onto a magnetic stripe of a wallet card. In this case, users are each provided a system debit card 42 having a user identifier encoded on magnetic stripe 44. The system thus receives the user identifier when card 42 is swiped at the appropriate time through the reader slot 46 of telephone instrument 10 (as shown by arrow 48).

Referring now to FIG. 4, the operation of payment means 22 will be described in more detail. As shown, payment means 22 include a plurality of integrated voice response (IVR) units 50 which generate voice messages for communication with the user. Preferably, IVR units 50 are functionally arranged in parallel as shown to give the system redundancy should one unit fail. Additionally, each of IVR units 50 will generally be limited in the maximum amount of calls which it may handle at a given time. A parallel architecture allows the call to be "bounced" to another IVR unit 50 where it can be serviced.

One or more gateway computers 52 are further provided to communicate with IVR units 50 over an interconnecting local area network (LAN). Preferably, bill payment means 22 will include a plurality of gateway computers 52 functionally arranged in parallel as shown. In presently preferred embodiments, gateway computers 52 may each be a HP9000 model E35.

In use, IVR units 50 and gateway computers 52 exchange a number of computer messages to facilitate processing of a transaction request. For example, as indicated at 54, IVR unit 50 may issue a simple "ping" message when a transaction request is first received from one of telephone instruments 10. The "ping" message asks whether one of gateway computers 52 is available to handle the transaction. An available one of gateway computers will respond by issuing an acknowledgement, as indicated at 56. If gateway computers 52 are unavailable, the requesting IVR unit 50 will receive an error, as indicated at 58. The error number, indicated as "XX," will prompt unit 50 to provide a certain voice message to the user.

After a successful "ping," IVR unit 50 will request whether the transaction is valid, as indicated at 60. If gateway computer 52 responds that the transaction is valid, a "V" response will be received, as indicated at 62. If the transaction is not valid, gateway computer 52 will issue an error message as indicated at 64.

If successful communication is established between one of IVR units 50 and one of gateway computers 52, and the transaction is indicated as being valid, the respective IVR unit 50 will send a "pay" message to the respective gateway computer 52, as indicated at 66. The "pay" message informs the gateway computer 52 that a payment is to be made, and the amount of such payment. Gateway computer 52 then issues an acknowledgement, as indicated at 68, that the payment has been accepted. Otherwise, gateway computer 52 issues an error message, as indicated at 70.

If the transaction is interrupted or some other event is detected where such may be appropriate, IVR unit 50 sends an "ABORT" message to gateway computer 52, as indicated at 72. If the "ABORT" message is properly received by gateway computer 52, an acknowledgement is provided, as indicated at 74. Otherwise, an error is generated, as indicated at 76.

After the transaction has been validated and the payment information has been gathered, gateway computers 52 communicate with a central computer 78. From the information provided by gateway computers 52, central computer 78 functions to identify the user and the desired payee. Based on stored information, payment is effected to the payee by one of numerous methods. In presently preferred embodiments, central computer 78 may be a HP9000 model E55. For redundancy, several such central computers may be provided.

One form of payment which may be made to the payee is a lump-sum check drawn on the system operator's bank account. Such a check may be produced by a laser printer 80 having appropriate software giving it the capability to imprint MICR codes. Information regarding the customer accounts to be credited by the check could be provided to the payee in a number of ways. For example, central computer 78 may automatically send an appropriate report 82 via fax modem 84. In the alternative, payment information may be provided by electronic bulletin board 86 through an online service or the Internet if the payee is suitably equipped.

As indicated at 88, payment may also be effected through the ACH if appropriate arrangements have been made with the payee. In many cases, the system operator will not be a bank. Due to Federal Reserve regulations, however, only banks may have direct access to the ACH. Thus, the system operator making payments through the ACH will affiliate with a gatekeeper bank to provide ACH access. The ACH will transfer funds directly from the account of the system operator into that of the payee. A report may be sent to the payee by one of the methods discussed above to apprise the payee of accounts to be credited with the payment.

Alternatively, if the payee has made suitable arrangements with its own bank, it may not be necessary to issue a separate report to the payee of the accounts to be credited. Specifically, the requisite account information can be included in the ACH transfer to the payee's bank.

The ACH also allows the system operator to collect payment for bills paid on behalf of various users. Such funds are electronically transferred from the user's bank account to the bank account of the system operator via the ACH, preferably before a payment is issued to the billing entity. Access to the user's bank account is provided by the ACH prenote procedure. Information for the ACH prenote is gathered from data given by the user in an application completed to become part of the system.

A significant advantage of the present invention is illustrated by the above discussion. Specifically, the system is organized to allow a decision regarding the validity of a particular transaction to be made at gateway computers 52 instead of central computer 78. While the decision-making capability of the system is distributed in this manner, detailed information regarding the identity of the users and their respective bank accounts and the like is maintained at central computer 78. Thus, decision-making capability is distributed without the risk of a security breach. The technique by which the present invention achieves these results will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 5, the functional components of each gateway computer 52 is illustrated in more detail. As can be seen, gateway computer 52 includes a processor 90 in communication with table storage means 92 and log means 94. Table storage means contains a plurality of "tables" having a restricted amount of information regarding each of telephone instruments 10. At stated above, this information is sufficient to allow processor 90 to determine the validity of the desired transaction without compromising security of the system.

As an example, consider the following table which may correspond to one of telephone instruments 10.

                  TABLE
    ______________________________________
    A.   650114999
    B.   2
    C.   0000000050788363.sub.-- 0000000003456791
    D.   11.sub.-- 2
         0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    E.   12.sub.-- 2
         0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    F.   21.sub.-- 2
         0000002.sub.-- 0000001
    G.   31.sub.-- 2
         0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    H.   32.sub.-- 2
         0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    I.   41.sub.-- 4
         0000005.sub.-- 0000001
         0000008.sub.-- 0000002
    J.   51.sub.-- 2
         0000004.sub.-- 0000001
    K.   52.sub.-- 2
         0000006.sub.-- 0000001
    L.   61.sub.-- 8
         0000001.sub.-- 0000002.sub.-- 0000003.sub.-- 0000006.sub.-- 0000007.s
         ub.-- 0000008.sub.--
         0000010.sub.-- 0000013
    ______________________________________

    ______________________________________
    BUTTON1 POWER/GAS
    Message No. IVR Message
    ______________________________________
    01          1. To pay the power company for
                electric or electric and gas press 1, to
                pay the gas company press 2, for other
                payment options press 3, to exit press 0.
    11          2. (IF 0 is pressed) Goodbye.
                2.5 (IF 3 is pressed) Go to message 10.
    02          3. Please swipe your home banking debit
                card (allow manual entry if card unable
                to be read).
    (IVR checks customer table, payee table, and location name table
    (local or remote) for validity information and variable information)
    03          4. (Validity failure) We're sorry, your
                phone is not activated or your debit
                card is not authorized. Please hang up
                and press the support center button.
    11          5. Goodbye.
                5.1 (If gateway returns 3 payees) To
                pay Payee Co. 1 press 1, To pay Payee
                Co. 2 press 2, To pay Payee Co. 3 press 3.
                5.2 (If gateway returns 3 locations for
                the selected payee) To pay Primary
                Residence press 1, To pay Second home
                press 2, To pay Rental property press 3.
    04          6. Please enter the amount you want to
                pay, in dollars and cents with no
                decimal, followed by the pound key.
    05          7. You have entered        .
    06          8. If correct press 1. If incorrect
                press 0. (If 0 is pressed, loop back to msg.4).
    07          9.         (info from payee table)
                power/gas company has been paid $
                from your account.
    06          10. If correct press 1. If incorrect
                press 0. (If 0 is pressed, loop back to msg. 4)
    08          11. Your reference number is        .
                To repeat press 1 (If 1 pressed loop
                back to Msg. 08). To continue press 2.
    Script continues to prompt for and verify the amount. The name of the
    selected company is played along with the amount, and the reference
    number is played with a repeat option. If there are multiple locations
    #5.2
    above is repeated for each remaining location, adding, "Or continue,
    press 0" at the end. After locations are selected or rejected, if there
    are
    multiple payees, #5.1 is repeated, again with, "Or to continue, press
    0" at the end. After this the caller may select the menu of all payment
    types.
    09          12. Press 1 for more bill pay services.
                Press 0 to exit.
    11          13. (If 0 pressed) Goodbye.
    10          14. (If 1 pressed) For Power or gas
                press 1, for telephone press 2, for
                water or sewer press 3, for mortgage or
                rent press 4, for Cable TV or newspaper
                press 5, for general payments press 6.
    (NOTE: If previous transaction had a good card swipe - go to enter
    amount you want to pay after validity table, location table and payee
    table information is retrieved for that button #.)
    ______________________________________

                                      APPENDIX A
    __________________________________________________________________________
    650114999
    0000000050788363.sub.-- 0000000003456791
    11.sub.-- 2
    0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    12.sub.-- 2
    0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    21.sub.-- 2
    0000002.sub.-- 0000001
    31.sub.-- 2
    0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    32.sub.-- 2
    0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    41.sub.-- 4
    0000005.sub.-- 0000001
    0000008.sub.-- 0000002
    51.sub.-- 2
    0000004.sub.-- 0000001
    52.sub.-- 2
    0000006.sub.-- 0000001
    61.sub.-- 8
    0000001.sub.-- 0000002.sub.-- 0000003.sub.-- 0000006.sub.-- 0000007.sub.--
     0000008.sub.-- 0000010.sub.-- 0000013
    #
    650114888
    1
    0000000044488363
    11.sub.-- 4
    0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    0000001.sub.-- 0000002
    12.sub.-- 2
    0000001.sub.-- 0000001
    21.sub.-- 2
    0000002.sub.-- 0000001
    31.sub.-- 2
    0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    32.sub.-- 2
    0000003.sub.-- 0000001
    41.sub.-- 4
    0000009.sub.-- 0000001
    0000007.sub.-- 0000002
    51.sub.-- 2
    0000004.sub.-- 0000001
    52.sub.-- 2
    0000005.sub.-- 0000001
    61.sub.-- 8
    0000001.sub.-- 0000002.sub.-- 0000003.sub.-- 0000004
    0000005.sub.-- 0000010.sub.-- 0000014.sub.-- 0000021
    #
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE
    0001 SCE&G
    0002 Southern Bell
    0003 City of Columbia, SC
    0004 CVI of Columbia, SC
    0005 State Newspaper
    .
    .
    .
    0010 Midland Mortgage
    0011 Fleet Mortgage
    LOCATION TABLE
    0001 Primary Residence
    0002 2nd Home
    0003 Rental Property 1
    0004 Rental Property 2
    0005 Parent
    0006 Child
    0007 In-law
    0008 Business
    0009 Vacation Home
    TELEPAY (DART) HOME BANKING
    VALIDITY TABLE:
    *note 1 (field separator = .sub.-- (underscore character))
    *note 2 (button number = (11 to 61)
                    11 = power bill payment
                    12 = gas bill payment
                    21 = telephone bill payment
                    31 = water bill payment
                    32 = sewer bill payment
                    41 = Mortgage/rent payment
                    51 = Cable TV bill payment
                    52 = Newspaper bill payment
                    61 = General bill payment
    *General bill payment will return the presence or absence of the payee
    chosen
    TABLE:
    PHONE SERIAL - (9 digits exact) ex. 650114999.sub.--
    NUM. OF DEBIT CARDS ALLOWED THIS PHONE (2 digits max.) ex 01.sub.--
    (19 digits max.) ex. 0788363.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 11.sub.-- (POWER)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX = 18 ie 3
    companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 12 (GAS)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 21 (TELEPHONE)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 31 (WATER)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 32 (SEWER)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 41 (Mortgage/rent)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 4.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000010.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000012.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 51 (CABLE TV)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000004.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000004.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000004.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 52 (NEWSPAPER)
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    18 ie 3 companies with 3 locations each) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 1 ex. 0000001.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 2 ex. 0000002.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    LOCATION CODE 3 ex. 0000003.sub.--
    BUTTON CODE 61
    NUMBER OF FIELDS FOR THE ABOVE BUTTON CODE (MAX =
    UNLIMITED UP TO ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE) ex. 6.sub.--
    PAYEE CODE 1 ex 0000005.sub.--
    .
    .
    .
    PAYEE CODE (N-1)*
    *The IVR will check the payee code entered to see if it is listed under
    button
    61 in the customers validity table. If it is not listed then the IVR will
    tell the
    customer that this is the 1st time he is paying this company and to
    please
    input the customer account number to be included in the transaction
    record
    captured for this payment transaction.
    SAMPLE VALIDITY TABLE ENTRY
    PHONE SERIAL NUMBER = 650114999
    DEBIT CARD ACCT # = 00000000050788363
    BUTTON CODE 11
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST POWER CO. = 0000001
                 (SCE&G from electronic payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 12
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST GAS CO. = 0000001
                 (SCE&G from electronic payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 21
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELEC. PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST TELEPHONE CO. = 0000002
                 (Southern Bell from electronic payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)



    BUTTON CODE 31
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST WATER CO. = 0000003
                 (City of Columbia from electronic payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 32
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST SEWER CO. = 0000003
                 (City of Columbia from electronic payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 41
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 4
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST MORTGAGE/RENT
                 COMPANY = 0000010 (Midland Mort. from Payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 2nd MORTGAGE/RENT
                 COMPANY = 0000012 (Fleet Mortgage from Payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000002
                 (Rental Property from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 51
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST CABLE TV = 0000004
                 (CVI of Columbia, S.C. from payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 52
    NUMBER OF ENTRY FIELDS = 2
    ELECTRONIC PAYEE TABLE ENTRY FOR 1ST NEWSPAPER = 0000005
                 (STATE of Columbia, S.C. from payee table)
    LOCATION TABLE ENTRY FOR 1st LOCATION. = 0000001
                 (Primary residence from location table)
    BUTTON CODE 61
    NUMBER OF ENTRIES THAT THIS CUSTOMER HAS ACCOUNT
                 NUMBERS ON FILE AT DART = 8
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 1 = 0000001
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 2 = 0000002
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 3 = 0000003
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 4 = 0000004
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 5 = 0000005
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 6 = 0000010
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 7 = 0000011
    PAYEE TABLE ENTRY 8 = 0000012
    END-OF-TABLE = #
    __________________________________________________________________________

• Inventors
  Futch, Donald R.; Greer, Richard E.;
• Assignee
  Dart, Inc. (Columbia, SC)
• Published
  Aug-5-1997
• Current US Classes:
  379/114.01
  379/114.15
  379/91.01
  705/17
• Application #
  487070
• International Classes
  H04M 011/00
• Field of Search
  379/91 379/93 379/94 379/96-99 379/114 379/115 379/144 379/155 379/90 379/110 379/201 364/400 364/401 364/406 364/408 235/379-381 348/3 348/6 348/7 348/13 902/1 902/5 902/24 395/201 395/215-217
• Examiner
  Chan; Wing F.
• Agent
  Dority & Manning
• US Patent References:
  4649563
  4734858
  4799156
  4947028
  5007084
  5220501
  5323448
  5383113
  5396546
  5404393
  5416831
  5475740