The invention relates to the method for remotely carrying out a transaction between a customer and a supplier using a communication network, which method comprises: setting up, by way of the communication network, a first link between the customer and the supplier, in order to transmit a purchase order to the supplier.

Such method is generally known.

In practice, there is the need of being capable of remotely ordering and, in addition, paying goods and/or services. For example, for ordering food (delivery of pizzas), placing orders with mail-order firms or ordering presents to be delivered at others', it is essential that the payment of the delivered goods be guaranteed.

In addition, it is in the interest of the supplier that the payment be received as soon as possible.

The European patent application EP 0 590 861 describes a method for making purchases by way of a communication network, use being made of a so-called credit card. The number of said credit card is used for identification purposes, an authorisation code being issued to the supplier by a verification unit. Settlement of the amount due takes place only afterwards. In addition, it is a requirement that the customer dispose of a credit card.

The European patent application EP 0 785 534 describes a method for carrying out financial transactions using mobile telephones.

Using said method, a direct link is laid between an IC card present in the telephone set (i. e., a card which is provided with an integrated circuit or IC) and a payment module at the supplier's.

Although with this method it is possible to pay directly, it is a requirement that the customer dispose of a suitable IC card and the supplier dispose of an associated payment module.

The international patent application WO 94/11849 describes a method for carrying out financial transactions by way of mobile telephones, a link being set up with a financial institution to realise, e. g., a remittance. It is not possible, however, to place an order and to pay for it forthwith.

The object of the invention is to eliminate the aforementioned and other drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a method for remotely carrying out a transaction between a customer and a supplier, which makes it possible in one single transaction to place an order and to pay for said order. A further object of the invention is to provide such a method, surety being immediately generated on the payment and the delivery, without the customer being required to dispose of special equipment.

For this purpose, a method of the type referred to in the preamble according to the invention is characterised by: -the communication network setting up a second link between the customer and a financial institution, in order to transmit a payment order to the financial institution, -acceptance, by the financial institution, of the payment order and issuance of a payment confirmation, and -setting up, by the communication network, a third link between the financial institution and the supplier, in order to transmit a payment confirmation to the supplier.

By setting up a second link between the customer and a financial institution, there may be forthwith carried out an authorisation and a payment confirmation. By setting up a third link between the financial institution and the supplier, it is possible to transmit a payment confirmation from the financial institution to the supplier.

In this manner, the payment may be guaranteed forthwith, while all parties may be made aware of the acceptance of the payment order.

The method according to the invention is preferably characterised by maintaining the first link during the second and third links in order, after receipt of the payment confirmation by the supplier, to transmit a transaction confirmation to the customer.

In other words, the link between the customer and the supplier is maintained during the exchange of data with the financial institution. In this manner, a simple and direct reporting back to the customer becomes possible. It is also possible, however, to carry out the method according to the invention by breaking off the first link prior to setting up the second link, and setting up the first link anew, in order to transmit a transaction confirmation to the customer.

For setting up the first link, i. e., the link between the customer and the supplier, a mobile telephone may be used. It is also possible, however, to apply a telephone for the fixed network.

The method according to the invention is advantageously characterised by setting up the first and/or second link by intervention of a mediating station, such as a voice-response system.

As a function of information issued by the customer (dialling information), in this connection the communication network may set up a link with one of several suppliers and/or one of several financial institutions.

The invention further provides a communication network, comprising switching means and transmission lines, arranged for setting up a first link between a first and a second transmission line, which communication network according to the invention is characterised in that the switching means are also arranged for: -setting up, during the first link (I), a second link (II) between the first and a third transmission line, and -setting up, as a function of a signal (BEV) received from the third transmission line, a third link (III) between the third and the second transmission line.

Below, the invention will be further explained by reference to the figures.

Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a system for remotely carrying out transactions.

Fig. 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of a system for remotely carrying out transactions.

Fig. 3 schematically shows part of the system according to Fig. 2.

The first embodiment, shown in Fig. 1 only by way of example, of a system for remotely carrying out a transaction in accordance with the invention, comprises a customer 1, who is connected to a communication network 3 by way of a transmission line 5. A supplier 2 and a financial institution 4 are connected to the communication network 3 by the transmission lines 6 and 7, respectively.

The supplier 2 may be a supplier of goods and/or services, such as a shop, mail-order firm or patent office. The financial institution 4 may be, e. g., a bank, a savings bank or an insurance company.

In the embodiment shown, the customer 1 starts a transaction by dialling the number of the supplier 2. In response thereto, the communication network 3 sets up a (first) link I, by way of the transmission lines 5 and 6, between the customer 1 and the supplier 2. The customer 1 then transmits an order BES to the supplier 2.

Subsequently, the communication network 3, either at the instigation of the customer 1, or at the instigation of the supplier 2, sets up a (second) link II between the customer 1 and the financial institution 4. Although in this connection the first link I between the customer and the supplier may be broken off, it is preferably maintained (put on hold). The customer, who has been informed of the amount due by the supplier by way of the first link I, now gives the financial institution 4 a payment order for said amount. The acceptance of the payment order (payment authorisation) is preferably carried out forthwith, whereupon the customer receives a return notification from the financial institution. In the event of an unsuccessful payment, the customer may once again give a payment order, or the transaction may be terminated. In the event of successful payment, the communication network 3 sets up a third link III between the financial institution 4 and the supplier 2, in order to transmit a payment confirmation BEV to the supplier. The supplier 2 subsequently, by way of the first link I, issues a transaction confirmation to the customer as a sign that the transaction has been completed successfully.

In the second embodiment of the system, which is schematically shown in Fig. 2, the communication network 3 is provided with a mediating station 9. Said mediating station may be served by a (female) telephone operator, but may also be set up fully automatically, e. g., as a so-called voice-response system, i. e., a voice-control system. The mediating station 9 may be included in the communication network 3, e. g., in a telephone exchange, but may also be coupled, by way of a supplementary transmission line (not shown), to the communication network 3.

Using a mediating station 9, it is possible that the customer 1 does not dial the number of the supplier 2 or the financial institution 4 directly, but first a general transaction number, whereupon the customer is put through to the mediating station 9. In the event of an automatic mediating station 9, the customer may choose, e. g., by entering dialling digits, from a menu in which various suppliers are on offer. Likewise, prior to setting up the second link II, a choice may be made from several financial institutions 4. In response to the dialling information given off by the customer, the communciation network 3, under control of the mediating station 9 sets up the required links.

Fig. 3 schematically shows part of the system of Fig. 2, namely, the customer 1 and the transmission line 5. Contrary to Fig. 2, the transmission line 5 includes a wireless part 5'and a fixed part 5''. The wireless part 5'extends between a mobile telephone 11 of the customer and a transceiver station of the mobile network. The use of a mobile telephone instead of a nonmobile telephone has the advantage of the customer being capable of giving an indication of his identity in a simple manner, e. g., in the event of GSM, the number associated with the SIM card, or in the event of a numeric display, the subscriber number. In the event of the fixed telephone network, the latter in most cases is also possible. For issuing the payment order, a so-called PIN code [PIN = personal identification number] is preferably used in addition to a customer- identification number.

It will be clear to those skilled in the art that many modifications and amendments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.