Identification by a central computer of a wireless telephone functioning as a transaction device

Abstract

Utilizing a wireless telephone to function as a transaction device in conjunction with central computer that establishes the validity of the wireless telephone to make transactions. In a first embodiment, a wireless telephone places a call to a central computer which provides a central verification of the wireless terminal's authorization to make transactions. The central computer requests from the wireless telephone personal information of the user that can be used to verify a transaction. Once the wireless telephone is verified, the wireless telephone transmits to the central computer account information. The central computer then contacts a site computer that is controlling a transaction unit with which the wireless telephone wishes to complete a transaction. The site computer then transmits to the transaction unit and the central computer a transaction number. The central computer relays this transaction number to the wireless terminal which displays it to the user. The site computer relays the transaction number to the transaction unit, and the transaction unit also displays the transaction number. The user of the wireless terminal then confirms the transaction when the correct transaction number is displayed. In a second embodiment, the transaction number is not visually displayed but rather is transmitted over a second transmission medium to the wireless telephone confirming that the correct transaction is taking place.