PAYMENT AUTHORISATION THROUGH BEACONS

摘要

An automated payment system comprises a data store (14) holding financial data of a user, A first (12) beacon device capable of wireless message transmission and at least one portable device (10) capable of receiving such message transmissions. The first beacon is arranged to broadcast a series of inquiry messages (1) according to a first communications protocol, such as Bluetooth. The portable device (10) detects such inquiry messages and replies (2) with an identifier for the portable device. The first beacon (12) then transmits (3) the received identifier to the data store (14), which in turn checks for a match between received and stored identifiers. On detection of a match, and following an optional credit check (3.A), a clearance signal (4) is sent to the first beacon (12) which then releases (5) the paid-for goods or services.