DE10119808A1 - Transaction method for providing goods or services involves vending machine comparing transaction codes transmitted to it and to customer from terminal at chargeable connection - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves making a connection between a calling customer terminal or payment point and a called terminal or payment point at a chargeable connection, sending object and vending machine identification data to the called terminal, generating a transaction code and sending to the customer terminal and vending machine, storing a reference code in the vending machine, entering the code to the vending machine, comparing codes and dispensing. The method involves making a connection between a calling customer terminal or payment point and a called terminal or payment point at a chargeable connection, sending goods or service object identification data and vending machine identification data to the called terminal, generating a transaction code and sending to the customer terminal and to the vending machine, storing the transmitted or generated transaction code as a reference code in the vending machine, the customer entering the code to the vending machine, comparing codes and dispensing the goods or service. Independent claims are also included for (1) a transaction method for providing functionality (2) an arrangement for providing goods or services; and (3) an arrangement for providing functionality. ,

Description

The invention relates to a transaction method and an regulation for the provision of a product, service or Functionality of a device for a fee using a Telecommunication network in offline mode.

In the age of networked tele and data communication wins the cashless processing of everyday payments kehrs increasingly important also in "classic" fields of application of cash. The extended and increasing for the user mend more conveniently designed options for cashless payment Payment of goods and services cause precisely that younger people in their everyday lives increasingly without cash want and can get along. This in turn increases the pressure on the introduction of cashless payment methods also on Ge offer, where previously coin or bank note machines in use were. This applies, for example, to drinks or cigarettes vending machines, but also ticket machines, laundromats, etc.

Online payment methods have already been developed for this have proven their functionality, but still relative for both users and operators are cumbersome to handle and also have certain Si security risks have not yet been completely eliminated. This Risks are also a barrier to certain users layers that, for example, do not cost the  tert use of vending machines their credit cards number or other critical data in difficult to understand Da want to feed in the grid. The direct use of Kreditkar ten for small amounts is little because of the administrative effort economically. He is also a holder of credit cards limits and therefore not for all strata of the population open.

The existing for certain mobile phones is also known Possibility of ordering display logos by phone or Ringtones on a 0190 phone number, which then from the provider via the mobile network to the corresponding mobile transfer the phone and be saved there. The payment the logo or ring tone is done via the high Ge make the telephone connection to the provider. This However, there are only procedures for mobile phone features.

The invention is therefore based on the object of improving transaction process of the type mentioned above and a appropriate arrangement to indicate which on widespread Knowledge and experience of users as well as technical compo based and are characterized by simple execution, whereby they enjoy a high user acceptance and a broad Let market penetration be expected.

In its procedural aspect, this task is carried out by a process ren with the features of claim 1 and 15 and in their front directional aspect by an arrangement with the features of the An say 23 or 33 resolved.

The invention includes the basic idea that Ver fee (the "payment") of a cash at an automatic dispenser goods or services provided without cash or on a technical device subsequently "activated" functional by calling a toll number  to implement a telecommunications network. (Under one "toll number" is a number below understood the network, when called for the caller fee above the normal connection charges - at for example currently from DM 1.21 to DM 3.63 in the known 0190 numbers - incurs or where a special fee call collection is provided by the caller, such as with the Paybox System. It is not a decision within the scope of the invention dend whether the collection of fees incurred over the phone invoice or by direct debit or by debiting a credit ditkarte or similar.).

The cost of such a call is the user for example wisely charged with his telecommunications bill. All with invoicing, payment monitoring and processing and infrastructure related to debt collection where applicable elements are present. Only if the Be driver of the paying agent (toll number) and the The operator of the automatic dispenser is still a system for handling exercise the flow of payments between them. The Implementation of the overall system is therefore minimally organic satorial and training effort possible.

Furthermore, the invention includes the idea in which fee call to the user at a paying agent Transak authorizing the purchase of the goods or services output code. This transaction code is also on the dispenser or that to execute the desired Function trained device transmitted or a "there on rat "stored code by a control signal from the number activated for a transaction.

Finally, the invention includes the input from the Paying agent codes sent to the user at the dispensing machine ten or device or the automatic transmission from telecommunications  nication terminal to this and checking the code. This is done in particular by comparison with that directly via a Data connection transmitted or stored internally or activated code. If the test result is positive, the Aus delivery of the goods or service or activation of a Software controlled. The issue or activation itself then follows in a manner known per se.

In order to facilitate a fully developed system in the interest of limit the length of the transaction codes, these are expediently marked with a Generates timestamp of their use for the purchase of the goods or Service only for a predetermined period (e.g. 24 hours allowed. After the predetermined time in this case the transaction code becomes invalid. Technically is the invalidation through the use of a timer in the Automatic dispenser realized that there was a deletion on the part of Transaction transmitted to the paying agent or activated internally on codes in the code memory of the machine.

In a further expedient embodiment, the transaction has onscode a section in which device identification data the specific dispenser or device is encrypted, where the user receives the desired goods or services want to hold or that the function should implement. hereby can check the validity of the code in the dispenser or device can be facilitated, for example, by testing the device identification data using a manufacturer programmable device codes.

The realization of the Invention based on a cellular network such that the user uses his mobile device to charge a fee Phone number of the same or a different mobile network or also calls a landline and the assigned transaction  code in turn via the mobile network - at least as part of the Total news route - gets transmitted. The stake a cell phone module also for communication and processing Processing facility of the paying agent is advantageous in this respect the transaction code is then sent as a text message in the SMS Format and the user on the display of his Mobile phones can be visually displayed until the input on the dispenser or device. In this together menhang is to be pointed out that the user is himself ne request ("order") by SMS to the chargeable Can direct phone number, provided the billing structure of the Systems is adapted to such a process.

Data transfer from communication and processing The paying agent can also set up a dispenser done over a cellphone link, with the part of the number put the cell phone module that also communicates with the user or another module can be used. (In practice the paying agent becomes a multitude of cell phone modules anyway and / or landline connections to meet the requirement of a large group of customers.).

Alternatively, the paying agent is via the fixed network with the outputs connected vending machines, which in particular provides cost advantages can. Because here is just a one-way message Range needed for data transmission is on both On the part of the use of telecommunication devices imperative, but it can be done with particularly simple Data terminals are worked.

In another version, both the request of the groove zers as well as the communication of the transaction code on the part of Paying agent via voice transmission. This is special it is useful if the paying agent is not connected to a mobile radio network, but is connected to a landline and one  Voice transmission with the existing components normally is much easier to implement than a text transfer supply. This variant is unproblematic for the user if an input keyboard on the automatic dispenser for immediate entry of the transaction code during the announcement. There this requirement will usually be met usually annoying notation of an announced code.

The solution is even easier for the user if the dispenser in a more elaborate - si for the future Of course preferred - version with a voice control unit or a camera module. Then that is direct voice input of an announced transaction code the user's earphone over a microphone on Automatic dispensers or the direct optical recording of one the display of the user's terminal device (as Sequence of digits or barcode) possible in the dispensers. Here, input errors are also for users with poor hearing or eyesight practically excluded.

On the other hand, in a further preferred embodiment Camera provided on the user's telecommunications terminal module to facilitate handling in that hereby device identification data of the automatic dispenser, the are visible on the outside, directly into the endge advises can be read. It can in particular a barcode on the dispenser or also act a sequence of digits. Furthermore, this Also an object identification code of the ge desired goods or services directly into the device read provided the codes of the available goods and service are visually displayed on the machine.

A particularly interesting application from the current perspective proposed system is the download of software - esp  special display logos and / or ringtones - all in one corresponding cellphone connected cellphone. Here searches the prospect on the software delivery machine select the desired software, select one on the machine Call the specified toll number (0190 number or similar) and gives the identification codes of the desired software (logo, Ringtone) and the specific machine. Then he can his cell phone via a connection line attached to the machine connection and after entering it from the paying agent Transaction codes communicated the desired software on Download mobile phone.

One with the increasing integration of telecommunications and data processing, music and video players as well as game consoles etc. are becoming increasingly important These are transactions for activation, subject to a fee a preprogrammed, but initially de activated functionality of a technical device. With too increasing performance of handheld electronic devices councils, especially the high price already realized today capacity, the "precautionary" storage of soft would be possible in such devices, their use in the purchase price the device is not included, but which the user ter can be activated with certain additional functions to realize. This can be, for. B. games in one Mobile phone or handheld PC with game functions, special radio tion of a handheld PC or PDA or pieces of music, video act clips etc.

In such applications, the entry of the from the paying agent Transaction codes transmitted "by hand" or by voice on the device with the function to be activated by the Users take place, but alternatively there is also the direct transfer from the cell phone or a cell phone module into the device or the device component with the additional function via a da  transmission path (cable, infrared, Bluetooth etc.) possible Lich.

The invention has very wide applications in the context of establishing cashless use of beverage, snack or Tobacco-dispensing machines. Other interesting applications are the operation of cleaning equipment, especially washing car maten, or the cashless handling of access authorization (tickets) for cultural or sporting events or similar at Operation by the groove corresponds to all these applications zer essentially the above-mentioned procedures.

So much for the above-mentioned advantageous aspects of the invention as process aspects were described, these correspond na of course device aspects of a corresponding arrangement - which are hardware or software components can. These components will not be discussed again here individually received.

Advantages and advantages of the invention result in practice from the subclaims and the following description Exercise of preferred embodiments with reference to the figures. Of show this:

Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the invention and

Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows schematically the structure of a first (to be understood as a future solution) transaction arrangement 100 for the settlement of a beverage dispensing at a beverage machine 101 using a sophisticated mobile phone 103 by the buyer. With this arrangement, a particularly simple execution of the transaction for the buyer by video camera modules 105 , 107 and image processing units 109 , 111 for converting recorded image information into a data format suitable for further processing is possible with the vending machine 101 or mobile phone 103 .

The mobile phone 103 can be connected via a mobile radio network 113 to a connection 115 which belongs to a system of call numbers which are chargeable to the caller. At these charge duty terminal 115 a mobile radio module 117 is a number instead of a drinks vending machine operator system connected.

The mobile radio module 117 of the paying agent belongs to a paying agent communication and processing device 119 and is connected to the input of an evaluation device 121 thereof. This in turn is connected to the input of a code generator 123 for generating transaction codes. In turn, the code generator 123 is assigned a real-time transmitter 125 for encoding a time stamp into each transaction code.

On the output side, the code generator 123 is connected via a modem 127 to a first telephone connection 129 of a fixed network 131 . To a second connection 133 of this network, the vending machine 101 is connected via an automatic modem 135 .

The vending machine 101 has in the usual way a plurality of presentation windows 137 , in each of which a certain beverage (or also a snack or a tobacco product or the like) is presented, and an output compartment 139 . Each presentation window 137 is assigned a bar code field 141 in which a bar code composed of an object identification code and a device identification code of the machine is printed in black and white. In the vicinity of the bar code fields 141 there is a printed notice on the drinks machine 101 that a desired drink can be paid for by a call to the fee-based connection 115 , connected to the instructions for the user.

The vending machine 101 also has a code memory 143 connected to the modem 135 on the input side, to which a timer 145 is assigned and in which transaction codes transmitted via the fixed network 131 are stored for a predetermined period of validity. The image processing unit 111 of the drinks machine 101 is followed by a code converter stage 147 , and its output is connected to a first input of a comparator unit 149 , which is connected via its second input to the code memory 143 and at its output to an output control unit 151 . The latter controls the dispensing of a beverage via the dispensing compartment 139 .

The user dials the specified number on his cell phone 103 and is connected at port 115 to the mobile radio module of the paying agent communication and processing device 119 . After the connection is established (and at the same time his next telephone bill is charged with the amount for the call), the user holds the video camera module 105 in front of the bar code field 141 , so that an image is taken of this. This is converted in the image processing unit 109 into an identification data record which can be transmitted via the mobile radio channel and reaches the mobile radio module 117 of the paying agent and from there to its evaluation device 121 . In the evaluation device, the object identifier and device identifier portions are extracted and fed to a code generator 123 , which generates a transaction code containing both portions in encrypted form. This also includes a timestamp created using a set of real-time encoder 125 .

The generated transaction code is transmitted on the one hand via the mobile radio module 117 as identification data record to the mobile phone 103 of the user and transformed there by means of special software into a bar code that can be represented on the display of the mobile phone. On the other hand, the transaction code is transmitted to the paying agent via the modem 127 and the fixed network 131 as well as the modem 135 of the vending machine and is stored in the code memory 143 . As soon as the bar code has appeared on the display of his mobile phone, the user can bring it into the field of view of the video camera module 107 of the beverage machine (in accordance with the operating instructions on the drinks machine). This takes up the bar code and leads it to conversion into a transaction code data record of image processing 111 . The transaction code entered in this way arrives at the first input of the comparator unit 149 , via whose second input the reference transaction code stored in the code memory 143 is read out. The comparator unit 149 compares the two codes with one another and, if they match, outputs a signal to the output control unit 151 , which then controls the output of the desired beverage. If the codes do not match, however, the transaction is canceled.

In Fig. 2 another, much simpler transaction arrangement 200 is shown in a sketch. Insofar as their components match those of the arrangement according to FIG. 1 or have the same effect, corresponding reference numbers have been chosen, and the corresponding explanations are not repeated here. Instead of providing drinks, the transaction arrangement 200 is used to process payments for transferring display logos or ringtones to the mobile phone 203 from a software delivery machine 201 .

Similar to the beverage dispenser 101 according to FIG. 1, the goods provided at the software delivery machine 201 - here the software for the display logos or ring tones - are presented on display fields 237 with the display of the respective object code, and it is an instruction manual for represented the user. A cable 239 is provided for downloading software to the mobile phone 203 .

In this version, neither the automatic dispenser nor the customer's end device have image acquisition and processing means, so that the process here is connected with manual inputs. For this purpose, the input keyboard that is always present is used in the mobile phone 203 , and the software provision machine 201 also has an input keyboard 202 .

The procedure in the present embodiment differs from the above-described sequence in the first embodiment in that the user, after establishing the connection, with the connection 215 of the paying agent communication and processing device 219 , which is subject to a fee, on the mobile phone keypad type in the numeric code of the desired software on the automatic dispenser. He also types in a device code for the dispenser. The transaction code generated from this and transmitted via SMS to the mobile phone of the user and via data transmission to the automatic dispenser is shown on the mobile phone display as a sequence of digits, read by the user and entered via the input keyboard 202 of the automatic dispenser 201 . In contrast, the internal processing sequences and the communication processes between the devices involved correspond to those in the first embodiment.

If a release signal appears on the automatic dispenser, the output control unit 251 has released the software download. Now the user can create a plug connection between his cell phone and the machine via the connecting cable 239 , and the desired software is downloaded to the cell phone 203 .

The implementation of the invention is not described above NEN examples, but also in a variety of Modifications possible that lie within the scope of professional action gene.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

100

;

200

transaction arrangement

101

Vending Machine

103

;

203

mobile phone

105

.

107

Video camera module

109

.

111

Image processing unit

113

;

213

mobile network

115

;

215

Telephone connection (chargeable)

117

;

217

.

235

mobile module

119

;

219

Paying agent communication and processing facility

121

;

221

evaluation device

123

;

223

code generator

125

;

225

Real Time Clock

127

.

135

modem

129

.

133

telephone

131

landline

137

presentation window

139

output tray

141

Barcode field

143

;

243

code memory

145

;

245

timer

147

Code converter stage

149

;

249

comparator unit

151

;

251

Output control unit

201

Software Deployment Machine

202

input keyboard

237

display

239

cable

Claims (36)

1. Transaction procedure for the provision of goods or services at an automatic dispenser for a fee using a telecommunications network in offline mode, with the steps:

• a) Establishing a connection between a calling telecommunications terminal of a customer and a called telecommunications terminal of a paying agent, which is connected to a connection of the telecommunications network which is subject to a charge for the caller,
• b) transmission of object identification data of the goods or service and device identification data of the automatic dispenser from the calling to the called telecommunications terminal,
• c) generation of a transaction code by a code generator of the paying agent,
• d) transmission of the generated transaction code via the telecommunications terminal of the paying agent to the customer's telecommunications terminal as a voice or text message,
• e) transmission of the generated transaction code or a control signal for activating a pre-stored transaction code via the telecommunications terminal or a data terminal of the paying agent to a telecommunications terminal or data terminal on the automatic dispenser,
• f) storing the transmitted or activated transaction code as a reference transaction code in a code storage device of the automatic dispenser,
• g) the customer must enter the transaction code transmitted to him at the dispenser,
• h) comparison of the entered transaction code with the reference transaction code and
• i) Output of the goods or services only if the two agree.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the transaction code includes a timestamp and in the code store the dispenser for a predetermined time is saved. 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transaction code has a section in which ver the device identification data of the dispenser are coded. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least steps (b) and (d) as wireless voice or text transmission in a cellular network become. 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that at least step (d) as transferring a text short message via SMS.   6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Step (e) as data transmission over a cellular network or landline phone. 7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the goods are wired through the end automatic machines on a connected mobile terminal transferred software, in particular a display logo or a ringtone. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the service is one at a Reini cleaning device. 9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it is the granting of the service steps to a delimited area, in particular Function room, acts. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the goods are drinks, sweets, snacks or Tobacco products. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Call the object and / or device identification data on the telecommunications terminal via keyboard or voice input can be entered.   12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that Call the object and / or device identification data on the telecommunications terminal directly optically at the output automats are recorded. 13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transaction code in step (g) by the customer a keyboard of the dispenser is entered. 14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the voice or text message transmitted in step (d) in step (g) directly from the telecommunications terminal of the Customers acoustically or optically in the dispensers is given. 15. Transaction procedure for providing a preprogrammed functionality of a device, in particular a computer or computer-controlled electronic device, for a fee using a telecommunication network in offline mode, with the steps:

• a) Establishing a connection between a calling telecommunications terminal of a customer and a called telecommunications terminal of a paying agent, which is connected to a connection of the telecommunications network which is subject to a charge for the caller,
• b) transmission of object identification data of the functionality and of device identification data of the device from the calling to the called telecommunications terminal,
• c) generation of a transaction code by a code generator of the paying agent,
• d) transmission of the generated transaction code via the telecommunications terminal of the paying agent to the customer's telecommunications terminal as a text message,
• e) entering or transferring the transmitted transaction code into the device,
• f) comparison of the transmitted transaction code with a reference code stored in the device and
• g) Release of the functionality only if the two agree.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the transaction code has a section in which ver the device identification data of the dispenser are coded. 17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that at least steps (b) and (d) as wireless text transmission in a mobile network. 18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that at least step (d) as transferring a text short message via SMS. 19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the functionality by a stored in the device Software is implemented or controlled, which an Ak Activation section for subsequent activation points, and the transaction code an activation signal to Unlocking the software.   20. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Call the object and / or device identification data on the telecommunications terminal via keyboard or voice input can be entered. 21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that the transaction code in step (g) by the customer a keyboard or a touchscreen of the device will. 22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, characterized in that the text message transmitted in step (d) directly from Telecommunications terminal via a data transmission distance is transferred into the device. 23. Arrangement for the provision of goods or services against payment using a telecommunications network in offline mode, which comprises:
a customer's first telecommunications terminal, which is connected to a first telecommunications network,
a paying agent communication and processing device comprising:
a second telecommunications terminal which can be connected to the customer's first telecommunications terminal at least via the first telecommunications network,
an evaluation device connected on the input side to the second telecommunication terminal for evaluating object and device identification data transmitted by the first telecommunication terminal to the second telecommunication terminal and
a code generator connected on the input side to the evaluation device and on the output side at least to the second telecommunications terminal for generating a transaction code, and
an automatic dispenser for dispensing the goods or service, which has:
a third telecommunications terminal or a data terminal, which can be connected via the first or a second telecommunications network or a data network to the second telecommunications terminal or a data terminal of the paying agent communication and processing device,
a code memory for storing a transmitted or activated by a transmitted control signal transaction code as a reference transaction code in response to a confirming test signal from the code checking device,
an input unit for on-site input of the transaction code transmitted to the user,
a comparator unit connected to the code memory and the input unit for comparing the entered transaction code with the reference transaction code and
an output-side connected to the comparator unit output control unit for controlling the output of the goods or service in response to an output signal of the comparator unit confirming the correspondence between the entered transaction code and the reference transaction code. 24. The arrangement according to claim 23, characterized in that
the code generator for generating a time stamp on the input side with a real-time encoder and
the code memory of the automatic dispenser for deleting the transaction code after a predetermined period of validity is connected to a timer. 25. Arrangement according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the code generator one on the input side with the evaluation unit-connected encryption level for encoding the device identification data in the transaction code having. 26. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the first telecommunications network is a cellular network and at least the first and second telecommunication endge advises a cell phone terminal or a cell phone module. 27. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the second telecommunications network is a fixed telephone network and the third telecommunications terminal is a landline phone is as well as at the paying agent communication and Processing device another landline terminal is provided. 28. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the dispenser as a goods dispenser, washing or Automatic cleaning machine, software dubbing machine or closed Pedal control device is formed. 29. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the first telecommunications terminal speech input means for voice input of object or device identification has data.   30. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the first telecommunications terminal a camera module Recording a surrounding image and an image data recording preparation stage for processing a captured image for transmission over the first telecommunications network has. 31. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that the automatic speech input device or a camera dul for direct entry of a voice or Image display on the first telecommunications terminal given transaction codes. 32. Arrangement according to one of claims 23 to 30, characterized in that the dispenser has an input keyboard or a touch Screen for manual entry of the first teluni Transaction codes issued by the cation terminal Has users. 33. Arrangement for providing a preprogrammed functionality of a device, in particular a computer or computer-controlled electronic device, for a fee using a telecommunications network in offline mode, which comprises:
a customer's first telecommunications terminal, which is connected to a first telecommunications network,
a paying agent communication and processing device comprising:
a second telecommunications terminal which can be connected to the customer's first telecommunications terminal via the first telecommunications network,
an evaluation device connected on the input side to the second telecommunication terminal for evaluating object and device identification data transmitted by the first telecommunication terminal to the second telecommunication terminal and
a code generator connected on the input side to the evaluation device and on the output side at least to the second telecommunications terminal for generating a transaction code, and
the device for implementing the functionality, which has:
a code memory for storing a reference code entered during manufacture for enabling the functionality,
an input or reception unit for entering the transaction code transmitted to the first telecommunication terminal on the device or for receiving it via the device,
a comparator unit connected to the code memory and the input or receiving unit for comparing the entered transaction code with the reference code and
an activation unit connected on the input side to the comparator unit for activating the functionality in response to an output signal from the comparator unit confirming the agreement between the transaction code and reference code entered. 34. Arrangement according to claim 33, characterized in that the code generator one on the input side with the evaluation unit-connected encryption level for encoding  of device identification data in the transaction code having. 35. Arrangement according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that the first telecommunications network is a cellular network and the first and second telecommunications terminal a Mo bilfunk terminal or a mobile radio module. 36. Arrangement according to one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the device as a computer or computer-controlled electronics cal device, in particular handheld PC and / or game con sole for electronic games and / or music or video player, is trained.