FR2793100A1 - TERMINAL DEVICE WITH TELEPHONE LINE PROVIDING PEAGE WITH CONNECTION OF DATA EXCHANGE EQUIPMENT - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a terminal (2) for providing at least one interactive service on a screen, characterized in that said terminal comprises means (38, 40, 42) for connection to a private telecommunications network (e.g. a public phone network) whereby access thereto is subject to a payment transaction. Said means of connection comprise opening and closing means (38) for said access depending on the commands issued by the network. The invention also includes a software device enabling the terminal to be operated, in addition to a system comprising a private network with at least one terminal of this variety connected thereto.

Description

TERMINAL DEVICE WITH FEEDING FEATURE
TELEPHONE LINE WITH EQUIPMENT CONNECTION
DATA EXCHANGE
The present invention relates to a toll device for providing a telephone line with connection of data exchange equipment. More particularly, the invention relates to a versatile telephone communication terminal with free access which may be on a fixed or mobile site for public, semi-public or private use.

The classic telephone booth is an example of a toll telephone terminal, allowing occasional access to a line for voice communication (voice mode). Access to the line is permitted against prepayment by means of a magnetic or chip card reader, or a cash settlement device. A management unit located locally or remotely makes it possible to establish the pricing according to the number called and the communication time, and to automatically interrupt the connection when the communication credit is exceeded.

With the proliferation of various means of data exchange by telephone link, there is also a need for toll telephone terminals capable of integrating these new forms of communication and of managing their use.

In this context, there have been public fax terminals for some time which operate by prepayment, like public telephone booths. However, these terminals are limited to the fax function and therefore do not make it possible to offer a range of services in terms of connection to the network.

In view of this problem, the subject of the present invention is a toll terminal device for providing a telephone line comprising: a connection assembly having means of connection to at least one telephone line and connection means having at least one data exchange port intended to connect data exchange equipment to a telephone line, a central service control unit selectively authorizing access to a telephone line to a connected data exchange equipment on a data exchange port, and -payment reception means to establish a payment according to parameters of use of the line.

By convention, the term data exchange equipment designates any means of transmitting and / or receiving information, apart from the handset or the hands-free conversation device of conventional telephony. Data exchange equipment can thus include any device having functionalities via a modem or digital interface: fax machine, computer, electronic agenda, electronic camera or camcorder, reader or recorder on electronic medium (CD-ROM, semiconductor memory), equipment scientific or medical, etc.

Service orders include aspects related to the commissioning of the device (for example interactivity with the user), payment, and the procedures for opening, monitoring and terminating a telephone link. As will appear below, these aspects can be implemented by the service control means shared with distant supervision means.

According to the different possible embodiments, the terminal device can comprise at least one data exchange equipment pre-connected to a said port and made available to a user. In this case, the connection parameters managed by the service control means may include the use of the equipment and the active connection of the latter to a telephone line. It will then be understood that the authorization to access a telephone line to a data exchange equipment pre-connected to a data exchange port can be controlled both at the level of the commissioning of this preconnected equipment and at the telephone link with it.

Preferably, the terminal device comprises at least one free data exchange port allowing a user to connect himself a data exchange equipment. In this case, the user brings his own equipment for connection to a telephone line via the appropriate connection port (s).

In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises means for exchanging service control data, for example in the form of an interface or a module, intended to be connected to a device for exchanging data provided by a user to allow entering and / or viewing from this equipment parameters relating to the service of the device, for example numbering, codes relating to payment, connection parameters, followed by the cost of the services in courses, etc ...

This arrangement makes it possible to functionally integrate on a same screen both the aspects linked to the exchange of data on the telephone line (texts, graphics, sound data received or transmitted) and the aforementioned service parameters. In this way, the user has all the necessary information during the use of the device without having to turn away from his own equipment, which results in better user comfort and improved ergonomics.

The management of the commissioning of the device with regard to the services offered and / or the establishment of communication against payment, can be done in several ways.

One can for example provide that this management is carried out in dependence of remote supervision means, connected to the terminal device by a telephone link, or possibly wireless. In this case, a distribution of the allocated tasks can be established between the means of controlling the commissioning within the terminal and the means of supervision according to a determined protocol. For example, the remote supervision means manage at least one task among: payment control, establishment of charging conditions, charging control, control of telephone numbers.

As a variant, the device according to the invention can operate as an autonomous station, the latter comprising the programmed means necessary for managing payments and for charging.

The invention is not limited as regards the number and types of connection ports accessible, either as a free socket connection or as a connection already connected to data exchange equipment. These connections can be constituted, for example, by one or more among:
- an analog telephone interface allowing the connection of modems or to convey the voice,
-a digital interface for terminals equipped with digital modems,
-a connection socket for serial or parallel interface, for example to connect data transfer equipment,
-a computer standards connection socket, and
-a data exchange interface by infrared link.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive.

In one embodiment, the terminal device also makes available a source of electrical energy managed by the service control means, intended to supply equipment supplied by a user.

This source may have one or more connection sockets at different voltages, for example to have 220 v in alternating current or a low voltage in direct current. These voltages can be protected against overvoltages and limited in current.

The terminal device according to the invention can take various forms.

In one embodiment, it is in the form of an integrated box comprising:
-a device for displaying information relating to the service,
- a data entry device, such as a keyboard,
a payment input device, such as a payment card reader, which can be prepaid or deferred payment,
at least one data exchange equipment preconnected to at least one connection port, and possibly
-at least one free access connection port for data exchange equipment provided by the user.

In this configuration, the screen and / or the keyboard can be functionally integrated into the pre-connected data exchange device.

It is thus possible to produce the device in the form of a computer usable on the telephone network against payment, for example forming a terminal.
Internet.

In another embodiment, the device has an electronic connection module, for example in the form of a card (PCMCIA or other) or a box, intended to cooperate with a data exchange device provided by a user to enable the user to to order the services and to communicate on the telephone line.

In this embodiment, the device comprises a housing having:
a payment entry device, such as a payment card reader, which can be prepaid or deferred payment, and
an electronic module for connection to a data exchange device provided by a user.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to dispense with integrating an input and / or display device, the functions performed by these devices being able to be performed by the equipment provided by the user.

The connection module can be rigidly fixed to the box, for example being integrated into a docking station depending on the box. It can also be in the form of a card connected by cable to the box and movable relative to the latter to allow the incorporation of the card into the equipment provided.

Whatever the embodiment adopted, the device may have supply voltage outputs for the operation of equipment supplied by the user.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the embodiments which will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a functional diagram of the general organization of a toll terminal device for providing a telephone line in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a functional diagram of the device of FIG. 1, produced in the form of an integrated box; and
FIG. 3 is a functional diagram of the device of FIG. 2, produced in the form comprising a module for connection to a data exchange device provided by a user.

The general architecture of the toll telephone terminal device will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

The terminal device 2 mainly consists of electronic control and connection means allowing a user to connect to a telephone line by means of one or more data exchange equipment. The latter can constitute an integral part of the terminal device, or be provided by a user for connection to the device.

The provision of a telephone line and the various possible services in terms of use and connection of data exchange equipment are subject to payment by an electronic payment card.

The terminal device 2 can be installed at a fixed or mobile station, the link with a telephone network being able to be by cable or by radio link.

The terminal device comprises a central unit 4 which manages and connects all the functional sub-assemblies.

The central unit 4 is produced according to a conventional architecture around a microprocessor (CPU) 6, a frozen memory 8 containing inter alia a firmware for implementing functionalities by the processor CPU 6, and a random access memory 10 making it possible to store punctual data during the various operating and software updating phases.

The functional sub-assemblies connected to the central unit 4 include: an internal low-voltage power supply 12 connected to the mains; a keyboard interface card 14 and a display control card 16 connected to a combined device 18 forming a keyboard and display, for example a flat screen of the liquid crystal type with a touch keyboard; a digital line interface 20 connecting the terminal device 2 to one or more digital lines of a network, for example an ISDN line.

In the example, the connection to the public network offers three lines: two "B" type lines and one "D" type line. The telephone interface 20 allows exchanges according to the UR2G and PCS protocols; a smart card and / or magnetic strip reader 22 connected to the central unit 4 by a coupler 24, the assembly being configured to allow payment to be made for services by means of an adapted card; an analog interface (Z) 26 for connecting equipment operating on an analog modem to the digital network; a digital interface (SO) 28 making it possible to connect digital equipment to the digital network; a serial interface 30 making it possible to exchange data according to a serial transmission protocol on the digital network; an external power supply 32 making it possible to supply equipment supplied by a user with low voltage or with mains voltage; an input / output card 34 which controls the use of the card reader 22, in particular the opening of the access hatch and the emission of an audible warning signal; a computer interface PC / external terminal 36 allowing the deporting of certain functions such as display and dialing to a terminal provided by the user; and a voice interface 38 allowing conventional voice communication on the digital line via a handset 40 or a microphone and speaker 42 for a hands-free conversation.

The aforementioned interfaces 26, 28 and 30 are themselves connected to a connection assembly 44 allowing connection with equipment provided by the user, such as a laptop, an electronic organizer, a digital or analog modem, or a telephony equipment.

In the example, the connection assembly 44 comprises
-a 9-pin socket 44a for personal computer (PC) or other electronic equipment connected to the serial interface 30, in which case the modem function is then part of the device;
-a "RJ45" type socket for digital connection, connected to the digital interface (SO) 28 to connect terminals equipped with digital modems, intended to carry out data transfers at high speed, such as in press rooms temporary demonstrations;
a data exchange unit via infrared link 44c, which can be unidirectional or bidirectional, selectively connected to any one of the interfaces 26 to 30;
-a "RJ11" type socket for an analog connection, connected to the analog interface (Z) 26; and
-a classic telephone connection socket "T", connected to the analog interface (Z) 26, for connecting terminals equipped with modems, for example for connecting to a remote messaging service, transferring information (purchase orders, letters , etc ...), or to connect conventional telephony terminals, to convey voice;
The connection assembly 44 can be integrated into a docking station adapted to receive a portable computer, for example.

The PC / external terminal interface 36 can be placed close to the connection assembly 44 or can even be integrated into the latter (in particular when it constitutes a docking station) to then achieve complete integration of an item of equipment. brought by a user (for example a personal computer) with the functionalities of the central unit 4.

To better understand the respective roles of these various means listed and their interactivity, an example of operation of the assembly of FIG. 1 will now be described.

A request for services by a user is implicitly signaled by the activation of at least one of the connection interfaces 26,28,30, or of the external computer interface 36. This activation can take place in different ways: one of these connection or interface means is permanently connected to data exchange equipment forming an integral part of the terminal device, activation will be carried out at this equipment, for example by means of an accessible command by the user; if one of the connection or interface means is connected to a free access connector, for example within a docking station which incorporates the connection means 44 and / or the computer interface 36, activation will be carried out by connecting data exchange equipment to the connector concerned.

This latter possibility can be achieved by detecting a logic state on one of the pins of the connector.

Thus, in the standby state, the central unit 4 scans at regular time intervals the activation state of the connection cards 26,28,30 and the computer interface 36 in order to determine the possible presence of a request for benefits.

If one of the connection cards 26, 28, 30 or the computer interface 36 is thus activated, the central unit 4 activates the external power supply 32 and controls by the display card 16 the presentation of a message on the combined screen / keyboard device 18 inviting the user to introduce his payment card into the reader 22.

When the payment card is inserted, the coupler 24 is set to the active state.

The central unit 4 then commands the presentation of a new message inviting the user to number the telephone address with which the connection must be established. This numbering can be entered either by the combined screen / keyboard device 18, or directly by the keyboard of an equipment connected to one of the interfaces 26, 28, 30, or 36, this keyboard being able to come from an equipment such as a personal computer physically connected to the terminal device 2 by the user. In the latter case, the input information can pass through one of the connection interfaces 26,28,30 or through the interface
PC / external terminal 36.

Note that instead of being integrated with the connection means 44 in a docking station, the interface 36 can be produced in the form of a card, for example in PCMCIA (or other) format, connected to the rest of the device. terminal 2 by a flexible link so that it can be inserted into a personal computer or similar equipment.

It will be noted that this arrangement also makes it possible to display messages on the screen of the equipment thus connected, this screen then being used instead of or in addition to the display 18 specific to the terminal device 2.

The central unit 4 captures and records the dialing from the combined screen / keyboard device 18 or, where appropriate, from the connected equipment. It then analyzes the number requested by comparison with a list of reference numbers (prohibited numbers, numbers with special pricing, etc.). Based on this number, a pricing base will be established according to the link distance and possibly other parameters such as the use of connection means and equipment made available, paid services counted at the address called, etc ...

If the result of the analysis is positive, that is to say that the communication can be established and that the pricing has been determined, the central unit 4 starts the call sequence. To validate the means of payment, the central unit 4 identifies the means of payment (bank card with a chip or magnetic strip, prepaid card, etc.) and initiates the appropriate sequence for its validation. The display interfaces 14 and keyboard 16 (or the similar means at the level of a connected equipment) are controlled in the event of entering a confidential code associated with the payment card.

If the validation is positive, the central unit 4 transmits the requested call number to allow its routing via the digital line interface 20.

The central unit 4 then establishes the telephone link when it receives the call from the correspondent's station.

Once the communication has been established, the central unit 4 switches to communication supervision mode. In this mode, it records the payment for the call in progress according to the means of payment used. If the payment is made by a telephone card or a prepaid card, such as an electronic purse, the central unit 4 transmits to the coupler 24 tax pulses at a rate established according to the analysis following the dialing. In the case of a bank card, the central unit 4 increments a tax counter which was previously initialized at the time of validation of the means of payment
The information concerning the pricing (amount withdrawn or units deducted or remaining on the card) is displayed on the combined screen / keyboard device 18 and / or on the screen of the connected equipment.

In addition, the central unit 4 supervises during the communication the connection operating parameters, including:
the possible activation of a call end or communication chain key, these keys being able to be located on the combined screen / keyboard device 18 or presented in the form of icons on the display of a connected equipment ;
the connection state on the different interfaces 26, 28, 30 and 36; and
- remote hanging up via the digital line interface 20.

At the end of the call, the flow of operations can follow three different processes depending on the event which ends the communication: i) if the central unit 4 detects an end of call command either by pressing the corresponding key by the user, either by a command from a data exchange equipment connected to the connection means 44 or to the interface 36, or even by a signal received by the digital line 20, the latter updates a tax counter in a memory space 10, activates the audible warning and controls the opening of the access door of the card reader 22 by the control interface 34. Furthermore, the central unit 4 controls the display of a message inviting the user to withdraw the payment card. Then, the central unit controls the interruption of the external power supply 32; ii) if the central unit 4 detects an end of call by withdrawing the payment card at the coupler 24, it transmits a command on the telephone line 20 in order to release the communication chain. Then, the central unit 4 deactivates the external power supply 32 and the interface cards 26, 28 30, and transmits an end of message display command to the combined screen / keyboard device 18 or to a connected display screen , for example by means of the interface 36. iii) if the central unit 4 detects an end of call condition by the command "call sequence" entered by the user by means of a dedicated key of the keyboard card 14 or of an equipment connected by one of the interfaces 26, 28, 30 or 36, it updates the tax meter, activates the combined screen / keyboard device 18 or a connected display screen, for example by means of the interface 36, to request the numbering of the new call in sequence.

In the latter case, the central unit 4 resumes the sequence of operations relating to call establishment, except for the steps of validating the means of payment.

If the payment card is deferred payment, an update of the communication detail is made for the post billing of deferred payment cards, with in particular the reference of the means of payment used and the value of the tax meter dedicated to the 'call. These payment data are either archived and remotely collected or transmitted in real time.

The terminal device 2 in FIG. 1 can be made to operate either as an autonomous station, or in dependence on a remote supervision center 46 (shown in dotted lines) connected to the telephone interface 20.

When the terminal device 2 operates as an autonomous station, the central unit 4 is suitably programmed in its memory 8 and / or 10 to perform all the tasks relating to the validation of the payment and the statement of taxes. In particular, the central unit 4 includes the lists of specific telephone numbers (prohibited numbers, specific specification pricing, etc.) and the tax tables to be applied as a function of these numbers.

It also manages an internal tax meter and billing on payment cards in the case of the use of a deferred payment card.

The central unit 4 in autonomous mode is programmed to initiate or accept sequences for updating parameters (prices, numbers, software development, remote maintenance, etc.) as well as for the remote collection of payment files, by link. on the telephone line interface 20 with an operations center.

When the central unit 4 operates in dependence on a remote supervision center 46, it comes into contact with the latter at regular intervals when it is in standby state in order to examine the supervision requests coming from the center, as well as for requests to update parameters or software. The central unit 4 systematically enters into contact with the remote supervision center 46 during the establishment of a call. This link makes it possible to hand over to the supervision center 46 the tasks of analyzing the number requested, establishing the levels of taxes to be applied, routing the requested number, accounting for the impulses of taxes and / or managing a tax meter, operations required for post-invoicing, etc.

The connection between the terminal device 2 and the supervision center 46 can be carried out by a telephone line different from that (s) accessible to a user, or by the same line, or even by a specific wired or wireless connection.

It will be noted that the terminal device 2, whether it is intended for operation in autonomous mode or in dependence on a supervision center 46, also offers the possibility of carrying out remote maintenance.

This remote maintenance is carried out by downloading data and commands from a remote maintenance center, via the telephone interface 20 or by another specific link. When the terminal device 2 is put into remote maintenance mode, it presents on its display 18 a message indicating that it is unavailable to users. In addition to the software update and data loading operations, remote maintenance makes it possible to establish a diagnosis of the proper functioning of the central unit 4 and of any connected data exchange equipment. It may possibly include an analysis of the various services requested for studies of usage statistics.

A maintenance operation can also be initiated by entering a code on the combined display / keyboard device 18 or by activating a specific key linked to the keyboard card 14. In response, the central unit 4 performs the requests input / output test programs, and displays the results of these tests.

FIG. 2 represents the terminal device 2 of FIG. 1 in a first embodiment in the form of an integrated box.

In this form, the box 100 (symbolically delimited by dotted lines) integrates all the elements of FIG. 1. In the example, the combined display / keyboard device 18 is replaced by an alphanumeric display 18a and a numeric keyboard 18b for entering a confidential code.

The card reader 22 integrates the coupler 24 and the unit 34 for opening the hatch and emitting an audible signal.

These elements 18a, 18b, 22 are arranged on a front face of the housing 100, the lower part of which has the connection means 44 and possibly the external interface 36 described above. These are placed just above a tablet allowing a user to rest data exchange equipment such as a personal computer. Alternatively, they are integrated into the bottom of a housing configured to form a docking station.

The front panel also includes keys for selecting different operating parameters: language for messages, choice of connection (s), supply voltage to be supplied by the external supply 32 for the equipment to be connected by the user, etc. ...

FIG. 3 represents the device t card reader 22, and the various and telephone sockets 44b and 44d.

The external interface 36 is connected to an integrable card 60 accessible to a user to be incorporated from time to time in his equipment. This card 60 can be produced according to a recognized computer standard, being for example a card in PCMCIA format. As a variant, the card 60 can be replaced by a box having means of connection to one or more ports of a user's data exchange equipment.

The terminal interface card 60 operates in cooperation with the central card 50 via the interface 36 to allow the exchange with the user's equipment not only of the information to be conveyed over the telephone link, but also of information specific to the operation of terminal device 2. Thus, the keyboard and the screen of a user's equipment integrating the terminal interface card 60 can also be used for:
- enter and display a call number and data relating to the payment card,
- present and select choices of functions offered (connection, transfer speed, external power supply, etc.),
- display messages concerning the communication in progress (remaining units on the card, tax due, transmission parameters, etc.), and
-present visual (and / or audio) messages of information on services, advertisements, etc.).

In the example, the terminal interface card 60 comprises an analog and / or digital modem 62 connected by an internal or external connection 64 to the sockets 44b and / or 44d.

The card 60 (or similar module) is connected to the housing 200 by a flexible connection cable. It can also be connected to the box 200 by mechanical safety means intended to prevent it being torn off.

The invention allows numerous variations in terms of connection and service possibilities. Also, the invention also includes embodiments which include both pre-connected data exchange equipment (fax machines, computers, modems, etc.) and free access interfaces or connections for a user-supplied equipment, with or without terminal interface card 60.

Finally, the number and types of connections specified in the examples are in no way limiting.

Claims (15)

 CLAIMS 1. Terminal toll device for providing a telephone line (2) comprising: a connection assembly (20,26,28,30,36,44) having means (20) for connection to at least a telephone line and connection means having at least one data exchange port (26, 28,30,36,44) intended to connect data exchange equipment to a telephone line, a central unit (4 ) service command selectively authorizing access to a telephone line to data exchange equipment connected to a data exchange port, and -payment reception means (22,24,34) to establish a payment according to line usage parameters. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one data exchange equipment pre-connected to a data exchange port (26,28,30,36,44) and set to the disposition of a user, the connection parameters managed by the central control unit (4) comprising the use of the equipment and the active connection of the latter to a telephone line. 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one free data exchange port (26,28,30,36,44) allowing a user to connect himself an equipment of data exchange. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises means for exchanging service control data (60), for example in the form of an interface, intended to be connected to equipment provided by a user to allow parameters relating to the service of the device to be entered and / or displayed from this equipment, for example numbering, codes relating to payment, connection parameters, monitoring of the cost of current services, etc ... 5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the service management tasks are performed in dependence on remote supervision means (46). 6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the remote supervision means (46) manage at least one task among: the payment control, the establishment of charging conditions, the charging control, the control of telephone numbers. 7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it functions as an autonomous station, the device comprising programmed means necessary for the management of payments and for taxation. 8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it comprises one or more of:  - an analog telephone interface allowing the connection of modems or to convey the voice,  -a digital interface for terminals equipped with digital modems,  -a connection socket for serial or parallel interface, for example to connect data transfer equipment,  -a computer standards connection socket, and  -a data exchange interface by infrared link. 9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises at least one source of electrical energy (32) managed by the control means (4), intended to supply equipment brought by a user. 10. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it is in the form of an integrated box (100) comprising:  a device for displaying information relating to the service (18; 18a);  a data entry device (18b);  a payment input device, such as a payment card reader (22);  at least one data exchange equipment preconnected to at least one connection port, and possibly  at least one connection port (36, 44) free to access for data exchange equipment provided by the user. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that it is in the form of a computer usable on the telephone network against payment, for example forming an Internet terminal. 12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized that it has an electronic connection module (60) intended to cooperate with data exchange equipment provided by a user to allow from this equipment to on the one hand to order the services and on the other to communicate on the telephone line. 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that it comprises a housing having:  a payment input device (22), such as a payment card reader, that, and  an electronic module (60) for connection to a data exchange device provided by a user. 14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the electronic connection module (60) is rigidly fixed to the housing (100; 200), being for example integrated into a docking station depending on the housing. 15. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the electronic connection module (60) is in the form of a card connected or boxed by flexible cable to the housing (100; 200) of the device allowing mobility of the module relative to the housing.