DE102004050876A1 - System for managing telephone accounts has input device with which individualizing arrangement of desired telephone account can be sent to data processing system, credit amount can be added to desired account by indicating means of payment - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a first data processing system (12), whereby the telephone accounts can be reached via a common telephone number, whereby an individualizing arrangement determines an individual telephone account, whereby for telephoning the determined telephone account can be selected with a telephone by dialing the common telephone number and then passing information to the individualizing arrangement. The individualizing arrangement of a desired telephone account can be sent to the first data processing system with an input device and a credit amount can be added to the desired account by indicating a means of payment via the input device. An independent claim is also included for a method of managing telephone accounts.

Description

The The invention relates to a system for managing telephone accounts The preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a Method for managing telephone accounts according to the generic term of claim 8.

The Telecommunications services, in particular telephoning, the above A telephone network, have a special economic Importance. It is generally known that to manage a large number used by telephone subscribers data processing equipment, manage the so-called telephone accounts. Usually a single one Telephone account identifiable by its assigned phone number. The telephone number in the management system corresponds to a telephone connection in a real telephone network. A terminal e.g. a telephone or fax machine is included connected to the telephone line and can always other devices via the Reach the telephone network. Each connection is made between the dialing terminal and the selected one terminal registered by the telephone account management and any applicable fees the telephone accounts involved.

One Another common known telephone system provides telephone accounts managed by a central system, but the corresponding one Telephone network is not necessarily with a fixed terminal is connected, but only with a telephone number. That has the advantage that the phone number is mobile and in different devices can be used. This system is often used in mobile radio systems, in which the terminals usually so-called Mobile phones or cell phones are made by means of a so-called SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module) first to a corresponding mobile network, so one of the phone management assigned telephone network, must be registered.

there it is not enough for security reasons, that transmit a telephone number to the telephone network by means of the SIM card is given as the number of phone numbers in a telephone network limited and thus the chance specify a phone number available in this telephone network, the indeed is connected, is relatively large. Therefore, for validation the phone number in addition issued a so-called PIN (person identification number), which is usually on the terminal is polled by the telephone system before the terminal in this Network may be operated. PIN and phone number must match, before an activation of the phone operated with the SIM card or terminal and this can be used.

Of Another is known that phones with a so-called pre-payment be operated on a telephone account (PrePaid accounts). This system is mainly used in connection with mobile phones. To phone with the mobile phone is possible as long as the credit reaches. The exam of the balance occurs immediately before the connection is made through the network operator. A recharge of the card is not provided, usually becomes a replenishment of the credit with the network operator acquired a new map, on the there is a hidden secret number by entering it via a free connection from the mobile phone to the network operator the Card credits attributed to the account of the mobile phone becomes.

Work similarly so-called prepaid calling cards, also called calling card, the especially in the US are widely used. In this system will be Phone cards sold, for identification, for example, a PIN include, this PIN only a specific in the Usually comparatively small amount of money, symbolized in the corresponding telephone network can be telephoned. A telephone connection is not calculated to the port from which the call is made, but instead the balance associated with the calling card or PIN. Usually This connection is made by first a toll-free Call number of the card provider is selected and then the activation by entering the PIN associated with the card. As long as the credit of the card enough can so from any telephone connections conversations guided become. A recharge the calling card is not provided.

The Credit is satisfied with the purchase of the calling card as a prepaid card, so that the corresponding telephone account no special terminal assigned and also not an account holder, as this is the case when buying the Phone card usually remains anonymous. The administrative burden such systems is comparatively high, since the telephone customers only exist as long as a credit has not yet been telephoned. Depending on height the credit is also the possible Telefonierdauer limited, because especially in case of telephone calls abroad correspondingly high fees the telephone company are to be paid and accordingly the credit the phone card is used up quickly accordingly.

In addition, there are still phone cards, the use of which requires a special card phone. The disadvantage is that these card phones always we due to the widespread use of mobile phones niger are needed and therefore the number of public payphones in which these phone cards are used, decreases.

outgoing from this prior art, it is the object of the invention provide a system and method for managing telephone accounts which is particularly flexible and can be used indefinitely.

These Task is solved by the system according to the invention of managing telephone accounts on a first data processing system, wherein the phone accounts over a common phone number can be reached, a single phone account is determined by an individualization means and to make phone calls the specific telephone account with a telephone dialing the common Telephone number and subsequent Specification of the individualization agent is selectable, with a input device the customization of a desired phone account to the first data processing system can be transmitted is, and that by the indication of means of payment over the input device a credit to the desired Account is bookable.

Therefore is the system according to the invention for Management of telephone accounts of the type mentioned by characterized in that with an input device the customizing means a desired one Telephone account can be transmitted to the first data processing system is, and that by the indication of means of payment over the Input device Credit to the desired Account is bookable.

Advantageous It is there that with this kind of administration of telephone accounts the individual phone cards already by the allocation of an individualization are defined. A generation of telephone numbers for customization deleted and the flexibility of the management system is increased. As a means of individualization this is not a fixed telephone line or a phone number (SIM) as with mobile phones but a personal identification number (PIN), a code or identifying data in a suitable Storage. Preferably, the individualization means is a PIN, in particular an alphanumeric PIN. Depending on security needs and possible number of users of the PIN have many different places. As a rule, at least four, typically four to twelve digits used. The more digits, the bigger the Security and the more potential participants / users are possible.

One Telephone account according to the system of the invention is also after the Abtelefonieren a credit continues to exist, so that further use of the telephone account, for example by booking up means of payment possible is. In this way the flexibility is increased. A user of the phone account does not have to, as usual buy another phone card, so use another phone account, if a first telephone account is abtelefoniert, but can original Just keep using the telephone account.

simultaneously the advantage of the known calling cards is maintained that the Telephone account not only through a specific phone, so a terminal of one Telephone network, such as a landline phone, a mobile phone or a fax machine can be used, but by any terminal.

One Another advantage is that the input device is very variable is. The input device can a telephone such as a landline telephone, a mobile phone or a fax machine be, but for example, a data processing system, in particular a PC with an internet connection or a computer terminal or an ATM.

to Identification of the telephone account is also merely the means of individualization necessary, so only an access data exchange for determination and access grant to a single phone account. This is especially useful alphanumeric code, for example a PIN, which points to a credit card-sized Card is imprinted. However, such a PIN can also be sent via email without further notice or on any other generally known communication pathway to a potential one User submitted become.

Especially Such alphanumeric codes are safe if they are stored on information stores, for example Magnetic stripes, chips or the like, stored or designed as microelectronic components are individualized for this purpose, so only one only once in this form were built.

The flexibility of the system according to the invention is further increased, if payment methods are generally known payment methods, such as Example cash, bank accounts, credit cards, or debit orders can be used are. The input device is set up in this case on the appropriate means of payment.

A advantageous embodiment of the system according to the invention provides that the phone accounts on the first data processing system via a with this at least temporarily connected communication network are reachable, in particular with a telephone network, with the Internet or with an internal network.

there it is of particular advantage that the first data processing system, on which the telephone accounts are managed, with interposition a communication network connected to the input device are. In particular, the connection via the Internet as a communication network a particularly convenient way to access the telephone accounts or to the first data processing system.

moreover Is it possible, that of the first data processing system or of the communication network predetermined information, in particular advertising messages, music or image data, the input device can be transmitted or representable or storable there. It is possible that by such information the attention of the user of the Telephone account increased will or simply the extra Information transmitted to the user become.

In a particularly preferred embodiment is the system according to the invention designed as an advertising system.

advertising represents an important factor in the economy. New customers are only gained when the potential customers over the Products or services of a company sufficiently informed are. Also for the binding of already existing customers makes the Advertising a not to be underestimated Contribution. Therefore, it is constantly looking for new and effective means of advertising searched.

Giveaways have both for the acquisition of new customers and for binding Well proven by existing customers. Especially popular are objects of the everyday Use, on which an appropriate advertising imprint attached can be.

Under The term advertising imprint is intended in the context of the present invention In general, any graphic design that can be understood as an indication of a business. These include in particular brands and Trade names, company keywords, logos, advertising slogans, color designs and other equipment.

It is already known, the phone cards for card phones, which have a in a chip coded credit have to provide with advertising imprints.

adversely on promotional gifts as advertising media is that they do not have changing promotional imprints or mediation of advertising messages.

Under Advertising message are intended in the context of the present invention General information about products, special offers, promotions etc. both animated and static, commercials, advertising announcements, Banner ads and the like be understood.

For transmission Advertising messages are used for radio and television advertising. Changing advertising leaves to realize themselves through posters, ads, etc. The disadvantage here is that the advertising of a company regularly not specifically transmitted can be.

Also on the internet is the transmission advertising and advertising messages about own or third-party homepages / websites possible. Targeted reaching of certain customers is also on the Internet only limited possible.

A Another object of the present invention was therefore a new Creating an advertising system with the benefits of a giveaway combined with those of advertisements with changing content can be.

The solution It is a calling card as an embodiment of a telephone account as explained above as an advertising medium to use and with the possibility of recharging over to design a computer network, in particular the Internet, whereby in connection with the recharge also transmits advertising messages become. Optionally, only one advertisement can be present be delivered or an advertising message when recharging become.

The Communication between user and telephone account takes place expediently via the Internet, so that the first data processing system uses a server can be and the card user to communicate only the must call the appropriate website. Here can services like charging the Credit balance and query the current balance. The website can be static in a known manner and accommodate animated advertising messages that the user contributes perceives each communication. So is a changing and current Advertising possible, which reaches targeted customers.

In a further preferred embodiment can additionally when using the phone card an advertising announcement during the Waiting time when making the connection or before making the connection Connection switched.

Provided this is supported by a phone, can also display a message in a display field (display) become.

The inventive phone card is universally applicable, because it does not require like conventional Phone cards special public Telephone. She creates over the recharge function via internet an additional Advertising opportunity, the if desired also with other functionalities, e.g. an online shop, can be connected.

Furthermore Is it possible, the functionality to expand the phone card itself, such as over the Credit can also be arranged in the form of a cash card, or by the credit as a customer card charged by appropriate purchases becomes.

Loyalty cards, printed with an advertising imprint of the issuing company are known. These loyalty cards are used when shopping in one associated Company submitted or identified with a personal number and according to the purchase will be a credit account of the owner Value attributed. So accumulated balances can then be in premiums convert or can be paid.

The The invention further relates to a method for managing Telephone accounts having the features specified in claim 8.

Accordingly, that is inventive method for managing telephone accounts of the type mentioned by in that, with an input device, the individualization means of a desired Telephone account transmitted to the first data processing system will that cash over the input device be specified, and that by allocation of the specified means of payment to the desired Phone account this is credited to a corresponding credit.

By the above procedure is achieved that a desired Phone account can be provided with a credit, so that the corresponding telephone account does not expire and also a defined Balance the desired Telephone account, if necessary, as often as possible, is booked. In this way, the flexibility of the management system is increased. By the above-described free choice of the input device is also the flexibility the method according to the invention elevated.

The Different types of input devices may require also different types of transmission of the individualization means to the first data processing system. This is known to the person skilled in the art. But it is advantageous in any case that the wished Phone account only identifiable with the individualization means is.

at the use of a second data processing system, in particular one for that equipped personal computers (PC) increases comfort in the Input and the input options, compared to an input with a phone as an input device, strong at. In addition, then as a means of communication, ie in particular the Network between the first data processing system and the input device the Internet can be used, this being the access to a telephone account from any point and guaranteed at all times.

A advantageous embodiment of the inventive method provides that during the Connection from the input device with the desired Telephone account on the first data processing system predetermined Information, in particular advertising messages, from the first data processing system and / or transmitted from the communication means to the input device, reproduced there and / or optionally stored.

The flexibility The system is then increased by a data exchange between input device and the first data processing system takes place, and in difference to the systems known since then not only information from input device is made to the first data processing system. This allows a additional Use of the input device as an advertising medium, but also the possibility the comfortable user guidance or the increase of security standards, adding specific data or information to the in the input device users who are raising their attention. One Example of this is the transmission from confirmation or error messages to the user.

Further advantageous embodiment of the subject invention are the dependent claims remove.

Based of the embodiment shown in the figure to the Invention, its advantages and further improvements of the invention explained in more detail and to be discribed.

1 shows a telephone system 10 in which a first data processing system 12 with a telephone network 14 connected is. The various connection options between the telephone network 14 and the first data processing system 12 are symbolized here by a first telephone line 16 and a second phone line 18 ,

The first telephone line 16 puts a special phone line for a particular phone number representing the telephone network 14 is accessible and with the addition of data between the telephone network 14 and the first data processing system 12 are interchangeable. The use of this telephone line 16 is preferably free for the users of the telephone accounts.

The second telephone line 18 provides the connection between the first data processing system 12 and the telephone network 14 but with the task of having one over the first phone line 16 incoming telephone call reaches a selected telephone number only if permitted by a management system installed on the first data processing equipment.

In addition, the first data processing system 12 by means of a first data line 24 with the Internet 22 connected. It is only symbolically shown that the first data line 24 on the Internet 22 with a first server 28 connected is. The first server 28 is with at least one other server 30 networked, but in the figure, not the entire Internet is shown, but only symbolically some servers 28 . 30 where one of the servers 30 with one end of a second data line 26 whose other end is connected to a second data processing system 32 connected is.

The The system described above is one possible embodiment of the system according to the invention for managing telephone accounts, as explained in more detail below should.

This is the first data processing system 12 set up to manage the phone accounts. All telephone accounts are accessible with a common telephone number, symbolized in the single Fig. By the first telephone line 16 , To identify a single telephone account, this must be individualized. This is done in the example presented in that a PIN code, which is assigned to a single telephone account, from the telephone over the first telephone line 16 to the first data processing system 12 is transmitted. In this way, a particular telephone account for telephoning with the phone is selectable.

In the illustrated example system, however, there is a further possibility the first data processing system 12 to reach. Another input device, in selected example, the second data processing system 32 , namely, is over the second data line 26 with another server 30 as part of the internet 22 connected. The server 30 routes data from the second data processing system 32 coming over the internet 22 to the first server 28 continue, with this data over the first data line 24 to the first data processing system 12 are transferable. In the example chosen, the input device for reaching a desired telephone account is on the first data processing system 12 a standardized computer with Internet equipment and a certain access authorization, such as a special computer program that is installed on the computer, depending on the features of the computer, there are different options, the information on the individualization means, in the selected example in turn, the PIN code, the second data processing system 32 enter. For example, it is possible the data in a corresponding mask of a computer program on the second data processing system 32 or to read the data through an appropriate card reader reading a magnetic stripe on which the corresponding information is stored. Other well-known options, the second data processing system 32 to design, are known in the art.

With the second data processing system 32 So are the PIN code of the desired phone account to the first data processing system 12 transmittable. In addition, a credit balance can be posted to the desired account via the same route of the data flow described above by the specification of means of payment, that is, for example, the specification of a credit card number. In this way, it is achieved that the desired telephone account is not unusable after Abtelefonieren an original balance, but can be used for any length of time by the repeated charging of always new credit.

The inventive method to manage phone accounts is in the example described as follows.

The telephone accounts are over a common telephone number, here symbolized by the first telephone line 16 reached. The telephone accounts are on the first data processing system 12 managed. A single telephone account on the first data processing system 12 is determined by an individualization means. In the present example, an individualizing means is provided by an alphanumeric code which, for example, is defined as a twelve-digit numerical letter code and is output in paper form, on cards or electronically. It is also possible that the alphanumeric code is stored on a storage medium, for example a magnetic stripe, a memory chip or the like, and distributed in this way.

To use a single phone account to make a call, a single phone account dials the common phone number over the first phone line 16 and subsequently Specification of the individualization means, so the alphanumeric code selected.

The Datzenverarbeitungsanlage 12 then puts over the line 18 the desired connection, as far as the credit of the specific telephone account allows.

In a further process step for managing the individual telephone accounts with the second data processing system 32 in turn, the alphanumeric code of a desired telephone account to the first data processing system 12 transmitted. In addition, the means of payment via the second data processing system 32 specified. As a means of payment in particular cashless funds are used, as it represents, for example, a credit card or an account connection. Finally, the posting of a credit occurs by assigning the specified means of payment to the desired telephone account.

On This way it is ensured that a phone account keeps coming back is charged and so for a longer one Time available stands.

One Another advantage of the system according to the invention and of the method according to the invention is it that makes it possible is, the posting of the credit via a variety of input devices done can. Thus, the inventive method and system of the invention particularly flexible.

When Another example is the preferred embodiment as an advertising system based on an embodiment for a brewery closer explained.

For the brewery a separate phone card is made. The calling card will created with the design / logo of the brewery and already contains Telephone units used by each telephone (e.g., mobile, landline, hotel, Phone booth, etc.) can be phoned out.

The Phone cards can now, e.g. at fairs, various events on the one hand as a giveaway or used as an entrance ticket. Also visitors who Participate in a brewery tour, this phone card z. B. offered for sale or given as a gift.

On the Pin on the phone card, the user can make calls worldwide. After entering the pin stops he first how high his remaining balance is. Then can e.g. played the jingle of the brewery or any information text be recorded.

As an additional service, several services can be integrated via the pound key and any number on the keyboard, eg: Diamond 7 The customer gets current information of the brewery. Rhombus 8 The customer can participate in a raffle. Rhombus 9 A direct connection to the call center. etc.

are the units on the card are on the map, so you can this again on the brewery's website e.g. by direct debit or by credit card charge. This is done on the homepage of the brewery. For this purpose is set up a separate area or a subpage on the homepage.

The Phone card now serves as a marketing interface between the brewery and the customer. On the one hand, the telephone card serves as an advertising medium for the brand name The brewery, on the other hand, is characterized by the possibility of charging the Phone card on the homepage created a customer loyalty - the brewery can then use this page to always have the latest information and to communicate offers to their customers.

These advertising campaign itself can additionally also over the homepage of the brewery will be promoted.

The Brewery has e.g. Customers point out that they have a low on the homepage any number of telephone units can charge.

There will be a Pop-up window or a subpage integrated on the homepage, in which there is a description about the use of the phone card and the possibility to charge the Phone card gives. Furthermore, the different telephone units, the can be charged demonstrated.

So creates a customer loyalty, since the customer now regularly his Phone card over the site of the brewery can charge and now always up to date Offers and innovations can be informed.

Consequently receives The brewery is a marketing tool that both maximizes brand communication as well as customer loyalty.

10

telephone system

12

first Data processing system

14

telephone network

16

first telephone line

18

second telephone line

20

cables

22

Internet

24

first data line

26

second data line

28

first server

30

Another server

32

second Data processing system

Claims (12)

A system for managing telephone accounts on a first data processing system, wherein the telephone accounts are accessible via a common telephone number, wherein an individualizing means determines a single telephone account, wherein for telephoning the particular telephone account with a telephone can be selected by dialing the common telephone number and then specifying the individualization means, characterized in that with an input device, the individualization of a desired telephone account to the first data processing system can be transmitted, and that by the statement of means of payment on the input device, a credit to the desired account can be booked. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the individualization means a PIN, stored identifying Data on an information store or code is. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized that the means of payment is cash, a bank account, a credit card account or a debit order. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the telephone accounts on the first data processing system via a with this at least temporarily connected communication network are reachable, in particular with a telephone network, with the Internet or with an internal network. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input device for the individualization means temporarily with the first data processing system and / or with connected to the communication network. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that of the first data processing system and / or information predetermined by the communication network, in particular Advertising messages, music or image data, the input device can be transmitted and / or can be displayed and / or stored there. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that the personalization means further services, in particular the grant from admission to events or the payment of purchases from Goods are manageable. Method for managing telephone accounts that have a common telephone number can be achieved, wherein the determination of a individual telephone account an individualization agent on one first data processing system is set, and to make phone calls a single telephone account dialing the common telephone number and subsequently Specification of the individualizing agent is selected, characterized that with an input device the customization of a desired phone account to the first data processing system transmitted will that cash over the input device be specified, and that by assigning the specified means of payment to the desired Phone account this is credited to a corresponding credit. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that that the indication of the individualization means as well as the indication payment means from the input device via a communication means, in particular a telephone network, the Internet or an intranet the first data processing system is transmitted. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized that the input device, in particular a telephone or a second data processing system arranged therefor, temporarily with the communication network and / or the first data processing system is connected. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized that while the connection from the input device to the desired one Telephone account predetermined information, in particular advertising messages, from the first data processing system and / or from the communication means transmitted to the input device, reproduced and / or stored there. Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that on the desired telephone account by selecting other services on the input device, in particular SMS, entrances to events or the purchase of goods, from the desired telephone account get booked.