AU681925B2

AU681925B2 - A telecommunication system

Info

Publication number: AU681925B2
Application number: AU12034/95A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Arie Cornelis Bos; Rudolf De Jager
Original assignee: QMEDIA TECHNOLOGY BV
Current assignee: QMEDIA TECHNOLOGY BV
Priority date: 1994-01-13
Filing date: 1994-11-30
Publication date: 1997-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2014-11-30
Also published as: BR9408485A; EP0740866B1; NL9400053A; KR970700401A; AU1203495A; WO1995019669A1; CA2181151A1; DE69418488T2; DE69418488D1; ATE180125T1; JPH09511106A; EP0740866A1; ES2135039T3

Abstract

In a telecommunication system (1) a central receiving unit (2) is coupled with several devices (4) via a transmission network (3), which devices (4) transmit data input with the aid of data input means (8) to the central receiving unit (2), usually within a short period of time. The data transmitted has at least partly been created on the basis of interactive communication with for example a television programme (6) being broadcast. The data to be transmitted is stored in a temporary memory (10) of the device (4), in groups accessible for being read jointly. The device (4) comprises a local processing unit (9) coupled with the temporary memory (10), by means of which said joint reading is started on command and the groups of input data are made ready for being transmitted contiguous thereto. Due to the resulting compact set-up of the data to be transmitted the transmission network (3) is occupied only briefly and congestion problems are reduced.

Description

I WO 95/19669 PCTNL94/003C1 A TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM The present invention relates to a telecommunication system, comprising a central receiving unit, a transmission network and at least one device, each being coupled with said transmission network and being provided with data input means, for transmitting data to the central receiving unit.

Telecommunication systems which are arranged in the manner indicated above are known in the digital communication industry, and are especially used in for example computer or telemetry systems and/or in speech communication, which may or may not be mobile speech communication, irrespective of the fact whether said communication takes place over comparatively small distances or over larger distances, for example intercontinental, for example via satellites.

In those cases where several transmitters or transceivers wish to communicate with a central receiving or transceiving unit via a transmission network or transmission channel in a certain manner, as may for example be the case in telephone systems, the transmission network is occupied in such manner as to make it impossible for other parties connected to the same network to use the same channel, which is often the only channel, in the transmission network at that point of time.

In the present telephone systems it is necessary to redial the same number in case the party called or the receiver is engaged. In order to facilitate said dialling the current telephones, which transfer speech in two directions, have a permanent memory, in which a group of associated data is stored in each memory location with a view to said one group being read.

I

WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94100302 2 Due to the current intensifying use of transmission networks blocking or congestion problems arise, therefore.

As a result of the present intense occupation of the transmission network each form of communication via the transmission network has appeared to be impossible under certain circumstances. This is unacceptable, however, especially with certain forms of communication, since it is in the public interest that a number of instances, think for example of the police, the fire brigade, hospitals and the like, can be reached at all times.

Still the perception seems to be growing that a further intensification of telecommunication, in partidular via telephone or cable networks or via glass fibre networks provides possibilities for offering a multitude of further services in the broadest sense of the word, in particular with a view to an active participation or interactive communication of the general public.

The known telecommunication systems, however, have appeared to be less well suited for enabling an active participation of for example a public of millions, let alone that this happens in a technical manner, whereby acceptance by the said public takes place smoothly.

The object of the present. invention is to provide a telecommunication system which generally comprises a large number of devices, which can be operated in a simple manner which is readily acceptable for the general public, utilizing transmission networks which are already generally used, such as telephone networks, central antenna networks or other networks, in a manner which moreover allows active or interactive participation by the general public in a comfortable manner.

In order to accomplish that objective the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that 4 1~ I I I WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 said device comprises a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and that said device comprises a local processing unit coupled to said temporary memory for starting said joint reading at the command of the local processing unit and for making said groups of input data ready for transmission, whereby each device possesses a timer connected to said local processing unit, said timer having a period time which determines the time of transmission, which point of time is slightly different for each timer (statistically) The advantage c the telecommunication system according to the invention is that the input, the storage and the eventual making ready for transmission of the data to be transmitted takes place prior to the actual transmission of said data, namely at a time when the transmission network is not occupied yet. The internal organisation of the compact structure of the said data preceding transmission moreover ensures a short duration of the transmission, with the result that the transmission network is occupied only briefly, as a result of which the risk of congestion problems is reduced.

Advantageous is furthermore the fact that the memory may be a temporary memory, because the data may be erased from the memory after being transmitted, as a result of which the memc ,r only requires a small amount of energy during a rela vely short time for storing data. In its simplest form the device only needs to be provided with means for transmitting the data and not necessarily with means 7or receiving any information to be transmitted to the devices by the central receiving unit via the transmission network.

Generally this will allow a simpler design of the devices.

A further advantage is that when a command to read the data and make them ready for transmission, and to actually transmit the data is given on the basis of the timer, this I I WO95/19669 PCTINL94/00302 4 transmission will in principle also take place at random, seen from a statistical point of view, as a result of which the possibility of several devices within the telecommunication system wishing to transmit simultaneously or during overlapping periods of time, which may lead to congestion problems, has been reduced. But even if the period times of the timer in the various devices are deterministic, and it is therefore accurately known at what moments actual transfer of data takes place after the starting command has been given, the risk of congestion will be reduced, partly due to the fact that no synchronisation takes place among the locals timer within the device, since the different period times in practice do not have to lead to transmission of data being started at the same time. It will be apparent that it is to be preferred to keep the transmission time itself as brief as possible, in order to further reduce the congestion problems.

One embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that the device is provided with transmission means connected to the local processing unit, which are activated at the command of said local processing unit.

If there is a possibility that the data to be transmitted has not been received after a first transmission to the central receiving unit, said transmission may be repeated by the transmission means until the transmission has been successful, In practice this actual transfer of data from all devices to the central receiving unit is not always necessary for that matter. Think for example of those cases where only one representative random check may be taken, for example within one hour, during a radio or television broadcast.

I

WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 Another embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that the transmission network is of the type which carries a signal when transmission of data to the central receiving unit is allowed.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the transmission of data does not need to take place at random, but that the transmission of data will take place successfully directly after the signal present on the transmission network is detected by the device. Thus retransmission has become redundant.

Another preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that with a view to further reduce the congestion problems, the period times are interrelated in a manner which results in data transmission times which are connected in accordance with the magnitudes of the elements of an arithmetic progression. In this case simple implementation, using the digital means of the timer, is possible. A concrete embodiment is for example an embodiment wherein the transmission times are spaced apart, by a 5-second interval for example, a whole number of times in a deterministic manner.

Yet another embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that additional data to be processed in the central receiving unit is combined with the groups of input data to form a compact package of data to be transmitted.

The advantage of a compact package being transmitted is that actual transmission will only take little time in that case, as a result of which the transmission network is occupied only briefly. Said additional data usually comprises selection or call data, which may be utilized in WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 6 the transmission network, if necessary, in order to be able to select the central receiving unit as the party being called, for example when being used in the public telephone network. Said further data inter alia comprises unique data, such as the subscriber number or for example the identity of the subscribers or of the person who has input the groups of data in the temporary memory with the help of the data input means.

Another preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that said device comprises a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and that said device comprises a local processing unit coupled with said temporary memory for starting the joint reading and making ready for transmission of the groups of input data at the command of the local processing unit, whereby said data input means comprise a keyboard, which is arranged for placing a template or mask thereon, which will cover those keys on the keyboard which are not programmed at that point of time.

The advantage is that the template or mask offers possibilities for several devices and operators to participate interactively with several radio or television networks simultaneously, insofar as the same keys on the keyboard are not simultaneously programmed for different programmes, of course. Furthermore it is possible to participate in different programmes with one and the same device at different times, interactively if desired, by simply exchanging the template between programmes. If desired the templates may for example be provided with publicity or instructions for use, or contain data or illustrations of programmes to be broadcast or explanatory information. The templates may be purchased from a newsstand, for example, or be appended to a magazine or WO 95/19669 PCTI/NL94/00302 7 weekly or be sent to people's homes in case they wish to take part in an action on radio or television.

In one possible embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention the template is provided with openings, through which access can be gained to the keys of the keyboard located under said openings.

Another embodiment of the telecommunication system comprises a central transceiving unit, a transmission network and at least one device, each being coupled with said central transceiving unit and being provided with data input and output means, for communication with the cent:al transceiving unit, whereby said data output means comprise a display unit, which embodiment is according to the invention characterized in that said device comprises a template memory for the storage of at least part (inclusively in the order of nil or the integer) of the data required for the eventual local set-up of a virtual template to be displayed on said display unit, whereby the complementary part (inclusively in the order of the integer or nil) of the data required for the local set-up may be made available (downloaded) by the central transceiving unit.

The advantage of this is that it is no longer necessary to maintain an apparatus for manufacturing, distributing, offering for sale and obtaining payment for the templates.

Instead of this the complementary part of the data required for locally preparing the template is not supplied to a user on demand until the sum of the virtual template has been paid. Alternatively, if all the information is already present locally, the key(s) required for setting up the template are not supplied until all sums have been paid, or all information required is downloaded from the central unit to the device once all money due has been paid. In WO 95/19669 PC/NJd4/00302 8 that case there is no need to maintain the apparatus, which has thus become redundant.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing comprises Figures, in which like parts are numbered alike, and in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system and the device for use in said telecommunication system; Figure 2 shows the possible exterior of the device for use in the telecommunication system of Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a possible embodiment of the template for use on the device of Figure 2; and Figure 3 schematically shows an implementation of a system in which the telecommunication system, the device and the template according to the invention find application.

Figure 1 shows a telecommunication system 1, comprising a central receiving unit 2, which is coupled, through a transmission network 3, to a device 4, whose exterior is shown in Figure 2. Several such devices 4 are connected to the transmission network 3. Only one of said devices 4 is shown in the Figure. Usually the transmission network 3 contains amplifiers, switching stations or processing units, which are not explained in more detail within the framework of the description of this Figure. The transmission network 3 may for example be a telephone network already present, or a central antenna cable network or :n ISDN-like network, or be comprised of a glass fibre network. If the transmission network is for example a telephone network, the device 4 may be connected to the telephone network together with the telephone devices which WO 95/19669 PCT/NL9400302 9 are usually present. In case of a telephone network it will be easy for the administrator of the network to charge costs to the possessor of the device 4, that is the subscriber, usually in proportion to the duration cc :he communication over the transmission network 3. In its simplest form the transmission network 3 only needs to be suitable for transmitting data in the direction of the device 4 to the central receiving unit 2. If the device 4 is of a more advanced design the device, as well as the transmission network 4, will be suitable for exchanging information in two oplosite directions. In that case it is a transceiver, therefore.

The data transmitted to the central receiving unit 2 by the various devices 4 is processed in the receiving unit 2 and can be used directly there, for example in a studio 5, in which a programme 6 (schematically indicated) is recorded, which programme is available t- viewers of a television 7 upon being broadcast, which viewers can participate interactively in the programme 6, dependent on the contents of the programme, by transmitting data to the central receiving unit 2 by means of the device 4.

The device 4 is provided with data input means 8, usually in the shape of a keyboard, to be used for inputting data.

The device 4 furthermore comprises a local processing unit 9 coupled to the keyboard 8 and the transmission network 3.

In addition to the local memory, usually in the form of a ROM or a RAM, which is necessary for the operation of the local processing unit 9, also a temporary memory 10 is coupled with the processing unit 9. On the basis of questions asked in the programme 6 the respective replies are input in the device 4 by the operator of the device 4, by pushing the appropriate buttons (yet to be explained) on the keyboard 8. Each reply or series of replies constitutes a group and the groups are successively stored in the temporary memory 10, in a manner which makes it possible to WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 read the temporary memory 10 in its entirety by means of the processing unit 9. Also in case only one reply is transmitted more than one group will usually be transmitted, because in addition to the group comprising the one reply also a group of data, which will for example comprise the identification of the receiving unit and/or the transmitting device, will be transmitted. The device 4 is provided with a command key 11, which makes it possible for the data in question to be transmitted to the central receiving unit 2 over the transmission network 3, by means of the local processing unit 9, usually by using suitable transmission means 12 and by following a prescribed protocc7. The compactness of the data then transmitted determines the duration of the transmission of the data to the receiv.ng unit 2 to a considerable degree. When the respective channel in the transmission network 3 to the receiving unit 2 allows so, the highest possible transmission speed is selected, in order that the transmission of information to the receiving unit 2 again lasts as briefly as possible and congestion problems can thus be avoided. Only after the data has been made ready for transmission by the local processing unit 9, at the command of the command key 11ii, the actual brief transmission of said data will take place.

The device 4 is provided with a local clock or timer 13, which is usually necessary for the internal synchronisation of the local processing unit 9, which is provided with a microprocessor in most cases. When the local timers 13 of the various devices 4 provide the local synchronisation in a device 4 at mutually different rhythms, using different period times, which will result in information being transmitted to the receiving unit 2 at times which are mutually divergent, random or pseudo-random among the various devices 4, this will reduce the risk of congestion.

This will be explained in more detail hereafter.

WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 11 It is also possible, however, that a central timer in the central receiving unit 2 prescribes which of the respective devices 4 and in which order said devices are allowed to transmit the information stored in their memories over the transmission network 3. The existing telephone transmission network does not provide for this, however.

When the period times and in particular the starting times of the transmission of information to the receiving unit 2 derived therefrom are mutually divergent, which is for example the case when said starting times in the various devices 4 are interrelated in accordance with the magnitudes of the elements of an arithmetic progression, the possibility of congestion will be further reduced.

The device 4 is provided with a read/write unit 14 to be used for a memory card, a magnetic card, a smart card or a chip card 15. The card 15 may or may not be provided with electric contacts, or be suitable for being read/and or written on magnetically as well as for containing electric, magnetic, mechanical and/or optical data, for example bar code data. In most cases certain parts of the card cannot be written on by the operator of the device 4 himself, although reading is usually possible in order to add the identity of the subscriber of the device 4 to the data being transmitted to the central receiving unit 2, if desired. Of course it will be possible to transmit programme codes along with the data, or other codes which make it possible for the central receiving unit 2 to select to what programme the data received relates or to what question the data in question relates. In some cases also data relating to the identity of the subscriber is transmitted along with the other data. When orders are placed by means of the device 4, the identity of the subscriber is indeed relevant, of course, but when polls or other anonymous activities are being conducted the opposite is the case. Protection of the device 4 may take place by WO 95119669 PCT/NL94/00302 12 means of a certain PIN code, which needs to be input before the device can be operated. If desired the card 15 contains further data for setting the timer 13, or significant routing data, relevant telephone numbers, for example.

The device 4 comprises a suitably controlled display unit 16, an LCD-display for example, but not necessarily so, on which information input by means of the keyboard 8 may be displayed, together with other information read from the card 15, if desired. The device 4 is provided with a correction or recovery key 17 for correcting the previously input data, if desired. The device 4 may furthermore be provided with sound means, in particular for reproducing sound, which sound means cooperate with the display unit 16, if desired.

The advantage of using a display unit on the device is that this makes it possible to display what data has been input, whi:h is of importance when interactively replying to 2 questions being asked in a programme. Correction of a reply once it has been input has thus become possible in a simple manner. Furthermore the status of the data stored in the device may be displayed on the display unit. After the command to start the joint reading and make ready for transmission has been given, for example, the display may indicate whether the data in question have already been actually transmitted to the central receiving unit.

A mask or template 18 according to Figure 3 may be put on the keyboard 8, which mask or template makes it possible to cover certain keys not required for the programme in question, whereas the template leaves other keys uncovered, thus providing access to said keys through openings 19 provided in said mask or template. The template 18 will be provided with a print, which indicates what functions are aimed at with the keys that are left open. In the illustrated case only four keys have been left open, WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 13 indicated by: A, B, C, D, to show that the operator must select one of said four possibilities once or a number of times. Of course also the other keys on the keyboard 8 may be permanently accessible, to make it possible to perform certain fixed functions. Although the programming and allocating of functions to keys might in principle be done by the centr:al receiving unit 2, if the device 4 were also suitable for receiving information from the transmission network 3, a directly practicable solution is a solution whereby the allocation of the functions in question to keys on the keyboard 8 takes place on the basis of information read from the cir'd 15 by means of unit 14. The card 15 may contain information for allocating functions to a group of keys, but also to several groups of keys for different interactive programmes, if desired. A maximum flexibility with regard to the programming of keys is achieved. For example, during a first period a first group of keys may be allocated or hired out to a first programme, which is broadcast at a first transmitting frequency, whilst during a second period, which may very well overlap said first period, another second group of keys is allocated to another second programme, which may or may not be broadcast at the same time at a second transmitting frequency, etc.

The device 4 is provided with means 20 for holding down the template 18 on the keyboard. The keyboard 8, the display unit 16 and/or the read/write unit 14 are preferably housed within one convenient housing.

Figure 1 shows that the read/write unit 14 is provided with switch means 21, which are arranged in such a manner that the device 4 can be operated as soon and as long as the card 15 is insertdd in the read/write 14. The device 4 is preferably provided with a power supply unit 22, in order to keep the amount of electric energy that is withdrawn from the telephone network for feeding as low as possible.

The power supply unit 22 is connected to the switch means 21, so that the device 4 only operates or receives supply le I WO 95119669 PCTINL94/00302 14 voltage when the card 15 is inserted in the read/write unit 14. The power supply unit 22 may withdraw energy from the electricity grid, but it may also be autonomous, in that it is provided with a battery unit.

The device 4 provides further applications for directly controlling a data processing system, for example a voice response system, in particular when the device 4 is connected in parallel to the telephone apparatus. Thus it possible to access the transmission network 3 directly by means of the device 4, if desired, by using DTMF or another suitable code of the keys on the keyboard 8. The possibilities of the telephone apparatus are extended by using the device 4. Thus it is for example possible to transfer alphanumeric symbols or for example text data, if desired. Certain applications may be realized by means of the card 15, if desired. A special application is the text telephone.

As already explained before it is important to take measures in order to minimize the (congestion) possibility of one or more devices 4 transferring data at the same time. It is possible thereby to use a number which is input by the user himself or which is read from the card 15 or from a memory within the device 4. The number may be a nurmber that is unique for each device 4, for example one from a series of numbers available from the device. This number, which itself may indeed be encoded as well, is encoded in some manner, for example by means of a suitable algorithm or a cyclic clock. From this another number is obtained, which forms the basis for calculating the time of transmitting data. With regard to the sensitiveness to fraud of the telecommunication system it is important that a possibility is provided to verify at the receiving end of the system whether data received actually originates from a subscriber who is authorized to participate. Such a system may for example be realized by means of a number, which is WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94100302 known at the receiving end, to be allocated to each device 4, which is encoded in a manner known at the receiving end.

In this way a unique transmission time may be determined for each device, which is only known at the end of the central receiving unit. This renders the system fraudproof. When congestion occurs with one or more other devices during a transmission attempt, a next transmission time known to the receiving unit may be determined, for example on the basis of a next number in a series of permutated numbers, of which the actual permutation is only known to the receiving unit.

When only one group of data is transmitted to the receiving unit 2 by a device 4, this group will usually contain data that does not make it necessary or desirable for the receiving unit 2 to be able to identify the transmitting device 1. In that case the group does not contain any identification data, but for example opinion data or the like. When the user participates in a quiz, locttery or game, for example, or when orders are placed, the data containing the identity is sent along, however. In that case the data will also contain name/address/residence information and/or Giro and bank information and the like, so that when an order is placed for which a certain amount has to be paid, this amount can be debited from '.he bank or postal account. Possibly the device 4 will contain a second read/write unit 14' (not shown), similar to the read/write unit 14, in which a second card 15' (not shown), similar to the card 15, may be inserted, which card contains information representing money or being equivalent thereto and which is debited by the unit 14' at the command of the receiving unit 2 upon acceptation/registration of the order. The identification data is read from the card for example when the correct PIN code is input, whereby the card will then transmit the data, for example in encoded form. Alternatively the encoded PIN code or another unique code is for example transmitted on the card 15, so that the WO 95119669 PCT/NL94/00302 16 group of data to be transmitted remains small, whereby the central receiving unit 2 will search the identification data associated with the code received, thus making the identity of the party placing the order known by the central receiving unit.

In another embodiment the device 4 comprises a (usually permanent) memory, hereinafter called the template memory.

Said template memory may be detachable and for example contain a ROM, CD-ROM, CD-I, CD-RAM, CCD or the like. It may also be a chip card, memory card, smart card, magnetic card or similar card 15, 15', however, which may be inserted in the read/write unit 14, 14'. Although in principle the device 4 may contain all information required for locally setting up a virtual, that is an at least partially software-implemented template or mask, usually a complementary data part is required in addition to the data part stored in the template memory, in order to complete the template. Said complementary part, which for example contains a software-implemented key for accessing the information, whether or not in encoded form, which is stored in the template memory, is made available (downloaded) from the central unit 2 by the device 4 on request, in a manner yet to be explained. In spite of thB fact that extensive information is available in the device 4 in that case, the transmission network is occupied very briefly and the transmission time is very short, at least if not all the information has to originate from the unit 2. The software-implemented template to be displayed on the display unit 16, which usually contains graphic and/or textual information, may be combined with the previously explained template 18, which only provides access to predetermined keys on the kcyboard 8 being programmed at that point of time. The virtual template uses keys or blocks to be activated by hand or by means of tools, such as a reading pen, mouse or the like, whereby one or more additional templates are displayed on the display unit 16 WO 95/19669 PCTINL94/00302 17 upon activation, if necessary. The display unit 16 is for example an LCD comprising a touchscreen. The various types of templates are especially relevant with direct marketing applications or when participating in activities on radio or television.

Transmission of information from the unit 2 to the device 4 preferably takes place at times, for example at night, when there is less traffic over the network 3. In that case the unit 2 itself will call those devices 4 that have previously made a request for transmission of the desired complementary data, whereupon the complete template can be set up in the device 4 the next day.

The advantage of the card or CD-reading unit is that the cerd to be inserted therein or the CD may contain information on which the aforesaid data can be stored magnetically or in some other manner. This information carrier, which may be collected from an issuing instance or be purchased or sent to people's homes and which may be used for providing publicity thereon, can provide access to the communication system, by means of codes (statements) included therein, in order to take part in one or more games, opinion polls, fund-raising drives, competitions, the pools, the lottery and the like, all this in an interactive manner. Accessing an interactive activity, such as a service to be provided or a game takes place, directly if desired, by depressing a quick-action key (not shown) on the device 4, whereby a data link is directly established between the device 4 and the central unit 2 in order to make an interactive request, place an order or the like.

The device 4 may be used for making telephone calls in place of a conventional telephone by means of audio means known per se, which are provided on the device 4.

Furthermore symbols may for example be keyed in on the keyboard 8 and be transferred directly to the unit 2 and vice versa. The device 4 may be in communication, hands- WO 95/19669 PCTINL94/00302 18 free and possibly wirelessly, with a part thereof that is connected to the transmission network 3. Preferably the central receiving unit 2 comprises a provision which arranges that the connection with a device 4 is broken when there has been no communication over the network to the respective device 4 for some time, for example 2 minutes.

If the codes stored on the card in the unit 14 contain a PIN code, a check may he made to ascertain whether the user is authorized to take part or to communicate interactively, by performing verification activities when the user inputs his PIN code on the data input means.

Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates a system in which the telecommunication system 1 may be used. The Figure shows the users 40, of whom there may in principle be several millions, who are each provided with a device 4 and who are each coupled with the central transceiving unit 2 via the transmission network 3. On the other hand also tbv ofl? ers 50 of merchandise, services and information are coup.a with the unit 2. The material and/or virtual templates are made available to the user, by mail, as an appendix to a magazine or the like, or, in case the template is a completely virtual template, it is transmitted either completely, for example at night, or partially (as complementary information) in the form of a softwareimplemented key to the users 40, in which case the (template) memory will contain the larger amount of information, so as to reduce the time during which the transmission network 3 is occupied. The data, which may or may not be offered free of charge by an offerer of information, may be transmitted over the transmission network 3 to the user who ordered said data, at least insofar'as this possibility is provided. Ordered merchandise, goods etc. will usually be delivered by the deliverer, at which time payment may be effected in case this has not taken place automatically before, whether or WO 95/19669 PCT/NL94/00302 19 not by means of the telecommunication system. The system 1 includes code selection means 60, which select the code of the required offerer 50, who is to perform the service requested, on the basis of the code data included in the data transmitted to the unit 2. The data transmitted furthermore contains transaction data, which records the contents of the transaction requested, which contents have been indicated before on a respective, real (material) or virtual template by the user 40. The code data has for example been input by the user himself, been read from a card or from the template memory or originate from the template, which contains this data in an electrical, magnetic, mechanical and/or optical manner. Of course it depends on the kind of transaction whether the data transmitted does or does not contain identification data.

In case for example two devices 4 wish to transfer fax messages to each other, at least one of said devices will be provided with video or scanning means, and a transmitting user 40 will be able to transmit a fax message, which will usually contain textual, photographic or graphic information, to a mailbox memory in for example the receiving device 40 by inputting an appropriate code.

If the receiving unit 2 is active, also direct communication may take place without the intermediary of the mailbox memory, if desired. Usually the device 4 will be provided with a printing device (printer), which may or may not be an external printing device.

Claims

1. A telecommunication system, comprising: a central receiving unit; a transmission network connected to the central receiving unit; at least one device, each device being coupled with said transmission network, wherein said device comprises: data input means comprising a keyboard, data transmission means for transmitting data to the central receiving unit, a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and a local processing unit coupled to said temporary memory for starting said joint reading at the command of the local processing unit and for making V: said groups of input data ready for transmission, 15 wherein the keyboard is arranged for placing a mask or template thereon *o making it possible to cover or uncover certain keys of the keyboard such as to selectively provide access to the keys programmed at that point of time.

2. The telecommunication system according to claim 1, wherein said 20 template is provided with openings, through which access can be gained to the keys that 0 oo are located under said openings. *to *o eS

3. The telecommunication system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said device is provided with means for holding down said template on said keyboard.

4. The telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the keyboard of said data input means is provided with a display unit. IN:\lbcclOO648:MXL The telecommunication system according to claim 4, wherein an indication, which may or may not move, is displayed on said aisplay unit, which indication will be stationary or disappear after the time of the actual transmission of the data to the central receiving unit.

6. The telecommunication system according to claim 4, or 5, wherein said keyboard is provided with a correction key for altering the data of the group of input data stored in said temporary memory.

7. The telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to 6, wherein said keyboard is provided with a command key, which may be used to give the command to start the local processing unit at a certain point of time for jointly reading the groups of input data and making the groups of input data ready for transmission.

8. The telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to wherein at least said keyboard and said display unit are accommodated in one housing. S 20 9. The telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to 0 The telecommunication system according to claim 9, wherein the I 2information read from said template is used as index information when reading the lN;\llbccI00648[MXL 1 memory means, which contain the programming data associated with each type of template for the data input means.

11. The telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the allocation of the functions in question to keys on the keyboard takes place on the basis of information read from a card.

12. A device suitable for being used in the telecommunication system according to any one of the claims 1 to 11, comprising: data input means comprising a keyboard, data transmission means for transmitting data, a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and a local processing unit coupled to said temporary memory for starting said joint reading at the command of the local processing unit and for making said groups of :input data ready for transmission, wherein the keyboard is arranged for placing a mask or template thereon making it possible to cover or uncover certain keys of the keyboard such as to selectively provide access to the keys programmed at that point of time. O• 20

13. A template for being used in the telecommunication system according to any of the claims 1 te 11, wherein the template contains electric, magnetic, mechanical and/or optical information, which is representative of the type of template by means of which a user of the device according to claim 12 makes the user's wishes known, whereby said device is provided with reading means identifying said information, which are coupled with prograrmnable data input means.

14. Use of a template according to claim 13 in a telecommunication T system according to any of the claims 1 to 11. IN:AIbcc1OO84B:MXL A telecommunication system substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

16. A device suitable for use in a telecommunication system substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

17. A template for use in a telecommunication system substantially as described herein with reference to Figs. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings. DATED this Twenty-seventh Day of August 1996 Qmedia Technology B.V. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant SPRUSON FERGUSON 9 S o *9 S *c S S -Q r 0 [N:\libccI00648:MXL