EP0420466B1 - Système distributeur à crédit - Google Patents

Système distributeur à crédit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0420466B1
EP0420466B1 EP90310141A EP90310141A EP0420466B1 EP 0420466 B1 EP0420466 B1 EP 0420466B1 EP 90310141 A EP90310141 A EP 90310141A EP 90310141 A EP90310141 A EP 90310141A EP 0420466 B1 EP0420466 B1 EP 0420466B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
code
consumer
entered
services
funds
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP90310141A
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German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0420466B2 (fr
EP0420466A1 (fr
Inventor
Jonathan Sinclair Youngleson
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
METER PATENT DEVELOPMENT (PROPRIETARY) LIMITED
Original Assignee
METER PATENT DEVELOPMENT Pty Ltd
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Application filed by METER PATENT DEVELOPMENT Pty Ltd filed Critical METER PATENT DEVELOPMENT Pty Ltd
Publication of EP0420466A1 publication Critical patent/EP0420466A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0420466B1 publication Critical patent/EP0420466B1/fr
Publication of EP0420466B2 publication Critical patent/EP0420466B2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a credit supply system. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronic credit supply system used for the pre-payment of goods or services and to a method of supplying credit.
  • FR-A-2575016 describes a system for use in a telephone network wherein an account number is issued by a central authority upon the payment of a sum of funds by a prospective user of a public telephone.
  • the account number has five alphanumeric characters.
  • Telephone apparatus are connected to a central processing unit which monitors a memory and decrements the stored value of funds against that account number according to the telephone usage.
  • EP-A-219577 describes a device for controlling the delivery of a utility to a subscriber in which the utility supplier generates a value code which can be used by the subscriber to operate a local device.
  • the value code includes information relating to an amount of the utility and a so-called "period code" which is a further code which is used to enable the local device, and a control number which is used at the local device to check the validity of the value code.
  • the value code includes information related to the period code which is stored at the local device. It is thus necessary for the utility supplier to maintain a record of the period codes of local devices.
  • the period code is a variable control number which must be duplicated at the central office and at the local devices.
  • An object of the invention is to provide a credit supply system where the operation of the local device is wholly independent of the utility supplier.
  • a system for supplying a consumer with prepaid goods or services which includes:
  • the code-generating means may include an input device by means of which an operator enters the said predetermined information.
  • the said predetermined information may comprise information relating to the value of funds required by the consumer, the date, and an identification number of the device connected to the operating means for which the consumer requires the funds.
  • the code-generating means may be operable either by the consumer personally or by a person manning the code-generating means. In the latter case, the said person will be supplied with the infomation by the consumer, the person then entering the information via the input device.
  • the code-generating means may also include a processing means, which may be in the form of a microprocessor, for analysing the information entered by the operator via the input device and for generating the code, the processing means having a memory means in which a crypto-algorithm is stored which encrypts the information to provide the code.
  • a processing means which may be in the form of a microprocessor, for analysing the information entered by the operator via the input device and for generating the code
  • the processing means having a memory means in which a crypto-algorithm is stored which encrypts the information to provide the code.
  • a printing means may be connected to the processing means for printing out the code in a visual format for the consumer.
  • the code may comprise a predetermined string of numerals, letters, or a combination thereof.
  • the consumer may be able to be placed in communication with the code-generating means via a telephone line. Then, the consumer may be provided with the code aurally by the person manning the code-generating means.
  • the processing means may be operable to verify that the amount entered by the consumer via the input device is the same as that paid in by the consumer.
  • the system in accordance with the invention is intended particularly for use in the provision of funds for utilities used by a consumer.
  • the system in accordance with the invention, could be used for purchasing goods or services such as, for example, bus or train tickets, or the like, transfer of funds in banks, etc.
  • the device to which the operating means is connected may be a utilities meter in a premises of the consumer, for example, an electricity meter or a water meter.
  • the processing means at the operating means can be connected to the entering means, the processing means including a memory means in which a crypto-algorithm is stored for deciphering the code entered into the processing means by the consumer via the entering means.
  • the processing means may then be operable to determine the value of funds purchased by the consumer and to credit the consumer's utilities meter with the said value of funds.
  • a storage means may be connected to the processing means, prior codes which have been entered being stored in the storage means.
  • this code is compared with the prior codes stored in the storage means by the processing means. If the code is the same as a previous code entered by the consumer, the processing means will cause the new code entered by the consumer to be rejected.
  • a method of supplying a consumer with prepaid goods or services which includes:
  • the method may then include, after the code has been entered into the operating means, deciphering the code to determine the value of the sum of funds to provide a store of credit for the device to enable the device to be operated.
  • the method may also include comparing the code entered into the operating means with prior codes stored in the operating means and, if the code is the same as any one of the prior codes, rejecting the code so entered and, if the code differs from the prior codes, accepting the code thereby to provide a store of credit for the device.
  • a credit supply system in accordance with the invention, is illustrated and is designated generally by the reference numeral 10.
  • the system 10 comprises a code generating means 12 for generating a unique code representative of predetermined information.
  • the system 10 further includes an operating means 14 operable by a consumer, the operating means 14 being connected to a device to be controlled as will be described below.
  • the code generating means 12 includes an input device 16 comprising a keypad 18 and a display 20.
  • the input device 16 is connected to a processing means 22 having a microprocessor 24 and a memory means 26.
  • a printer 28 is connected to the microprocessor 24.
  • the system 10 in accordance with the invention is intended particularly for use by a consumer wishing to utilize predetermined utilities such as, for example, electricity, water, gas, or the like, or a telephone service.
  • predetermined utilities such as, for example, electricity, water, gas, or the like, or a telephone service.
  • the example illustrated makes reference to the use of the system 10 with reference to the consumption of electricity by the consumer.
  • the system 10 can be used in other applications, such as, for example, the purchase of bus or train tickets, aeroplane tickets, or the like, the transfer of funds in banks, or the purchases of other goods or services.
  • the operating means 14 is connected to the device which, in the example illustrated, is an electricity meter 30 of the consumer's premises.
  • the operating means 14 comprises an entering means in the form of a keypad 32 having a plurality of keys 34 and a display 36.
  • the keypad 32 is connected to a processing means 38 which includes a microprocessor 40.
  • the processing means 38 has a memory means 42 in which a crypto-algorithm is stored and a storage means 44 in which previous codes entered by the consumer are stored.
  • the consumer provides the predetermined information which the consumer can either enter into the code-generating means 12 via the keypad 18 of the input device 16 personally or the information can be entered by an operator manning the code-generating means 12.
  • the consumer or operator would enter into the code-generating means via the keypad 18 information relating to the date, the value of electricity which the consumer wishes to purchase and an identification number of the consumer's electricity meter.
  • the microprocessor 24 verifies via an appropriate verification means (not shown) that the amount paid in by the consumer is the same as the amount entered via the keypad 18.
  • a crypto-algorithm is stored in the memory means 26 and the microprocessor 24 encrypts the information entered via the keypad 18 to generate the unique code.
  • the consumer is provided with the code via the printer 28.
  • the consumer then enters the code generated by the microprocessor 24 into the operating means 14 via the keypad 32.
  • the microprocessor 40 verifies, by comparing the code entered via the keypad 32 with previous codes stored in the storage means 44 that the code entered by the consumer is a new code. Should the code entered by the consumer be the same as a code entered previously and stored in the storage means 44, the microprocessor 40 rejects the code entered by the consumer.
  • the crypto-algorithm stored in the memory means 42 is employed by the microprocessor 40 to decipher the code to obtain therefrom the amount of utilities purchased by the consumer.
  • the microprocessor 40, utilising the crypto-algorithm in the memory means 42 also verifies that that portion of the code relating to the identification number of the electricity meter 30 in fact corresponds with the identification number of the meter 30. Should it not do so, the code will be rejected.
  • the microprocessor40 determines that the code is correct in all respects, the amount of utilities purchased is entered into the electricity meter 30 and this amount is displayed on a display 46 of the electricity meter 30.
  • the consumer may either directly or via a third party, such as a hawker, contact the operator telephonically to be provided with the code in an aural format.
  • the consumer would then enter the code so provided in the operating means 14 in the same manner as that described above.
  • the consumer's account which he has with the supplier of the utilities would be debited by the operator via the processing means 22. It will be appreciated that in such a case and to obviate the need to collect payment from the consumer the consumer's account would have to be in credit. If, however, the consumer deals through the third party, payment would be made by the consumer to the third party who would confirm that he has received payment, prior to the code being provided to the consumer.
  • a novel system for supplying credit by a supplier of goods or services to a consumer thereof.
  • the provision of the code in a printed format or an aural format obviates the need for sophisticated electronic equipment to encode and read devices such as magnetic or "smart" cards.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Acyclic And Carbocyclic Compounds In Medicinal Compositions (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Plant Substances (AREA)
  • Cash Registers Or Receiving Machines (AREA)
  • Beverage Vending Machines With Cups, And Gas Or Electricity Vending Machines (AREA)
  • Control Of Driving Devices And Active Controlling Of Vehicle (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
  • Adjustment And Processing Of Grains (AREA)
  • Financial Or Insurance-Related Operations Such As Payment And Settlement (AREA)

Claims (10)

1. Système (10) de fourniture à un consommateur de marchandises ou de services prépayés qui comprend :
un dispositif de génération de code (12) pour générer un code et pour fournir au consommateur le code dans un format perceptible ;
un dispositif (30) situé dans les locaux des consommateurs pour la fourniture des marchandises ou des services ;
un dispositif d'exploitation (14) situé aussi dans les locaux du consommateur qui est utilisable par le consommateur et qui est relié au dispositif (30), ledit dispositif d'exploitation (14) comprenant un dispositif d'introduction (32) pour permettre au consommateur d'introduire le code dans le dispositif d'exploitation et un dispositif de traitement (38) pour traiter le code et pour permettre l'exploitation du dispositif (30) pourfournir des marchandises ou des services, le dispositif d'exploitation (14) étant utilisable sans communication avec le dispositif de génération de code, caractérisé en ce que ;
le dispositif de génération de code (12) comprend un dispositif (16) pour introduire des informations fournies par le consommateur comprenant une somme de fonds déterminée et rendue disponible par le consommateur et un numéro d'identification du dispositif et en ce qu'il fournit un code qui comprend des données représentatives de la somme des fonds et du numéro d'identification ; et
le dispositif de traitement (38) comprend un dispositif pour comparer le numéro d'identification dérivé du code avec un numéro d'identification du dispositif et est utilisable pour rejeter le code s'ils ne correspondent pas et pour permettre l'exploitation du dispositif (30) pour fournir des marchandises ou des services pour la valeur de la somme des fonds lorsque les numéros d'identification correspondent.
2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel un dispositif de stockage est relié au dispositif de traitement, des codes préalables qui ont été introduits étant stockés dans le dispositif de stockage pour une comparaison avec des codes ultérieurs de sorte que si le code introduit par le consommateur est le même qu'un code préalable, le code introduit est rejeté.
3. Système selon la revendication 1 ou 2 dans lequel le dispositif de génération de code comprend un dispositif de traitement (22) pour analyser l'information introduite par l'opérateur via le dispositif d'introduction (16) et pour générer le code, le dispositif de traitement ayant un dispositif de mémoire (26) dans lequel un algorithme de cryptage est stocké qui crypte l'information pour fournir le code.
4. Système selon la revendication dans lequel un dispositif d'impression (28) est relié au dispositif de traitement (22) pour imprimer le code dans un format visuel pour le consommateur.
5. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes dans lequel le dispositif de traitement (38) comprend un dispositif de mémoire (42) dans lequel un algorithme de cryptage est stocké pour déchiffrer le code introduit dans le dispositif de traitement (38) par le consommateur via le dispositif d'introduction (32).
6. Système selon la revendication 5 dans lequel le dispositif de traitement (38) est utilisable pour déchiffrer le code pour obtenir à partir de celui- ci le montant des services acquis par le consommateur.
7. Procédé de fourniture à un consommateur de marchandises ou de services prépayés qui comprend :
une génération d'un code au moyen d'un dispositif de génération de code (12) ;
une émission du code à un consommateur dans un format perceptible ; et
une introduction manuellement du code dans le dispositif de fonctionnement (14) utilisable par le consommateur et auquel un dispositif (30) à utiliser est relié et un traitement du code pour permettre la fourniture des marchandises ou des services au consommateur, le dispositif d'exploitation étant utilisable sans communication avec le dispositif de génération de code (12), pour fournir des marchandises ou des services au consommateur, caractérisé en ce que
le consommateur détermine et rend disponible une somme de fonds et fournit un numéro d'identification du dispositif (30), ces informations étant codées de sorte que le code comprend des données représentatives de la somme des fonds et du numéro d'identification ; et
il est réalisé dans le dispositif d'exploitation (14) les étapes de comparaison du numéro d'identification dérivé du code avec un numéro d'identification du dispositif (30), de rejet du code s'ils ne correspondent pas et de fourniture des marchandises ou des services pour la valeur de la somme des fonds s'ils correspondent.
8. Procédé selon la revendication 7 qui comprend une analyse des informations et un cryptage des informations au moyen d'un algorithme de cryptage pour fournir le code.
9. Procédé selon la revendication 7 ou la revendication 8 qui comprend, après que le code ait été introduit dans le dispositif d'exploitation, un déchiffrage du code pour déterminer la valeur de la somme des fonds pour fournir une provision de crédit au dispositif pour permettre au dispositif d'être utilisé.
10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 9 inclus qui comprend un stockage de chaque code introduit dans le dispositif d'exploitation et une comparaison du code qui a été introduit avec des codes préalables stockés et, si le code est le même que celui des codes préalables, rejette le code ainsi introduit et, si le code diffère du code préalable, accepte le code pour fournir ainsi une provision de crédit au dispositif.
EP90310141A 1989-09-27 1990-09-17 Système distributeur à crédit Expired - Lifetime EP0420466B2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA897354 1989-09-27
ZA897354 1989-09-27

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0420466A1 EP0420466A1 (fr) 1991-04-03
EP0420466B1 true EP0420466B1 (fr) 1994-11-23
EP0420466B2 EP0420466B2 (fr) 1999-04-07

Family

ID=25579837

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP90310141A Expired - Lifetime EP0420466B2 (fr) 1989-09-27 1990-09-17 Système distributeur à crédit

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0420466B2 (fr)
AT (1) ATE114377T1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69014269T3 (fr)
DK (1) DK0420466T4 (fr)
ES (1) ES2064656T5 (fr)
GR (1) GR3030613T3 (fr)
UY (1) UY23843A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA907311B (fr)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE29515869U1 (de) * 1995-10-08 1995-12-21 Bauer, Franz Hans Peter, 87719 Mindelheim Vorrichtung zur gesteuerten bargeldlosen Abgabe von elektrischer Energie, Gas, Wasser oder ähnlichen Medien
GB9607639D0 (en) * 1996-04-12 1996-06-12 Landis & Gyr Uk Ltd Metering systems
WO1997039430A1 (fr) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-23 Lg (Uk) Limited Systemes de compteurs
FR2750273B1 (fr) * 1996-06-21 1998-07-17 Milano Sophie Procede de rechargement de cartes prepayees virtuelles
PT827119E (pt) 1996-08-29 2001-02-28 Swisscom Ag Processo para carregar ou recarregar um cartao com suporte de dados com uma quantia em dinheiro
GB2357356B (en) * 1999-12-17 2003-12-03 Pri Ltd Supply system
DE10048229B4 (de) * 2000-09-21 2006-08-10 Wolfram Doering Rechnergesteuertes Vermittlungssystem
AU2002222325A1 (en) * 2000-12-08 2002-06-18 Merlin Gerin S.A. (Proprietary) Limited Prepayment meter

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2575016B1 (fr) * 1984-12-13 1987-01-16 Grandmougin Michel Procede pour obtenir une communication a partir d'un appareil telephonique public suite a un prepaiement avec monnaie

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK0420466T3 (da) 1994-12-12
EP0420466B2 (fr) 1999-04-07
UY23843A1 (es) 1995-03-22
ES2064656T3 (es) 1995-02-01
GR3030613T3 (en) 1999-10-29
EP0420466A1 (fr) 1991-04-03
DE69014269D1 (de) 1995-01-05
ATE114377T1 (de) 1994-12-15
DK0420466T4 (da) 1999-10-25
DE69014269T2 (de) 1995-04-06
DE69014269T3 (de) 1999-06-17
ZA907311B (en) 1991-10-30
ES2064656T5 (es) 1999-08-16

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