EP0875047A2 - Telecommunications system - Google Patents

Telecommunications system

Info

Publication number
EP0875047A2
EP0875047A2 EP96900034A EP96900034A EP0875047A2 EP 0875047 A2 EP0875047 A2 EP 0875047A2 EP 96900034 A EP96900034 A EP 96900034A EP 96900034 A EP96900034 A EP 96900034A EP 0875047 A2 EP0875047 A2 EP 0875047A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
data
data input
station
loudspeaker
internet
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96900034A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Kevin Cash
Gareth Richards
Gary Trowsdale
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.)
Firecrest Group PLC
Original Assignee
Firecrest Group PLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Firecrest Group PLC filed Critical Firecrest Group PLC
Publication of EP0875047A2 publication Critical patent/EP0875047A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/341—Active cards, i.e. cards including their own processing means, e.g. including an IC or chip
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/38—Payment protocols; Details thereof
    • G06Q20/40—Authorisation, e.g. identification of payer or payee, verification of customer or shop credentials; Review and approval of payers, e.g. check credit lines or negative lists
    • G06Q20/403—Solvency checks
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/0806—Details of the card
    • G07F7/0833—Card having specific functional components
    • G07F7/084—Additional components relating to data transfer and storing, e.g. error detection, self-diagnosis
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/10—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means together with a coded signal, e.g. in the form of personal identification information, like personal identification number [PIN] or biometric data
    • G07F7/1008—Active credit-cards provided with means to personalise their use, e.g. with PIN-introduction/comparison system
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L9/00—Cryptographic mechanisms or cryptographic arrangements for secret or secure communications; Network security protocols
    • H04L9/40—Network security protocols
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M1/00—Substation equipment, e.g. for use by subscribers
    • H04M1/253—Telephone sets using digital voice transmission
    • H04M1/2535—Telephone sets using digital voice transmission adapted for voice communication over an Internet Protocol [IP] network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42—Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/50—Centralised arrangements for answering calls; Centralised arrangements for recording messages for absent or busy subscribers ; Centralised arrangements for recording messages
    • H04M3/51—Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention, e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/006—Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/04—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks
    • H04L63/0428—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for providing a confidential data exchange among entities communicating through data packet networks wherein the data content is protected, e.g. by encrypting or encapsulating the payload
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2207/00—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place
    • H04M2207/18—Type of exchange or network, i.e. telephonic medium, in which the telephonic communication takes place wireless networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/38—Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections
    • H04M3/382—Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections using authorisation codes or passwords
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M7/00—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres
    • H04M7/12—Arrangements for interconnection between switching centres for working between exchanges having different types of switching equipment, e.g. power-driven and step by step or decimal and non-decimal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13056—Routines, finite state machines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13093—Personal computer, PC
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13095—PIN / Access code, authentication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13096—Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13339—Ciphering, encryption, security
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13376—Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13389—LAN, internet

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a telecommunications terminal and a method of communication.
  • a telecommunications terminal comprising a microphone, a loudspeaker, data input means for accepting data from a portable data carrier, encryption means for encrypting data input via the data input means, transceiving means configured for communication via the Internet and processing means arranged for applying digital audio signals, derived from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to the transceiving means for transmission and applying analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received by the transceiving means.
  • the data input means may comprise means for reading a magnetic stripe on a card or means for receiving data from a smart card.
  • a personal computer serves as the transceiving means and the processing means.
  • the microphone, the loudspeaker, the data input means and the encryption means are provided in an assembly coupled to the personal j computer. More preferably, the assembly comprises a handset.
  • kit comprising an assembly io including a microphone, a loudspeaker, a data input means for accepting data from a portable data carrier, encryption means for encrypting data input via the data input means, means for coupling the microphone, the loudspeaker and encryption means to a personal computer and programming means for prograrnming a personal computer for applying digital audio signals, derived a from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to a transceiving means for transmission via the Internet and applying analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received from the Internet by the transceiving means.
  • the kit may include a modem or a network board for interfacing a personal computer to a network.
  • the kit may conveniently include an audio signal processing board such as those sold under the name SoundBlaster by Creative Labs., Inc..
  • the present invention also encompasses a method of communicating comprising the steps of: transmitting datagrams containing speech data between a first station and a second station via the Internet; O reading data from a card-type data carrier at the first station; encrypting said data; assembling the encrypted data into one or more datagrams and transmitting the encrypted data datagram or datagrams to the second station over the Internet; receiving the speech data datagrams at the second station and converting the data contained therein into an acoustical signal; receiving the encrypted data datagram or datagrams at the second station; and decrypting the encrypted data at the second station.
  • the decrypted data may be subjected to a verification process in order to establish the identity, authority or credit worthiness of a person at the first station to whom the card belongs.
  • Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a terminal according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a block schematic of the handset of Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the terminal of Figure
  • Figure 4 is a more detail flow diagram of a portion of the flow diagram of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a flow chart of a detail of the operation of a central station according to the present invention;
  • Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a terminal according to the present invent Description of Embodiments of the Invention
  • a terminal comprises a personal computer 1 such as an IBM-compatible PC or a PowerMac, and a handset 3.
  • the personal computer 1 has an audio signal processing capability. In the present embodiment this is provided by a dedicated audio signal processing board.
  • the personal computer 1 is also provided with a data communications facility. This facility may be provided by a board for interfacing it to a TCP/IP network and protocol managing software such as WinSock. However, if a direct Internet connection is not available, it can be provided by a modem for providing a link to a gateway to the Internet through the public telephone network and SLIP (serial line Internet protocol) or PPP (point-to-point protocol) communications software.
  • SLIP serial line Internet protocol
  • PPP point-to-point protocol
  • the handset 3 is similar to a conventional telephone handset and includes a microphone 5 and a loudspeaker 7. However, the handset 3 additionally comprises a swipe card reader 9.
  • data read from a card 11, such as a credit card, by the card reader 9 is transmitted to an encryption circuit 12.
  • the card data output by the card reader 9 is preceded by a start-of-message code which the encryption circuit 11 can recognise.
  • the encryption circuit 11 recognises a start-of-message code, it is put into an active state wherein it performs an encryption process on data from the card reader 9 until an end- of-message code is received.
  • the encryption may be in accordance with the data encryption standard (DES), the Rivist-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) or other algorithms.
  • Audio signals from the microphone 5 and encrypted data signals from the encryption circuit 11 are communicated to the personal computer 1 via a multi-conductor lead 13.
  • the lead 13 also conveys audio signals from the personal computer 1 to the loudspeaker 7. - 5 -
  • the audio board of the personal computer 1 provides analogue-to-digital conversion for signals from the microphone 5 and digital-to-analogue conversion for signals being sent to the loudspeaker 7.
  • the personal computer 1 is programmed to assemble datagrams suitable for Internet communication from the microphone and card reader signals and to generate audio signals for driving the loudspeaker 7 from received datagrams.
  • This program comprises a first loop including a step si to determine whether the user is being called by another party, a step s2 to determine whether the user is seeking to communicate with another party and a step s3 for determining whether the user wishes to exit the program.
  • the personal computer 1 determines, at step s4, whether the calling party is on a list of parties from whom communication is not desired, using the information contained in a calling datagram. If the calling party is not on that list, an acknowledgement datagram is sent at step s5 and the program flow enters a second loop, step s6, for handling communication once it has been established.
  • step s2 is performed. If it is determined at step s2 that the user is attempting to make a call, step s7 is performed. At step s7, a call datagram is assembled with the address of the party to be called in its header and sent onto the Internet. Thereafter, the personal computer 1 waits, step s8, for up to 30s for a reply datagram from the called party. If not reply datagram is received, the program flow returns to the first message loop. On the other hand, if a reply datagram is received, - 6 - the program flow enters the second loop.
  • step s3 it is determined whether the user is exiting the program.
  • the second loop comprises a step sll to determine whether there is encrypted data to be sent, a step sl2 to determine whether there is speech data to be sent, a step sl3 to determine whether a speech datagram has been received, a step sl4 to determine whether an end of communication datagram is to be sent and a step sl5 to determine whether an end of communication datagram has been received.
  • step sll If it is determined, at step sll, that encrypted data is ready for transmission, an encrypted data datagram is assembled at step sl6 and then transmitted at step s!7. After step sl7, the program flow moves on to step s!2.
  • step sl2 if it is determined that speech data is ready for transmission, speech data, derived from the microphone output signal, is read from a buffer and assembled into a datagram at step sl8 and then transmitted at step sl9. After step sl9, program flow moves on to step s!3.
  • a data input buffer is checked for an incoming speech datagram. If a speech datagram has been received, the speech data is extracted at step s20. Speech datagrams may not arrive in the order in which they were transmitted. Therefore, the speech data cannot simply be converted into an analogue signal and applied to the loudspeaker 7. Instead, a buffer capable of storing Is of speech is used for re-ordering the speech data as necessary.
  • the received speech data is stored in the appropriate location in this buffer at step s21.
  • the correctly ordered speech data is cyclically read from the buffer, converted into an analogue signal, with any necessary timing corrections, and applied to the loudspeaker 7. After step s21, the program flow moves on to step sl4.
  • step sl4 If it is determined, at step sl4, that the user wishes to terminate the communication, an end of communication datagram is sent at step s 22 and the program flow returns to the first loop.
  • step sl4 If it is determined, at step sl4, that the user does not wish to terminate the communication, it is determined at step sl5 whether an end of communication datagram has been received. If an end of communication datagram has been received, the program flow returns to the first loop.
  • a central station for communication with the terminal described above may be similar in construction. However, the card reader would not be required. The operation of a central station would include the first loop, illustrated in Figure 3. However, the second loop would be different.
  • steps sll, sl6 and sl7 of Figure 4 are not required by the central station and have been replaced by steps s23, s24 and s25. All other steps are as described with reference to Figure 4.
  • the station determines whether an encrypted data datagram has been received. If such a datagram has been received, the encrypted data is extracted at step s24 and then decrypted and verified at step s25. An operator is provided with a display of the result of the verification.
  • the central station is operated on behalf of a commercial organization selling goods or services.
  • a user of a terminal according to the present invention wishes to buy goods or services from the commercial organization, he switches on his terminal and starts the communications program, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the user enters the commercial organization's address either by keying it in or by selecting it from a list stored in the personal computer.
  • the user may be given the option of using a numerical Internet address or an alphanumeric e-mail address.
  • the personal computer 1 transmits a call datagram and waits for an acknowledgement. If an acknowledgement is received, the user is notified that he is in telephonic communication with a central station operated by the commercial organization. The user may then speak with operator of the central station in the manner of a telephone call.
  • the user would then agree the details of his purchase with the central station operator.
  • the central station operator would then ask the user to swipe his credit card through the card reader 9 on the handset 3.
  • the personal computer 1 would then transmit a datagram containing the data from the credit card in encrypted form.
  • the encrypted data is received by the central station, it is decrypted and verified, and the operator given an indication of the result of the verification process. If the card data is valid and not on a list of stolen cards and the user is creditworthy, the central station operator will confirm the sale to the user and both parties would terminate the communication.
  • another terminal comprises a custom unit 10.
  • the unit 10 comprises a base portion 12 and a handset 14.
  • the base portion 12 is provided with a cradle to receive the handset when it is not in use.
  • the handset 14 is provided with a smart card reader 16.
  • the base portion 12 includes data processing circuitry providing the same functions as are possessed by the embodiment described above, including transceiving means for communicating according to the TCP/IP protocol and an encryption circuit. Since the encryption circuit is located in the base portion 12, it may be used additionally for encrypting speech signals or for encrypting a user-input PIN (personal identification number), should a PIN need to be transmitted in addition to the card data.
  • the smart card reader and encryption means may be omitted from this embodiment to provide a telephone-like apparatus suitable for organizations having a TCP/IP network.
  • a modified terminal according to the present invention has a smart card mounted in the handset in the manner of some GSM telephones. Data from the smart card would be encrypted and sent together with data from the card reader.
  • Such a terminal could be used by shops for obtaining authorisation for transactions from credit card companies. A customer in the shop would be asked to insert his credit card into the reader and its data would be encrypted and transmitted with the data from the smart card mounted in the handset. The data from the smart card mounted in the handset would identify the retailer to the credit card company.
  • Internet means the collection of networks, including ARPANET and NSFnet, amongst others, commonly referred to as “the Internet” and also any other wide area network or collection of networks which provide the same kinds of functionality as the collection of networks commonly referred to as “the Internet”.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
  • Mobile Radio Communication Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The Internet is used for both speech and data communication. A terminal is based around a personal computer (1). The terminal also includes a handset (3) which houses a microphone (5), a loudspeaker (7), a card reader (9) and a data encryption circuit for encrypting data read from a card by the card reader (9). The personal computer (1) is programmed to enable speech communication with a remote station using the handset (3) and to transmit encrypted data, read from a card, to the remote station. In another embodiment, the role of the personal computer (1) is taken by a custom base unit.

Description

Telecommunications System
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a telecommunications terminal and a method of communication.
Background to the Invention
In recent years the Internet has grown enormously in its popularity and it has been proposed that it may be used as a communications link for commercial transactions. However, conventional Internet communication has required users to have a degree of "computer literacy" which severely restricts the usefulness of the Internet for everyday transactions.
Summary of the Invention It is an aim of the present invention to provide an apparatus for conducting transactions via the Internet but which allows customers to interact with suppliers in a more natural way.
According to the present invention, there is provided a telecommunications terminal comprising a microphone, a loudspeaker, data input means for accepting data from a portable data carrier, encryption means for encrypting data input via the data input means, transceiving means configured for communication via the Internet and processing means arranged for applying digital audio signals, derived from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to the transceiving means for transmission and applying analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received by the transceiving means.
The data input means may comprise means for reading a magnetic stripe on a card or means for receiving data from a smart card.
Conveniently, a personal computer serves as the transceiving means and the processing means.
Preferably, the microphone, the loudspeaker, the data input means and the encryption means are provided in an assembly coupled to the personal j computer. More preferably, the assembly comprises a handset.
Personal computers are capable of performing some of the key functions of the present invention. Therefore, as very many people now own personal computers, the present invention extends to kit comprising an assembly io including a microphone, a loudspeaker, a data input means for accepting data from a portable data carrier, encryption means for encrypting data input via the data input means, means for coupling the microphone, the loudspeaker and encryption means to a personal computer and programming means for prograrnming a personal computer for applying digital audio signals, derived a from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to a transceiving means for transmission via the Internet and applying analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received from the Internet by the transceiving means.
20 The kit may include a modem or a network board for interfacing a personal computer to a network.
The kit may conveniently include an audio signal processing board such as those sold under the name SoundBlaster by Creative Labs., Inc..
25
The present invention also encompasses a method of communicating comprising the steps of: transmitting datagrams containing speech data between a first station and a second station via the Internet; O reading data from a card-type data carrier at the first station; encrypting said data; assembling the encrypted data into one or more datagrams and transmitting the encrypted data datagram or datagrams to the second station over the Internet; receiving the speech data datagrams at the second station and converting the data contained therein into an acoustical signal; receiving the encrypted data datagram or datagrams at the second station; and decrypting the encrypted data at the second station.
The decrypted data may be subjected to a verification process in order to establish the identity, authority or credit worthiness of a person at the first station to whom the card belongs.
An introduction to the communications protocols used by the Internet, entitled "Introduction to Internet Protocols" (Charles L. Hendrick), is available in a file named "tcpip in.faq" at http://www.eff.org/pub/Net_info /Technical/. This document provides references to various relevant technical specifications. Alternatively, the necessary information can be obtained from "TCP/IP Illustrated, Volume 1 : The Protocols", W. Richard Stevens (Addison-Wesley) ISBN 0-201-63346-9.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a terminal according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a block schematic of the handset of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the terminal of Figure
1;
Figure 4 is a more detail flow diagram of a portion of the flow diagram of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a flow chart of a detail of the operation of a central station according to the present invention; and Figure 6 shows a second embodiment of a terminal according to the present invent Description of Embodiments of the Invention
Referring to Figure 1, a terminal comprises a personal computer 1 such as an IBM-compatible PC or a PowerMac, and a handset 3. The personal computer 1 has an audio signal processing capability. In the present embodiment this is provided by a dedicated audio signal processing board. The personal computer 1 is also provided with a data communications facility. This facility may be provided by a board for interfacing it to a TCP/IP network and protocol managing software such as WinSock. However, if a direct Internet connection is not available, it can be provided by a modem for providing a link to a gateway to the Internet through the public telephone network and SLIP (serial line Internet protocol) or PPP (point-to-point protocol) communications software.
The handset 3 is similar to a conventional telephone handset and includes a microphone 5 and a loudspeaker 7. However, the handset 3 additionally comprises a swipe card reader 9.
Referring to Figure 2, data read from a card 11, such as a credit card, by the card reader 9 is transmitted to an encryption circuit 12. The card data output by the card reader 9 is preceded by a start-of-message code which the encryption circuit 11 can recognise. When the encryption circuit 11 recognises a start-of-message code, it is put into an active state wherein it performs an encryption process on data from the card reader 9 until an end- of-message code is received. The encryption may be in accordance with the data encryption standard (DES), the Rivist-Shamir-Adleman (RSA) or other algorithms.
Audio signals from the microphone 5 and encrypted data signals from the encryption circuit 11 are communicated to the personal computer 1 via a multi-conductor lead 13. The lead 13 also conveys audio signals from the personal computer 1 to the loudspeaker 7. - 5 -
The audio board of the personal computer 1 provides analogue-to-digital conversion for signals from the microphone 5 and digital-to-analogue conversion for signals being sent to the loudspeaker 7.
The personal computer 1 is programmed to assemble datagrams suitable for Internet communication from the microphone and card reader signals and to generate audio signals for driving the loudspeaker 7 from received datagrams.
The operation of the terminal of Figure 1 will now be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4.
Referring to Figure 3, when a user wishes to make use of the present invention, the user instructs the personal computer to run the appropriate program. This program comprises a first loop including a step si to determine whether the user is being called by another party, a step s2 to determine whether the user is seeking to communicate with another party and a step s3 for determining whether the user wishes to exit the program.
If an incoming call is detected at step si, the personal computer 1 determines, at step s4, whether the calling party is on a list of parties from whom communication is not desired, using the information contained in a calling datagram. If the calling party is not on that list, an acknowledgement datagram is sent at step s5 and the program flow enters a second loop, step s6, for handling communication once it has been established.
If, at step si, no incoming call is detected, step s2 is performed. If it is determined at step s2 that the user is attempting to make a call, step s7 is performed. At step s7, a call datagram is assembled with the address of the party to be called in its header and sent onto the Internet. Thereafter, the personal computer 1 waits, step s8, for up to 30s for a reply datagram from the called party. If not reply datagram is received, the program flow returns to the first message loop. On the other hand, if a reply datagram is received, - 6 - the program flow enters the second loop.
Finally, at step s3, it is determined whether the user is exiting the program.
Referring to Figure 4, the second loop comprises a step sll to determine whether there is encrypted data to be sent, a step sl2 to determine whether there is speech data to be sent, a step sl3 to determine whether a speech datagram has been received, a step sl4 to determine whether an end of communication datagram is to be sent and a step sl5 to determine whether an end of communication datagram has been received.
If it is determined, at step sll, that encrypted data is ready for transmission, an encrypted data datagram is assembled at step sl6 and then transmitted at step s!7. After step sl7, the program flow moves on to step s!2.
At step sl2, if it is determined that speech data is ready for transmission, speech data, derived from the microphone output signal, is read from a buffer and assembled into a datagram at step sl8 and then transmitted at step sl9. After step sl9, program flow moves on to step s!3.
At -step sl3, a data input buffer is checked for an incoming speech datagram. If a speech datagram has been received, the speech data is extracted at step s20. Speech datagrams may not arrive in the order in which they were transmitted. Therefore, the speech data cannot simply be converted into an analogue signal and applied to the loudspeaker 7. Instead, a buffer capable of storing Is of speech is used for re-ordering the speech data as necessary. The received speech data is stored in the appropriate location in this buffer at step s21. The correctly ordered speech data is cyclically read from the buffer, converted into an analogue signal, with any necessary timing corrections, and applied to the loudspeaker 7. After step s21, the program flow moves on to step sl4.
If it is determined, at step sl4, that the user wishes to terminate the communication, an end of communication datagram is sent at step s 22 and the program flow returns to the first loop.
If it is determined, at step sl4, that the user does not wish to terminate the communication, it is determined at step sl5 whether an end of communication datagram has been received. If an end of communication datagram has been received, the program flow returns to the first loop.
A central station for communication with the terminal described above may be similar in construction. However, the card reader would not be required. The operation of a central station would include the first loop, illustrated in Figure 3. However, the second loop would be different.
Referring to Figure 5, steps sll, sl6 and sl7 of Figure 4 are not required by the central station and have been replaced by steps s23, s24 and s25. All other steps are as described with reference to Figure 4.
At step s23, the station determines whether an encrypted data datagram has been received. If such a datagram has been received, the encrypted data is extracted at step s24 and then decrypted and verified at step s25. An operator is provided with a display of the result of the verification.
A use of the present invention will now be described, by way of further explanation.
The central station is operated on behalf of a commercial organization selling goods or services. When a user of a terminal according to the present invention wishes to buy goods or services from the commercial organization, he switches on his terminal and starts the communications program, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. The user enters the commercial organization's address either by keying it in or by selecting it from a list stored in the personal computer. The user may be given the option of using a numerical Internet address or an alphanumeric e-mail address. Once the address has been entered, the personal computer 1 transmits a call datagram and waits for an acknowledgement. If an acknowledgement is received, the user is notified that he is in telephonic communication with a central station operated by the commercial organization. The user may then speak with operator of the central station in the manner of a telephone call.
The user would then agree the details of his purchase with the central station operator. The central station operator would then ask the user to swipe his credit card through the card reader 9 on the handset 3. The personal computer 1 would then transmit a datagram containing the data from the credit card in encrypted form. When the encrypted data is received by the central station, it is decrypted and verified, and the operator given an indication of the result of the verification process. If the card data is valid and not on a list of stolen cards and the user is creditworthy, the central station operator will confirm the sale to the user and both parties would terminate the communication.
Referring to Figure 5, another terminal according to the present invention comprises a custom unit 10. The unit 10 comprises a base portion 12 and a handset 14. The base portion 12 is provided with a cradle to receive the handset when it is not in use. The handset 14 is provided with a smart card reader 16.
The base portion 12 includes data processing circuitry providing the same functions as are possessed by the embodiment described above, including transceiving means for communicating according to the TCP/IP protocol and an encryption circuit. Since the encryption circuit is located in the base portion 12, it may be used additionally for encrypting speech signals or for encrypting a user-input PIN (personal identification number), should a PIN need to be transmitted in addition to the card data. The smart card reader and encryption means may be omitted from this embodiment to provide a telephone-like apparatus suitable for organizations having a TCP/IP network.
In the foregoing description, reference has been made to credit cards. However, it will be appreciated that any card containing information for authorizing the transfer of funds may be used. The present invention also extends to the use of cards which merely serve to identify a user, for example a membership card.
A modified terminal according to the present invention has a smart card mounted in the handset in the manner of some GSM telephones. Data from the smart card would be encrypted and sent together with data from the card reader. Such a terminal could be used by shops for obtaining authorisation for transactions from credit card companies. A customer in the shop would be asked to insert his credit card into the reader and its data would be encrypted and transmitted with the data from the smart card mounted in the handset. The data from the smart card mounted in the handset would identify the retailer to the credit card company.
As used herein, the term "Internet" means the collection of networks, including ARPANET and NSFnet, amongst others, commonly referred to as "the Internet" and also any other wide area network or collection of networks which provide the same kinds of functionality as the collection of networks commonly referred to as "the Internet".
In the foregoing, reference has been made to card readers. The is term has been used for convenience and it will be appreciated that these devices may also be capable of writing data to cards.

Claims

Claims
1. A telecommunications terminal comprising a microphone (5), a loudspeaker (7), data input means (9; 16) for accepting data from a portable data carrier (11), encryption means (12) for encrypting data input via the data input means, transceiving means (1;12) configured for communication via the Internet and processing means (1;12) arranged for applying digital audio signals, derived from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to the transceiving means for transmission and applying analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received by the transceiving means.
2. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data input means comprises means (9) for reading a magnetic stripe on a card.
3. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein the data input means comprises means (16) for receiving data from a smart card.
4. A terminal according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein a personal computer (1) serves as the transceiving means and the processing means.
5. A terminal according to claim 4, wherein the microphone, the loudspeaker, the data input means and the encryption means are provided in an assembly (3) coupled to the personal computer.
6. A terminal according to claim 5, wherein said assembly comprises a handset (3).
7. A kit comprising an assembly (3) including a microphone (5), a loudspeaker (7), a data input means (9) for accepting data from a portable data carrier, encryption means (12) for encrypting data input via the data input means, means (13) for coupling the microphone, the loudspeaker and encryption means to a personal computer (1) and programming means for programming a personal computer for applying digital audio signals, derived from the microphone output, and encrypted data signals from the encryption means, to a transceiving means for transmission via the Internet and applying J analogue audio signals to the loudspeaker in dependence on signals received from the Internet by the transceiving means.
8. A kit according to claim 7, including a modem.
io 9. A kit according to claim 7, including a network board.
10. A kit according to claim 7, 8 or 9, including an audio signal processing board.
15 11. A kit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the data input means comprises means (9) for reading a magnetic stripe on a card.
12. A kit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the data input means comprises means for receiving data from a smart card.
20
13. A method of communication comprising the steps of: transmitting datagrams containing speech data between a first station and a second station via the Internet; reading data from a card-type data carrier (11) at the first station; 5 encrypting said data; assembling the encrypted data into one or more datagrams and transmitting the encrypted data datagram or datagrams to the second station over the
Internet; receiving the speech data datagrams at the second station and converting the O data contained therein into an acoustical signal; receiving the encrypted data datagram or datagrams at the second station; and decrypting the encrypted data at the second station.
14. A terminal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A terminal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.
EP96900034A 1995-11-23 1996-01-04 Telecommunications system Withdrawn EP0875047A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9523987 1995-11-23
GB9523987A GB2309615B (en) 1995-11-23 1995-11-23 Telecommuncations system
PCT/GB1996/000008 WO1997019519A2 (en) 1995-11-23 1996-01-04 Telecommunications system

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0875047A2 true EP0875047A2 (en) 1998-11-04

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ID=10784354

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96900034A Withdrawn EP0875047A2 (en) 1995-11-23 1996-01-04 Telecommunications system

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EP (1) EP0875047A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2000500939A (en)
AU (1) AU4312596A (en)
GB (1) GB2309615B (en)
WO (1) WO1997019519A2 (en)

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CA2249142A1 (en) * 1998-10-01 2000-04-01 Chih-Tien Tang Non-computer processing system using internet to transceive voice, graph and word for instant voice communication and fax transmission
GB2353889B (en) * 1999-09-02 2003-12-31 John Wolfgang Halpern Telephone-supported travel pass for the transfer of funds and of authentic entitlement passes or tickets
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US7418255B2 (en) 2002-02-21 2008-08-26 Bloomberg Finance L.P. Computer terminals biometrically enabled for network functions and voice communication
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WO1997019519A3 (en) 1997-06-26
JP2000500939A (en) 2000-01-25
WO1997019519A2 (en) 1997-05-29
AU4312596A (en) 1997-06-11
GB9523987D0 (en) 1996-01-24
GB2309615A (en) 1997-07-30
GB2309615B (en) 1998-01-07

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