FR2626730A1 - Method for passing an instruction and installation for implementing the method - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for passing an instruction capable of being expressed in the form of an alphanumeric code E, by an order giver P, by telephone to at least one beneficiary M, which includes the succession of following phases: a phase of establishing a telephone link in which the order giver P establishes a telephone link with an order receiver R by means of a telephone set 1; a phase of identification of the order giver P by the order receiver R; and a phase of passing the instruction by the order giver P to the order receiver R in which the order giver dials, on the set 1, the code E corresponding to the instruction to be given; the order receiver R communicating the instruction or the corresponding code to the beneficiary M.

Description

PROCESS FOR PASSING INSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION FOR
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROCESS.

The invention relates to a method and an installation for passing on an instruction, which can be expressed in the form of an alphanumeric code, by a client, by telephone, to at least one beneficiary.

The invention applies more particularly but not limited to the case where the instruction is a sum of money to be transferred from the account of a principal to the account of a beneficiary and this thanks to the medium of a network. appropriate telephone. This sum of money can be transferred as consideration for the supply of goods and / or services or without consideration as a gift.

There are already known methods for passing an instruction by telephone. A known method consists, for example, in placing the ordering party on the telephone with the beneficiary, using the telephone network, and giving an instruction order by voice. This process has the drawback, however, of not being automated, of requiring operators capable of receiving verbal messages from principals and, finally, is a source of errors. In another known method, used in particular for mail order sales or even access to telematic services, the client uses a telephone set with a screen keyboard, such as that known in France under the name of
MINITEL ". Such a process is well suited to a use intended to last a long period of time. On the other hand, this process is not suitable for operations limited in time.

And, in any case, this process requires not only the possession of a screen keyboard but also a certain dexterity.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a method of placing an instruction such as the transfer of a sum of money in a simple manner, not requiring the presence of operators in large numbers capable of allowing the implementation of the process, not requiring the use of a screen keyboard, not requiring knowledge or particular dexterity, not requiring the use of speech.

To this end, a method according to the invention is such that it comprises the following succession of operating phases: a first phase of establishment of a telephone connection in which the originator establishes a telephone connection with a receiver of order by means of a telephone set a second phase of identification of the ordering party by the ordering party, once the telephone connection has been established; and a third phase of instruction by the originator to the receiver, in which, the telephone link remaining established, the originator dials, on the telephone set itself, the code corresponding to the instruction to be given; the receiver communicating the instruction or the code corresponding to the beneficiary.

The invention is adapted according to its variants of implementation, both to telephone payment operations as to operations benefiting from the support of means of communication, operations in which appeal is made to the generosity of the public.

The other characteristics of the invention will result from the description which follows with reference to the single appended figure which is a purely schematic view of a possible diagram of the operation of the method according to the invention, in the case of the variant where there is payment of a donation (or equivalent).

The invention therefore relates to a method and an installation for passing on an instruction which can be expressed in the form of an alphanumeric code E, by an originator P to at least one beneficiary M and this thanks to a telephone network.

The ordering party P is constituted by any person capable of operating a telephone set 1 known per se, of the general type comprising a keyboard or dial 1a and a handset 1b. Telephone station 1 is the ordering party P or any other telephone station. The telephone set 1 is an individual set or a public set operating itself by means of coins, tokens, cards, etc.

Beneficiary M is a person known by his identity as well as by the fact that he can receive instructions from principals P. Beneficiary M is, for example, a company supplying goods or services or a association or a charitable or other group or a financial collection company, (such as a financial organization).

The instruction E can in general be of any kind, since it can be expressed in an alphanumeric way using an E. code. Preferentially, it is a numerical code -account-kept the current presentation of keypads or dials - with a limited number of digits (for example of the order of three to six)
In the envisaged case where the instruction is a sum of money, the code E is constituted by the sum of money itself.

Where appropriate and depending on the applications envisaged, special conditions for using the process may be provided, in particular with regard to the number of digits of the instruction code E, the presence or absence of commas or additional indications such as than Francs, or cents (in the case where the instruction is a sum of money), etc.

The method according to the invention also involves a receiver of order R. The receiver of order R preferably belongs to the telephone network and is constituted, for example, by a telephone exchange, in particular on an operator. In this case, the receiver of order R is distinct from the beneficiary M. However, it is also conceivable that there is identity between the beneficiary M and the receiver of order R.

The method according to the invention most often involves a plurality of P principals. These may be, if necessary, in large numbers. Also, one or more order receivers R can be provided, depending on the conformation of the telephone network. Finally, at a given moment, there may be one or more beneficiaries M.

According to an important characteristic of the invention, the execution of an instruction by a principal P can be carried out by means of a simple telephone set 1, known per se, in real time, without the use of speech, by successive operations of manipulation of the keyboard or the dial of this station 1. In particular, the invention can be implemented without the need, in addition to the telephone set 1, for a screen keyboard such as those currently in place at users and known as "MINITEL".

The telephone network itself is not directly the subject of the invention and it matters little to know under what conditions and with what means the telephone connections are established between the originator P and the receiver of order
R.

The method according to the invention comprises a succession of operating phases. The first of these operating phases is a phase of establishing a telephone link in which the originator P establishes a telephone connection with the receiver of order M and this by means of the telephone set 1.

The establishment of this telephone connection is shown schematically in the figure by the arrow a. This first phase aims to guarantee the autonomy of the client P's will.

The method according to the invention then comprises a second phase of identification of the ordering party by the ordering party, once the telephone connection has been established. This phase aims to allow the receiver of order R to ensure that the person handling the telephone set 1 is indeed the payer having the capacity and the will to give an instruction. This second phase of identification of the ordering party P by the ordering party R takes place once the telephone connection has been established.

The method according to the invention finally comprises a third phase of passing of the instruction proper by the originator P to the receiver of order R. In this phase, the telephone connection remains established and the originator P dials , on telephone set 1, the code E corresponding to the instruction to be given.

Furthermore, the order receiver R communicates the instruction or the E code corresponding to the beneficiary M. This communication is made in real time or deferred. This communication is made automatically or by its own operation.

Thanks to the process according to the invention defined by these three operating phases, the ordering party P can give the ordering party
R and, beyond, to the beneficiary M an instruction in one go, directly, by simple manipulation of the telephone station 1 and without recourse to speech. In addition, the order receiver R can receive instructions from different order originators P in real time and without requiring operators.

The three operational phases which have just been described constitute a first sequence for the passing of an instruction.

At the end of this first sequence, the telephone link is cut, either automatically, or by a specific operation by the ordering party P (who * hangs up the telephone 1). The method according to the invention may also include a second sequence for canceling said instruction, shifted in time later with respect to the first sequence. This second sequence is planned in the case of a payment without consideration (donation). It is not foreseen in the case of payment with consideration.

As we have understood, the first sequence takes place in one go, that is to say over a fairly short period of time, in particular of the order of a minute and which can be between thirty seconds and a few minutes.

The second cancellation sequence allows the originator P to cancel an order that he would have placed previously. This cancellation sequence can be implemented over a certain period of time following the first instruction execution sequence.

In the second identification phase, the originator P can dial on the telephone set 1 a confidential code B corresponding to his identity, or to an account of a financial organization allowing identity verification.

The third stage of execution of the instruction may itself include several successive stages, namely, according to a possible variant in the case of payment without consideration (gift), a stage in which the originator P composes, on the telephone set 1, a beneficiary telephone number C able to identify the beneficiary M. This step is particularly useful in the case where there are several beneficiaries M simultaneously or close in time to one another. Even in the absence of a plurality of beneficiaries M, this step has the advantage of ensuring a control of the destination of the instruction passed by the originator P to the receiver of order R. Then, the third phase of the instruction comprises a second step in which the originator P composes, on the telephone set 1, a confirmation code D of the execution of an instruction. The subsequent stage of the third phase is that in which the originator P composes, still on the telephone set 1, the code E. Finally, the third stage of placing an instruction comprises a final stage in which the originator P dials, on the telephone set 1, a registration code F of the execution of the instruction.

The existence of confirmation codes D and registration F are preferential and that of the corresponding steps likewise.

However, the codes are not essential and processes can be devised in which these codes D and F do not exist.

Preferably, the confirmation code D and the registration code F are each a binary code with two positions O or 1. In particular, the value O of each of these codes can correspond to a cancellation instruction while the value 1 can correspond respectively to a confirmation or a recording.

According to another possible variant, in the case of payment with consideration, the call number initially made by the originator P corresponds to the beneficiary B, so that the originator P must only make one number telephone and not two as in the first variant described.

This structure of the process is such that the second cancellation sequence, as far as it exists, can also include a first and a second phase similar to the first and second phase of the instruction execution sequence and a third phase of cancellation of the instruction by the originator P in which, the telephone link being established, the originator P composes, on the telephone set 1, a cancellation code and the code corresponding to the instruction is E In practice, the cancellation code is the confirmation code D with the value 0.

In this way, the first sequence of execution of an instruction and the second sequence of cancellation are structurally identical, the values 1 being given to the confirmation code D and of registration F in the case of the first sequence of execution of l instruction and the values O being given to the two codes D and F in the case of the second cancellation sequence.

Preferably, a signal is provided allowing the client to move from one step to the next step of the process.

The codes dialed by the originator P themselves have the effect of taking the receiver of order R to the next step.

The signal perceived by the originator P can be either an explicit signal such as a tone or an implicit signal resulting from the lapse of a certain sufficiently long period of time.

Reference is now made to the appended figure which gives a typical example of implementation of the method which has just been described, in the case of the payment of a sum of money without consideration.

Initially, the client has a confidential identity code B and a telephone set 1. Obtaining a confidential identity code B can be achieved by any appropriate means. In particular, the originator P can benefit from a card such as those currently known as "TELECOM CARDS" allowing access to the telephone network and billing on behalf of an originator as soon as the latter gave his confidential code B.

Initially, the originator P dials on the keyboard or dial a special telephone number A of the telephone line.

This special call number can be, for example, a two-digit number such as 10 which allows, in France, precisely, the use of the "TELECOM CARD". The fact of having dialed the special call number A allows the establishment of the telephone connection a between the originator P and the receiver of order
R. Preferably, as indicated above, a signal T1 is sent to the originator P which allows the latter to go to the next step. Throughout the process, the telephone connection has remained established. Upon receipt of the signal T1, the originator P can dial on the keyboard or dial his confidential code B as well as the call number of the beneficiary C. This operation is generally carried out in two stages with a T2 signal in between. . For example, the process is such that the confidential code B is dialed before the call number of the beneficiary C
After a signal T3, the originator P composes, still on the keyboard or screen la, the confirmation code D. More particularly and insofar as the originator P wants to pass an instruction, he composes the code 1 On the contrary, if he wishes to cancel a previous instruction, he dials the code 0.

If necessary and as far as the process provides, there is a signal T4 and after this signal, the originator P composes the code E corresponding to the instruction to be passed.

As we have understood, the code E corresponds to the "quantitative" value of the instruction, the order to actually do this instruction or not to do it being given by the other confirmation or record D and F.

Then, finally, after a signal T5, the originator P can dial the registration code F either the value 1 if he wishes to confirm his instruction, or the value O if he does not wish to confirm this instruction, c that is, if he wishes to cancel it.

We then understand that the receiver of order R has successively entered the identity of the originator, the identity of the beneficiary, the direction of the order (order to do or on the contrary not to do is i.e. cancellation) and the very quantitative value of the order.

The receiver of order R can then establish documents, information carriers or other1 2a, 2b, on the one hand for the originator P and, on the other hand for the beneficiary M. For example, it is acts, for the originator P of an invoice which is addressed to the originator P. For the beneficiary M, it is a listing of the originators with the instruction codes E or any information expressing this code.

The document 2a intended for the originator B can be sent to it and the reception of this document 2A by the originator B can give rise to the cancellation process which has been previously described.

The method can be the subject of numerous variants of detail with regard to the subsequent processing of the instruction, both by the beneficiary M and for the originator P. In particular and in the case of a transfer instruction a sum of money from the account of the principal P to the account of the beneficiary B, the process of direct debit from the account of the principal P and the process by which the account of the beneficiary B can be credited 'object of many variants.

In the case of payment of a sum of money with consideration, the process is as follows: the principal P dials on telephone set 1 a special number corresponding to beneficiary B. After the identification of the principal order P, the latter can dial on the keyboard or the dial the amount of the amount of money to be paid including the cents, for example by means of a signal between the francs and the cents.

The ordering party P can also enter the validation codes, as in the first variant. The principal P also dials the reference, for example, from the account number of a financial institution with which the beneficiary has an account. Consequently, the transaction made allows the transfer of the amount composed by the originator P on the account of the originator P to the account of beneficiary B.

The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the method which has just been described.

Such an installation comprises a telephone network which is not in itself the subject of the present invention and comprising at least one telephone exchange constituting in particular a receiver of order R and a plurality of telephone sets 1 connected to the exchanges by telephone connection means , a special telephone number A of the telephone line allowing the implementation of the method being provided and which can be dialed from the various telephone sets 1. The means of telephone connection by cables, radio-relay systems, satellites or the like do not the object of the invention.

The installation is such that it also includes electronic means forming part of the telephone network and in particular central offices, capable of responding to a code received from a telephone set 1 in order to enter this code or information equivalent to that ci and, on the other hand, cause the advancement of the process. In particular, these electronic means are counting means.

Claims (2)

CLAIM * 9  1. Installation to transfer a sum of money by telephone  which can be expressed by a code (E), in particular the sum  money itself, from a principal (P) to a  beneficiary (M), characterized in that it comprises  a telephone network comprising at least one central office  telephone constituting the receiver of order R and a  plurality of telephone sets (1) connected for  principals (P) to central offices by means of liaison  telephone by cables, radio-relay systems, satellites or  others, special telephone line number  allowing the transfer by telephone of sums of money  being planned and can be dialed from the stations  telephone (1); and electronic means of the network  telephone, in particular exchanges, capable of answering the  code received from a telephone set to firstly enter  this code or equivalent information and, on the other  part, cause the advancement of the implementation process of  the installation and therefore the transfer of the sum of money  dialed on the telephone sets at beneficiary (M). 2. Installation according to claim 1, characterized by the  the fact that said electronic means are means of  counting.