FR2843667A1 - Telecommunications network access code distribution mechanism having access code recovery unit communicating network and remote code loading distant operator systems with local network/local terminal distributing - Google Patents

Abstract

The access code distribution mechanism has an access code recovery unit (7) in communication with a telecommunications network (5). There are a number of distant operator systems (6) for remote code loading. A local unit (10) communicates via the telecommunications network to a local distribution terminal network (3) to transmit the access codes to the local distribution terminal.

Description

Device for distributing access codes to a network of

  telecommunication and associated distribution method.

  The present invention relates to a device for distributing 5 access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators, and a method of

  distribution of associated access codes.

  Telephone operators, to whom users turn to gain access to telecommunications networks, 10 offer prepaid products. To benefit from such offers, a customer goes to a retailer to buy a card containing a telecommunication network access code. The user dials a particular telephone number, then dials the access code and benefits from the possibility of exchanging data, for example a given communication time, or a given number of messages, for example type Short Message System (SMS), or a given amount of data to be transmitted, corresponding to the amount it has prepaid. To be able to meet the demand of its customers, the retailer 20 must have a stock of prepaid product cards corresponding to different operators, and different offers for each operator. To build up such a stock, the retailer must provide a cash advance to each supplier who delivers prepaid products. Furthermore, a stock of prepaid products can represent a large sum of money which can expose the retailer to theft risks.

  Counting errors can occur in the delivery of cards.

  In addition, in the event of significant consumption by users due to unusual attendance, the retailer may find himself out of stock, and therefore unable to satisfy his customers.

  The present invention relates to a device for distributing access codes to at least one telecommunications network accessible via several operators, offering improved security for retailers, as well as ease of use and

improved management.

  The present invention also relates to an access code device allowing improved control of distribution operations, greater responsiveness when receiving orders, and reduction in distribution and reception costs.

some orders.

  Such a device for distributing access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators comprises a distribution server provided with an access code recovery unit, in communication via a telecommunication network with a plurality of remote operator systems for retrieving access codes specific to each operator, and a local transmission unit 15 in communication via a telecommunication network with at least one local distribution terminal, for transmission to the local code distribution terminal

  of access relating to several operators.

  Telecommunication networks can be the same or different. The transmission of access codes to local distribution terminals via a telecommunications network makes it possible to avoid the transport and storage of cards on which are

worn access codes.

  The recovery unit can download access codes 25 relating to different operators and different offers from each operator. Thus, a retailer can easily have access to offers from different operators. Operators can offer their

  products more easily to retailers.

  The local transmission unit can, for example as a function of commands issued from the local distribution terminals, transmit to the latter access codes relating to different operators and even different offers from each operator according to customer demand. to a retailer with a terminal

distribution room.

  The transmission of access codes via a

  telecommunications network also improves responsiveness.

  As soon as an order is received by the distribution server, the order can be processed immediately for sending access codes to a local distribution terminal. Preferably, the distribution server comprises a database of operators comprising access codes relating to different operators. Thus, the distribution server permanently includes a "buffer" stock of access codes retrieved from the operators' remote systems and which can be distributed to the local distribution terminals, in order to improve the responsiveness of the distribution server vis with respect to local distribution terminals In one embodiment, the local transmission unit comprises a module for receiving a command sent by a local distribution terminal, a module for processing the command, and a module of transmission for sending to the terminal

  local distribution of access codes depending on the order.

  In one embodiment, the local transmission unit comprises a module for identifying a local distribution terminal upon receipt of an access code command,

  for the validation of said order.

  The local distribution terminals can be in communication with the distribution server simply by means of a telecommunication network of the telephone network type. A telephone network can be of the wired, GSM,

  GPRS, UMTS, etc. Local distribution terminals may advantageously be of the cell phone, handheld, laptop, or computer type. Therefore, it is necessary, upon receipt of an order, to be able to identify with certainty the local distribution terminal.

  For example, provision may be made for an access code to be sent together with an order from a local distribution terminal. Consequently, the distribution server can include a database of pre-registered retailers identified with the aid of an identification number of the local distribution terminal transmitted with

  the order and the identification code accompanying the order.

  Of course, all the transmission of commands and access codes as well as any other communication between the distribution server and a local distribution terminal, as well as the distribution server and remote operator systems can advantageously be secure, in particular by encryption of the transmitted data. In one embodiment, the distribution server 10 comprises a management unit for establishing reports of reception of access codes from operators and transmission of access codes to at least one local distribution terminal. The management unit makes it possible to know precisely the quantity of access codes transmitted to a local distribution terminal, for example for issuing invoices, or sending

promotional offers.

  In one embodiment, a local distribution terminal comprises data communication means intended to be connected to a telecommunications network, a memory for the temporary recording of access codes, and a management interface adapted for the consultation of the access codes available in the memory, the establishment of commands and the reception of access codes. The memory of the local distribution terminal allows the reception and storage of a certain quantity of access codes to a telecommunications network by means of different

  operators to facilitate the distribution of access codes to customers.

  The management interface allows a retailer to instantly know their stock of access codes and to be able to place orders accordingly. Orders placed with the distribution server via a telecommunications network are made quickly, which allows great responsiveness. Given the responsiveness of the distribution system, it is not necessary to store large quantities of access codes,

  so the retailer does not make a substantial cash advance.

  The invention also relates to a method of distributing access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators, in which access codes are retrieved from different operators, via 5 d '' a telecommunications network, and access codes relating to different operators are transmitted to at least one local distribution terminal by means of a telecommunications network as a function of a command sent from the local distribution terminal . After receiving an order from a local distribution terminal and transmitted via a telecommunications network accompanied by an identification code entered at the time of transmission, the local terminal is identified.

  distribution to confirm the order.

  In one embodiment, data relating to access offers from an operator are recovered from an operator, this data is recorded, and this data is subsequently transmitted to a local distribution terminal during a connection with said

local distribution terminal.

  In one embodiment, during a connection with a local distribution terminal, update data is transmitted from a management interface operated on the local distribution terminal.

  The present invention and its advantages will be better understood on studying the detailed description of an embodiment taken as

  of nonlimiting example and illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which - Figure 1 is a schematic overview of a dispensing device according to one aspect of the invention; - Figure 2 is a schematic functional view of a local distribution terminal; - Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating steps of distributing access codes; and - Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating steps of

distribution of access codes.

  In FIG. 1, a distribution device referenced 1 as a whole comprises a distribution server 2 and local distribution terminals 5 3, here four in number, connected to the distribution server.

  distribution 2 via a telecommunications network 4.

  The distribution server 2 is also connected by a telecommunications network 5 to remote systems 6 of operators of access to at least one telecommunications network. There are three remote systems 10 of operators 6 here.

  The distribution server 2 includes a recovery unit 7 for access codes connected to the second telecommunications network 5 so that it can be put into communication with the different remote systems 6 of the operators. The recovery unit 7 comprises a transmission module 8 for the transmission of data to the remote systems 6 and a reception module 9 for the recovery of data from the remote systems

  6, and in particular access codes specific to each operator.

  The distribution server 2 also comprises a local transmission unit 10 connected to the first telecommunications network 4 to be put in communication with the local distribution terminals 3. The local transmission unit 10 comprises a module 11 for receiving data in from the local terminals 3, a command processing module 12 from the local terminals 25, a module for sending data 13 to the local terminals, and an identification module 14 for identifying a local terminal

  upon receipt of an order.

  The distribution server 2 comprises an operator database 15 for the storage of data relating to the remote operators 30, in particular the storage of access codes and of data corresponding to the offers of the various operators. The distribution system 2 includes a customer database 16 for the storage of information relating to customers, and in particular to orders placed by customers. The distribution system 2 also comprises a central management unit 35 connected by links 17, 18, 19 and 20 respectively to the recovery unit 7, the local transmission unit 10, the database of operators 15,

and the customer database 16.

  In FIG. 2, the references to elements similar to those of FIG. 1 have been repeated, a local distribution terminal 3 comprises a reception module 21, a transmission module 22, a local memory 23, and a touch screen 24 A management interface 25 is connected respectively by links 26, 27, 28, 29 to the reception module 10, to the transmission module 22, to the local memory 23

  and to the display screen 24. The management interface 25 is also connected by an external link 30 to a printer 31, for printing data, comprising for example an access code, the printout being delivered to a customer during the transaction with the retailer.

  The distribution system 2 is provided for recovering access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators, and distributing these access codes to local distribution terminals 3 constituting points of sale to individuals. The network access codes of

  telecommunications are for single use only.

  A distribution process, in particular stages of

  downloading of access codes from an operator is described below with reference to FIG. 3, retaining the references to FIGS. 1 and 2.

  Data relating to different operators is recorded in the operator database 15. This data includes an operator record for each operator. An operator file includes different offer labels corresponding to the different operator offers. Each offer label includes a characteristics tab containing information relating to the characteristics of the offer and possibly promotional offers, and a code tab comprising single-use access codes downloaded from the operators' remote systems 6, and allowing, when dialed from a telecommunication terminal of the mobile telephone type, to access the

  telecommunications network by benefiting from prepaid services.

  During a first step 40, the management unit 35 of the distribution server 5 2 interrogates the database of operators 15 for

  know the state of stocks of access codes to the different offers of each operator. To do this, the management unit 35 consults for each operator file the offer labels, and for each label the tab corresponding to the single-use access codes 10 available in the operator database 15 .

  When the management unit 35 determines that an amount of access codes relating to a particular offer is insufficient in the database of operators 15, for example as a function of a predetermined threshold, or of an established threshold statistically as a function of consumption, the management unit 35 goes to a next step 41 during which it establishes an order intended for an operator. During step 41, the management unit determines an operator, a particular offer, and an amount of access codes to order. Optionally, to limit the number of connections, you can

  plan to group orders for each operator, for example at a specific time of the day. The alert thresholds will then be predetermined to keep a minimum stock making it possible to satisfy orders from retailers 25 for a day.

  During a next step 42, the management unit 35 transmits the command to the command transmission module 8 of the recovery unit 7. The recovery unit 7 establishes telecommunications with a system remote from the operator 30 corresponding to the order, via the network of

  telecommunication 5, and sends the established command.

  During a next step 43, during a connection with a remote system 6 of an operator, the reception module 9 downloads a delivery from a remote system 6 of an operator. Delivery corresponds to a prior order. The delivery is transmitted to the management unit 35 which classifies the data contained in the delivery. The management unit 35 registers in the operator database 15 the access codes corresponding to the offer and to the operator designated by the delivery. Optionally, the management unit 35 can also receive, upon delivery, specific data relating to new offers or promotional offers. In this case, the management unit 35 can automatically create new labels or new tabs for the classification of these new offers or these promotional offers. During a next step 44, the management unit 35 accounts for the access codes received from each operator, for

each offer.

  During a next step 45, the management unit 35 can establish an operator report for an operator of the distribution device, the report containing the information relating to the various orders placed with an operator, in particular for the establishment

invoices.

  Steps of a distribution process, more particularly steps of ordering products from a local distribution terminal, are described with reference to FIG. 4, keeping the

reference to Figures 1 and 2.

  A local distribution terminal 3 comprises in the local memory 23 operator files comprising the relative information

  to the different operators, each operator file comprising a label for each particular offer, each offer label comprising a description tab and a tab comprising

  different access codes for single use.

  To sell a single-use access code, a retailer consults the access codes it has in memory via the display screen 24 on which the display of information is

  controlled by the management interface 25.

  During a first step 46, the management interface 25 of the local distribution terminal causes the display of a menu making it possible to choose a type of network, for example wired network, GSM network, UMTS network, or GPRS network. The retailer selects 5 a particular type of telecommunications network by acting on the touch screen 24 in the area defined visually as

  corresponding to said telecommunications network.

  During the next step 47, the management interface 25 causes the display of the different operators offering services on the type of telecommunications network selected. The retailer can then

  select a particular operator.

  During a next step 48, the management interface 25 causes the display of the different offers of the operator

  selected by the retailer in the previous step.

  By selecting a particular offer, the retailer causes the display, in a next step 49, of a screen comprising a tactile zone for printing confirmation of an access code corresponding to the offer, and a zone touchscreen for displaying

characteristics of the offer.

  From then on, the retailer can consult the characteristics of the offer, for example to inform a customer, or print directly

  the access code to give it to the customer.

  In a next step 50, the retailer orders the printing of a code. The management interface 25 interrogates the memory 25 23 to recover an access code corresponding to the selected offer. The interface 25 transmits the access code to the printer 30 for printing a ticket comprising the access code. During a next step 51, the interface 25 stores in the memory the operation for selling the access code. The access code being for single use, the sales record of the access code in the memory 23 causes the erasure of the access code from the memory 23, or possibly by the passage of an indicator associated with the code. a

  "available" state to an "unavailable" state.

  During a next step 52, the management interface can cause the display on the screen 24 of a management screen comprising for example an area for consulting the quantities of products still in stock in the memory 23, a zone for the establishment 5 of an order for products to be sent to the distribution server 2, a zone for the establishment of a sales report for the day, the week or the month, and a help zone allowing display

  information that may assist the retailer.

  Thus, the retailer can consult the quantities of access codes 10 still available in the memory 23. Depending on the quantities available, the retailer can decide to establish an order. Optionally, provision may be made for alert signals to be sent to the retailer as a function of predetermined thresholds, to indicate to him that quantities of available access codes have fallen below a predetermined, fixed threshold. or

established by the retailer.

  During a step 53, a retailer establishes an order. The command is transmitted by the management interface 25 to the transmission module 22, which communicates with the distribution server 2, and in particular the local transmission unit 10, for the transmission of the command. At the time of transmission of the order, an identification code is requested from the retailer, who can enter it using the touch screen 24 or a keyboard (not

  shown in Figures 1 and 2), and transmitted with the command.

  The command includes at least one operator, at least one

  operator's offer, and the quantity of prepaid products desired.

  During a next step 54, the reception module 11 of

  the local distribution unit 10 receives the order.

  During an intermediate identification step 55, the reception module 11 transmits to the identification module 14 an identifier of the local distribution terminal 3, accompanied by the identification code. The identification module interrogates via the management unit 35 the customer database 16 to determine whether the identification code corresponds to the identification number. If this is the case, the order is validated and will be processed. Otherwise, the command is rejected, and an alert message may

  be sent to the terminal where the order comes from.

  When the order is validated, during a next step 56, the reception module 11 transmits the order to the processing module 12. The latter recovers, via the management unit 35, the ordered codes corresponding to different offers and to

  different operators in the operator database.

  Then, during a next transmission step 57, the data is encrypted and then sent to the local distribution terminal 3 using the transmission module 13 which establishes communication with the local distribution terminal 3 by

  through the telecommunications network 4.

  During a next local reception step 58, the reception module 22 of the local terminal, during a connection to the telecommunications network 4, receives the command. The latter is then transmitted to the management interface 25 which writes in the memory 23 the access codes received, as well as the other data, for example relating to new offers or promotional offers. In the case of reception of data relating to new offers, it is possible to provide that the management interface causes the display of a notch in order to inform the retailer, and to encourage him to

consult the new offers.

  When the management unit 35 retrieves access codes from different offers and different operators from the operator database 25 to transmit them to a local distribution terminal, the management unit 35 records in the database customers the data of the order transmitted by the processing module 12 of the local distribution unit 10, in a file corresponding to a customer. The management unit 35 also erases the access codes from the operator database so that they are no longer counted during quantity verification operations.

available later.

  Thanks to the invention, a distribution device is obtained allowing the transmission and downloading of access codes to local distribution terminals, constituting points of sale to individuals, in a secure manner, and making it possible to avoid transport. 5 and the storage of goods representing sums of money

  may expose retailers to theft or loss.

  The distribution system offers great responsiveness, which allows retailers to place orders in smaller quantities to avoid cash advances. Furthermore, in the event of significant consumption, the retailers can react immediately. The

  retailers can have access to offers from different operators, which allows a diversification of the offer provided by each retailer.

  For operators, the distribution device allows

  diversification of points of sale.

Claims (9)

  1. Device for distributing access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators, characterized in that it comprises a distribution server (2) provided with a recovery unit ( 7) of access codes, in communication via a telecommunications network (5) with a plurality of remote operator systems (6) for the downloading of access codes specific to each operator, and a local transmission unit (10) in communication via a telecommunication network with at least one local distribution terminal (3), for the transmission to the local distribution terminal of access codes relating to several operators.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the distribution server (2) comprises a database   operators (15) for storing access codes.   3. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that the local transmission unit 20 (10) comprises a module for receiving (11) an order sent by a local distribution terminal (3), a module for processing the order (13) , and a transmission module (12) for sending access codes to the local distribution terminal (3) according to the order.   4. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that the local transmission unit (10) comprises an identification module (13) of a local distribution terminal (3) upon receipt of an access code command,   for the validation of said order.   5. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that the distribution server (2) comprises a management unit (35) for drawing up reports of reception of access codes from operators and transmission of access codes to at least a local terminal of distribution (3).   6. Device according to any one of the claims   above, characterized in that a local distribution terminal 5 (3) comprises data communication means provided for   be connected to a telecommunications network (21, 22), a memory (23) for the temporary recording of access codes, and a management interface (25) adapted for consulting the access codes available in the memory , placing orders and receiving access codes.   7. Method for distributing access codes to at least one telecommunication network accessible via several operators, in which access codes are recovered from different operators, via a network of 15 telecommunication (5), and access codes relating to different operators are transmitted to at least one local distribution terminal (3) via a functioning telecommunication network (4)   an order issued from the local distribution terminal (3).   8. Method according to claim 7, characterized in that, after receipt of an order from a local distribution terminal (3) and transmitted via a telecommunications network (4) being accompanied an identification code entered at the time of transmission, the   local distribution terminal (3) to confirm the order.   9. Method according to any one of claims 7 or 8,   characterized by the fact that data relating to access offers from an operator are recovered from an operator and this data is recorded, and this data is subsequently transmitted to a local distribution terminal (3) during a connection with said local distribution terminal (3).   1O.A method according to any one of claims 7 to 9,   characterized in that, during a connection with a local distribution terminal (3), update data is transmitted from a management interface (25) operated on the local distribution terminal.