JP2004513461A - Method and system for collecting revenue from telecommunications services - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and system for collecting revenue for a communication service includes a mapping lookup service. The mapping lookup service is configured to retrieve mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on digital paper in response to a request for mapping information from the digital pen. A service provider or network operator providing a service corresponding to the location of the digital pen on the digital paper is charged for retrieval of mapping information from the mapping lookup service.

Description

[0001]
(Cross-reference to related applications)
This application is related to US Provisional Application No. 60 / 281,786, filed April 6, 2001, entitled "Method and System for Recovering Telecommunications Services Revenue"; filed on March 21, 2001. U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 277,285 entitled "Methods and Systems for Communication Services"; and U.S. Patent Application entitled "Methods, Systems and Products for Information Management" filed January 12, 2001. Provisional Application No. 60 / 261,122; S. C. Claims priority under §119. The disclosure of the above provisional application is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is also directed to Swedish Patent Application No. 0004156-6, filed November 13, 2000; and Swedish Patent Application No. 0101240-0, filed April 6, 2001; S. C. Claims priority under §119.
[0002]
(Technical field)
The present invention relates generally to data processing systems, and more particularly, to systems and methods for collecting revenue for services in a communication system.
[0003]
(Background and information of the invention)
Network-enabled computers and other communication devices allow individuals to communicate electronically and perform electronic transactions. For example, e-mail is often used for sending messages, and information, goods and services can be obtained over a network by Internet websites.
[0004]
How to access the network may vary depending on the type of hardware being used. For example, access to a mobile phone often uses the keys of the mobile phone, or in other cases, voice commands. When accessing the network via a PDA, a needle is used on the sensory surface, and when accessing the network with a personal computer or laptop, a keyboard or mouse is used.
[0005]
Some network-based communications and transactions may be hindered by input devices that users find awkward and cumbersome. Individuals often find it very easy to use a pen and paper and, as communication hardware shrinks, to use a keyboard or mouse to convey information secondarily, Input devices are becoming increasingly difficult to use. For this reason, the technology may be difficult to use.
[0006]
In addition, network-based financial transactions are hampered by awkward and cumbersome payment procedures and schemes. Unduly cumbersome or somewhat cumbersome payment methods adversely affect the widespread application of technology.
[0007]
(Summary of the Invention)
A method of collecting payment in a communication system includes receiving a request via a communication service pre-provider and providing a product to a user. The request is generated in response to user information detection using a pen-like device that generates a signal reflecting the request. The information is then sent in response to the received request. In addition, a request for payment is then made to the communication service provider.
[0008]
The product includes an information lookup provided by a lookup service, and the payment request may require compensation for the lookup fee by the lookup service. The payment request may be a single request for compensation for multiple information lookups. Users may be billed indirectly through a communication service provider. Billing may be performed on a transaction basis or collectively.
[0009]
A product may also be a product or service from a vendor ordered by a user. In this case, the communication service provider compensates the vendor for purchases by the user, and then bills the user for the service, possibly with additional transaction fees. Vendors may also pay for a transaction or pay a percentage of a telecommunications service provider for mediating this transaction. The telecommunications service provider then makes a payment request to the user for what he / she purchased from the vendor with a single billing statement that includes the telecommunications service invoice.
[0010]
In another example, the invention includes a method of collecting a payment in a communication system in which a request is sent to a lookup service, thereby providing an information lookup to a user. The request may be generated in response to a user detecting information using a pen-like device that generates a signal reflecting the request. The information is then sent from the lookup service to the user, and an entity other than the user is then charged for the lookup of this information.
[0011]
In yet another example, the invention includes a method of collecting payment in a communication system, wherein a request for mapping information corresponding to a location of a digital pen or digital paper is sent to a mapping lookup service. The location of the pen or paper corresponds to the service provided by the network operator. The mapping information is then retrieved and sent to the digital pen to collect payment for retrieval of this mapping information from the network operator.
[0012]
The above information is only a few examples of embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to reflect the full scope and spirit of the present invention.
[0013]
(Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention)
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This description includes exemplary embodiments, but other embodiments are possible, and variations of the embodiments described herein are permitted within the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Also, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0014]
Overview
The method and system according to the principles of the present invention allow for the recovery of revenues for communication services. The mapping lookup service retrieves mapping information corresponding to the location of the digital pen on the digital paper in response to a request for mapping information from the digital pen. In the alternative, an electronic pen-like device is used to read or otherwise generate an instruction and send the instruction over a network.
[0015]
The service provider or network operator may provide a service that correlates the location of the digital pen on the digital paper with the requested action or otherwise communicates the instructions and responds with the requested action. To provide. The service provider or network operator is now charged for the retrieval of the mapping information, for example by a mapping lookup service.
[0016]
In a first billing arrangement, the network operator provides a service corresponding to the location of the digital pen and bills the user for that service. In a second billing arrangement, with the consent between the service provider and the network operator, if the service provider is providing services to end users, the network operator may provide the service provider with access to the communication network. And the end user is not charged. In a third billing arrangement, the network operator bills service providers and end users for access to the communication network. In a fourth billing arrangement, the service provider enters into an agreement with the payment provider. The payment provider pays the service provider for the service provided to the end user and charges the end user for payment for the service. Network operators also charge service providers and end users for payment for access to the communication network.
[0017]
Network environment
FIG. 1A is a diagram of an exemplary network environment in which features and aspects of the present invention may be implemented. Network environment 100 includes personal end users 102a-102n, communication devices 104a-104n and 114a-114n, network 106, mapping lookup service 108, network operators 110a-110n, and business end users 112a-112n. , Service providers 116a-116n, and payment providers 118a-118n. The number of components in the network environment 100 is not limited to the illustrated one.
[0018]
Individual end users 102a-102n may be individuals who use portable handheld devices, such as digital pens, and surfaces, such as digital paper, to obtain services provided by network operators and service providers. For example, what is written on a digital paper with a digital pen is converted into a facsimile message, an electronic mail (electronic mail) message, or a short message (for example, SMS: short message service). Such messages are routed to the appropriate destination indicated by the writing. The digital pen may include a transmitter for direct communication over the network, or may be connected to the network via an intermediate communication device such as a mobile phone or a networked computer or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Includes a transmitter that relays information. Other examples of pen-related features include those that allow an end user to purchase goods and services. For example, a flower advertisement may be printed with a portion containing a digital paper code. By touching the appropriate portion of the promotion with a digital pen, a flower order is placed at a local florist who can fulfill the order.
[0019]
Business end users 112a-112n use portable handheld devices such as digital pens and surfaces such as digital paper in a manner similar to individual end users 102a-102n. However, business end users typically use digital pens under agreement between the network operator and the service provider. The business end user is either an employee of the service provider in this arrangement or a business partner. For example, business end user 112a may be an employee of a United Parcel Service (UPS). The UPS has a digital pen based inventory system and also equips delivery personnel with digital pens to send delivery status information to the host computer. Thus, the UPS is a service provider (eg, a new inventory service is a service provided). The UPS agrees with the network operator if a UPS general account is billed, as opposed to a separate billing account for each end user and pen.
[0020]
Digital paper may be ordinary paper on which a unique pattern protected by a patent right is printed. Only a small portion of the pattern is associated with a uniquely defined function, so that when the pattern portion is detected by the digital pen, the associated function is performed. This pattern includes small points with nominal spacing, but these points are slightly displaced from the grid structure. As the customer writes with a digital pen on digital paper, the pen takes periodic snapshots of the pattern (eg, every 1/100 second). Each snapshot contains enough information to calculate the exact location of the pen. This information is stored on the pen after the mapping lookup service, such as mapping lookup service 108, determines that the network operator or service provider corresponds to a particular location on the full pattern, and stores the information in the appropriate network operator or service. It can be sent to the provider. In the alternative, the digital pen may be configured to read other forms of code that convey information indicative of the function.
[0021]
Divides the fully addressable area covered by the full pattern into a number of domains of varying sizes, some of which are predefined for some applications and others approved for companies and authorities I do. For example, a network operator that provides a set of services to end users, such as graphic email or SMS, can authorize a domain. Areas within the domain can be used for a range of applications, each with its own assigned functionality.
[0022]
A digital pen includes, for example, a conventional ink container, a detection device such as a digital camera, an image processor, a memory, and a transceiver. One skilled in the art will recognize that the digital pen may have a greater or lesser number of components. For example, some digital pens do not have an ink container. The digital camera takes a digital snapshot of the pattern illuminated with infrared light from the pen and made visible to the camera. The image processor calculates the exact position of the snapshot within the pattern. This position is determined to the extent that the coordinates corresponding to this snapshot can be determined. The memory stores data from the image processor and also stores some fully written pages.
[0023]
Transceivers transmit information by infrared or radio waves. This transceiver, which is a Bluetooth transceiver, sends information to a mapping lookup service 108 at a communication device, such as communication device 104. This information includes location information and pen identification. The transceiver also sends data indicative of the writing on the digital paper to an appropriate network operator or service provider. Although the digital pen has been described as including a Bluetooth transceiver, those skilled in the art will recognize that other transceivers can be used. The transfer of information by the transceiver does not need to be a wireless transfer, and may be performed by a cable.
[0024]
A personal end user, such as personal end user 102a, receives invoices for services corresponding to digital pens and digital paper from various entities such as network operators, service providers, and payment providers. In response, the individual end user sends payment for the service to the appropriate entity. Occasionally, individual end users are not charged for digital pens and services corresponding to digital paper, but nonetheless financially instruct the network operator on using the communication channel provided by the network operator. responsible.
[0025]
Communication devices 104a-104n and 114a-114n receive wireless information from a digital pen operated by an end user and communicate with a remote, such as mapping lookup service 108, service providers 116a-116n and / or network operators 110a-110n. To a location via a network 106 (including a wireless or wired communication network including the Internet). This information includes pen identification, position information, and handwritten data. A communication device, such as communication device 104a, also receives mapping information from mapping lookup service 108 and forwards it to the digital pen that requested this information. In one embodiment, the mapping information is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the network operator or service provider providing the service used by the end user. The communication device is, for example, a mobile phone, a computer or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).
[0026]
The mapping lookup service 108 maintains a lookup table that associates location information with mapping information. The position information includes coordinates indicating the location of the digital pen on the digital paper. More specifically, the coordinates correspond to the location of the digital pen on the full pattern. This location may be assigned to a predefined application or authorized by a network operator or service provider. The mapping information includes the URL of the network operator or service provider providing the service being used by the end user (eg, if the location is authorized).
[0027]
FIG. 1B shows a lookup table used by the mapping lookup service 108. The look-up table includes the listed coordinates and the URL corresponding to the coordinates. The mapping lookup service 108 stores the lookup table locally or accesses it remotely. One skilled in the art will recognize that other information may be stored in the look-up table.
[0028]
The mapping lookup service 108 receives requests from various end users seeking mapping information. After retrieving the appropriate mapping information, the mapping lookup service sends this information to the requesting end user, who can then contact the appropriate network operator or service provider. The mapping lookup service 108 collects billing data, noting the pen identification and network operator or service provider corresponding to the relevant section in the pattern as it searches for mapping information. Based on this billing data, mapping lookup service 108 periodically sends invoices to various network operators and service providers to retrieve mapping information.
[0029]
The network operators 110a-110n may be end users with communication channels and entities that are service providers (eg, communication service providers). For example, mobile or telecom operators such as AT & T, Sprint, and MCI are all network operators. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the organization that makes the communication network available to other organizations is also a network operator.
[0030]
In addition to providing a communication channel (eg, accessing a network), a network operator, such as network operator 110a, may provide various pen-related services to end users. For example, the network operator 110a provides a graphic e-mail, graphic fax, graphic SMS, digital notepad or digital paper calendar service to the individual end user 102a. Network operators enter into business relationships with vendors to access vendor information and provide products and services to vendors. Other services are also provided. When the personal end-user 102a uses the pen-related services provided by the network operator 110a, the network operator 110a sends an invoice to the personal end-user 102a of the use of the service and / or the cost of the goods / services obtained. send. The invoice includes an itemized listing of services used by the end user or a bill for gross payment. As an alternative, the use of pen-related services is part of an overall communication service agreement between the network operator and the individual end user (eg, no additional payment required, etc.).
[0031]
Service providers 116a-116n may be vendors or other entities that market and support pen-related services to end users. A service provider, such as service provider 116a, that provides pen-related services for personal and business end-users will be responsible for the cost of any mapping information retrieval performed on that service to mapping lookup service 108. Responsible. Examples of service providers include UPS (as described above), Internet-based florists, or any other business that provides products and services to customers.
[0032]
Service providers 116a-116n enter into agreements with other entities such as network operators and payment providers. Each agreement will have a different billing arrangement from each other. Service providers typically receive information from a digital pen indicating the particular service that the end user desired with the pen. After providing the end user with the desired service, the service provider receives from the mapping lookup service 108 a search invoice for mapping information. Depending on the billing arrangement, invoices and payments are also exchanged in some way between service providers, network operators, payment providers, and end users. The specific billing arrangement is described below with reference to FIGS.
[0033]
Payment providers 118a-118n may be financial institutions involved in agreements with various service providers and end users. Payment providers, such as payment provider 118a, handle end-user billing for service providers. The payment provider may not be involved in every transaction, but adds a certain value if the service provider does not want to take the financial risk of the transaction. The service provider still receives an invoice for mapping information retrieval from the mapping lookup service 108 and an invoice for use of the communication channel from the network operator. In addition, the service provider sends an invoice to payment provider 118a and then receives payment from payment provider 118a. In this way, the service provider receives payment for the service. These payments are used, in part, to send the payment to the mapping lookup service 108. Examples of payment providers include credit card companies, utilities, or other organizations that have relationships with end users and / or service providers.
[0034]
Billing arrangement
FIG. 2 is an exemplary flowchart of a first billing arrangement method according to the present invention. This billing arrangement is particularly well suited in situations where a network operator provides a user with a basic set of pen related services that are more often used than other pen related services. In this arrangement, a network operator provides services to individual end users, such as pen-related services. Initially, a personal end user, such as personal end user 102a, uses a digital pen and digital paper to access services provided by a network operator, such as network operator 110a (step 202). For example, an individual end user 102a may wish to send a graphic email to a particular person. The individual end user 102a uses a digital pen and digital paper to write a handwritten message to the intended recipient. Upon completing this message, the individual end user 102a touches the area of the digital paper designated to send the message with a digital pen. Recognizing this area of digital paper as a send command, the digital pen sends a request to mapping lookup service 108 via communication device 104a (step 204). This request includes both pen identification and location information. The position information includes, for example, coordinates in the full pattern protected by the patent right.
[0035]
Once the mapping lookup service 108 receives this request, it uses the location information to look up and search for mapping information corresponding to this location information in the table (step 206). For example, the mapping information includes a URL of a location dedicated to sending graphic emails. After retrieving the mapping information, the mapping lookup service 108 returns the mapping information to the individual end user 102a's digital pen, for example, using pen identification information (step 208). The digital pen contacts the appropriate network operator 110a using the mapping information (eg, a URL) and sends pen identification and location information to the network operator 110a (step 210). Once the contank is established, the network operator 110a instructs the digital pen on what data to send, how to format and tag the data, and where to send the data. The digital pen then sends appropriate data to the network operator 110a, including the handwritten data stored by the digital pen when the end user wrote on the digital paper. Thereafter, the network operator 110a performs the particular pen-related service desired by the individual end user 102a.
[0036]
After performing this service, the network operator 110a charges the personal end user 102a for using the service (step 212). For example, network operator 110a sends an invoice to personal end user 102a indicating that payment should be made for this service. This invoice may include an itemized listing of the services used by the end user, or may be a gross bill of invoice (the invoice may be for each service provided or for a series of , And the user is billed at one time). In the alternative, the network operator 110a sends an invoice to the employer of the individual end user 102a. The payment from the individual end user 102a or the user's employer to the network operator 110a is, for example, a transaction-based fee or a flat fee. In the alternative, the use of pen-related services is part of an agreement with the network operator for the individual end user's overall communication services (eg, no additional payment is required, etc.).
[0037]
The mapping lookup service 108 also charges the network operator 110a for a search for mapping information associated with the network operator 110a (step 214). For example, mapping lookup service 108 indicates to network operator 110a that payment for information retrieval should be made (eg, mapping lookup service 108 seeks compensation for having looked up mapping information). Send an invoice. The mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice each time an information search is completed, and waits until a predetermined number of information searches have been performed or a predetermined dollar amount has been reached. Also send periodic invoices (eg, weekly, monthly, etc.). Network operator 110a pays based on the invoice, as required by a given agreement.
[0038]
FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction between a personal end user, a network operator, and a mapping lookup service when the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 2 is used. The data flow shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to some steps in FIG. Specifically, Step 302 corresponds to Step 204, Step 304 corresponds to Step 208, Step 306 corresponds to Step 210, Steps 308 and 310 correspond to Step 212, and Steps 312 and 314 correspond to Step 214.
[0039]
FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart of a second billing arrangement method according to the present invention. This billing arrangement is particularly well-suited in situations where a service provider does not want to pass service expenses on to its employees or business partners acting as end users. The service provider then wants the costs to be passed on to itself as part of the agreement with the network operator. In this arrangement, a service provider provides pen-related services to business end users. Initially, a business end user, such as business end user 112a, requests to use a service provided by service provider 116a, such as with a digital pen and digital paper (step 402). For example, business end user 112a may be an employee or business partner of service provider 116a and desire to use a digital pen-based inventory service. Business end user 112a uses a digital pen to write things on digital paper in an appropriate manner. Upon completion of this writing, the business end user 112a touches the digital pen on the designated area of digital paper to send information. The digital pen recognizes this area of digital paper and sends a request to mapping lookup service 108 via communication device 114a (step 404). The request includes pen identification and location information (eg, coordinates).
[0040]
Once the request is received, the mapping lookup service 108 uses the location information to look up and search for mapping information in the table corresponding to the location information (step 406). The mapping information includes, for example, the URL of the service provider 116a that provides the pen-related service to the business end user 112a. After retrieving the mapping information, mapping lookup service 108 returns the mapping information to, for example, the digital pen of business end user 112a using the pen identification information (step 408). The digital pen contacts the appropriate network operator 110a using the mapping information (eg, a URL) and sends the pen identification and location information to the network operator 110a (step 410). Once a contact is established, the network operator 110a instructs the digital pen on what data to send, how to format and tag the data, and where to send the data. The digital pen then sends appropriate data to the network operator 110a, including the handwritten data stored by the digital pen when the end user wrote on the digital paper. Thereafter, the service provider 116a performs the particular pen-related service desired by the business end user 112a.
[0041]
In this billing arrangement, business end user 112a is either an employee of service provider 116a or a business partner. Thus, service provider 116a does not want to transfer service expenses to business end user 112a. The service provider 116a then reaches an agreement with the network operator that the business end user will not be charged for using the network operator's communication channel or other service. These costs are then passed on to the service provider 116a instead as part of the agreement. Thus, the network operator bills service provider 116a for each agreement (step 412). To accomplish this, the network operator 110a sends an invoice to the service provider 116a indicating that payment must be made for using the communication channel provided by the network operator 110a. Next, service provider 116a sends the appropriate payment to network operator 110a.
[0042]
The mapping lookup service 108a also charges the service provider 116a for a search for mapping information associated with the service provider 116a (step 414). For example, mapping lookup service 108 sends service provider 116a an invoice indicating that a payment must be made for information retrieval. The mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice each time information is searched, and waits until a predetermined number of information searches are performed or until a predetermined dollar amount is reached. Also, periodic invoices are sent (eg, weekly, monthly, etc.). Next, service provider 116a sends the appropriate payment.
[0043]
FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction between a business end user, a network operator, a service provider, and a mapping lookup service when the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 4 is used. The data flow shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to some steps in FIG. Specifically, step 502 corresponds to step 404, step 504 corresponds to step 408, step 506 corresponds to step 410, steps 508 and 510 correspond to step 412, and steps 512 and 514 correspond to step 414.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart of a third billing arrangement method according to the present invention. This billing arrangement is particularly well suited for situations where a service provider wishes to provide pen related services to an individual end user. In this arrangement, the service provider provides pen-related services to individual end users. Initially, a personal end user, such as personal end user 102a, uses a digital pen and digital paper to access services provided by a service provider, such as service provider 116a (step 602). For example, an individual end-user 102a who wishes to order flowers may order by scanning the coded portion of the flower promotion with a digital pen. As a result, the flower order is placed, for example, at a local florist who can fulfill the order and charge the user's phone bill. Recipient information is entered and transmitted using a digital pen, so that the identity of the buyer is known by the unique identification number transmitted by the pen.
[0045]
Another example is when an individual end user purchases an airplane ticket using coded airline advertising. To complete the service, the personal end user 102a first touches the digital pen on the area of digital paper designated to send a message. When the digital pen recognizes this area of digital paper, it sends a request to the mapping lookup service 108 (step 604). The request includes pen identification and location information (eg, coordinates).
[0046]
Once this request is received, the mapping lookup service 108 looks up and searches for mapping information corresponding to this position information in the table using the position information (step 606). This mapping information includes, for example, the URL of service provider 116a providing pen related services to individual end user 102a. After retrieving the mapping information, mapping lookup service 108 returns the mapping information to the digital pen of personal end user 102a using, for example, pen identification information (step 608). The digital pen contacts the appropriate network operator 110a using the mapping information (eg, URL) and sends pen identification and location information to the network operator 110a (step 610). Once a contact is established, the network operator 110a instructs the digital pen on what data to send, how to format and tag the data, and where to send the data. The digital pen then sends appropriate data to the network operator 110a, including the handwritten data stored by the digital pen when the end user wrote on the digital paper. Thereafter, service provider 116a performs the particular pen-based service desired by individual end user 102a.
[0047]
A network operator, such as network operator 110a, charges both personal end user 102a and service provider 116a for use of the network operator's communication channel (eg, access to the network). For example, network operator 110a sends an invoice to personal end user 102a and service provider 116a indicating that they must pay for transmitting data over their communication channel.
[0048]
The service provider 116a may choose to charge the individual end user 102a for payment for the performed service. For example, as described above, an individual end user 102a who purchases a flower using a digital pen and digital paper receives a flower invoice directly from the service provider 116a. In the alternative, the individual end user 102a receives a flower invoice from the network operator 110a, typically as part of the invoice received from the network operator 110a. In this case, the network operator 110a compensates the service provider 116a for purchased products / services (eg, flowers).
[0049]
The mapping lookup service 108 also charges the service provider 116a for a search for mapping information associated with the service provider 116a (step 214). For example, the mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice to the service provider 116a indicating that payment should be made for information retrieval. The mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice each time an information search is performed and waits until a predetermined number of information searches have been performed or a predetermined dollar amount has been reached. It also sends invoices periodically (eg, weekly, monthly, etc.). Next, service provider 116a sends the appropriate payment.
[0050]
FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of interactions between business end users, network operators, service providers, and a mapping lookup service when using the billing arrangement shown in FIG. The data flow shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to a part of the steps in FIG. Specifically, step 702 corresponds to step 604, step 704 corresponds to step 608, step 706 corresponds to step 610, steps 708, 710, 712, and 714 correspond to step 612, and steps 716 and 718 correspond to step 614. I have.
[0051]
FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart of a fourth billing arrangement method according to the present invention. This payment arrangement is particularly well suited in situations where the service provider does not like to take the financial risk of the transaction and, for example, chooses to use the services of a financial institution as a third party. In this arrangement, a service provider or network operator provides pen-related services to individual end users. Initially, a personal end user, such as personal end user 102a, uses a digital pen and digital paper to access services provided by a network operator or service provider, such as service provider 116a (step 802). For example, an individual end user 102a who desires to order furniture does so with a furniture promotion having a portion of the promotion printed on digital paper. By scanning an appropriate portion of the advertisement with a digital pen, furniture orders are placed at a furniture store capable of fulfilling the order. To complete the service, the personal end-user 102a first selects options, such as touching various areas of digital paper with a digital pen and selecting fabric. Next, the user scans the area designated for sending the message. When the digital pen recognizes this area of the digital paper, it sends a request to the mapping lookup service 108 via the communication device 104a (step 804). The request includes pen identification and location information (eg, coordinates).
[0052]
Once the mapping lookup service 108 receives this request, it uses this location information to look up and search for mapping information in the table corresponding to this location information (step 806). This mapping information includes, for example, the URL of service provider 116a providing pen related services to individual end user 102a. After retrieving the mapping information, the mapping lookup service 108 returns the mapping information to the individual end user 102a's digital pen using, for example, pen identification information (step 808). The digital pen contacts the appropriate network operator 110a using the mapping information (eg, a URL) and sends pen identification and location information to the network operator 110a (step 810). Once a contact is established, the network operator 110a instructs the digital pen on what data to send, how to format and tag the data, and where to send the data. The digital pen then sends appropriate data to the network operator 110a, including the handwritten data stored by the digital pen when the end user wrote on the digital paper. Thereafter, the service provider 116a performs the particular pen-related service desired by the individual end user 102a.
[0053]
A network operator, such as network operator 110a, bills both personal end user 102a and service provider 116a for using the network operator's communication channel (step 812). For example, network operator 110a sends an invoice to personal end user 102a and service provider 116a indicating that they must pay for transmitting data over their communication channel.
[0054]
Because furniture is a relatively expensive purchase, service providers or network operators may not be willing to risk paying with periodic billing (eg, monthly telephone billing). In this manner, a payment provider, such as payment provider 118a, processes end-user billing to the service provider. Accordingly, it is assumed that payment provider 118a inherently takes the financial risk of collecting payments. Service provider 116a sends an invoice to payment provider 118a, and subsequently receives payment from payment provider 118a (step 814). In this way, the service provider receives immediate compensation. Next, payment provider 118a sends an invoice for services provided by or through service provider 116a to personal end user 102a (step 816). One skilled in the art will recognize that the network operator may have provided pen-related services to the end user. In that case, the network operator performs the process as described above with respect to service provider 116a.
[0055]
The mapping lookup service 108 also charges the service provider 116a for a search for mapping information associated with the service provider 116a (step 818). For example, the mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice to the service provider 116a indicating that an information search payment must be made. The mapping lookup service 108 sends an invoice every time the information search is completed, and waits until a predetermined number of information searches are performed or a predetermined dollar amount is reached. It also sends periodic invoices (eg, weekly, monthly, etc.). Next, service provider 116a sends the payment appropriately.
[0056]
FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction between a business end user, a network operator, a service provider, a payment provider, and a mapping lookup service when using the billing arrangement shown in FIG. The data flow shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to some steps in FIG. Specifically, Step 902 is Step 804, Step 904 is Step 808, Step 906 is Step 810, Steps 908, 910, 912 and 914 are Step 812, Steps 916 and 918 are Step 814, Step 920 And 922 correspond to step 816, and steps 924 and 926 correspond to step 818.
[0057]
As co-pending applications with this patent: See Swedish Application No. 00000947-2 filed March 21, 2000 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,839 filed May 30, 2000. Application entitled "Systems and Methods for Information Storage"; Swedish Application No. 00000942-3 filed March 21, 2000 and US Provisional Application No. 60 filed May 30, 2000. No./207,850, entitled "Secure Access Using a Coordinate System"; Swedish Application No. 0001245-0 filed on Apr. 5, 2000 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 210,651 entitled "Systems and Methods for Printing Using Position Coding Patterns";"Apparatus and methods relating to image coding" based on the issued Swedish Application No. 00000950-6 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,838 filed May 30, 2000; "Apparatus and Method for Determining Spatial Orientation" based on Swedish Application No. 00000951-4, filed on Jan. 20, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,844, filed May 30, 2000; "Systems and Methods for Determining Location Information" based on Swedish Application No. 00000949-8 filed on May 21 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,885 filed on May 30, 2000: 2000 Swedish Application No. 00000941-5 filed on March 21, 2000 and US Provisional Application No. 60 / No. 08,165, entitled "Method and System for Transferring and Displaying Graphic Objects"; Swedish Application No. 00000944-9 filed on Mar. 21, 2000 and the United States filed on May 30, 2000. "Online Graphic Message Service" based on provisional application No. 60 / 207,881; Swedish Application No. 00000945-6 filed March 21, 2000 and US provisional application filed May 30, 2000 No. 60 / 207,882, entitled "Method and system for digitizing freehand graphics with user-selected characteristics"; Swedish Application No. 0001236-9, filed Apr. 5, 2000; Based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 208,167, filed on Jan. 31 "Data Forms with Detectable Position Coding Patterns"; Swedish Application No. 0001252-6 filed April 5, 2000 and US Provisional Application No. 60/210, filed June 9, 2000. "Method and Apparatus for Managing Valuable Documents" in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 653; US Application No. 0001253-4 filed on April 5, 2000 and US Provisional Application filed on June 9, 2000; No. 60 / 210,652, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Information Management"; Swedish Application No. 00000940-7 filed on Mar. 21, 2000 and US Provisional No. filed on May 31, 2000 "Devices and methods for communication" based on application Ser. No. 60 / 208,166; No. 1 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 210,647, filed Jun. 9, 2000, entitled "Information-Related Devices and Methods"; and Swedish Application No. 00000954, filed Mar. 21, 2000. No. 8 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,849 filed May 30, 2000; "Processing of Documents"; Swedish Application No. 00000943-1, filed March 21, 2000; "A Secure Signature Checking System" based on US Provisional Application No. 60 / 207,880 filed May 30, 2000; and Swedish Application No. 0001235-1, filed April 5, 2000, 2000. US Provisional Application No. 60 / 210,647 filed on June 9, 2000 and Swedish Application No. 0004132 filed on November 10, 2000 Based on No. 7 and "identification of the virtual raster pattern"; there is.
[0058]
The technical disclosures of each of these U.S., U.S. Provisional and Swedish applications are incorporated herein by reference. The incorporation of "technical disclosure" as used herein does not include information that characterizes the related art or that characterizes the advantages and objectives of the invention with respect to related art.
[0059]
Although the invention has been described with reference to various embodiments, many modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, while the billing arrangements of FIGS. 2-9 have been described separately, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that some or all of these arrangements may exist concurrently. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that all or some of the systems and methods according to the present invention may be implemented on hard disks, floppy disks, CD-ROMs; carriers received from networks such as the Internet; It will be appreciated that, as well as, can be stored on and read from a computer readable medium, such as a secondary storage device. In addition, although the various steps in the flowcharts and figures may be represented in a particular order, those skilled in the art will recognize that these steps may be performed in another order, that some steps may be omitted, and May be added-all within the spirit and scope of the invention.
[0060]
Furthermore, while exemplary embodiments of the mapping lookup service have been described, the invention is not so limited in its broadest sense. The code detected by the pen need not be part of a larger map, but instead contains more directly executable instructions. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the content disclosed herein, but is intended to include adaptations and modifications thereof.
[0061]
In the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment, various features of the invention are grouped together with one embodiment to simplify the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Accordingly, the following claims are incorporated into this description of the preferred embodiments, each claim standing on a separate preferred embodiment of the invention.
[Brief description of the drawings]
The following accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the features and principles of the present invention with the following description.
FIG. 1A is a diagram of an example network environment in which features and aspects of the present invention may be implemented.
FIG. 1B is a table showing a lookup table used by mapping the lookup service shown in FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2 is an exemplary flow chart of a first billing arrangement method according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction with the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 2 between a personal end user, a network operator, and a mapping lookup service.
FIG. 4 is an exemplary flow chart of a second billing arrangement method according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction with the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 4 between a personal end user, a network operator, a service provider, and a mapping lookup service.
FIG. 6 is an exemplary flowchart of a third billing arrangement method according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction with the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 6 between a personal end user, a network operator, a service provider, and a mapping lookup service.
FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart of a fourth billing arrangement method according to the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram of the interaction with the billing arrangement shown in FIG. 8 between a personal end user, a network operator, a service provider, a payment provider, and a mapping lookup service.

Claims (44)

Receiving a request via a communication service provider to provide a product to a user, said request using a pen-shaped device to generate a signal reflecting said request; Said steps being generated in response to detection;
Causing information to be transmitted in response to the received request;
Sending a request for payment to the provider of the communication service;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: Said products include an information lookup provided by a lookup service;
Said request for payment seeks compensation for a lookup fee by said lookup service;
The method of claim 1. The method of claim 2, wherein the request for payment comprises one request for compensation for a plurality of information lookups. Billing the user for payment for the information lookup;
Said user is billed by said communication service provider;
The method according to claim 2. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the communications service provider combines the set of information lookup services initiated by the user and bills the user at one time for the set of lookups. The communication service provider may bill the employer of the user a payment for the set of information lookups together with a set of information lookup services initiated by a plurality of employers of the employer. 3. The method according to 2. The method of claim 1, wherein during the step of causing information to be transmitted, the information is transmitted from a lookup service to the user's pen device. The method of claim 1, wherein the products are selected from a group consisting of goods and services. The request includes an order to purchase the product from a vendor;
The provider of communication services seeks a price from the vendor for purchases by the user;
The method according to claim 8. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the provider of communications services charges the user for payment of the user from the vendor. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the provider of communication service charges the user for the purchase of the user from the vendor in one billing statement that also creates an invoice for the communication service. The product includes both an information lookup provided by a lookup service and at least one item selected from the group consisting of goods and services;
During transmission, the lookup service sends a request to the communication service provider for a fee for the lookup fee;
The item vendor sends a request to the communication service provider for compensation for the item;
The method of claim 1. Receiving a request in a lookup service to provide an information lookup to a user, wherein the request is generated in response to the user detecting information using a pen-shaped device that generates a signal reflecting the request. Said step;
Causing information to be transmitted from the lookup service to the user;
Charging an entity other than the user for the information lookup;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the entity other than the user is a communication service provider that provides a communication link between the user and the lookup service. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the communications service provider charges the user for the information lookup. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein during the billing process, the lookup service sends a request for compensation to an organization with which the user is affiliated. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the organization is an employer of the user. 17. The billing service, wherein during the billing process, the lookup service sends a series of billing requests for each individual information lookup together and directly to the organization in one bill for compensation. The method described in. Receiving a request for mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper, wherein the location corresponds to a service provided by a network operator;
Retrieving the mapping information;
Sending the mapping information to the digital pen;
Collecting payment from the network operator for retrieving the mapping information;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the received request includes both identification of the digital pen and coordinates indicating a position of the digital pen on the digital paper. The method of claim 19, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the network operator. The collecting step includes:
Billing the network operator for the retrieval of the mapping information;
Receiving the payment from the network operator;
20. The method of claim 19, comprising: 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the payment from the network operator is part of a payment of the network operator received from an end user. Receiving a request for mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper, wherein the location corresponds to a service provided by a network operator;
Retrieving the mapping information;
Sending the search invoice to the network operator;
Collecting payment for the invoice from the network operator;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: Billing the end user for a service initiated by moving the digital pen on the digital paper;
Receiving payment for the service from the end user;
Receiving, from a mapping lookup service, an invoice for a search for mapping information corresponding to the location of the digital pen on the digital paper;
Sending a portion of the payment received from the end user to the mapping lookup service;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of a network operator providing the service corresponding to the location of the digital pen. Receiving a request for mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper, said location corresponding to a service provided by a service provider;
Retrieving the mapping information;
Sending the mapping information to the digital pen;
Withdrawing payment for the search from the service provider;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the service provider sends a payment to access a communication network to a network operator. The service provider charges a payment provider for payment for the service provided by the service provider;
The payment provider charges end users for payment for the service;
A method according to claim 27. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the end user sends a payment to access the communication network to the network operator. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the request includes both identification of the digital pen and coordinates indicating the position of the digital pen on the digital paper. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the service provider. The collecting step includes:
Charging the service provider for a search for the mapping information;
Receiving the payment from the service provider;
28. The method of claim 27, comprising: Providing a service for the end user corresponding to the position of the digital pen on the digital paper;
Receiving a search invoice from a mapping lookup service for a search for mapping information corresponding to the position of the digital pen on the digital paper;
Sending a payment for the mapping lookup service for the invoice;
A method for collecting payments in a communication system, including: Receiving an invoice for access to the communication network from a network operator;
Sending a payment for the invoice from the network operator to the network operator;
35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: The method of claim 35, wherein the end user sends a payment for access to the communication network to the network operator. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the service provider. A mapping lookup service operable to retrieve mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper in response to a request for mapping information;
A network operator operable to provide a service corresponding to the location of the digital pen and to charge an end user for the service corresponding to the location of the digital pen, wherein the mapping lookup service is Recovering payment from the network operator for the retrieval of the mapping information; and
A system for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 39. The system of claim 38, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the network operator. A mapping lookup service operable to retrieve mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper in response to a request for mapping information;
A service provider operable to provide a service corresponding to the location of the digital pen to an end user, wherein the mapping lookup service retrieves payment from the service provider for retrieval of the mapping information. When;
A network operator operable to charge the service provider for payment for access to a communication network;
A system for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the service provider. 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the network operator charges the end user for access to the communication network. A mapping lookup service operable to retrieve mapping information corresponding to a location of the digital pen on the digital paper in response to a request for mapping information;
A service provider operable to provide a service corresponding to the location of the digital pen to an end user, wherein the mapping lookup service retrieves payment from the service provider for retrieval of the mapping information. When;
A payment provider operable to charge the end user for the service corresponding to the location of the digital pen, wherein the service provider pays for the service corresponding to the location of the digital pen. Said payment provider, billing the provider;
A network operator operative to charge the service provider and end user for access to a communication network;
A system for collecting payments in a communication system, comprising: 44. The system of claim 43, wherein the mapping information comprises a uniform resource locator (URL) of the service provider.

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