KR20010006540A - Method in a selective call system including a primary station with means for sending a qualifying call from which data can be determined at a secondary station - Google Patents

Abstract

A selective call system comprising one master station 10 and a plurality of slave stations 12, such as a paging receiver, wherein the master station prescribes an authorization call in which data such as, for example, loyalty points is determined and the points are deposited to the end user. It is supposed to transmit to the end station. In one embodiment, the master station 10 receives the data and compiles it as a point-to-point authorization call with a field containing the data and the identification code of the given station. Optionally, confidential fields and checksums may be included in the compiled authorization call. The addressed terminal 12 decodes the received authorization call and determines the data stored in non-volatile storage 48 that accumulates items of data. The end user can display the data of the non-volatile storage 48 on the end panel itself. The user can use or exchange all or part of the accumulated specific data, and the sum stored in the non-volatile storage 48 is adjusted as a wireless message. In another embodiment, not shown, the data is determined from the identification code of the terminal.

Description

METHODOLOGY IN A SELECTIVE CALL SYSTEM INCLUDING A PRIMARY STATION WITH MEANS FOR SENDING A QUALIFYING CALL FROM WHICH DATA CAN BE DETERMINED AT A SECONDARY STATION}

Loyalty programs are known in which when a user presents a plastic card with the user's personal number at the cash register, a cashier enters a point corresponding to the amount spent by the clerk receiving the card. Points are deposited to the user through a central computer. In some loyalty programs, the user is periodically informed of the accumulated point scores by using the service card. If the points score exceeds a certain number, the user can change the points to some kind of benefit, such as a voucher that can be used to purchase a product at any point, and the voucher will be reduced by a certain amount once the voucher has been issued. . In general, regardless of the type of plastic card, a user cannot know when they want to know the point scores they have accumulated. As a result, there is not enough motivation to use more cards to earn more points.

The present invention relates to the use of a radio frequency receiver as a means of storing certain data such as, for example, loyalty points earned by a user of the receiver, in a selective calling manner, the point being exchanged into any one of several The present invention also relates to a method of operating a loyalty program.

1 is a schematic block diagram of a paging system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows one kind of message including royalty points to be deposited in the addressed end station. FIG.

FIG. 3 shows a message instructing to debit loyalty points from the current deduction balance stored by the addressed end station.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating the steps of increasing the points stored in the end using the messages shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in notifying the end of a renewed loyalty point total. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in a user checking a point score eventually stored.

7 is a flow chart illustrating the steps involved in subtracting loyalty points from an address of the end.

Like reference numerals in the drawings are used to refer to like parts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a data transmission system in which specific data relating to a user of the system is displayed to that user.

Another object of the present invention is to operate a loyalty program that allows point scores to be accumulated without presenting the plastic card at the cash register.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a selective calling system comprising one main station and one or more slave stations, wherein the master station performs an authorization call having features that allow the slave station to determine data. Generating, transmitting, by the master station, the authorization call to an addressed slave station, and using the slave station's features of the authorization call to update data stored in the non-volatile storage.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in a selective calling system comprising one main station and at least one end station, the main station is provided with means for generating an authorization call with features that enable the slave station to determine data; Means for encoding and formatting the license call, and the terminal comprises means for receiving the authorization call, means for decoding and unformatting the authorization call, and the authorization call to the terminal. Means for checking whether an address is addressed, means for checking whether a call is an authorized call, means for leaking data using the features of the authorized call, and storing the data in non-volatile storage for use by a user. Means for storing.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a slave station for use in a selective calling system comprising a master station for generating and transmitting a point-to-point authorization call made up of features that enable the slave station to know data. Includes means for receiving an authorization call, means for recovering the authorization call, means for releasing data using features of the authorization call, and non-volatile storage for storing data for use by the user.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a loyalty program, the method comprising: allocating points per transaction, transmitting a point-related authorization call to a receiving station of a user involved in the transaction, and the points Determining a point score from an associated authorization call, accumulating points on a non-volatile storage medium, and receiving a reward by exchanging at least some of the accumulated points for the benefit of the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a loyalty program in a selective calling system comprising one master station and a plurality of slave stations, the method comprising allocating points for each transaction and the master station having the transaction. Sending a point-related authorization call to a receiving station of the user associated with the network; accumulating points in non-volatile storage of one or more terminal stations; and exchanging at least some of the accumulated points for the benefit of the user. Whereby one or more end users receive a reward.

Using the method and system according to the invention, the end user knows the current level of accumulated data, for example by displaying the content of the non-volatile storage.

It is possible to build various methods and systems according to the present invention. For example, the content of the non-volatile storage is deposited and debited by a wireless message, or the content is rewritten into an update message. Instead of using a specific data field as a feature of the authorization call, the ultimate identification mark may be a feature used to determine the data stored in the non-volatile storage.

If desired, the authorization call may include a security field used by the end to verify the validity of the data.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The system shown in FIG. 1 comprises one or more master stations 10 fixedly located in one place and a plurality of movable devices, i.e., stations 12, one of which is shown in detail. The master station 10 displays inputs to the numeric and / or alpha-numeric messages generated from the source 13 and loyalty point scores to be deposited or debited, connected to the external database 18 via the ground line 16. And an input interface 14 having a second input for the display content. Information input to the input interface 14 is encoded, optionally interleaved and / or encrypted, and formatted in one stage 20 under the control of the controller 22. The data is formatted according to a known form of protocol, such as a paging signal protocol such as CCIR radio paging code 1 (also known as POCSAG). According to the POCSAG protocol, the address of the end to which the encoded message is to be sent is appended to the beginning of the message. The addresses of all pagers operating on the system are stored in the address storage 24. The encoded and formatted message is supplied to transmitter 26, from which the message propagates via antenna 28 as a point-to-point downlink signal.

The slave station 12 includes an antenna 30 coupled to the receive stage 32. The output stage of the reception stage 32 is connected to the decoder 34, which decodes, and if it is encrypted, decrypts the received signal and transmits the generated output to the microcontroller 36. . Optionally, the decoder 34 can be omitted and the decoding performed by the software of the microcontroller 36. The microcontroller 36 operates according to a program stored in the ROM 38. The microcontroller 36 includes a display driver 40 of the LCD panel 42, a notification device designated as the loudspeaker 44, and a RAM such as E ² PROM for storing numeric and alpha-numeric messages. 46) and output stages connected to a non-volatile storage unit 48 such as RAM or E ² PROM with a backup battery for storing data such as loyalty points, the stored data being transmitter 26 It can be changed by the message relayed from the database 18 through. A man / machine interface, such as keypad 50, is connected to microcontroller 36.

The basic operation of the end, which works for numeric and alpha-numeric messages as a message pager, is well known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. For completeness, however, reference was made to the book "CCIR Radio-Paging Code No. 1" issued by the Minister of Wireless Paging Code Standards Group of London Telecom.

If the system operator wishes to receive pager message transmissions by awarding loyalty points to the user, a number of methods may be used, for example the points score awarded is determined by the database 18, and the point scores are transmitted. Or point (s) are awarded based on sending or receiving a paging message that constitutes an authorization call.

In the case where a dedicated message has been sent, when the slave station 12 receives energy according to the battery saving protocol of the paging system and receives the transmission data at the receiver 32, it is decoded at the decoder 34 and the message is sent to this particular slave station. A check is made to see if it is addressed. Assuming so, the message is stored in RAM 46 and the points indicated in the decoded message are stored in storage 48 by microcontroller 36. Optionally, RAM 46 and storage 48 are combined as shown by dashed chains. A user who manipulates the keypad 58 can query the storage unit 48 to display it on the LCD panel 42, which can have a total number of points and optionally a transaction statement.

If the user wishes to use or exchange some or all of the accumulated loyalty points, the user connects to database 18, which subtracts points from his computer, and in one embodiment is increased or decreased. In another embodiment, a wireless message is formulated that includes a point score and includes a new point total score to be stored in place of the current point number. The wireless message is sent to the selected end station 12 as a point-to-point message, and once decoded, the microcontroller 36 subtracts that point from the point total in the storage 48 or adds the old total to the new sum. Replaced by a value Consumption, or exchange, of points is usually done at the reception desk or in the office authorized by the system operator, or by the system operator.

In one embodiment of the invention where the point score is increased or decreased, non-volatile storage 48 may be a 16-bit binary counter that stores up to 65535 points. When the counter reaches its maximum value it will not accept any more credits. Point capacity at the counter is withdrawn by using or exchanging points. Access to the counter is limited to avoid cheating, and generally there is only one exception by the program equipment when operating as part of the manufacturing process. As a variable not shown, when the counter reaches a maximum value or some other predetermined level, the display device shows a modified value including a flag indicating that a portion of the count value is stored and that the point has been stored.

2 illustrates one example of a confidential message 52 that points or deposits a particular pager. The original data message 54 includes a number of code words, fields, followed by a field 58 and a confidential code 60 starting with a radio identification code (RIC) to provide a point score that must be deposited. Finally, there is a checksum 62 at (58, 60).

In one embodiment, the fields 58, 60, 62 contain a total of 35 bits of points corresponding to a number large enough to prevent the system from being temporarily overwhelmed. More specifically, field 58 includes 10 bits for transmitting point values in the range of 0 to 1000, confidential code field 60 includes 18 bits, and the checksum field is 7 bits. It includes. The bits of the fields 58, 60 and 62 are additionally scrambled in the same way as for example interleaving to ensure safety.

If the checksum is valid and / or the secret code is correct, pager 12 accepts the point in the message addressing itself. If the checksum received is not valid but there is no error in the point field 58, when the master station 10 transmits a radio control message used by the pager to clear the point store, i. Until now, the counting in the pager is locked.

The confidential code 60 in the message 52 is changed in a predetermined manner known to the master station 10, for example the confidential code may be clocked to perform the necessary code value increments to change the confidential code after each transmission. It can be linked to a message counter. A pager that receives and decodes a confidential message 52 checks in some way whether the confidential code is different, for example, as a higher value than the currently stored code. For example, if the incremented code overflows or overflows from a high value to a low value, and the incremented code becomes a smaller value, then the next message is received, each of the four received messages. A check is made to see if the confidential code has been previously increased. If so, the lower value is stored by the pager.

3 shows an example of a radio control message 64 used to record the absolute value of the storage, i.e. counter 48, as long as it is adjusted to reduce the total point score. The control message 64 includes a 4-bit command word CW having a 1011 value, a RIC of an addressed pager, and a field 66 giving a 16-bit counter value.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing a process for determining whether a message as shown in FIG. 2 has been correctly received and has increased the point score of the storage, i.

Assume that a message has been received and decoded but not error checked. Block 68 involves checking for errors in the point code word. If the result is yes (Y), then block 70 ignores the point and ends the analysis of the fields of the message. However, if no error was found (N), then the bits of the point code word in block 72 are reordered, eg de-interleaved. Block 74 denotes calculating the checksum, and block 76 denotes checking that the received checksum is correct. If the result is no (N), then at block 78 the point counter changes to zero. Block 80 denotes suppressing point counting by the pager, and block 82 denotes ignoring the stored points and ending the operation. If the result at block 76 is yes (Y), then at block 84 it is checked if the secret code is greater than the previous secret code. If the result is yes (Y), then check if the number of digits counted in block 86 is less than four. If the result is no, the flowchart proceeds to node 89. If the result is yes (Y), then the number of digits counted in block 88 is incremented, and the flowchart proceeds to node 89.

If the result at block 84 is no (N), then a check is made at block 90 to see if the counted number of digits is less than four. If the result is no (N), then the number of digits counted in block 92 is set to zero, and the flowchart proceeds to node 89. If the result for block 90 is Y (Y), then the number of digits counted in block 94 is set to zero, the points are ignored in block 96, and the process ends. The flowchart from node 89 proceeds to block 98 where a check is made to see if the points are in the range of 0 to 1000 at block 98. If the result is no (N), the flowchart proceeds to block 100, indicating that the block 100 ignores the point and ends so that no further processing is done. However, if the result in block 98 is Y (Y), the flow chart proceeds to block 102, where block 102 previously stores the newly received points in the point store or counter 48 The operation of adding the previously added confidential code to the previously stored confidential code is indicated. The operation then ends at block 104.

In the second embodiment, the external database 18 stores the decisive point scores, i.e., the master point scores, in each terminal, and the E ² PROM 48 stores a new message contained in a wireless message having a format similar to that shown in FIG. By writing a point score over the current point score, the content stored in it changes. However, unlike the previously described use, which is only used to reduce the point score, the message is used to overwrite the contents of the E ² PROM 48 with the new sum. This embodiment provides the high level of security required for wireless messages because the user agrees that what is stored in the external database 18 is a definite point score and the point score that appears on the LCD panel 42 due to message loss may be wrong. In the sense that (confidential) is not required, it can be said to be a simpler version of what has been described with reference to Figs. However, if high levels of security are required, confidential codes and / or checksums may be included in the wireless message.

In this embodiment, in order to facilitate the use of the terminal 12, a dedicated icon is used as a means to access the total point score in the E ² PROM 48. The terminal 12 has a user interface that includes several menus that the user would normally need to cycle or skip the selected menu among successively displayed menus to select the point in which each menu includes a sub-menu. . Once programmed, the icon will appear on the menu associated with the message store, and flashing will allow the user to activate the corresponding key on keypad 50 (FIG. 1), and the point score will be displayed on the LCD as five digits, for example. It is displayed on the panel 42. When the key of keypad 50 is activated or time-out occurs, the screen is cleared and restored to the default state.

In the case of displaying as five digits, two bytes, or 16 bits in total, are needed in the E ² PROM 48. However, in the case of exceeding a predetermined maximum point score, for example 50,000 points, it is displayed as 50,000 points and surplus points are ignored.

In another embodiment, not optionally shown, the first 50,000 points made are stored and the remaining portion is displayed with a flag indicating another point that is stored but not displayed.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart relating to the external database 18 (FIG. 1) determining the new loyalty point total score and notifying it eventually. Block 110 indicates that the database determines the point score according to a debit transaction or a credit transaction associated with the user. Block 112 indicates that the database 18 stores the new point total score as a confirmation value for the user. Block 114 indicates that the master station 10 encodes the point-to-point message and transmits it to the user's end station 12. Block 116 indicates the recovery of a point message from the last received wave, and at block 118 the recovered point is stored in E ² PROM 48.

6 is a flow chart of a series of processes associated with a user checking a stored point score. Block 120 indicates that the user is switching on his last 12. Block 122 indicates that the user navigates through the menu of the ultimate user interface. Block 124 denotes checking and confirming that a loyalty point icon is displayed. If the result is no (N), the flowchart reverses to block 122. However, if the result is yes (Y), block 126 indicates that the user activates a key on the keypad to display the point score. Block 134 indicates that the point display is turned off because the key activation of the keypad is switched off or the key activation time has expired. Block 136 marks the end.

Optionally, if the end can store more than 50,000 points, for example, the flowchart is modified as extra steps 128-132 as shown in the box drawn in dashed lines. At block 128, a check is made to see if the stored point score exceeds the maximum score that can be displayed, for example 50,000 points. If the result is yes (Y), the maximum score is deducted at block 130 and a deducted balance at block 134 is displayed with a flag indicating the remaining surplus point scores, although not shown, if needed. . If the result of block 128 is NO, the point score is displayed as indicated in block 132.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the end address, that is, the RIC of the end has two functions, the first of which is a general function of identifying the end point to which the point-to-point message is directed, and the second of the E ² PROM. It is used to generate loyalty points which are added to the sum of the point scores in (48).

The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows the steps in implementing the above embodiment. Block 140 indicates creating an encoded message and assigning it to a RIC to form a point-to-point message. Block 142 indicates updating the loyalty point scores stored in the external database 18 (FIG. 1) for the user identified by the ultimate RIC. Block 144 indicates the transmission of point-to-point messages in accordance with a protocol including system operation.

Block 146 indicates an end receiving energy in accordance with a battery saving protocol for receiving a message. Block 148 indicates decoding and error checking for address code words contained in at least each of all received messages. Block 150 indicates checking that the address is eventually assigned. If the result is no (N), then the message is ignored as indicated at block 152. If the result is yes (Y), block 154 indicates storing the decoded message in a message store, i.e., RAM 46 (FIG. 1). Block 156 is also an indication of the point score to be deposited. Block 158 indicates the step of increasing the loyalty point total stored in the point store, ie E ² PROM 48 (FIG. 1). Finally, block 160 indicates that the process has ended.

In order to use the loyalty points, the terminal is finally brought to the store, reception desk or office of the system operator or certified by the system operator. If the point score stored in the external database 18 in the end user name and the point score stored in the E ² PROM 48 are different from each other, it is assumed that the sum of the point scores in the external database 18 is the correct value. This is because the message sent to the terminal 12 may have lost transmission due to, for example, fading. If the loyalty point score stored in the E ² PROM 48 exceeds the sum stored in the database 18, it can be seen that the end user's deception and / or failure of the end is detected.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with a selective calling system, it may be applied to other systems such as wireless and cellular telephone systems.

After reading this disclosure, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such amendments include, in addition to or in addition to the features already described herein, the design, manufacture and use of the selective calling system, and other features already known for the components accordingly.

Selective calling systems, including cellular and wireless telephone systems, and broadband paging systems.

Claims (12)

In a method of operating a selective calling system comprising one main station and one or more slave stations, Generating, by the master station, an authorization call having a data feature that the slave station can determine; transmitting the authorization call to an addressed slave station; and updating the data stored in a non-volatile storage. Using the feature of the call by the slave. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the authorization call is a paging message that includes the address of the slave and the feature includes the address. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein an authorization field is included in the paging message. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the feature is that the authorization call is a message corresponding to specific data used to increment or decrement data stored in the non-volatile storage. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the message corresponding to the particular data used by the feature to overwrite current data in the non-volatile storage is the authorization call. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising including a field containing a confidential code in the authorization call. 7. The selective calling system of claim 6, further comprising: determining a checksum for the combination of data and the confidential code, and providing a field containing the checksum in the authorization call. How to get it working. 8. The selective calling system of claim 7, further comprising the terminal checking whether the confidential code is different from a previously received secret code and accepting the data if the secret code is found to be different. How to get it working. A selective calling system comprising one main station and at least one end station, said main station comprising: means for generating an authorization call having features of data that said slave station determines, means for encoding and formatting said authorization call, and Means for sending an authorization call, the slave station means for receiving the authorization call, means for decoding and deformatting the authorization call, means for checking whether the authorization call is addressed to the slave station; Means for checking whether a call is the authorized call, means for leaking data using the features of the authorized call, and means for storing the data in non-volatile storage for use by the user. Calling system. A slave station for use in a selective calling system that includes a master station that generates and transmits a point-to-point authorization call with a feature that allows the slave station to determine data. The terminal may comprise means for receiving the authorization call, means for recovering the authorization call, means for releasing the data using features of the authorization call, and non-volatile storage for storing data for user use. An end in the selective calling system, including a part. In how to run the loyalty program, Allocating points to a transaction, transmitting a point grant call to a receiving station of a user involved in the transaction, determining a point score from the point grant call, and accumulating points in non-volatile storage. And rewarding at least a portion of the accumulated points for reward for the benefit of the user. A method of operating a loyalty program in a selective calling system that includes one main station and one or more end stations, the method comprising: allocating points to a transaction and transmitting the point authorization call to one or more end stations involved in the transaction. Accumulating the points in non-volatile storage of one or more of said end stations, and exchanging at least a portion of said accumulated points for the benefit of a user to reward one or more of said end users. And operating the loyalty program in the selective calling system.