Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
  • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
  • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
  • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
  • H04H60/93—Wired transmission systems
  • H04H60/94—Telephonic networks
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
  • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
  • H04H20/38—Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a telecommunication system, comprising a central receiving unit, a transmission network and at least one device, each being coupled with said transmission network and being provided with data input means, for transmitting data to the central receiving unit.
• Telecommunication systems which are arranged in the manner indicated above are known in the digital communication industry, and are especially used in for example computer or telemetry systems and/or in speech communication, which may or may not be mobile speech communication, irrespective of the fact whether said communication takes place over comparatively small distances or over larger distances, for example intercontinental, for example via satellites.
• transceiving unit via a transmission network
• the transmission network in a certain manner, as may for example be the case in telephone systems, the transmission network is occupied in such manner as to make it impossible for other parties connected to the same network to use the same channel, which is often the only channel, in the transmission network at that point of time.
• the object of the present, invention is to provide a telecommunication system which generally comprises a large number of devices, which can be operated in a simple manner which is readily acceptable for the general public, utilizing transmission networks which are already generally used, such as telephone networks, central antenna networks or other networks, in a manner which moreover allows active or interactive participation by the general public in a comfortable manner.
• the telecommunication system is characterized in that said device comprises a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and that said device comprises a local processing unit coupled to said temporary memory for starting said joint reading at the command of the local processing unit and for making said groups of input data ready for transmission, whereby each device possesses a timer connected to said local processing unit, said timer having a period time which determines the time of transmission, which point of time is slightly different for each timer (statistically).
• the advantage of the telecommunication system according to the invention is that the input, the storage and the eventual making ready for transmission of the data to be transmitted takes place prior to the actual transmission of said data, namely at a time when the transmission network is not occupied yet.
• the internal organisation of the compact structure of the said data preceding transmission moreover ensures a short duration of the transmission, with the result that the transmission network is occupied only briefly, as a result of which the risk of congestion problems is reduced.
• the memory may be a temporary memory, because the data may be erased from the memory after being transmitted, as a result of which the memory only requires a small amount of energy during a relatively short time for storing data.
• the device only needs to be provided with means for transmitting the data and not necessarily with means for receiving any information to be transmitted to the devices by the central receiving unit via the transmission network. Generally this will allow a simpler design of the devices.
• a further advantage is that when a command to read the data and make them ready for transmission, and to actually transmit the data is given on the basis of the timer, this transmission will in principle also take place at random, seen from a statistical point of view, as a result of which the possibility of several devices within the
• One embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that the device is provided with transmission means connected to the local processing unit, which are activated at the command of said local processing unit.
• the transmission network is of the type which carries a signal when transmission of data to the central receiving unit is allowed.
• the advantage of this embodiment is that the transmission of data does not need to take place at random, but that the transmission of data will take place successfully directly after the signal present on the transmission network is detected by the device. Thus retransmission has become redundant.
• Another preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that with a view to further reduce the congestion problems, the period times are interrelated in a manner which results in data transmission times which are connected in accordance with the magnitudes of the elements of an arithmetic progression.
• the transmission times are spaced apart, by a 5-second interval for example, a whole number of times in a deterministic manner.
• Yet another embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that additional data to be processed in the central receiving unit is combined with the groups of input data to form a compact package of data to be transmitted.
• Said additional data usually comprises selection or call data, which may be utilized in the transmission network, if necessary, in order to be able to select the central receiving unit as the party being called, for example when being used in the public telephone network.
• Said further data inter alia comprises unique data, such as the subscriber number or for example the identity of the subscribers or of the person who has input the groups of data in the temporary memory with the help of the data input means.
• Another preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system according to the invention is characterized in that said device comprises a temporary memory for the storage of groups of input data accessible for being read jointly, and that said device comprises a local processing unit coupled with said temporary memory for starting the joint reading and making ready for transmission of the groups of input data at the command of the local processing unit, whereby said data input means comprise a keyboard, which is arranged for placing a template or mask thereon, which will cover those keys on the keyboard which are not programmed at that point of time.
• the templates may for example be provided with publicity or instructions for use, or contain data or illustrations of programmes to be broadcast or explanatory information.
• the templates may be purchased from a
• the template is provided with openings, through which access can be gained to the keys of the keyboard located under said openings.
• said central transceiving unit comprises a central transceiving unit, a transmission network and at least one device, each being coupled with said central transceiving unit and being provided with data input and output means, for communication with the central transceiving unit, whereby said data output means comprise a display unit, which embodiment is according to the invention characterized in that said device comprises a template memory for the storage of at least part
• the central transceiving unit (inclusively in the order of nil or the integer) of the data required for the eventual local set-up of a virtual template to be displayed on said display unit, whereby the complementary part (inclusively in the order of the integer or nil) of the data required for the local set-up may be made available (downloaded) by the central transceiving unit.
• the advantage of this is that it is no longer necessary to maintain an apparatus for manufacturing, distributing, offering for sale and obtaining payment for the templates. Instead of this the complementary part of the data required for locally preparing the template is not supplied to a user on demand until the sum of the virtual template has been paid. Alternatively, if all the information is already present locally, the key(s) required for setting up the template are not supplied until all sums have been paid, or all information required is downloaded from the central unit to the device once all money due has been paid. In that case there is no need to maintain the apparatus, which has thus become redundant.
• Figure 1 schematically shows a preferred embodiment of the telecommunication system and the device for use in said telecommunication system
• Figure 2 shows the possible exterior of the device for use in the telecommunication system of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 shows a possible embodiment of the template for use on the device of Figure 2;
• Figure 3 schematically shows an implementation of a system in which the telecommunication system, the device and the template according to the invention find application.
• Figure 1 shows a telecommunication system 1, comprising a central receiving unit 2, which is coupled, through a transmission network 3, to a device 4, whose exterior is shown in Figure 2.
• a device 4 whose exterior is shown in Figure 2.
• Several such devices 4 are connected to the transmission network 3. Only one of said devices 4 is shown in the Figure.
• the transmission network 3 contains amplifiers, switching stations or processing units, which are not explained in more detail within the framework of the description of this Figure.
• transmission network 3 may for example be a telephone network already present, or a central antenna cable network or an ISDN-like network, or be comprised of a glass fibre network. If the transmission network is for example a telephone network, the device 4 may be connected to the telephone network together with the telephone devices which are usually present. In case of a telephone network it will be easy for the administrator of the network to charge costs to the possessor of the device 4, that is the subscriber, usually in proportion to the duration of the communication over the transmission network 3. In its simplest form the transmission network 3 only needs to be suitable for transmitting data in the direction of the device 4 to the central receiving unit 2. If the device 4 is of a more advanced design the device, as well as the transmission network 4, will be suitable for exchanging information in two opposite directions. In that case it is a transceiver, therefore.
• the data transmitted to the central receiving unit 2 by the various devices 4 is processed in the receiving unit 2 and can be used directly there, for example in a studio 5, in which a programme 6 (schematically indicated) is recorded, which programme is available to viewers of a television 7 upon being broadcast, which viewers can participate
• the device 4 is provided with data input means 8, usually in the shape of a keyboard, to be used for inputting data.
• the device 4 furthermore comprises a local processing unit 9 coupled to the keyboard 8 and the transmission network 3.
• a temporary memory 10 is coupled with the processing unit 9.
• the respective replies are input in the device 4 by the operator of the device 4, by pushing the appropriate buttons (yet to be explained) on the keyboard 8.
• Each reply or series of replies constitutes a group and the groups are successively stored in the temporary memory 10, in a manner which makes it possible to read the temporary memory 10 in its entirety by means of the processing unit 9. Also in case only one reply is transmitted more than one group will usually be
• the device 4 is provided with a command key 11, which makes it possible for the data in question to be transmitted to the central receiving unit 2 over the transmission network 3, by means of the local processing unit 9, usually by using suitable transmission means 12 and by following a prescribed protocol.
• the compactness of the data then transmitted determines the duration of the transmission of the data to the receiving unit 2 to a considerable degree.
• the device 4 is provided with a local clock or timer 13, which is usually necessary for the internal synchronisation of the local processing unit 9, which is provided with a microprocessor in most cases.
• a local clock or timer 13 of the various devices 4 provide the local synchronisation in a device 4 at mutually different rhythms, using different period times, which will result in information being transmitted to the receiving unit 2 at times which are mutually divergent, random or pseudo-random among the various devices 4, this will reduce the risk of congestion. This will be explained in more detail hereafter.
• a central timer in the central receiving unit 2 prescribes which of the respective devices 4 and in which order said devices are allowed to transmit the information stored in their memories over the transmission network 3.
• the existing telephone transmission network does not provide for this, however.
• the device 4 is provided with a read/write unit 14 to be used for a memory card, a magnetic card, a smart card or a chip card 15.
• the card 15 may or may not be provided with electric contacts, or be suitable for being read/and or written on magnetically as well as for containing electric, magnetic, mechanical and/or optical data, for example bar code data.
• certain parts of the card cannot be written on by the operator of the device 4 himself, although reading is usually possible in order to add the identity of the subscriber of the device 4 to the data being transmitted to the central receiving unit 2, if desired. Of course it will be possible to transmit
• the identity of the subscriber is indeed relevant, of course, but when polls or other anonymous activities are being conducted the opposite is the case. Protection of the device 4 may take place by means of a certain PIN code, which needs to be input before the device can be operated. If desired the card 15 contains further data for setting the timer 13, or significant routing data, relevant telephone numbers, for example.
• the device 4 comprises a suitably controlled display unit 16, an LCD-display for example, but not necessarily so, on which information input by means of the keyboard 8 may be displayed, together with other information read from the card 15, if desired.
• the device 4 is provided with a correction or recovery key 17 for correcting the previously input data, if desired.
• the device 4 may furthermore be provided with sound means, in particular for reproducing sound, which sound means cooperate with the display unit 16, if desired.
• the advantage of using a display unit on the device is that this makes it possible to display what data has been input, which is of importance when interactively replying to questions being asked in a programme. Correction of a reply once it has been input has thus become possible in a simple manner. Furthermore the status of the data stored in the device may be displayed on the display unit . After the command to start the joint reading and make ready for transmission has been given, for example, the display may indicate whether the data in question have already been actually transmitted to the central receiving unit.
• a mask or template 18 according to Figure 3 may be put on the keyboard 8, which mask or template makes it possible to cover certain keys not required for the programme in question, whereas the template leaves other keys uncovered, thus providing access to said keys through openings 19 provided in said mask or template.
• the template 18 will be provided with a print, which indicates what functions are aimed at with the keys that are left open.
• the other keys on the keyboard 8 may be permanently accessible, to make it possible to perform certain fixed functions.
• the programming and allocating of functions to keys might in principle be done by the central receiving unit 2, if the device 4 were also suitable for receiving information from the transmission network 3, a directly practicable solution is a solution whereby the allocation of the functions in question to keys on the keyboard 8 takes place on the basis of information read from the card 15 by means of unit 14.
• the card 15 may contain information for allocating functions to a group of keys, but also to several groups of keys for different interactive programmes, if desired. A maximum flexibility with regard to the programming of keys is achieved.
• a first group of keys may be allocated or hired out to a first programme, which is broadcast at a first transmitting frequency, whilst during a second period, which may very well overlap said first period, another second group of keys is allocated to another second programme, which may or may not be broadcast at the same time at a second transmitting frequency, etc.
• the device 4 is provided with means 20 for holding down the template 18 on the keyboard.
• the keyboard 8, the display unit 16 and/or the read/write unit 14 are preferably housed within one convenient housing.
• Figure 1 shows that the read/write unit 14 is provided with switch means 21, which are arranged in such a manner that the device 4 can be operated as soon and as long as the card 15 is inserted in the read/write 14.
• the device 4 is preferably provided with a power supply unit 22, in order to keep the amount of electric energy that is withdrawn from the telephone network for feeding as low as possible.
• the power supply unit 22 is connected to the switch means 21, so that the device 4 only operates or receives supply voltage when the card 15 is inserted in the read/write unit 14.
• the power supply unit 22 may withdraw energy from the electricity grid, but it may also be autonomous, in that it is provided with a battery unit .
• the device 4 provides further applications for directly controlling a data processing system, for example a voice response system, in particular when the device 4 is connected in parallel to the telephone apparatus.
• a data processing system for example a voice response system
• the possibilities of the telephone apparatus are extended by using the device 4.
• Certain applications may be realized by means of the card 15, if desired.
• a special application is the text telephone .
• the number may be a number that is unique for each device 4 , for example one from a series of numbers available from the device.
• This number which itself may indeed be encoded as well, is encoded in some manner, for example by means of a suitable algorithm or a cyclic clock. From this another number is obtained, which forms the basis for calculating the time of transmitting data.
• Such a system may for example be realized by means of a number, which is known at the receiving end, to be allocated to each device 4, which is encoded in a manner known at the receiving end. In this way a unique transmission time may be determined for each device, which is only known at the end of the central receiving unit. This renders the system fraud-proof.
• a next transmission time known to the receiving unit may be determined, for example on the basis of a next number in a series of permutated numbers, of which the actual permutation is only known to the receiving unit.
• this group will usually contain data that does not make it necessary or desirable for the receiving unit 2 to be able to identify the transmitting device 1.
• the group does not contain any identification data, but for example opinion data or the like.
• the data containing the identity is sent along, however.
• the data will also contain name/address/residence information and/or Giro and bank information and the like, so that when an order is placed for which a certain amount has to be paid, this amount can be debited from the bank or postal account.
• the device 4 will contain a second read/write unit 14' (not shown), similar to the read/write unit 14, in which a second card 15' (not shown), similar to the card 15, may be inserted, which card contains
• the identification data is read from the card 15, for example when the correct PIN code is input, whereby the card will then transmit the data, for example in encoded form.
• the encoded PIN code or another unique code is for example transmitted on the card 15, so that the group of data to be transmitted remains small, whereby the central receiving unit 2 will search the identification data associated with the code received, thus making the identity of the party placing the order known by the central receiving unit.
• the device 4 comprises a (usually permanent) memory, hereinafter called the template memory.
• Said template memory may be detachable and for example contain a ROM, CD-ROM, CD-I, CD-RAM, CCD or the like. It may also be a chip card, memory card, smart card, magnetic card or similar card 15, 15', however, which may be inserted in the read/write unit 14, 14' .
• the device 4 may contain all information required for locally setting up a virtual, that is an at least partially software-implemented template or mask, usually a complementary data part is required in addition to the data part stored in the template memory, in order to complete the template.
• Said complementary part which for example contains a software-implemented key for accessing the information, whether or not in encoded form, which is stored in the template memory, is made available
• the software-implemented template to be displayed on the display unit 16 which usually contains graphic and/or textual information, may be combined with the previously explained template 18, which only provides access to predetermined keys on the keyboard 8 being programmed at that point of time.
• the virtual template uses keys or blocks to be activated by hand or by means of tools, such as a reading pen, mouse or the like, whereby one or more additional templates are displayed on the display unit 16 upon activation, if necessary.
• the display unit 16 is for example an LCD comprising a touchscreen.
• the various types of templates are especially relevant with direct marketing applications or when participating in activities on radio or television.
• Transmission of information from the unit 2 to the device 4 preferably takes place at times, for example at night, when there is less traffic over the network 3. In that case the unit 2 itself will call those devices 4 that have
• the complete template can be set up in the device 4 the next day.
• the advantage of the card or CD-reading unit is that the card to be inserted therein or the CD may contain
• This information carrier which may be collected from an issuing instance or be purchased or sent to people's homes and which may be used for providing publicity thereon, can provide access to the communication system, by means of codes (statements) included therein, in order to take part in one or more games, opinion polls, fund-raising drives, competitions, the pools, the lottery and the like, all this in an interactive manner. Accessing an interactive activity, such as a service to be provided or a game takes place, directly if desired, by depressing a quick-action key (not shown) on the device 4, whereby a data link is directly established between the device 4 and the central unit 2 in order to make an interactive request, place an order or the like.
• the device 4 may be used for making telephone calls in place of a conventional telephone by means of audio means known per se, which are provided on the device 4.
• the device 4 may be in communication, hands- free and possibly wirelessly, with a part thereof that is connected to the transmission network 3.
• the central receiving unit 2 comprises a provision which arranges that the connection with a device 4 is broken when there has been no communication over the network to the respective device 4 for some time, for example 2 minutes.
• a check may be made to ascertain whether the user is authorized to take part or to communicate interactively, by performing verification activities when the user inputs his PIN code on the data input means.
• Figure 4 diagrammatically illustrates a system in which the telecommunication system 1 may be used.
• the Figure shows the users 40, of whom there may in principle be several millions, who are each provided with a device 4 and who are each coupled with the central transceiving unit 2 via the transmission network 3.
• the offerers 50 of merchandise, services and information are coupled with the unit 2.
• the material and/or virtual templates are made available to the user, by mail, as an appendix to a magazine or the like, or, in case the template is a
• the data which may or may not be offered free of charge by an offerer of
• the system 1 includes code selection means 60, which select the code of the required offerer 50, who is to perform the service requested, on the basis of the code data included in the data transmitted to the unit 2.
• the data transmitted furthermore contains transaction data, which records the contents of the transaction requested, which contents have been indicated before on a respective, real (material) or virtual template by the user 40.
• the code data has for example been input by the user himself, been read from a card or from the template memory or originate from the template, which contains this data in an electrical, magnetic, mechanical and/or optical manner. Of course it depends on the kind of transaction whether the data transmitted does or does not contain identification data.
• At least one of said devices will be provided with video or scanning means, and a
• transmitting user 40 will be able to transmit a fax message, which will usually contain textual, photographic or graphic information, to a mailbox memory in for example the receiving device 40 by inputting an appropriate code. If the receiving unit 2 is active, also direct
• the device 4 will be provided with a printing device (printer), which may or may not be an external printing device.

Priority Applications (6)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

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Family Applications (1)

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Cited By (1)

Citations (9)

• 1994
  • 1994-01-13 NL NL9400053A patent/NL9400053A/nl not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-11-30 DE DE69418488T patent/DE69418488T2/de not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 1994-11-30 AU AU12034/95A patent/AU681925B2/en not_active Ceased
  • 1994-11-30 BR BR9408485A patent/BR9408485A/pt not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-11-30 ES ES95903026T patent/ES2135039T3/es not_active Expired - Lifetime
  • 1994-11-30 JP JP7518954A patent/JPH09511106A/ja active Pending
  • 1994-11-30 KR KR1019960703790A patent/KR970700401A/ko not_active Application Discontinuation
  • 1994-11-30 AT AT95903026T patent/ATE180125T1/de not_active IP Right Cessation
  • 1994-11-30 CA CA002181151A patent/CA2181151A1/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1994-11-30 WO PCT/NL1994/000302 patent/WO1995019669A1/en active IP Right Grant
  • 1994-11-30 EP EP95903026A patent/EP0740866B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime

Patent Citations (9)

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