WO2007085394A1

WO2007085394A1 - Method, device, computer program and computer program product that, under the control of a management application, make information available to a requester

Info

Publication number: WO2007085394A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/000504
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barthelomeus Joseph Johannes Grol; Maarten Dirk Schermer
Original assignee: Koninklijke Kpn N.V.
Priority date: 2006-01-24
Filing date: 2007-01-22
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: EP1987452A1; NL1030987C1

Abstract

Method and device for retrieval by a requester by means of a first communication network, under the control of a management application, of a provider's information associated with a retrieval code sent by the requester by means of a second communication network. The management application is arranged for identification of the requester and reception of the retrieval code and possesses address data linked to the retrieval code that refer to the information supplied by a relevant provider. The management application places the address data corresponding with a received retrieval code in the requester's personal data file, which the management application assigns beforehand to the requester. By means of the address data placed in the personal data file, the requester can subsequently retrieve the provider's information associated with the retrieval code.

Description

METHOD, DEVICE, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT THAT, UNDER THE CONTROL OF A MANAGEMENT APPLICATION, MAKE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO A REQUESTER.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to a method, a device, a computer program and a computer program product that, under the control of a management application, enables a requester to retrieve via a first communication network a provider's information associated with a retrieval code the requester sends via a second communication network, whereby the management application is arranged to identify the requester and receive the retrieval code.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A method and a device of this kind are known from European patent 1 146 701. The prior art enables a requester to use his/her mobile phone to send a relatively short retrieval code, consisting for example of a small number of digits and/or letters, to obtain relatively large amounts of information, by e-mail or via by viewing an appropriately formatted Internet website or URL address ("Uniform Resource Locator"), which cannot be sent to the requester via the mobile phone.

Instead of the sometimes relatively long Internet addresses or e-mail addresses that must be entered to retrieve information, the prior art makes it possible to suffice with sending a relatively short retrieval code to obtain the information concerned. An example of a typical application is retrieval of information about an item for sale, such as a house, whereby it is not necessary to remember and send the Internet address or e-mail address of a real estate agent or buyer, but only a relatively short retrieval code published in conjunction with the item that is for sale. The relevant information will then be e-mailed to the requester or, if a requester's e-mail address is unknown, it will be made available to the requester via a special Internet website or URL address.

The prior art has a number of inherent disadvantages, however. The information supplied by a provider must be saved and stored in its entirety under the control of the management application. Particularly for a relatively large volume of information, it will be necessary to make available sufficient, relatively expensive memory storage means, even for information retrieved seldom if at all. Although this problem can be solved by regulating the volume of information per provider, for example by limiting the volume, it will be understood that such a measure will impair the attractiveness of the entirety because a provider will be obliged against his wishes to limit his volume of information. As all the information will be sent to a user by e-mail, a danger will exist among requesters who retrieve a relatively large volume of information that their e-mail inbox will relatively soon become overloaded, so retrieved information may be lost.

When the information is supplied via a special Internet website or URL address, the requester receives via his/her mobile phone a text message, for example an SMS (Short Messaging Service) message, which contains the Internet website address or URL address where the information is viewable. If the requester wants to retrieve this information, he or she will still be confronted by the need to enter on his/her computer, separately for all retrieved information, the complex and sometimes relatively long Internet addresses, accompanied by a risk of making mistakes and all the obvious inconvenience and annoyance and ultimately perhaps a failure to view any of the information concerned. Here too a risk exists that when retrieving a relatively large volume of information a relevant mobile phone's storage capacity for SMS messages may be overloaded, again with the risk of a loss of information.

AIM OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned disadvantages are serious for a provider because of the potential loss of information by a requester, with inevitable commercial and economic consequences.

Therefore, the first task of the invention is to improve the prior art in a way that eliminates the risk of information being lost due to the overloading of e-mail or SMS mailboxes and ensure that information retrieved by a requester can no longer be lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To that end the invention provides an improved method to the extent that the management application possesses address data linked to the retrieval code that refer to the information supplied by a relevant provider, that the management application places the address data corresponding with a received retrieval code in a personal data file of the requester - which personal data file will have been assigned beforehand to the requester by the management application - and that the requester can retrieve, via the address information placed in the personal data file, the provider's information associated with the retrieval code.

The solution according to the invention is based on the insight that it is unnecessary to save the information offered by a provider under the control of the management application and to supply it to a requester, but that it is possible to suffice with address data that refer to the relevant information that, under the provider's own responsibility, has been saved in a databank or similar accessible to a requester via the first communication network and is managed by the provider. To this end the provider can possess suitable telecommunication and storage means that are connected to the first communication network, or can rent services from appropriately specialized enterprises, such as data hosting services.

The solution according to the invention does not impose any requirements on the volume of information a provider may make available, since the size of the address data is independent of the actual information, i.e. the content. As the address data are relatively small in size, it is for example possible, using the same amount of storage capacity, to supply far more different information to a requester than is possible with the prior art. On the other hand, when providing the same volume of information as with the prior art, it is possible by means of the solution according to the invention to suffice with far less relatively expensive storage capacity.

With the method according to the invention, the management application assigns a requester a personal data file and the address information a requester retrieves is placed in his/her personal data file, thus avoiding a situation where information may be lost because of full e-mail or SMS mailboxes. As the personal data file is made available under the control of the management application, it will be clear that if the personal data file does possibly become full, the management application can take appropriate measures to prevent or limit the loss of address data.

Even with the provision of personal data files, the method according to the invention will still require far less memory space compared with the prior art, yet with a comparable number of participants/requesters and providers of information.

The method according to the invention advantageously provides a further constituent embodiment whereby the personal data file is accessible via the first communication network. This is particularly advantageous if the first communication network comprises the Internet, since independently known software is usable to make a direct link via the personal data file with information offered by the provider over the Internet. This allows use of "hyperlinks" whereby "clicking" the address data placed in the personal data file allows the direct offering to the requester of, for example, a provider's Internet website or URL address that contains the relevant information.

The second communication network is advantageously a telephone network, including but not confined to a mobile telephone network, so that whenever a requester wishes to receive information via a retrieval code he/she can, for example by means of a simple SMS message, send the relevant retrieval code to the management application without having to remember or write down the retrieval code.

Use of SMS messages is obviously not a necessity. Instead of sending an SMS message to a short dial or other telephone number associated with the management application, a requester may if necessary also key in a relevant retrieval code under the guidance of a voice or graphics menu or similar provided by the management application. Instead of the requester's own visual perception, it is also possible in an embodiment of the invention to materialize the retrieval code in such a way that it can be read by electronic, electromagnetic or for example optical means and sent automatically to the management application. Among other things this could include reading out the high-frequency labels, referred to in specialist literature as "RF tags", or the use of optical readers like the independently known barcode readers or other optical code readers. Such reading means could for example be incorporated in a requester's mobile communication device like a mobile phone, or could be connected to such devices as independent readers, whereby the relevant communication device will then be suitably configured for sending the read retrieval code. Identifying a requester by means of his/her telephone number is an advantage, but it is also possible for the requester to be identified through the keying in of passwords, access codes and/or identity codes, again controlled by menus for example.

In the embodiment whereby the second communication network is a telephone network, a requester's telephone number can be used advantageously as identification for access to his/her personal data file, in combination with a password or similar. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the management application is arranged for sending a requester a message that informs the requester that address data corresponding with a relevant retrieval code have been placed in the requester's personal data file. Such a message can for example be sent to the requester via the second communication network, such as a telephone network, by means of an SMS for instance, or by the requester receiving a voice message on his/her mobile phone. It will be understood that sending such a message is purely optional, at the requester's election, and is not essential for the requester to retrieve the requested information, since this occurs via the requester's personal data file.

Note that with the prior art it is necessary for the requester to receive an SMS message that contains the Internet website address or URL address in order to retrieve information via an Internet website address or URL address. Charges are obviously payable for sending such an SMS message whereas with the invention these charges do not necessarily have to be incurred.

In yet another embodiment of the method according to the invention, whereby the management application possesses a requester's e-mail address, the relevant message will be sent by e-mail in the form of a link to the requester's personal data file. This means that no address data for retrievable information will be provided in the e-mail message, but links to address data contained in the requester's personal data file. Arranging these links in such a way as to offer the retrieved information automatically to the requester after opening the personal data file creates a very efficient and user- friendly solution for viewing or receiving retrieved information. Here again the receiving of an e-mail is purely optional, at the election of the requester, and it is not essential for the requester's retrieval of the requested information, since this occurs via the requester's personal data file. Therefore, in the solution according to the invention, the retrieved information will not be lost if a requester's e-mail inbox becomes full. In one embodiment the method according to the invention provides for the management application to be arranged for providing and linking retrieval codes to address data supplied by a provider. This means the management application automatically assigns retrieval codes to the address data supplied by a provider. This makes it possible to guarantee a unique link between retrieval codes and address data. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the management application is arranged for receiving additional information from a provider, including but not confined to information about the validity of address data, such as dates from and until which retrieval codes will be valid, information about costs associated with retrieving information and other details of importance to a requester, such as the name of a provider, an umbrella name for the retrieved information, etc.

The working method according to the invention further provides for the management application to link to a retrieval code one or more further codes, such as security codes, whereby these further codes will be made available to a relevant provider on the retrieval of information. By means of these codes a provider can, for example, check the origin of the request or make other checks before supplying the information.

The management application is preferably accessible to a provider by means of an Internet website or URL address. If a retrieval code is sent to the management application by an unknown requester, i.e. a requester who has not previously been registered by the management application and has not been provided with a personal data file, the method according to the invention provides for registration of this requester by the management application and the allocation of a personal data file to such requester. In a preferred embodiment of registration of an unknown requester, a password will be sent via the second communication network to the requester for access to the personal data file. If the second communication network comprises a telephone network, such a password may be sent to the requester in an SMS message, for example. In combination with his/her telephone number as an identification code or access code, the requester will then be able to access the personal data file. As experts will know, the telephone number can if necessary be derived automatically from received telephone signaling information. Any further registration formalities can be completed when the relevant requester opens his/her personal data file for the first time.

It is important to note in this context that requesters can remain anonymous if use is made of a user code entered personally by a requester, or virtually anonymous if use is made of the requester's telephone number for access to his/her personal data file and identification on the retrieval of information.

It will be understood that the method according to the invention is thus capable in a very efficient way of registering new requesters and making available the retrieved information to a new requester.

The invention further provides for a device for retrieval by a requester, under the control of a management application via a first communication network, of a provider's information associated with a retrieval code the requester sends via a second communication network, comprising first transceiving means connected to the first communication network, second transceiving means connected to the second communication network and data processing means connected to the first and second transceiving means and data storage means connected to the data processing means, whereby the data processing means are arranged for receiving, via the second transceiving means, the retrieval code sent by the requester and for identifying the requester, with the characteristic that the data storage means are arranged for saving address data linked to a retrieval code that refer to the information supplied by a relevant provider and for allocating a personal data file to a requester, whereby the data processing means are arranged for allocating a personal data file to a requester, for the saving in the personal data file of address data corresponding with a received retrieval code and for the requester's retrieval of the provider's information associated with the address data saved in the personal data file.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device is structured in a way that the personal data file is accessible via the first transceiving means. In this embodiment the first transceiving means are arranged for communication via the Internet and the second transceiving means are arranged for communication via a telephone network, including but not confined to a mobile telephone network.

The independently known GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) telephone network can for example be used as a mobile telephone network, or any other independently known mobile telephone network that exists or may possibly be introduced in the future. The data processing means are preferably arranged to provide access to the personal data file via an Internet website or URL address. The advantage of using the Internet and telephone networks is the possibility to use known software and hardware, without information requesters and providers needing to purchase special software or hardware.

In what for requesters is a user-friendly embodiment of the device according to the invention, the data processing means are arranged for automatic retrieval, by means of the address data saved therein, of the associated information of a provider, in particular information supplied by a provider via an Internet website or URL address.

When use is made of a telephone network, in particular a mobile telephone network, the second transceiving means are arranged to receive a retrieval code sent by a requester by means of an SMS message. An abbreviated telephone number will preferably be made available for reception of the retrieval codes by the second transceiving means. As mentioned earlier, a requester may send retrieval codes via a voice or graphical interface controlled by the data processing means as well as in an SMS message. However, SMS is preferred for reasons of user convenience. Here again, instead of visual perception by the requester, the retrieval code can also be materialized for reading by suitable electronic, electromagnetic or optical means, for example, and sent automatically to a management application. The reading means may be incorporated in a mobile communication device like a requester's mobile phone, for example, or may be separate readers connected to such device, whereby the communication device will then be suitably arranged for sending the retrieval code.

When retrieval codes are sent via the telephone network, the data processing means will be arranged advantageously for identification of a requester by means of a telephone number received via the second transceiving means. Usage convenience for the requester can be further increased in such a case by arranging the data storage means so as to provide the requester with access to his/her personal data file via his/her telephone number and password and the first transceiving means. This obviates the need for a requester to remember a separate user code or similar and instead to suffice with his/her telephone number plus if necessary a password of his/her choosing.

In a preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention, the data processing means will be arranged to send a requester a message stating that the address data corresponding with a relevant retrieval code have been placed in the requester's personal data file. For the sending of this message, the data processing means can be arranged to send the message to the requester via the second communication network, preferably an SMS message if the second communication network comprises a telephone network.

In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, an e-mail address of a requester will be saved in the data storage means, whereby the first transceiving means will be arranged to send the message to the requester by e-mail in the form of a link to the requester's personal data file. In this embodiment, it is advantageous for reasons of user convenience to arrange the data storage means so as automatically to offer to the requester, after opening the personal data file, the provider's information associated with a retrieval code and address data, in particular information made available via an Internet website or URL address.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the data processing means and data storage means are arranged to make available and link retrieval codes to address data supplied by a provider. The data processing means and data storage means will preferably be arranged for provision of address data by a provider and the entry of address data in the data storage means via an Internet portal. This creates a user-friendly application also for providers of information, whereby information can be made available to requesters without special hardware or software.

In an extended embodiment, the device according to the invention provides for the data storage means to be arranged for saving with a retrieval code one or more further codes, such as security codes, and for supplying the relevant further codes to the relevant provider on the retrieval of information. This presents a provider of information with numerous possibilities for optimizing use of his information and, for example, for obtaining a greater insight into the requesters of information.

In yet another embodiment, the device according to the invention provides for the data processing means and data storage means to be arranged to register a requester and to make available an associated personal data file. The second transceiving means will preferably be arranged to send a requester an SMS message that contains a password for access to the personal data file.

The data processing means may comprise one or more digital processors and the data storage means may comprise one or more means for saving digital data, if necessary processors and data storage means located remotely from each other and interconnected via a communication network, for example via the first communication network.

The invention further concerns a computer program that comprises program coding means for executing the method according to the invention as described in the foregoing, if such computer program has been loaded into the working storage of and is executed by a computer.

The invention further concerns a computer program product that comprises program code means saved on a computer-readable medium for executing the method according to the invention as described in the foregoing, if such computer program product has been loaded into the working storage of and is executed by a computer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE The invention will now be described in more detail, with the help of the attached drawing, where the single figure is a diagrammatic representation of the architecture of a snapshot embodiment of the device according to the invention.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

For the purpose of teaching of the invention, preferred embodiments of the method and devices of the invention are described in the sequel. It. will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that other alternative and equivalent embodiments of the invention can be conceived and reduced to practice without departing form the true spirit of the invention, the scope of the invention being limited only by the appended claims as finally granted.

The figure is solely of a diagrammatic nature and may not be interpreted in such a way as to limit the scope of protection of the invention to the shown and described steps and means. The device according to the invention is represented in its entirety by reference number 1. Reference number 2 represents data processing means in the form of one or more digital processors, computers or servers for making available to a requester 3 of information of a provider 5 via a first communication network 4, like the Internet, under the control of a management application. To receive the information the requester 3 uses a desktop or portable computer 6 or other suitable data processing device such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) that is actively connected via a wired or wireless connection 7 to the Internet 4. Device 6 is provided with customary software for retrieving information from the Internet. Such software is independently known and requires no further explanation. The first transceiving means 8 are provided for the exchange of information with a requester 3 via the first communication network or, as the case may be, the Internet 4. In the shown embodiment, the first transceiving means 8 have the form of an Internet website or URL address that the requester can consult with his/her device 6. Via such Internet website or URL address, the requester 3 can establish contact with the management application executed by the data processing means 2 according to the invention and with the personal data file or data archive 9 allocated to the requester 3 by the management application. For the retrieval of information of a provider 5 via an associated retrieval code, diagrammatically represented by a visual text balloon 10, the second transceiving means 1 1 are connected to the data processing means 2. The second transceiving means 11 are arranged to receive a retrieval code sent by the requester 3 via his/her fixed or mobile telephone set 13 or telecommunication device via a second communication network 12, such as a fixed telephone network, including but not confined to the Public Switched

Telephone Network and/or Integrated Services Digital Network and/or a mobile telephone network like the GSM network or a DECT (Digital Enhanced Telecommunications) network.

Where use is made of a telephone network 12, in particular a mobile telephone network, the second transceiving means 11 will be arranged to receive a retrieval code 10 sent by a requester 3 via an SMS message, for example via an abbreviated telephone number intended especially for that purpose, such as a four-digit or five-digit telephone number.

Instead of text messages, the second transceiving means 11 may also be arranged to receive a retrieval code 10 entered by a requester 3 under the control of a voice or a graphical menu run by the management application.

In a further embodiment, the retrieval codes may also be arranged for their electrical, electromagnetic or optical reading, for example in the form of RF tags, barcodes and similar. These measures may occur in combination with a visual indication of the retrieval code. Suitable code reading means 19, such as an electromagnetic reader or barcode reader, may have been obtained separately and may have been connected to the telecommunication device 13, or may even have been integrated in the telecommunication device 13. The relevant telecommunication device 13 will then preferably be arranged for the direct, automatic sending of a read retrieval code. The data processing means 2 will further be connected to data storage means 14, for example in the form of one or more digital data storage means that may be located remotely from each other and from the data processing means 2, and that interoperate with them.

According to the invention, the data storage means 14 are arranged to store address data linked to a relevant retrieval code 10, whereby the address data refer to information supplied by a provider 5 via the first communication network, such as the Internet 4, for example in the form of an Internet website or URL address 15 that can be consulted via the Internet 4. The Internet or URL address 15 may be offered and/or managed by a provider 5, or via a "data hosting" service such as provided by Internet providers and others.

The personal data file 9 may form part of the data storage means 14 or may be materialized using separate storage means. The data storage means 14 are further accessible by means of an Internet portal

16 connected to the data processing means 2, under the control of the management application, to enable a provider 5 to place in the data storage means 14 address data corresponding with the offered information. The management application will preferably be arranged to generate retrieval codes 10, which the management application makes available via the web portal to the information provider 5, in such a way that the provider 5 can make known such retrieval codes, for example to the public, for retrieval via the device 1 of the relevant information on the website or the URL address 15 of a provider. Retrieval codes within the meaning of the invention consist of a limited number of letters, digits, punctuation marks and similar, such as combinations of four or five letters and/or digits.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data storage means 14 are further arranged to save further codes or information linked to a retrieval code, such as security codes, identification codes, a provider's name, a slogan, an umbrella name for offered information and, for example, start and finish dates for the validity of retrieval codes, pricing or costing information for the costs associated with retrieving information, etc.

These further codes may for example be saved by the manager of the device 1 and/or an information provider 5 in the data storage means 14.

The data processing means 2 or, as the case may be, the management application they execute according to the invention are further arranged to identify a requester 3 and/or a provider 5.

Where a retrieval code 10 is sent by a requester 3 to the second transceiving means 1 1 via a telephone network 12, the relevant requester will be directly identifiable by means of his/her telephone number, provided that the telephone number is known to and registered with the management application. A requester 3 can obviously also be identified through entry by the requester 3 via his/her telephone 13 of an identification code or similar, menu-controlled or otherwise. In this case, it will be possible to guarantee a requester's complete anonymity. Where the telephone number is used to identify a requester 3, the telephone number may also be used as a user code to provide access, in combination with a password or access code, to the personal data file 9 of a requester 3. In principle, it is not necessary to keep records of any data of a requester 3 other than his/her telephone number. A registration procedure will be executed automatically if a retrieval code is received from an unknown requester, i.e. from a requester not yet known to the management application or, as the case may be, the data processing means 2. Under the control of the management application, the identity of the relevant requester will be determined, based on his/her telephone number for example, and a personal data file 9 will be created and a password or access code will be generated to give the requester access to the relevant personal data file. This access code will preferably be made known to the requester via the second communication network. In the case of a telephone network, this will occur preferably via an SMS message or graphically or voice controlled. In its shown extended embodiment, the device 1 further provides for sending messages via an e-mail connection 18 to a requester 3 or, as the case may be, his/her data processing device 6, for example about data placed in the personal data file 9 of a requester 3. This possibility is purely optional, at the election of the requester 3, and may be replaced for example by sending the requester the relevant data in an SMS message or similar by means of the second transceiving means 11. This possibility is again optional in the invention and is not strictly necessary.

Although the figure shows only one requester 3 and only one provider 5, it will be clear that the device 1 is suitable for the retrieval of information by numerous requesters and the provision of information by numerous providers. The device 1 works in the following way. Providers 5 are enabled to link their Internet addresses 15 where information can be found to abbreviated retrieval codes 10. The providers include these retrieval codes in their public announcements, like advertisements in newspapers, magazines, on billboards or in product catalogues for the ordering of products by a requester 3 without the need to enter long order codes and similar. The consumer or requester 3 will see the abbreviated codes 10 and can send them at any desired time by such means as SMS to the management application by means of a short code reserved for the second transceiving means 1 1 , for example a four-digit telephone number.

The management application translates received retrieval codes 10 into the corresponding Internet addresses or, as the case may be, into the address data saved in the storage means 14 and saves them in a personal data file or archive 9 of the requester 3. For this purpose, the requester 3 will be identified by such means as his/her mobile telephone number.

Requesters 3 will be enabled to access at any desired moment their personal data file 9f, whereby they will identify themselves by such means as their mobile telephone number and a password.

In their personal archive 9, requesters 3 will have at their disposal all Internet addresses of which they have sent the abbreviated codes by SMS to the management application or, as the case may be, to the data-processing means 2.

In the management application, providers can enter and maintain their address data for such purposes as campaigns. A campaign is defined as the combination of Internet address and retrieval code plus some related data. A provider who creates a campaign can, in addition to the Internet address, set the name of the campaign, its duration (consisting of a starting date and optional finishing date) and the costs payable by the consumer for the SMS traffic and for example for retrieving information. After entry of this data, the management application will generate the associated retrieval code 10, link the code to the campaign and make it available to the provider. The campaign is (or, depending on the starting date, will be) active immediately.

Entry of campaign data, generation of the retrieval code and activation (and deactivation on reaching the finishing time) of the campaign can be executed completely automated by means of the web portal 16.

By means of the second transceiving means 11 , the management application is connected to the services of the telecom operators active in a certain country. By means of the second transceiving means 11 , the management application receives SMS messages sent by a requester 3 to the reserved abbreviated code (short dial number). After reception of the retrieval code 10, two things will occur in the main in the management application: 1 ) the requester 3 will be identified; 2) the sent retrieval code 10 will be traced to the associated Internet address, which will be saved in the personal data file 9 of the identified requester. This personal data file will already have been allocated beforehand to a requester 3 by the management application, for example during a separate registration procedure.

The requester 3 (the sending party) will be identified preferably by means of the originating telephone number. If this telephone number does not yet exist in the data file 14, it means a new requester will be concerned. In that case, the new requester will be registered and will be allocated a login code, which will be made known to the requester in a reply SMS message, possibly with a link to the first transceiving means 8 in the form of an Internet website or URL address.

After identification of the requester, the received retrieval code 10 will be traced to the corresponding Internet address based on the campaign data saved in the storage means 14, for example in the form of a table, as filled by the providers 5. This Internet address will then be saved in the personal data file or archive 9 of the identified requester 3.

The personal data file 9 is the personal set of Internet addresses compiled through the SMS text messaging of retrieval codes. The data file 9 may have the form of a closed Internet website that is actively linked to the Internet 4 by means of a connection 17, which website will be accessible only after logging in with the telephone number and associated login code. After logging in, the requester will have been identified by the application and will be shown his/her own archive. This will consist of links to the target Internet sites as they were saved by the management application in the archive when they were received. This will concern links only, because no real content will be maintained in the personal data file or archive 9.

From archive 9, it is possible to start the saved links by clicking them. The downstream Internet address will then be opened in a new Internet browser. Security codes agreed beforehand may be sent as well, so as to allow the provider to verify the origin of a request for information. Links in the archive will preferably continue to exist until the requester personally removes them, even if the term of the original campaign has expired.

By means of their settings in the personal data file or archive, requesters 3 will be given a possibility to have the links sent to them also by e-mail 18. The links in the e-mail messages will never refer directly to the Internet address linked to a campaign, but always to the personal data file, and in such a way that after identification of the requester 3 the link will be started automatically at the archive.

The personal archive or data file may be arranged in different ways into sub-files and may be flexibly sent to and monitored by the management application in such a way that extra storage capacity will automatically be switched in when a data file 9 is about to become full of Internet addresses. The personal data file 9 can also be materialized in such a way that a requester 3 can arrange and administer it.

Note that the telecommunication device 13, such as a mobile telephone, and the data processing device 6 may also be materialized as a single entity, such as a PDA or similar with integrated telephone and data processing properties.

Particularly the management application, which, as explained in the foregoing, is executed by the data processing means 2, can be provided as an independent computer program in the form of program code means, saved on a computer-readable medium, like a data carrier or similar, for execution of the method according to the invention, provided that the computer program has been loaded into the working storage of and is executed by a relevant computer or data processing means..

An expert will be able to make further modifications and additions to the described embodiment of the invention without deviating from the underlying new and inventive invention idea as set forth in the attached claims.

Claims

1. Method for a requester to retrieve from a provider via a first communication network, under the control of a management application, information associated with a retrieval code sent the by the requester via a second communication network, whereby the management application is arranged to identify the requester and receive the retrieval code, with the characteristic that the management application possesses address data liked to the retrieval code that refer to the information supplied by a relevant provider, that the address data corresponding with a received retrieval code are placed in a personal data file of the requester, which personal data file will have been allocated to the requester beforehand by the management application, and whereby the requester can retrieve the provider's information associated with the retrieval code by means of the address data placed in the personal data file.

2. Method according to claim 1, where the personal data file is accessible via the first communication network.

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, where the first communication network comprises the Internet and the second communication network comprises a telephone network, including but not confined to a mobile telephone network.

4. Method according to claim 3, where a requester has access to the management application and the personal data file via an Internet website or URL address.

5. Method according to claim 3 or claim 4, where the address data refer to an Internet website or URL address containing information supplied by a provider.

6. Method according to claim 3, claim 4 claim 5, where a requester the retrieval code is sent to the management application by means of an SMS message.

7. Method according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6, where the management application identifies a requester by means of his/her telephone number/

8. Method according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6 or claim 7, where a requester has access to his/her personal data file by means of his/her telephone number and a password.

9. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the retrieval code is electronically, electromagnetically or optically readable and automatically sent by suitable reading means to the management application.

10. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the management application is arranged to send a requester a message indicating that the address data corresponding with a relevant retrieval code have been placed in the requester's personal data file.

1 1. Method according to claim 10, where the message is sent to the requester via the second communication network.

12. Method according to claim 11 , in conjunction with claim 3, where the message is sent to the requester in an SMS message.

13. Method according to claim the 11 or claim 12, whereby the management application possesses an e-mail address of a requester and whereby the message is sent to the requester in the form of a link to the requester's personal data file.

14. Method according to claim 13, where the link is arranged for automatically providing to the requester, after he/she has opened the personal data file, the provider's information associated with a retrieval code and address data.

15. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the management application is arranged to make available and link retrieval codes to address data supplied by a provider.

16. Method according to claim 15, where the management application is arranged to receive from additional information from a provider, including but not confined to information about the period of validity of address data, the costs involved in retrieving the information and other data relevant to a requester.

17. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the management application is arranged to link a retrieval code to one or more further codes, such as security codes, that will be made available to a relevant information provider on the retrieval of information.

18. Method according to claim 14, claim 15, claim 16 or claim 17, where the management application is accessible to a provider via an Internet website or URL address.

19. Method according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the management application is arranged to register a requester and to allocate a personal data file to the requester.

20. Method according to claim 19, in conjunction with claim 8, where the password for access to the personal data file is sent to the requester in an SMS message via the second communication network on registration of the requester.

21. Device for retrieval by a requester, under the control of a management application via a first communication network, of a provider's information associated with a retrieval code the requester sends via a second communication network, comprising first transceiving means connected to the first communication network, second transceiving means connected to the second communication network and data processing means connected to the first and second transceiving means and data storage means connected to the data processing means, whereby the data processing means are arranged for receiving, via the second transceiving means, the retrieval code sent by the requester and for identifying the requester, with the characteristic that the data storage means are arranged for saving address data linked to a retrieval code that refer to the information supplied by a relevant provider and for allocating a personal data file to a requester, whereby the data processing means are arranged for allocating a personal data file to a requester, for the saving in the personal data file of address data corresponding with a received retrieval code and for the requester's retrieval of the provider's information associated with the address data saved in the personal data file

22. Device according to claim 21 , where the personal data file is accessible via the first transceiving means.

23. Device according to claim 21 or claim 22, where the first transceiving means are arranged for communication via the Internet and the second transceiving means are arranged for communication via a telephone network, including but not confined to a mobile telephone network.

24. Device according to claim 23, where the data processing means are arranged for providing access by means of an Internet website or URL address to the personal data file.

25. Device according to claim 23 or claim 24, where the data processing means are arranged for automatic retrieval, based on the address data contained therein, of the associated information supplied by a provider, in particular by means of an Internet website or URL address.

26. Device according to claim 23, claim 24 or claim 25, where the second transceiving means are arranged for receiving a retrieval code sent by a requester by means of an SMS message.

27. Device according to claim 23, claim 24, claim 25 or claim 26, where the data processing means are arranged for identification of a requester based on a telephone number received by means of the second transceiving means.

28. Device according to claim 23, claim 24, claim 25, claim 26 or claim 27, where the data storage means are arranged for providing a requester with access to his/her personal data file by means of his/her telephone number and password and the first transceiving means.

29. Device according to one or more of claims 21 through 28, where a retrieval code is readable for electronic, electromagnetic or optical suitable reading means to enable automatic sending of the retrieval code to the data processing means.

30. Device according to claim 29, where the reading means are connected to or integrated in a requester's telecommunication device, for the reading and automatic sending of a read retrieval code.

31. Device according to one or more of claims 21 through 31 , where the data processing means are arranged for sending a requester a message that indicates that the address data corresponding with a relevant retrieval code have been placed in the requester's personal data file.

32. Device according to claim 31 , where the data processing means are arranged for sending the requester the message by means of the second communication network.

33. Device according to claim 32, in conjunction with claim 23, where the second transceiving means are arranged for sending the requester the message by means of an SMS message.

34. Device according to claim 31 , whereby a requester's e-mail address is saved in the data processing means, whereby the first transceiving means are arranged for sending the requester the message by means of an e-mail in the form of a link to the requester's personal data file.

35. Device according to claim 34, where the data storage means are arranged for automatically making available to the requester, after the requester opens the personal data file, the information supplied by the provider in association with a retrieval code and address data, in particular information made available by means of an Internet website or URL address.

36. Device according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the data processing means and data storage means are arranged for making available and linking retrieval codes to address data supplied by a provider.

37. Device according to claim 36, where the data processing means and data storage means are arranged for the supply of address data by a provider by means of an Internet portal and for their entry in the data storage means.

38. Device according to one or more of claims 21 through 37, where the data storage means are arranged for saving together with a retrieval code one or more further codes, such as security codes, and for providing a relevant provider with the relevant further codes on the retrieval of information.

39. Device according to one or more of claims 21 through 38, where the data processing means and data storage means are arranged for registering a requester and providing him/her with a personal data file.

40. Device according to claim 39, in conjunction with claim 23, where the second transceiving means are arranged for sending a requester by means of an SMS message a password for access to his/her personal data file.

41. Device according to one or more of the foregoing claims, where the data processing means comprise one or more digital processors and the data storage means comprise one or more storage means for digital data.

42. Computer program, comprising program code means for executing the method according to one or more of claims 1 through 20, if such computer program has been loaded into the working storage of and is executed by a computer.

43. Computer program product, comprising program code means stored on a computer-readable medium, for execution of the method according to one or more of claims 1 through 20, if such computer program product has been loaded into the working storage of and is executed by a computer.