EP1230629A1 - Utility billing infrastructure - Google Patents

Utility billing infrastructure

Info

Publication number
EP1230629A1
EP1230629A1 EP00969569A EP00969569A EP1230629A1 EP 1230629 A1 EP1230629 A1 EP 1230629A1 EP 00969569 A EP00969569 A EP 00969569A EP 00969569 A EP00969569 A EP 00969569A EP 1230629 A1 EP1230629 A1 EP 1230629A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
code sequence
digit code
utility
supply device
call centre
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP00969569A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Ian White
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Siemens Metering Ltd
Original Assignee
Siemens Metering Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GBGB9927352.6A external-priority patent/GB9927352D0/en
Application filed by Siemens Metering Ltd filed Critical Siemens Metering Ltd
Publication of EP1230629A1 publication Critical patent/EP1230629A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M15/00—Arrangements for metering, time-control or time indication ; Metering, charging or billing arrangements for voice wireline or wireless communications, e.g. VoIP
    • H04M15/68—Payment of value-added services
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/12—Payment architectures specially adapted for electronic shopping systems
    • G06Q20/127—Shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/14—Payment architectures specially adapted for billing systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/16—Payments settled via telecommunication systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/30—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks
    • G06Q20/34—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices or networks using cards, e.g. integrated circuit [IC] cards or magnetic cards
    • G06Q20/342—Cards defining paid or billed services or quantities
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F15/00—Coin-freed apparatus with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/0014—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/02—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices
    • G07F7/025—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by keys or other credit registering devices by means, e.g. cards, providing billing information at the time of purchase, e.g. identification of seller or purchaser, quantity of goods delivered or to be delivered
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/0866—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means by active credit-cards adapted therefor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/08—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by coded identity card or credit card or other personal identification means
    • G07F7/0873—Details of the card reader
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M17/00—Prepayment of wireline communication systems, wireless communication systems or telephone systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2215/00—Metering arrangements; Time controlling arrangements; Time indicating arrangements
    • H04M2215/01—Details of billing arrangements
    • H04M2215/0196—Payment of value-added services, mainly when their charges are added on the telephone bill, e.g. payment of non-telecom services, e-commerce, on-line banking

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a utility billing infrastructure.
  • the invention relates to a billing infrastructure for utility supplies and services through a known telecommunications billing infrastructure.
  • a utility supply device to supply a quantity of a utility, for example electricity, water or gas, upon transfer of a credit.
  • the utility supply device can be operated by physical tokens, for instance coins or cards. Rather than use a physical token, the utility supply device can be arranged to require a valid multi-digit code sequence.
  • the multi-digit code sequence is typed into a keypad unit that couples to the utility supply device, for example utility meters using the KeyPad technology from Siemens Metering Limited. Credit and tariff information is transferred to a given utility supply device by keying in the multi-digit code sequence: the code sequence is unique to the given utility supply device and to the information transferred.
  • the code sequence can be entered one digit at a time using a single button to scroll through and choose from a menu of digits or the code sequence can be spoken into a data entry unit having a voice-recognition facility.
  • a given multi-digit code sequence can be generated to provide both authorisation and identification. As each utility supply device is unique, it is desirable that a given utility supply device will not accept codes intended for another utility supply device.
  • the given code sequence can be used for identification by involving a customer number and/or a unique utility supply device identification number. Likewise, the given code sequence can assure the utility supplier that the customer has authorised a corresponding transaction and is responsible for the charge incurred.
  • Authorisation can be achieved by involving an authorisation password and/or an authorisation number in the code sequence.
  • Telecommunications systems allow telecommunications companies to bill for services provided in the systems.
  • billing for the service can be made by the third party directly or made on behalf of the third party by the telecommunications company.
  • the latter scheme is known as a revenue sharing arrangement.
  • PRS Premium Rate Services
  • a method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; providing the multi-digit code sequence in response to the request; entering the multi-digit code sequence into the data entry unit; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi-digit code sequence is entered, and wherein the multi-digit code sequence is distributed over a billed communications channel.
  • the multi-digit code sequence is preferably distributed over a billed communications channel.
  • the multi-digit code sequence is unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device.
  • the billed communications channel preferably connects to a call centre and the distribution of the multi-digit code sequence includes audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence by the call centre.
  • the audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is, advantageously, a human operator at the call centre reading the multi-digit code sequence audibly over the billed communications channel.
  • the audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is performed by a voice-capable computer at the call centre.
  • a method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; transferring the multi-digit code sequence directly to the data entry unit in response to the request; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi-digit code sequence is entered.
  • the multi-digit code sequence may be requested over a billed communications channel.
  • the multi-digit code sequence is advantageously unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device.
  • the billed communications channel preferably connects the user to a call centre.
  • the billed communications channel is advantageously one of a plurality of billed communications channels and each of the plurality of billed communications channels corresponds to a respective predetermined quantity of the utility.
  • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility according to the present invention.
  • the system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility has the following steps (indicated by dotted arrows): a customer dials in to a call centre 202 on a given one of a plurality of telephone numbers 220, where the given telephone number 220 corresponds to the quantity of utility required by the customer (step 102); the call centre 202 audibly gives the customer a unique multi-digit code sequence 200 (step 104); the customer then types the multi-digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 (step 106); and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied (step 108) provided the multi-digit code sequence entered is valid. Meanwhile, the call centre 202 logs the call and the telecommunications company uses the call centre log to bill for access to the given telephone number 220 at a Premium Rate and passes on revenue from use of the given telephone number to the utility company (
  • a customer wishes to buy a quantity of a utility, for instance, gas to be supplied to her heating system
  • she dials a call centre 202 on a telephone number corresponding to the quantity of gas required 220.
  • the call is logged at the call centre 202 and a call centre operator reads out the correct multi-digit code sequence 200.
  • the customer then types the multi- digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied.
  • the call centre 202 passes the call log to the telecommunications company, which in turn bills the customer for the call at a premium rate corresponding to the value of the quantity of gas purchased.
  • the step of distributing the multi-digit code is not limited to a human call centre operator reading the multi-digit code aloud over the telephone.
  • a further communications channel can be used to directly transfer the multi- digit code to the meter 208. Examples of the further communications channel include power-line carrier or radio networks. In the case of direct transfer of the multi-digit code, the meter is suitably arranged to receive the code via the further communications channel.
  • the system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility is identical to the system shown in Figure 1 , except that the call centre 202 transfers a unique multi-digit code sequence 200 (step 105) directly to the utility meter 208, thus allowing a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied (step 108) provided the multi-digit code sequence transferred is valid.
  • a customer wishes to buy a quantity of a utility, for instance, gas to be supplied to her heating system
  • she dials a call centre 202 on a telephone number corresponding to the quantity of gas required 220.
  • the call is logged at the call centre 202.
  • a call centre operator reads out the correct multi-digit code sequence 200.
  • the customer then types the multi- digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied.
  • the multi- digit code sequence 200 is transferred directly to the utility meter 208.
  • the call centre 202 passes the call log to the telecommunications company, which in turn bills the customer for the call at a premium rate corresponding to the value of the quantity of gas purchased.
  • the utility can thus be accessed from either a private telephone or a public telephone 204.
  • the private telephone can also be a conventional wired telephone.
  • the bill payer for a private telephone or the user of a public telephone will be charged the premium rate tariff by the telecommunications company.
  • call centre facilities can also be provided by a voice-capable computer.
  • the call centre can provide further services, for instance responding to enquiries and repetition of previously paid for codes for forgetful customers.
  • the call centre can also be accessed by means of a standard rate or a free telephone number.
  • the method of the invention can operate with just a single telephone number irrespective of quantity. The quantity can then be selected by direct access to a human operator, by dialling in further digits on the customers telephone or by communication with a computer operator, having voice-recognition capabilities for example.
  • billed communications channels may be provided: including password-controlled internet websites or portals; cable TV pay channels; and of course, premium rate telephone numbers.
  • human operators or computers can distribute the necessary multi-digit code sequences via the billed communication channel.

Abstract

A method for allowing utility customers to pay for energy supplies or services (208) through the existing billing infrastructures of the telecommunications companies. Utility meters (206) use a payment technology that requires a multi-digit code sequence (200) to transfer credit values into each meter (206), for example KeyPad. The multi-digit code sequence (200) can be obtained by dialling a call centre (202) which provides the code sequence (200) audibly over the telephone connection. Payment for the code sequence (200), and hence for the energy or service, is obtained by the telecommunications company by means of special charging rates for the dialled call to the call centre (202). A customer can choose from a selection of calling centre numbers (220) according to the amount of credit that is required. Revenue is paid to the utility company by the telecommunications company through existing 'premium rate' service arrangements in the telecommunications billing system.

Description

UTILITY BILLING INFRASTRUCTURE
The present invention relates to a utility billing infrastructure.
More particularly, the invention relates to a billing infrastructure for utility supplies and services through a known telecommunications billing infrastructure.
It is known to provide a utility supply device to supply a quantity of a utility, for example electricity, water or gas, upon transfer of a credit. The utility supply device can be operated by physical tokens, for instance coins or cards. Rather than use a physical token, the utility supply device can be arranged to require a valid multi-digit code sequence. The multi-digit code sequence is typed into a keypad unit that couples to the utility supply device, for example utility meters using the KeyPad technology from Siemens Metering Limited. Credit and tariff information is transferred to a given utility supply device by keying in the multi-digit code sequence: the code sequence is unique to the given utility supply device and to the information transferred. As an alternative to typing the multi-digit code sequence into a keypad unit, the code sequence can be entered one digit at a time using a single button to scroll through and choose from a menu of digits or the code sequence can be spoken into a data entry unit having a voice-recognition facility.
A given multi-digit code sequence can be generated to provide both authorisation and identification. As each utility supply device is unique, it is desirable that a given utility supply device will not accept codes intended for another utility supply device. The given code sequence can be used for identification by involving a customer number and/or a unique utility supply device identification number. Likewise, the given code sequence can assure the utility supplier that the customer has authorised a corresponding transaction and is responsible for the charge incurred. Authorisation can be achieved by involving an authorisation password and/or an authorisation number in the code sequence.
Telecommunications systems allow telecommunications companies to bill for services provided in the systems. When a third party supplies a service over a given telecommunications system, billing for the service can be made by the third party directly or made on behalf of the third party by the telecommunications company. The latter scheme is known as a revenue sharing arrangement. Telecommunications companies, including BT, use revenue sharing arrangements to bill for Premium Rate Services (PRS), for instance, directory services, when supplied by third parties.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence, the method including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; providing the multi-digit code sequence in response to the request; entering the multi-digit code sequence into the data entry unit; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi-digit code sequence is entered, and wherein the multi-digit code sequence is distributed over a billed communications channel.
The multi-digit code sequence is preferably distributed over a billed communications channel.
Preferably, the multi-digit code sequence is unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device. The billed communications channel preferably connects to a call centre and the distribution of the multi-digit code sequence includes audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence by the call centre. The audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is, advantageously, a human operator at the call centre reading the multi-digit code sequence audibly over the billed communications channel.
Alternatively, the audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is performed by a voice-capable computer at the call centre.
In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence, the method including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; transferring the multi-digit code sequence directly to the data entry unit in response to the request; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi-digit code sequence is entered.
The multi-digit code sequence may be requested over a billed communications channel.
The multi-digit code sequence is advantageously unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device.
The billed communications channel preferably connects the user to a call centre. In either aspect of the invention, the billed communications channel is advantageously one of a plurality of billed communications channels and each of the plurality of billed communications channels corresponds to a respective predetermined quantity of the utility.
For a better understanding of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawing in which:- Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility according to the present invention; and Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility according to the present invention.
It should be noted that throughout the following description, identical reference numerals are used to identify similar parts. Referring to Figure 1 , the system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility has the following steps (indicated by dotted arrows): a customer dials in to a call centre 202 on a given one of a plurality of telephone numbers 220, where the given telephone number 220 corresponds to the quantity of utility required by the customer (step 102); the call centre 202 audibly gives the customer a unique multi-digit code sequence 200 (step 104); the customer then types the multi-digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 (step 106); and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied (step 108) provided the multi-digit code sequence entered is valid. Meanwhile, the call centre 202 logs the call and the telecommunications company uses the call centre log to bill for access to the given telephone number 220 at a Premium Rate and passes on revenue from use of the given telephone number to the utility company (step 110).
When, for example, a customer wishes to buy a quantity of a utility, for instance, gas to be supplied to her heating system, she dials a call centre 202 on a telephone number corresponding to the quantity of gas required 220. The call is logged at the call centre 202 and a call centre operator reads out the correct multi-digit code sequence 200. The customer then types the multi- digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied. Meanwhile, the call centre 202 passes the call log to the telecommunications company, which in turn bills the customer for the call at a premium rate corresponding to the value of the quantity of gas purchased. The step of distributing the multi-digit code is not limited to a human call centre operator reading the multi-digit code aloud over the telephone. A further communications channel can be used to directly transfer the multi- digit code to the meter 208. Examples of the further communications channel include power-line carrier or radio networks. In the case of direct transfer of the multi-digit code, the meter is suitably arranged to receive the code via the further communications channel.
In Figure 2, the system for activating the supply of predetermined quantity of a utility is identical to the system shown in Figure 1 , except that the call centre 202 transfers a unique multi-digit code sequence 200 (step 105) directly to the utility meter 208, thus allowing a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied (step 108) provided the multi-digit code sequence transferred is valid.
When, for example, a customer wishes to buy a quantity of a utility, for instance, gas to be supplied to her heating system, she dials a call centre 202 on a telephone number corresponding to the quantity of gas required 220. The call is logged at the call centre 202.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , a call centre operator reads out the correct multi-digit code sequence 200. The customer then types the multi- digit code sequence 200 into her KeyPad unit 206 and the meter 208 attached to the KeyPad unit 206 allows a corresponding volume of gas to be supplied.
In the case of the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the multi- digit code sequence 200 is transferred directly to the utility meter 208.
In both embodiments, the call centre 202 passes the call log to the telecommunications company, which in turn bills the customer for the call at a premium rate corresponding to the value of the quantity of gas purchased.
The utility can thus be accessed from either a private telephone or a public telephone 204. Although illustrated as a mobile telephone 204, the private telephone can also be a conventional wired telephone. The bill payer for a private telephone or the user of a public telephone will be charged the premium rate tariff by the telecommunications company.
It will be understood that although the call centre is described in terms of having human operators, call centre facilities can also be provided by a voice-capable computer. The call centre can provide further services, for instance responding to enquiries and repetition of previously paid for codes for forgetful customers. To this end, the call centre can also be accessed by means of a standard rate or a free telephone number. As an alternative to providing a plurality of telephone numbers each corresponding to a predetermined quantity of utility, the method of the invention can operate with just a single telephone number irrespective of quantity. The quantity can then be selected by direct access to a human operator, by dialling in further digits on the customers telephone or by communication with a computer operator, having voice-recognition capabilities for example.
Many types of billed communications channels may be provided: including password-controlled internet websites or portals; cable TV pay channels; and of course, premium rate telephone numbers. As in the embodiments described above, human operators or computers can distribute the necessary multi-digit code sequences via the billed communication channel.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence, the method including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; providing the multi-digit code sequence in response to the request; entering the multi-digit code sequence into the data entry unit; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi-digit code sequence is entered, and wherein the multi-digit code sequence is distributed over a billed communications channel.
2. A method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the multi-digit code sequence is unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device.
3. A method as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein the billed communications channel connects the user to a call centre and the distribution of the multi-digit code sequence includes audible reproduction of the multi- digit code sequence by the call centre.
4. A method as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is a human operator at the call centre reading the multi-digit code sequence audibly over the billed communications channel.
5. A method as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the audible reproduction of the multi-digit code sequence is performed by a voice-capable computer at the call centre.
6. A method for supplying a predetermined quantity of a utility using a utility supply device coupled to a data entry unit that validates a multi-digit code sequence, the method including: requesting a multi-digit code sequence; transferring the multi-digit code sequence directly to the data entry unit in response to the request; and the data entry unit activating the utility supply device to supply a predetermined quantity of the utility when a valid multi- digit code sequence is entered and wherein the multi-digit code sequence is requested over a billed communications channel.
7. A method as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the multi-digit code sequence is unique to the predetermined quantity and to the utility supply device.
8. A method as claimed in Claims 6 or 7, wherein the billed communications channel connects the user to a call centre.
9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the billed communications channel is one of a plurality of billed communications channels and each of the plurality of billed communications channels corresponds to a respective predetermined quantity of the utility.
10. A method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
EP00969569A 1999-11-19 2000-10-27 Utility billing infrastructure Withdrawn EP1230629A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9927352 1999-11-19
GBGB9927352.6A GB9927352D0 (en) 1999-11-19 1999-11-19 Payment for utility supplies and services through a telecom billing infrastructure
GB0009701 2000-04-20
GB0009701A GB2356475A (en) 1999-11-19 2000-04-20 Utility billing infrastructure
PCT/EP2000/010701 WO2001039145A1 (en) 1999-11-19 2000-10-27 Utility billing infrastructure

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1230629A1 true EP1230629A1 (en) 2002-08-14

Family

ID=26244134

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00969569A Withdrawn EP1230629A1 (en) 1999-11-19 2000-10-27 Utility billing infrastructure

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1230629A1 (en)
AU (1) AU757350B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2001039145A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102737452A (en) * 2012-06-28 2012-10-17 福建联迪商用设备有限公司 Terminal mobile machine monitoring method and system

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050165674A1 (en) * 2002-03-22 2005-07-28 Edwards Nicholas H. Transaction authentication
EP1585257A3 (en) 2004-03-19 2007-08-01 Iskraemeco, Merjenje in Upravljanje Energije, D.D. Method of remote supervision, reading and control of intelligent consumption meters
EP2575117B1 (en) * 2011-09-27 2017-10-25 Itron Metering Solutions UK Ltd Safe interaction of a user with a smart utility meter

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0765068A2 (en) * 1995-09-22 1997-03-26 AT&T Corp. Interactive and information data services telephone billing system
US5978775A (en) * 1993-12-08 1999-11-02 Lucent Technologies Inc. Information distribution system using telephone network and telephone company billing service

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3581083D1 (en) * 1985-10-25 1991-02-07 Schlumberger Meterfab DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE DISPENSING OF CONSUMABLES.
FR2738936B1 (en) * 1995-09-20 1997-11-21 Transenergie DEVICE FOR MANAGING AN ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION INSTALLATION
DE29515869U1 (en) * 1995-10-08 1995-12-21 Bauer Franz Hans Peter Device for the controlled cashless delivery of electrical energy, gas, water or similar media
FR2746941B1 (en) * 1996-03-29 1998-06-12 Schneider Electric Sa PREPAYMENT ENERGY CONTROL SYSTEM WITH AUTOMATIC TEST
WO1997039430A1 (en) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-23 Lg (Uk) Limited Metering systems

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5978775A (en) * 1993-12-08 1999-11-02 Lucent Technologies Inc. Information distribution system using telephone network and telephone company billing service
EP0765068A2 (en) * 1995-09-22 1997-03-26 AT&T Corp. Interactive and information data services telephone billing system

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See also references of WO0139145A1 *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102737452A (en) * 2012-06-28 2012-10-17 福建联迪商用设备有限公司 Terminal mobile machine monitoring method and system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU757350B2 (en) 2003-02-20
AU7924300A (en) 2001-06-04
WO2001039145A1 (en) 2001-05-31

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5359642A (en) Method and apparatus for prepayment of telecommunication connections by registered groups of subscribers in a telecommunication switching network
US20040242208A1 (en) Payment system and method for mobile communication services
US20010000808A1 (en) Method and apparatus for providing prepaid telecommunications services
US20010024491A1 (en) Method and system for connecting a caller to a content provider
EP1579299A2 (en) Scheme for spreading and facilitating remote e-services
EP1361742B1 (en) Prepaid system and method and communication terminal
US5740247A (en) Authorized cellular telephone communication payment refill system
US8019686B1 (en) Method and system for allowing simultaneous usage of prepaid services
GB2356475A (en) Utility billing infrastructure
AU757350B2 (en) Utility billing infrastructure
JP3784223B2 (en) Call charge settlement system and call charge settlement method
KR100326797B1 (en) Method of offering charging service of a fixed mobile phone using internet
KR20010079167A (en) Mobile communication terminal for Prepayment service and its system and its service control method
KR100393752B1 (en) levy system of deferred payment for communication using card of communication for prepayment
US20030130946A1 (en) Configuration and method for debiting charges
KR100404901B1 (en) levy method of deferred payment using unit and time of telephone call for prepayment
KR20000037374A (en) Pre-payment Billing System for Mobile Telephone and Mothed thereof
JP2001283295A (en) Rate managing device, rate managing system, communication system and rate managing method
KR100349578B1 (en) Charge system using wire and wireless telephone network
KR100460351B1 (en) levy system of deferred payment with common prepayment card information
KR200246679Y1 (en) Mobile communication terminal for Prepayment service and its system
KR20020016756A (en) Accounting Method of Telephone Information charges Using a Telephone Card or a Prepaid Card
KR20010055734A (en) System and method of settling electronic money account
KR20040042699A (en) A temporal telephone number assigning method
KR20010063672A (en) Connecting permission method of a pay site in internet

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20020419

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20030611

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 20031223