WO2001067403A1

WO2001067403A1 - Method for loading smart cards with credit and data

Info

Publication number: WO2001067403A1
Application number: PCT/TR2001/000010
Authority: WO
Inventors: Salih Torun
Original assignee: Enersis Enerji Sistemleri Mühendislik Hizmetleri Sanayi Ve Ticaret A.Ş.
Priority date: 2000-03-08
Filing date: 2001-03-02
Publication date: 2001-09-13
Also published as: AU4501601A; TR200000681A2; TR200000681A3

Abstract

By using the smart card (1) credit loading method of the invention, the client who wants to load his smart card with credit or data is enabled to perform this loading by using the communication network and tools (such as telephone, wireless or not, internet, etc.) whenever he wants, without having to go to smart card loading centers. In order to realize this transaction, the communication tools that provide the communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5); the smart card (1) containing the data related to the meter and the installation, and by means of which recording and reading can be made; the smart card loader (2) that provides the loading of the smart card (1); the data acquisition unit (8) present at the smart card credit loading center (5), which provides the acquisition of the data entered by the client; the program processor (6) where data acquired by the data acquisition unit (8) are transmitted and processed; the data base processor (7) where data regarding the operations performed are stored and the bank (9) where the approval code regarding the payments, are utilized.

Description

METHOD FOR LOADING SMART CARDS WITH CREDIT AND DATA

The present invention is related to a method for loading credit on smart cards that provides the immediate transaction to obtain the credit to be loaded, from the bank, by using the communication tools.

The smart cards formed by placing a semi-conductive chip into a plastic card which is as large as a credit card; are the safest means of identification among similar application, with their reliability, safety and electronic equipment that provides a high capacity data volume possibility.

The smart cards qualified as intelligent cards due to these characteristics are used in all areas of a daily life and particularly in the finance and communication sectors. One of these areas of use is recording electronically, the amount of basic consumption objects such as gas, water or electricity, intended to be consumed and operating the prepayment meters by which the amounts of these materials consumed are measured.

In the state of art, the client who wants to load his or her smart card with credit has to go to the credit loading centers and pay cash to have the smart card loaded with a credit that corresponds to the amount paid. In this method, a program that operates at the computer of the place where the loading procedure is realized. It is hard to provide technical service to this program. The use and the data base safety is quite risky because it requires to assemble all transactions made at various sales and loading centers at a single database as well as to ensure safety during the transfer of these data. Furthermore, payments have to be made in cash and at predetermined times. In addition to thus, separate programs, separate smart card loaders and smart card protocols are used for each type of consumption (gas, water, electricity) and for each particular trademark; and the consumer has to carry different smart cards for each service and has to go to different loading centers. The object of the present invention is to enable the client to load his (her) smart card with credit by himself, using the communication tools.

The method for loading smart cards with credit and data, realized in order to attain these objectives of the invention has been illustrated in the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1, is the block diagram showing the method for loading smart cards with credit and data;

Figure 2, is the block diagram showing the telephone and the smart card loader;

Figure 3a, is the flow chart diagram the method for loading smart cards with credit and data by telephone;

Figure 3b, is the flow chart diagram the method for loading smart cards with credit and data through internet;

The reference numerals given to the components shown on the drawings are listed as follows;

1. Smart card 2. Smart card loader

3. Smart card driver

4. Smart card microprocessor integrated circuit

5. Smart card loading center

6. Program processor 7. Data base processor

8. Data transfer (acquisition)unit 9. Bank

10. Telephone line inlet

11. Telephone line outlet

12. Tone decoder

13. Tone generator

14. Telephone

15. Telephone line circuit card

16. Power lamp

17. Status lamp

By using the smart card (1) credit loading method of the invention, the client who wants to load his smart card with credit or data is enabled to perform this loading by using the communication network and tools (such as telephone (wireless or not), internet, etc.) whenever he wants, without having to go to smart card loading centers. In order to realize this transaction, the communication tools that provide the communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5); the smart card (1) containing the data related to the meter and the installation, and by means of which recording and reading can be made; the smart card loader (2) that provides the loading of the smart card (1); the data acquisition unit (8) provided at the smart card credit loading center (5), which provides the acquisition of the data entered by the client; the program processor (6) where data acquired by the data acquisition unit (8) are transmitted and processed; the data base processor (7) where data regarding the operations performed are stored and the bank (9) where the approval code regarding the payments, are brought together (Figure 1).

The smart card loader (2) is a device given to the client and operates by being connected to a telephone line in series. The smart card loader (2) consists of a telephone line inlet (10) wherein the telephone line enters; a telephone line outlet (11) wherein the telephone line exits; the smart card driver (3) wherein the smart card (1) is inserted; the smart card micro-processor integrated circuit (4) that transmits data to the addresses on the smart card (1) or that modifies or deletes the loaded data; a tone decoder (12) that decodes the telephone signals; a tone generator (13); a telephone line circuit card (15) forming the energy source; a power lamp (16) showing that the device is "on" and a status lamp (17) showing that a transaction is being performed. In all operations made by using a telephone (14), the telephone (14) DMTF, MF or their coded signals are used and said signals are programmed while the smart card (1) is being read, or while transmitting data to the smart card (1) or while controlling the smart card (1). The smart card reader (2) receives the energy required for its operation, from the voltage at the telephone line. Thus an additional energy source is not needed. The telephone line circuit card (15) in the smart card loader (2) provides the required energy by regulating the current required for the operation of the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) to the current required for the operation of the tone generator (13), without distorting the telephone line impedance (Fig.2).

Said smart card loader (2) may be connected to the telephone in series or it may be connected to a computer which in turn is connected to the communication network. In this case, the client reaches the smart card credit loading center (5), through internet.

The transmission of the data related to the client, the no. of the meter, the password of the client, the cost of the consumed amount, the credit card option; all signals associated with the termination of the transaction and the approval clicking of the client, are provided between the tone decoder (12) and tone generator (13) in the smart card loader (2) and the signal converters at the server (8), by the signals that are coded differently from normal telephone network signals. The security of the smart card (1) loading method is provided by the smart card loader (2). The monetary transactions are performed by the program processor (6) through an internet connection between the data base processor (7) and the bank (9). In this manner the operation is completed by using two different ways of communication. As a double-way communication method is used, the interruption of the loading operation due to any reason is immediately detected.

The data acquisition unit (8) is a unit where the data entered by the client are received. In case the communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5) is realized by means of a telephone (14), this unit is a computer controlled exchange station (8); and in case said communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5) is realized through an internet connection, the unit (8) is a web server.

In the smart card (1) credit loading method developed to enable the client who wants to load his smart card (1) with credit whenever he desires, by using telephone (14) without having to go to the smart card credit loading center (5) consists of the following steps: the client is connected to the exchange station which is the data acquisition unit (8) at the smart card credit loading center (5) by telephone (14) (100). The station (8) asks sonically the client to insert his smart card (1) to be loaded with credit into the smart card driver (3) in the smart card loader connected in series to the telephone line, and to press a certain key on the phone (101). As the client places the smart card (1) into the smart card driver (3) the power lamp (16) of the smart card loader (2) is illuminated, and as the client presses said baton (key) the station (8) sends a signal loaded differently from the normal network signal, to the smart card loader (2) (102). The tone decoder (12) waiting continuously for the signals that are coded differently from the DTMF or MF signals, detects this signal and transmits to the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) (103), which resolves that this signal is related to the readings of meter no. and other client-related data that are contained in the smart card (1) placed in the smart card driver (3) and after completing the reading process, sends the data to the tone generator (13) (104). The tone generator (13) codes these data differently from the normal DTMF or MF signals and transfers to the station (8) (105); wherein these data are resolved and transmitted sonically to the client by using normal telephone signals (106). After this step, the client is asked to enter his password (107). The client enters his password using the telephone keys and then presses a specified key button (108). Each key pressed by the client generates a DTMF or MF signal and the station (8) upon detecting these codes, activates the program processor (6) (109) and asks the client to enter the quantity he wants to receive (110). Then the station asks the client to make a choice of the credit card he wants use for payment (111).

After the completion of all these operations the station (8) repeats sonically the requested amount and the credit card option and asks the client to press a certain key for approval (112). When the client presses this key, the station (8) having obtained data regarding the amount requested and the credit card to be used for payment, activates the program processor (6) (113), which in turn sends the commands required to draw money from the client's credit card, to the data base processor (7) (114). The data base processor (7) is connected to the computer of the bank (9) through internet (115). The bank (9) sends an approval code to the data base processor (7) when money is drawn from the credit card (116). The program processor (6) records this approval code to the related zone on the data base processor (7) and sends it to the station (8) to code this data (117). After converting this to a coded signal, the station (8) sends this signal to the smart card loader (2) (118). The tone decoder (12) decodes the signal and transfers it to the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) (119) which identifies this data, determines that it belongs to the credit data contained in the smart card (4) and realizes the transaction (120).

Meanwhile, the operation status lamp (17) is illuminated as long as the credit writing process continues. Upon the termination of the writing process, the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) sends this information to the tone generator (13) wherein said data are converted into coded signals which are then sent to the station (8) (121). This signal is resolved at the station (8) and it is determined that the transaction is realized successfully (122). The program processor (6) terminates the process by writing this information on the related zone on the data base processor (7) and informs the client sonically (123) (Fig. 3a).

In this method, the communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5) is provided by means of telephone (14). Another implementation used by the method of the invention; wherein the communication between the client and the smart card credit loading center (5) is provided through internet connection, without having to go to the smart card credit loading center (5) consists of the following steps:

The smart card (1) to be loaded with credit, is placed into the smart card driver (3) provided in the smart card loader (2) connected to the cline's computer which has an internet connection (200); by means of internet, a connection with the smart card credit loading center (5) is provided (201); required data are entered to this smart card credit loading centre (5) and are transferred to the program processor (6) for evaluation (202). The queried and evaluated data are transferred to the data base processor (7), which are then transmitted to the bank (9) by the data base processor (7), (204). The amount corresponding the price of the credit desired by the client to be loaded to the smart card (1) is drawn from the account mentioned by the client and transferred to the account of the smart card credit loading center (5) (205). Upon the completion of this transaction, the bank (9) generates a code regarding this process and transmits it to the program processor (6) (206). After the program processor (6) approves this cod generated by the bank (9), the credit data to be loaded to the smart card (1) is transmitted to the smart cart loader (2) which is connected to the client's computer (207) and the loading of the smart card with credit is completed at the smart card loader (2) (208) (Fig 3b). The smart card loader used here is operated by being connected to the com. port of the computer. The smart card (1) thus loaded with credit by using this method is inserted in the meter and the use of gas, water or electricity in an amount corresponding to the amount paid for, is provided.

Claims

1. A smart card credit loading method which consists of the steps of; connecting to the exchange station which is the data acquisition unit (8) at the smart card credit loading center (5) by telephone (14) (100); the station (8) asking sonically the client to insert his smart card (1) to be loaded with credit into the smart card driver (3) and to process a certain key on the phone (101); the station (8) sending the smart card loader (2) (102) as soon as the key is pressed; transmission of this signal by the tone decoder (12) to the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) (103), which resolves that this signal is related to the readings of meter no. and other client-related data that are contained in the smart card (1) placed in the smart card driver (3) and after completing the reading process, sends the data to the generator (13) (104); coding these data differently from the normal DTMF or MF signals and transfer of these data by the tone generator (13) to the station (8) (105); wherein these data are resolved and transmitted sonically to the client by using normal telephone signals (106) as the client being asked to enter his password (107) enters his password using the telephone keys and then presses a specified key button (108), activation of the program processor (6) by the station (8) (109); the station (8), asking the client to enter the quantity he requests by using the telephone (14) keys (110); second query made by the station (8) for the choice of the credit card he wants to use (111); sonically repetition of the requested amount and the credit card option and asking the client to press a certain key for approval (112); activation of the program processor (6) by the station (8) after having obtained data regarding the amount requested and the credit card to be used for payment, (113); which in turn sends the commands required to draw money from the client's credit card, to the data base processor (7) (114); connection of the data base processor (7) to the bank (9) over the communication network (115); the bank (9) sending an approval code to the data base processor (7) when money is drawn from the credit card (116); recording of this approval code to the related zone on the data base processor (7) and sending of this approval code by the program processor (6) to the station (8) to be coded (1 17); after its conversion to a coded signal, the station (8), sending signal to the smart card loader (2) (118); decoding and transfer of this signal by the tone decoder (12) to the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit 84) (119) which identifies this data, determines that it belongs to the credit data contained in the smart card (4) and realizes the transaction (120) and sending the data by the smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) to the tone generator (13) wherein said data are converted into coded signals which are then sent to the station (8) (121); resolution of said signal at the station (8) and determining that the transaction is realized successfully (122) and upon the termination of the process, this information being written on the related zone on the data base processor (7) and informing the client sonically (123).

2. A smart card credit loading method which consists f the steps of; inserting the smart card (1) to be loaded with credit, into the smart card driver (3) provided in the smart card loader (2) connected to the client's computer which has an internet connection (200); providing by means of internet, a connection with the smart card credit loading center (5) (201); entering the required data to the smart card credit loading center (5) and transferring them to the program processor for evaluation (202); transfer of the queried and evaluated data to the data base processor (7), which are then transmitted to the bank (9) by the data base processor (7) (204) and drawing of the amount corresponding the price of the credit desired by the client to be loaded to the smart card (1) from the account mentioned by the client and transfer of this amount to the account of the smart card credit loading center (5) (205); upon the completion of this transaction generation and transmission of a code regarding this process by the bank (9) to the program processor (6) (206); after the approval of this by the program processor (6), transmission of the credit data to be loaded to the smart card (1) to the smart cart loader (2) which is connected to the client's computer (207) and the completion of the loading of the smart card with credit at the smart card loader (2) (208).

3. A smart card loader (2) consisting of a telephone line inlet (10) wherein the telephone line enters; a telephone line outlet (11) wherein the telephone line exits; the smart card driver (3) wherein the smart card (1) is inserted; the smart card micro-processor integrated circuit (4) that transmits data to the addresses on the smart card (1) or that modifies or deletes the loaded data; a tone decoder (12) that decodes the telephone signals; a tone generator (13); a telephone line circuit card (15) forming the energy source; characterized with a smart card microprocessor integrated circuit (4) wherein the telephone line which provides the transmission of the data related to the data related to the client, the no. of the meter, the password of the client, the cost of the consumed amount, the credit card option; all signals associated with the termination of the transaction and the approval clicking of the client provided between the tone decoder (12) and tone generator (13) in the smart card loader (2) and the signal converters at the server (8), by the signals that are coded differently from normal telephone network signals, or that modifies or deletes the loaded data.