Abstract:
A server system is connected to a number of remote displays for messages for broadcasting by a communication network. The audiovisual messages received from the server system are made perceptible for customers. The customers can send coded instruction signals to a first access device, located near a display, by portable customer badges, which are transmitted to the server system which then establishes a back-up communication with the customer, for example, through a portable telephone. The customer can thus simply establish communication and, when the server system has information specifically concerning the above, the information need not be transmitted over the network.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 12/237,654, filed Sep. 25, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/512,751 which is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/FR2003/001031. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention concerns devices for setting up calls between a customer and a service provider for communicating information to the customer and for transmitting orders to the service provider. 
         [0003]    The customer generally receives advertising information from the service provider in the form of printed paper, advertising posters, or even broadcast advertising on a display screen. The customer must then choose a subject of interest from the received advertisements and enter into communication with the service provider to request additional information, place a purchase order, or perform any other activity. In setting up his call, the customer must provide a great deal of information, including in particular a description of the subject of interest, a statement of his intentions and his instructions, and an indication of the means of payment in the case of a purchase order, in addition to his civil status and the delivery address, his banking details, and proof of his ability to pay. 
         [0004]    If the call set up by the customer to the service provider uses the worldwide network for communication between computers, the payment data must additionally be made secure to prevent it from being misused by third parties. 
         [0005]    All of this complicates the operations to be performed by the customer, which slows down commercial transactions and increases the risk of error. 
         [0006]    More recently there has been envisaged a simplified purchase order transmission system whereby the service provider stores most of the information relating to the customer and sends the customer audiovisual messages including an order button which the customer may click to send a signal to the service provider, which generates the order itself. This limits information in transit on the network and facilitates the operations to be performed by the customer. However, the system is suitable only for placing an order and the messages that the service provider must transmit comprise an order instruction button and are therefore specific and more complex. 
       DEFINITIONS 
       [0007]    “Storage means” hereafter refer to devices for reading and/or writing digital data. Storage of said digital data can be volatile (e.g. random access memory) or non-volatile (e.g. magnetic hard disk drive, non-volatile flash memory, magnetic tape, optical drive). Storage means are divised in two categories:
   1. Read/write” storage means, allowing to store data several times, one time after the other. Read/write storage means then allow to delete data in such a manner that a further read operation of said deleted data will not return said deleted data and to replace data previously stored on said storage means by some other data. Read-Write storage means include, in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, all magnetic data storage such as magnetic tapes, magnetic hard disk drives, flash memory, non-volatile RAM (NV-RAM), rewritable optical drives, EEPROM, non-volatile floating grid memory.   2. Read-only storage means, allowing to store data only once and thus not allowing to easily delete any data once said data have been stored on said storage means. Read-Only storage means include, in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, ROM (Read-Only-Memory) of any kind, non-rewritable optical drives.   
 
         [0010]    Storage means are well known from the man of the art. Digital data stored in such a storage means are usually logically organized as data structures. 
         [0011]    “Means for displaying broadcast audiovisual messages” hereafter refer to device(s) for displaying broadcast audiovisual messages. Such devices comprise at least one interface for rendering information perceptible to human beings, said information being visual and/or acoustic. Said interfaces include in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, Cathodic and LED monitors or TV sets, video-projectors, amplified loud-speakers. Such devices also comprise at least one communication module for sending and receiving messages to be broadcasted over a network. Said modules include in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, network interface cards for receiving and sending Ethernet packets over an Ethernet wired network, network interface cards for receiving and sending Wi-Fi packets according to the ISO 802.3.11 specifications and network interface components for receiving and sending data packets over a cellular phone wireless networks using at least one for the following standards: GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, LTE. 
         [0012]    “Means for entering” are hereafter defined as means allowing a user to interact with a device or a system. Means for entering include, in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, input devices such as keyboards (QWERTY), set of keys on a portable device embedding processing capabilities, touchscreens, physical buttons on a device such as a smartphone, numeral keyboards on telephone sets, buttons on a remote control, as well and the modules that interprets the user&#39;s interaction and transmit a corresponding message to some other modules, devices or systems. 
         [0013]    “Communication network” hereafter refers to the components, modules, devices, systems, infrastructures and methods used by at least two communicating nodes to send and receive digital data. This includes, in particular but without it being limiting in any manner, the components, modules, devices, systems, infrastructures and methods that are used when at least two communicating nodes send or receive at least one packet of digital data over the Internet network. 
         [0014]    “Means for transmitting” refer hereafter to components, modules, devices, systems and methods used to send and receive digital data over a digital network. This includes well-known devices, systems and methods used to send and receive packets made of digital data over a digital network, said digital network being wired or wireless. Means for transmitting include, in particular but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, the components, modules, devices, systems, infrastructures and methods in use with GPRS, EDGE, UMTS or LTE digital networks available with cellphones, smartphones, computers, tablet, and also the devices, systems and methods allowing at least two network nodes to send and receive digital messages over the Internet network. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The object of the present invention is to provide a new interactive communication device that facilitates the operations to be executed by the customer, facilitates the broadcasting of audiovisual messages from the service provider(s) to customers, enables customers easily to locate products or services, or service providers to contact potential customers, limits the volumes of information transmitted over the networks for the various transactions, and is compatible with transactions that are more complex than a simple purchase instruction. In particular, the invention must enable the customer to choose and trigger transactions merely by actuating a badge, without having to provide and transmit confidential information and without using a bank card with a PIN. 
         [0016]    At the same time, the invention must make the transaction secure, to prevent a third party from interfering with certain transactions. 
         [0017]    To achieve the above and other objects, an interactive communication device of the invention comprises:
       at least one server system having storage means containing an area for information relating to a plurality of customers, an area for audiovisual broadcast messages, and an interactive communication program,   a plurality of means for displaying audiovisual broadcast messages, located remotely from the server system,   a communication network, adapted to transmit audiovisual broadcast messages chosen by the program from the server system to the display means,   at least one first access means, placed in or near one or more associated display means, said access mean being able to send digital data to the server system and receive digital data from the server system over the communication network, using at least one communication module for connecting to said communication network,   at least one mobile customer badge assigned to a customer and adapted, in response to a specific action of the customer or in response to a request by the access means or by the server via the return transmission means  19 , to enter into the first access means a coded instruction signal containing a customer identification code and an instruction chosen by the customer from a plurality of possible instructions,   the first access means being adapted to transmit an instruction message that contains the instruction chosen by the customer, the customer identification code, and an identifier of the display means to the server system via the communication network.       
 
         [0024]    “Access means” are “access device(s)”. Such a device embeds at least one communication module, usually a network interface card or a wireless interface module, to receive from a sending node and to send to a receiving node the content of an instruction message. The content of said message is built from the data structure representing said message and, in some embodiments, can be the exact set of bits of said data structure. Similarly, the receiving node receives the instruction message on its communication module, usually a network interface card. The message is routed by the communication network infrastructure in use which can be, for instance and without this example being limiting, logically a TCP/IP network and physically a wireless UMTS/LTE network or a wired network using a cable operator wires or a telephone operator wires, or a mix of such physical networks. Access means can be embedded, in particular, but without this list being comprehensive or implying any kind of limitation in any manner, in connected computers, connected cash-registers, connected point-of-sale machines, connected digital-signage devices, connected credit-card readers. Note that access means (access devices) and means for displaying broadcast messages (displaying device) can be the same device as long as said device embeds the components and modules of both kinds of devices. 
         [0025]    The Server system uses a communication module, usually a network interface card, to send over the communication network to the displaying device (means for displaying audiovisual broadcast messages), the content of the message to be broadcasted by said displaying device. The content of the message is built from the data structure representing said message in the server&#39;s storage means. In some embodiments the content of said message can be the exact set of bits of said data structure. Similarly, the displaying device receives the broadcasted message on its communication module, usually a network interface card. When sent, the message is routed by the communication network infrastructure in use which can be, for instance and without this example being limiting, logically a TCP/IP network and physically a wireless UMTS/LTE network or a wired network using the wires of a cable operator and/or those of a telephone operator. Such networks are made of nodes that can route the kind of messages that are sent and received between the various devices and components of the present disclosure. 
         [0026]    The access means receives the instruction signals from the customer badge. The access means then sends at least one instruction signal to the server system, over the communication network, using 
         [0027]    In one advantageous embodiment, the display means are screens and electroacoustic transducers for the presentation of audiovisual messages placed in positions making them perceptible by customers. 
         [0028]    To enable the customer to choose a specific instruction from a plurality of possible instructions, the mobile customer badge may advantageously comprise an input interface (a means for entering) enabling the customer to enter an instruction chosen from the plurality of possible instructions by means of an appropriate specific action. For example, the mobile customer badge may comprise a plurality of keys each corresponding to a specific instruction and which, when pressed, generate a coded instruction signal containing the corresponding specific instruction. 
         [0029]    It may be advantageous for one of the keys to be operable more than once in succession to generate successively an order instruction and then a payment instruction. The same key may also switch on the mobile customer badge. It may be switched off automatically by a timer. 
         [0030]    Security may be improved by the mobile customer badge comprising at least one key associated with a fingerprint recognition device and the device comprising means for inhibiting execution of the customer&#39;s specific instruction in the event of non-recognition of one or more fingerprints previously stored by the customer. 
         [0031]    In a first embodiment:
       the mobile customer badge is a magnetic stripe card, optical stripe card or microchip card in which the customer identification code is stored,   the first access means is a card reader adapted to read the customer identification code in the card presented to it.       
 
         [0034]    The means used by the access means to get the instruction signal is then a combination of the means used to read the customer identification code and the means used by the card reader to validate the payment operation. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment:
       the mobile customer badge comprises an electromagnetic signal sender adapted, in response to a specific action of the customer, to send the coded instruction signal in the form of a coded electromagnetic signal,   the first access means is an electromagnetic signal receiver adapted to receive said coded electromagnetic signal and to extract therefrom the customer identification code and the instruction corresponding to the specific action of the customer.       
 
         [0038]    In the latter case, the mobile customer badge may be a dedicated device. Alternatively, it may be a cellular mobile telephone. 
         [0039]    The means used by the access means to get the instruction signal is then a communication means enabling it to receive the coded electromagnetic signal from the customer badge, for instance, without this example being limiting in any manner, a means to send and receive digital data over Bluetooth or over a Wi-Fi network, or even with Near-field-communication modules if both the customer badge and the access means are equipped of such modules. 
         [0040]    The customer badge embeds storage means, enabling it to store identification codes and, in some embodiments, to store fingerprints data. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the storage means in the customer badge that stores identification code is a non-volatile floating grid memory. In some other embodiments the storage means in the customer badge that stores biometric data is a non-volatile floating grid memory. 
         [0042]    Using a mobile badge of this type can also have great advantages. For example, the manufacturing cost of the display means can be optimized by using the input/output interfaces of the badge (keypad, or even loudspeaker, screen, etc.), or the operating costs of the system can be reduced (less maintenance, fewer cash collections, less vandalism, etc.). Another advantage can be personalization of this type of badge by the customers themselves in order to personalize feedback (badge and/or display means) or the services proposed by the access means (avatar, nickname, preferences, photos, ring tones, games, etc. or customer profile: age, sex, interests, etc.). 
         [0043]    For improved communication between the customer and the first access means, it may be advantageous if:
       the mobile customer badge is adapted to receive coded electromagnetic request signals from an access means or acknowledgment signals,   the first access means comprises a sender and means for generating and sending an electromagnetic signal to request one or more mobile badges, or to generate an acknowledgment signal after reception of a coded instruction signal coming from the mobile customer badge,   the mobile customer badge is adapted to send a status signal perceptible by the user and indicating if the first access means has received the coded instruction signal correctly. Depending on the embodiment chosen, a status signal or any type of information on the badge itself may be displayed to the best effect in accordance with the technical characteristics of the badge recognized by the server.       
 
         [0047]    To enable the server to call the customer directly via the feedback transmission means  19 , the mobile customer badge can also be adapted to receive an incoming message directly from the server via the feedback transmission means  19 . 
         [0048]    In all the above situations, to establish a link between the audiovisual message perceived by the customer on a display means and the instruction that the customer wishes to give:
       a subroutine contained in said program may instruct the server system to store the time of transmission to each display means of each broadcast audiovisual message,   on receiving an instruction message, the program of the server system may combine the specific coded instruction signal, the identifier of the display means, the time of generation of the coded instruction signal, and the remainder of the broadcast messages to determine the broadcast audiovisual message that was being displayed at the time of generation of the coded instruction signal and to deduce therefrom the action to be performed by the return transmission means.       
 
         [0051]    Using their mobile badge, customers can interrogate their environment to find out the nearest display means. Their mobile badge sends a coded electromagnetic signal picked up by the access means within range. Customers could refine this enquiry by preselecting via their badge the type of service or product they are looking for, either automatically (preferences) or by choosing from a predefined list of services or products. The server can also improve the targeting of its response as a function of the customer information that it contains. Another filter can be the distance between the badge and a display means: depending on the embodiment used, the access means will be able either only to give an indication of its distance from the badge or to call the server via the feedback transmission means  19  to find out that distance if the badge has access to geographical location means that the server can use. 
         [0052]    In another embodiment, customers interrogate the server directly via the feedback transmission means  19  using their mobile badge (via the telephone network of the cellular telephones, for example) to find out which display means are nearest to them. The response is returned in the same manner from the server to the badge or via the access means concerned. 
         [0053]    To make transactions more secure, in particular transactions having a non-negligible economic impact:
       the device may comprise return transmission means adapted to set up directly to the customer a follow-up call from the server system or a service provider system designated by the server system,   the program of the server system may be adapted to choose and set up the follow-up call as a function of the coded instruction signal received from the customer and information contained in the area for information relating to a plurality of customers.       
 
         [0056]    The return transmission means may advantageously be the cellular mobile telephone network. The call for requesting more information, confirming an order, instructing shipping or any other transaction is then set up by telephone. 
         [0057]    In one particular embodiment, the return transmission means is a means for transmitting text messages, such as the postal service, electronic mail, facsimile, electronic messages. This constitutes an alternative to the cellular mobile telephone. 
         [0058]    Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the following brief description of the drawings, the detailed description of the invention, and the appended claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0059]      FIG. 1  shows diagrammatically the architecture of one embodiment of an interactive communication device of the present invention. 
           [0060]      FIG. 2  shows the active face of a mobile customer badge used in one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0061]      FIG. 3  provides a flow chart illustrating one possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 4  provides a flow chart illustrating another possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , in a variant A that enables the access means  5   a - 7   a  to call the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 5  provides a flow chart illustrating another possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , in a variant B that enables the server means  1  to call the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  via the feedback transmission means  19 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 6  provides a flow chart illustrating another possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , in an embodiment in which this “basic” badge is a magnetic stripe, optical stripe or smart card. 
           [0065]      FIG. 7  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for preparing a coded instruction signal between a mobile customer badge  14  or  15  and access means  5   a - 7   a  regardless of the direction. 
           [0066]      FIG. 8  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for analyzing a coded instruction signal between a mobile customer badge  14  or  15  and access means  5   a - 7   a  regardless of the direction. 
           [0067]      FIG. 9  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for interrogation of the server  1  by a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
           [0068]      FIG. 10  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for a mobile customer badge  14  or  15  to respond to the server  1 . 
           [0069]      FIG. 11  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
           [0070]      FIG. 12  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the access means  5   a - 7   a  if it includes a card reader for example for communicating with a “basic” mobile customer badge. 
           [0071]      FIG. 13  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the optional subroutine according to the embodiment chosen for the access means  5   a - 7   a  to call a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
           [0072]      FIG. 14  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the interactive communication program of the server  1 . 
           [0073]      FIG. 15  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for the customer to make an emergency call by giving an instruction on their mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
           [0074]      FIG. 16  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for managing valid orders apart from the emergency order. 
           [0075]      FIG. 17  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the optional subroutine according to the embodiment chosen for the badge to respond to interrogation by the server  1 . 
           [0076]      FIG. 18  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the subroutine for preparing and sending audiovisual messages to the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
           [0077]      FIG. 19  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the optional subroutine (depending on the embodiment chosen) for calling mobile customer badges near one or more display means  5 - 7  via transmission means  19 . 
           [0078]      FIG. 20  provides a flow chart showing one possible mode of operation of the program for sequencing actions effected by the mobile customer badge as a function of the customer pressing the main key  31 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0079]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , an interactive communication device of the invention provides communication between a server system  1  and a plurality of customers  2  and  3  shown diagrammatically. 
         [0080]    The server system may communicate audiovisual messages  4  to the customers  2  and  3  via a plurality of means for displaying broadcast messages remote from the server system  1 , such as the display means  5 ,  6  and  7 . Such broadcast messages may be individual broadcast messages. A communication network  8  transmits audiovisual messages  4  to be broadcast chosen by a program that is stored in storage means  9  of the server system  1  from the server system  1  to the display means  5 - 7 . 
         [0081]    In practice, the storage means  9  contains an area  10  for the various broadcast messages, an area  11  for information relating to a plurality of customers, an area  12  for information relating to the means for displaying broadcast messages, an area  23  for technical characteristics of all the badges (described below), an area  24  for customer identification code stacks of each mobile customer badge (described below), and an interactive communication program  13  that controls a central unit  22 . 
         [0082]    In other words, the storage means  9  is a non-volatile storage means. As such, it stores digital data  10  representing broadcast messages, digital data  11  representing the details corresponding to a plurality of customers, digital data  12  representing the details corresponding to the devices for displaying broadcast messages, digital data  23  representing the technical characteristics of customer badges (described below), digital data  24  representing customer identification codes stacks of each mobile customer badge (described below), and digital data  13  containing the instructions of an interactive communication program executed by a central unit  22 , said central unit being able to read said instructions and to execute them. 
         [0083]    Digital Data  10  representing broadcast messages are sets of data structures storing details about a particular message to be broadcasted by a displaying device (Such devices are also named displaying means in this disclosure). A non-limiting example of the data structure representing a particular broadcast message is the following: 
         [0084]    ID of message: 32 bit integer 
         [0085]    Text of message: Array of string of characters 
         [0086]    Image of message to be displayed: set of bits representing a picture in the JPEG format. 
         [0087]    Sound to be played: set of bits representing a sound in the MP3 format. 
         [0088]    Video of the message to be played: set representing a video in the MPEG format. 
         [0089]    Digital Data  11  representing the details corresponding to a plurality of customers, are data structures storing details about each customer. A non-limiting example of the data structure representing the details corresponding to a particular customer is the following: 
         [0090]    ID of customer: 32 bit integer 
         [0091]    Name of customer: Array of strings of characters 
         [0092]    Address of customer: Array of strings of characters 
         [0093]    Bank account number of customer: string of characters 
         [0094]    Picture of customer: set of bits representing a picture in the JPEG format 
         [0095]    Fingerprints of customer: set of bits representing a set of Fingerprints in the NIST ITL American National Standards for Biometrics format 
         [0096]    Digital data  12  representing the details corresponding to the devices for displaying broadcast messages are data structures storing details about each displaying device (also named “means for displaying” in this disclosure). 
         [0097]    A non-limiting example of the data structure representing the details corresponding to a particular displaying device is the following: 
         [0098]    ID of device: 32 bit integer 
         [0099]    Name of device: String of characters 
         [0100]    Physical location of device: array of two 32 bits signed integers representing Geographical coordinates in the decimal degrees format 
         [0101]    Text-OK: Boolean value representing the fact that the device can display text messages. 
         [0102]    Picture-OK: Boolean value representing the fact that the device can display pictures. 
         [0103]    Video-OK: Boolean value representing the fact that the device can play videos. 
         [0104]    Sound-OK: Boolean value representing the fact that the device can play sounds. 
         [0105]    As used in this specification, the term “interactive communication program” includes a programmable device (such as a microprocessor) which is programmed to perform the functions of the interactive communication program described in this specification. 
         [0106]    The communication network comprises means for transmitting broadcast audiovisual messages chosen by the interactive communication program, from the server system, to the means for displaying individual broadcast messages. 
         [0107]    Each display means  5 - 7  is associated with a display means identifier that identifies it unambiguously. 
         [0108]    The device further comprises at least one first access means  5   a ,  6   a  or  7   a  in the vicinity of an associated display means  5 ,  6  or  7 . The first access means  5   a - 7   a  is adapted to receive from a customer  2  or  3  an instruction signal that it then transmits to the server system  1  via the communication network  8 . 
         [0109]    Each customer  2  or  3  may be provided with his own respective mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0110]    Each mobile customer badge  14  or  15  is adapted, in response to a specific action of the customer  2  or  3 , to enter into the first access means  5   a - 7   a  a coded instruction signal  16  chosen by the customer  2  or  3  and containing a customer identification code  16   a  extracted from a stack of customer identification codes stored in a respective storage means  14   d  or  15   d  and a specific instruction  16   b  taken from a plurality of possible instructions. 
         [0111]    The badge therefore comprises means for entering into the first access means an instruction signal coming from the customer in response to a specific action of the customer. The badge also comprises an input interface which enables the customer to enter an instruction chosen from a plurality of possible instructions by an appropriate specific action. 
         [0112]    The first access means  5   a - 7   a  comprises means for transmitting said coded instruction signal  16  to the server system  1  in the form of an instruction message  17  that contains the customer&#39;s instruction  16   b , the customer identification code  16   a , and additionally, in an area  5   b , the identifier of the corresponding display means  5 - 7 . 
         [0113]    After receiving an instruction message  17 , the server system  1  either executes the customer&#39;s instruction or starts by setting up a follow-up call  18  to the customer  2  or  3  via a return transmission means  19 . The return transmission means  19  is adapted to set up directly a follow-up call to the customer  2  or  3  from the server system  1  or a service provider system  20  designated by the server system  1 . 
         [0114]    The program  13  of the server system  1  chooses and sets up the follow-up call  18  as a function of the coded instruction signal  16  received from the customer  2  or  3  in the instruction message  17 : the program  13  finds in the coded instruction signal  16  the customer identification code  16   a  and may then extract the telephone coordinates of the customer concerned from the area  11  for information relating to the plurality of customers and use that information to instruct the return transmission means  19  to set up the follow-up call  18 ; the program  13  also finds the customer&#39;s instruction  16   b  in the coded instruction signal  16  and may then extract from the area  11  for information relating to the plurality of customers the additional data needed for following up the customer&#39;s instruction, for example credit data or authorizations needed to progress the customer&#39;s instruction. 
         [0115]    The device of the invention is preferably programmed to manage less important transactions and more important transactions differently. Accordingly, the program  13  of the server system may be adapted to launch execution of the customer&#39;s specific instruction  16   b  directly, without setting up a follow-up call  18 , if the instruction  16   b  involves a financial transaction in an amount below a predefined threshold. On the other hand, if the customer&#39;s specific instruction  16   b  involves a financial transaction in an amount above the predefined threshold, then the program of the server system sets up the follow-up call  18  in order to verify the real intentions of the customer. 
         [0116]    In the case of a follow-up call  18 , it is advantageous for the server system  1  to comprise a voice recognition device associated with the return transmission means  19  and means for inhibiting execution of the specific instruction  16   b  in the event of non-recognition of the prerecorded voice of the customer  2  or  3 . 
         [0117]    The instruction message  17  may advantageously further include an area  17   a  containing an indication of the time at which the coded instruction signal  16  was sent. This enables a link to be established with the audiovisual message  4  that was being perceived by the customer  2  or  3  at the time he generated the coded instruction signal  16 . To this end, the program  13  stored in the storage means  9  of the server system  1  comprises a subroutine  13   a  that instructs the server system  1  to store the time of transmission to each display means  5 - 7  of each broadcast audiovisual message  4 . 
         [0118]    For example, the display means  5 - 7  may be screens and electroacoustic transducers for presentation of audiovisual messages placed in positions making them perceptible by the customers  2  and  3 . For example, the screen and electroacoustic transducers may be those of a conventional television set, a multimedia computer, a display panel, a product display, or any other equivalent device. 
         [0119]    The display means  5 - 7  may be installed in public places, for example, or in customers&#39; homes, and may be connected to the server system  1  via the communication network  8 , in particular via the worldwide network for communication between computers, satellite, the switched telephone network, dedicated lines, the fiber optic cable network, wireless means or any other means. 
         [0120]    The mobile customer badge  14  or  15  may also itself constitute a display means. 
         [0121]    In a first embodiment, the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  may be a magnetic stripe card, an optical stripe card or a microchip card in which the customer identification code  16   a  is stored and which comprises at least one key for the customer to choose the specific instruction  16   b  to send, for example. The first access means  5   a - 7   a  may then comprise a card reader adapted to read the customer identification code  16   a  in the card  14  or  15  that is presented to it. To transmit an instruction to the server system  1 , the customer  2  or  3  must then present his card  14  or  15  to the reader of the first access means  5   a - 7   a  and choose the specific instruction  16   b.    
         [0122]    In a preferred embodiment, the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  may comprise an electromagnetic signal sender adapted to send the coded instruction signal  16  in the form of a coded electromagnetic signal  14   a  or  15   a  in response to the actuation of a key  14   b  or  15   b  by the customer  2  or 
         [0123]      3 . The first access means  5   a - 7   a  then comprises an electromagnetic signal receiver adapted to receive said coded electromagnetic signal  14   a  or  15   a  and to extract from it the customer identification code  16   a  and the instruction  16   b  corresponding to the key  14   b  or  15   b  operated by the customer  2  or  3 . 
         [0124]    In another preferred embodiment, access means  5   a - 7   a  can comprise an electromagnetic signal sender adapted to send an information signal to the customer  2  or  3 . This informs the customer  2  or  3  of the presence of display means  5 - 7 . The access means  5   a - 7   a  can advantageously filter calls to the customers  2  or  3  as a function of the customer information area  11  or the proximity of the customers  2  or  3  to the display means  5 - 7 . That distance can be determined either from geographical location information from the mobile badge  14  or  15  processed by the server  1  or the access means  5   a - 7   a  or from distance information obtained by analyzing the electromagnetic signal. 
         [0125]    Depending on the applications envisaged, other access means  5   a - 7   a  may comprise a cash register, a coin or banknote dispenser, an automaton, a telephone. 
         [0126]    The access means  5   a - 7   a  may itself be a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . The mobile customer badge  14  or  15  preferably comprises a plurality of keys, for example four keys as shown in the figure, each corresponding to a specific instruction and generating a coded instruction signal  16  containing a specific instruction. 
         [0127]    For example, if the customer  2  presses a key  14   b  that causes the sending of a coded purchase instruction signal  16  to an access means  5 - 7  and then the instruction message  17  of the access means  5 - 7  to the server  1 , the system associates the instruction message  17  with the audiovisual message  4  perceived by the customer  2  or  3  at the time he pressed the key  14   b . Thus the server system  1  interprets the instruction message  17  as a purchase instruction relating to an object appearing on the screen  5  for which the first access means  5   a  has received the coded instruction signal  16  sent by the customer  2 , for example. Where applicable, on receiving this instruction, the server system  1  sets up a follow-up call  18  to the customer  2  via the return transmission means  19 . 
         [0128]    For example, the return transmission means may be a means for transmitting text messages, such as the postal service, electronic mail, facsimile, electronic messages on cellular telephones. This transmission mode is suitable if the messages to be transmitted are relatively simple and do not have to be transmitted particularly quickly. A return transmission means in the form of a cellular mobile telephone network may nevertheless be preferred. Direct communication with the customer  2  or  3  is then more reliable, and in this case it is advantageous to use the same, and appropriately programmed, cellular mobile telephone as the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0129]    In all situations in which the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  is adapted to emit electromagnetic signals, for example in the case of a cellular mobile telephone or an appropriate sender, it may be advantageous to provide means for displaying the transmission status. In this case, the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  may advantageously be adapted to receive electromagnetic acknowledgment signals sent by the first access means  5   a - 7   a . To optimize display by the customers  2  or  3  of this status on their mobile badge  14  or  15 , the server  1  can use the technical characteristics of the badges stored in its area  23 . To this end, the first access means  5   a - 7   a  comprises a sender and means for generating and sending an electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  after a coded instruction signal  16  is received from the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . At the same time, the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  sends a status signal  14   c  perceptible by the user and indicating whether the first access means  5   a - 7   a  has received the coded instruction signal  16  correctly. 
         [0130]    For example, the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  may be programmed to send a “Received OK” status signal  14   c  if it has received the electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  shortly after the coded instruction signal  16  is sent or a “Not received OK” status signal  14   c  if it has not received the electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  within a predetermined time after a coded instruction signal  16  is sent. The benefit of all embodiments of the invention is to enable the customer  2  or  3 , merely by actuating his mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , to give to the server system  1  sufficient specific instructions to perform a complex transaction such as a purchase and payment instruction, a request for more information, a shipping request, or various other services that may be provided by associated service providers. 
         [0131]    It may further be advantageous for the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  to comprise an RPT key and storage means for temporarily storing the coded instruction signal  16  until an electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  is received: if the electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  is not received, as soon as a “Not received OK” status signal  14   c  is sent, the RPT key is activated and the user may operate it to send the stored coded instruction signal  16  again. In particular, this facility solves the problems of collisions in the event of simultaneous sending of a plurality of coded instruction signals from a plurality of mobile customer badges  14  and  15  to the same first access means  5   a.    
         [0132]    Each means  5 - 7  for displaying broadcast messages may comprise a private surveillance video camera fixed above the screen, a small monitor or monitoring screen receiving images from the video camera, a sensor for detecting persons in the vicinity, and a plurality of first access means such as the first access means  5   a.    
         [0133]    The electromagnetic acknowledgment signal  21  may comprise an identity code of the first access means  5   a - 7   a  that sent it. This code may be displayed on the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0134]    The server system  1  may be programmed to set up quickly the follow-up call  18 . Alternatively, the server system  1  may be programmed to defer setting up the follow-up call  18 , thereby guaranteeing discretion or confidentiality. 
         [0135]    A plurality of interactive sub-badges may be associated with a main mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , for example issued to members of the same family. 
         [0136]    Instead of this, or in addition to this, a plurality of customers may use the same mobile customer badge in succession. In this case, a biometric recognition means are preferably provided, such as a fingerprint recognition means, to inhibit the operation of the badge in the event of failure to recognize one of the pre-stored fingerprints, and the coded instruction signal  16  may contain the chosen instruction  16   b , the customer identification code  16   a , and an identification code of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0137]    In the case of a mobile customer badge  14  or  15  in the form of a cellular mobile telephone, the cellular mobile telephone may advantageously be programmed to provide an encrypted access code, voice recognition to recognize the timbre of the voice of the usual customer, a personalized pseudonym, fingerprint recognition. 
         [0138]      FIG. 2  shows one example of a mobile customer badge. 
         [0139]    This mobile customer badge  14  takes the form of a calculator type unit comprising a display screen  30 , which may be replaced with light-emitting diodes, and in particular a main key  31 , an RPT key  32 , a CANCEL key  33 , a SHIP key  34 , a MORE INFO key  35 , a HELP key  36 , and an OTHER SERVICES key  37 . 
         [0140]    The main key  31  constitutes, firstly, means for actuating the interface and, secondly, means for recognizing the fingerprint of the operator. The fingerprint of the customer is stored beforehand, either in the mobile customer badge or in the server system  1  if the corresponding information may be securely transmitted (with encryption, for example) with the customer&#39;s instruction. 
         [0141]    Pressing the main key  31  a first time switches on the mobile customer badge, and where applicable turns on a first light-emitting diode  38 . Pressing the main key  31  again sends an order instruction and turns on a second light-emitting diode  39 . Pressing the main key  31  again sends a payment instruction and turns on a third light-emitting diode  40 . 
         [0142]    A greater number of dedicated instructions may be provided by assigning certain dedicated instructions a combination of keys to be actuated simultaneously or in succession. 
         [0143]    If the mobile customer badge  14  does not receive an acknowledgment of the instruction that has been sent to the nearby access means, the mobile customer badge generates a visual message by turning on a diode  41 , prompting the customer to press the RPT key  32  to generate the instruction again. 
         [0144]    Note that the fingerprint recognition device may be replaced by any other biometric recognition means. 
         [0145]    It may be useful to modify the customer identification code  16   a  periodically. One option is as follows:
       the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  contains a stack of customer identification codes stored in a random order in a memory  14   d  or  15   d  of the badge  14  or  15 ,   the server system  1  contains the same stack of customer identification codes stored in the same random order in a memory of the server within the area  24  containing the stacks of customer identification codes for all the badges,   with each dedicated instruction  16   b  that the customer decides to send, the mobile customer badge  14  associates the next higher customer identification code  16   a  in the stack of customer identification codes within the badge memory  14   d  or  15   d,      on each reception of an instruction message  17 , the server system  1  compares the customer identification code  16   a  received with the next higher customer identification code in its own stack of customer identification codes in the area  24  and inhibits execution of the customer&#39;s dedicated instruction  16   b  if they are different. It can also be assigned a tolerance by the server  1  of a few customer identification codes of immediately next higher rank in its own stack of customer identification codes, which would authorize an offset of a few customer identification codes caused by communication problems, for example. Should the server  1  find a code identical to the code  16   a , it will validate the instruction and keep a record of the fact that the new valid customer identification code is not the immediately higher one in its own stack of customer identification codes, but the identical one that respects the offset tolerance of a few codes.       
 
         [0150]    As a security measure, the customer identification code stack can also be stored in each mobile badge  14  or  15  in the area  14   d  or  15   d  and by the server for all of the mobile badges in the area  24 , either during manufacture of a badge or a posteriori, in either case by a trusted third party. 
         [0151]    Another option is for the coded instruction signals  16  and/or the instruction messages  17  to be encrypted using from 128 to 448 bits and keys distributed in a random selection mode with the rate of distribution of keys modifiable and adjustable. 
         [0152]    The operation of the device of the invention may be summarized in the following manner in the case of an order instruction. 
         [0153]    When he sees on the display means  5  an audiovisual message  4  of interest, the customer  2  presses the key  14   b  relating to an order instruction. The mobile customer badge  14  then sends a coded instruction signal  16  to the first access means  5   a . Either immediately or later, the first access means  5   a  generates an instruction message  17  that is sent to the server system  1 , which verifies the data of the message: it verifies the customer identification code  16   a  against the area  11  for information on the plurality of customers, it verifies the identifier of the display means  5   b  against the area for means for displaying broadcast messages  12 , and it searches for the audiovisual message  4  in the area  10  for broadcast messages as a function of the time at which the coded instruction signal 
         [0000]      17   a  was generated. Immediately or later, the server system  1  then generates a telephone call to the mobile telephone  14  of the customer  2  to validate the order, program shipment and on-line follow-up, and record the total payment. 
         [0154]    When he presses a dedicated key to send an information request message, the mobile customer badge  14  of the customer  2  generates a different dedicated coded instruction signal that is transmitted to the server system  1  in the same way and is interpreted by the server system  1  in order to set up quickly a follow-up call  18  for transmitting the required information to the customer. 
         [0155]    A similar mode of operation may be provided for the situation where the customer  2  presses a key relating to a shipping instruction. 
         [0156]    If the customer  2  presses a key for another service, the server system  1  interprets the signal received to set up a call between a service provider system  20  and the customer  2 . 
         [0157]    Giving the device an additional help function may be envisaged. To this end, a dedicated key on the mobile customer badge  14  is assigned, actuation of this key generating a dedicated coded instruction signal  16  that is received by the server system  1 , which immediately generates a telephone call to the mobile telephone of the customer  2 . If it is not possible to set up the call, then the server system  1  generates a telephone or fax call or an electronic mail that is transmitted directly to the law enforcement agency nearest the first access means  5   a - 7   a  that has received the signal from the customer  2 . The message sent to the law enforcement agency contains full information on the customer and the geographical location of the access means  5   a - 7   a , or where appropriate directly from the customer if the server has access to geographical location information for the mobile customer badge used, in order for intervention to be expedited immediately to the appropriate place and as quickly as possible. 
         [0158]    In summary, the interactive communication program, contained in the storage means, comprises means for combining the coded instruction signal, the identifier of the displaying means, the time of generation of the coded instruction signal, and a remainder of the broadcast messages, to determine the broadcast audiovisual message that was being displayed at the time of generation of the coded instruction signal, and to deduce therefrom an action to be performed. 
         [0159]    Also, the dedicated key comprises means for generating a dedicated coded instruction signal to the server system, and the server system comprises means for contacting the customer, and for sending a message to a law enforcement agency nearest the first access means with information about the customer and the location of the first access means, in the event that the customer does not respond to the server system.  FIGS. 3-20  comprise flow charts illustrating the programming implied in the components shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The following is a detailed description of such programming. 
         [0160]      FIG. 3  shows the programming of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0161]    In step  102 , all of the keys of the mobile customer badge keypad  14  are activated except for the “BIS” key. Where appropriate, check that light-emitting diodes are off. 
         [0162]    In step  104 , wait for an instruction from customer  2  or  3  via a keypad key  14   b.    
         [0163]    In step  105 , test addressee of the customer instruction: server  1  or access means  5   a - 7   a . If the server  1  is the recipient of the customer instruction, then go to step  118 . 
         [0164]    In step  106 , the access means  5   a - 7   a  is the recipient of the customer instruction. Then, indicate that the next customer identification code  16   a  will be the immediately next higher code in the stack of customer identification codes  14   d ,  15   d . This prepares for the next call with the server  1  via the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0165]    In step  107 , call the coded instruction signal preparation subroutine. In step  108 , send the coded instruction signal  16  to access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0166]    In step  109 , wait for feedback signal  21  from access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0167]    In step  110 , test for reception of a feedback signal  21  from access means  5   a - 7   a . If no feedback signal from the access means  5   a - 7   a  has yet been received, go to step  114 . 
         [0168]    In step  111 , if a feedback signal  21  from the access means  5   a - 7   a  has been received, invoke the subroutine for analyzing this signal. 
         [0169]    In step  112 , test the validity of feedback message  21  received. If the feedback message indicates that the preceding message from the badge  14  to the access means  5   a - 7   a  was received incorrectly, go to step  115 . 
         [0170]    In step  113 , if the feedback message  21  indicates that the preceding message from the badge  14  to the access means  5   a - 7   a  was correctly received, display it on the badge  14  by sending a status signal  14   c  “CORRECT FEEDBACK”. Where appropriate, an access means  5   a - 7   a  code can also be displayed, and even audiovisual messages  4 . The program then reverts to a state awaiting a new instruction (step  104 ), having previously re-enabled all the keypad keys except for the “BIS” key (step  102 ) in the event of passage via the step  115 . 
         [0171]    In step  114 , test the delay of feedback signal from access means  5   a - 7   a . If the allowed reception delay has not yet elapsed, then return to step  109 . 
         [0172]    In step  115 , either the feedback message indicates that the preceding message from the badge  14  to the access means  5   a - 7   a  was received incorrectly, or the reception delay allowed for a feedback signal has elapsed. In either case, display it on the badge  14  by sending a status signal  14   c  “INCORRECT FEEDBACK” (for example turn on the light-emitting diode  41 ). 
         [0173]    In step  116 , disable all the keys of the keypad of the mobile customer badge  14 , except for the “BIS” key, which becomes the only active key (in the step  102 ). 
         [0174]    In step  117 , wait for customer  2  or  3  to press the “BIS” key to send back the preceding instruction in step  107 . 
         [0175]    In step  118 , if the server  1  is the recipient of the customer instruction, then use the corresponding subroutine, before awaiting a new instruction from the customer (step  104 ). Depending on the embodiment chosen, this step can be used by the customer  2  or  3  to locate the access means  5   a - 7   a  by interrogating the server  1 . These calls are set up via the transmission means  19 . 
         [0176]      FIG. 4  describes the interactive communication of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , in a variant A enabling the access means  5   a - 7   a  to call the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0177]    All the steps of  FIG. 4  are identical to those of  FIG. 3 , except: 
         [0178]    In step  103 , if no stimulus (audio-frequency signal, for example, or coded instruction signal as hereinafter), is received from the access means  5   a - 7   a , then go to step  104  as in  FIG. 3 . Depending on the embodiment chosen, this type of stimulus can be of the same nature as a coded instruction signal or not. 
         [0179]    In step  119 , call the subroutine for preparing a coded instruction signal for preparing a feedback message to the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0180]    In step  120 , send the coded instruction signal  16  to the access means  5   a - 7   a  and then return to the step  104  of awaiting a new instruction from the customer. 
         [0181]      FIG. 5  describes the interactive communication of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , in a variant B that enables the server means  1  to call the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  via the feedback return means  19 . 
         [0182]    All the steps are identical to those of  FIG. 3 , except: 
         [0183]    In step  103 , if a message has been received from the server  1 , then go to step  119 ; if not, go to step  104 . 
         [0184]    In step  119 , call the subroutine for responding to a call from the server  1  via the feedback transmission means  19 . Then return to the step  104  of awaiting a new instruction from the customer. 
         [0185]      FIG. 6  describes the interactive communication of the mobile customer badge  14  or  15  where, in a first embodiment, this “basic” badge is a magnetic stripe, optical stripe or smart card. 
         [0186]    In step  152 , await an instruction from the customer by pressing a key on the customer&#39;s mobile badge. 
         [0187]    In step  153 , advise the access means (including a “basic” mobile badge reader) that the customer has sent an instruction. 
         [0188]      FIG. 7  describes the subroutine for preparing a coded instruction signal between a mobile customer badge  14  or  15  and access means  5   a - 7   a  regardless of the direction. 
         [0189]    In step  1002 , build the message to send, incorporating in it the following elements, according to the recipient:
   a) Coded instruction signal  16  (mobile customer badge  14  or  15  to access means  5   a - 7   a ): a specific instruction  16   b , a customer identification code extracted from the stack  14   d ,  15   d  of customer identification codes, which will be processed by the server  1 , and depending on the embodiment chosen, possibly a time of generation of the instruction, or even the identifier of the badge. An identification code of the mobile customer badge can also be transmitted (in the case of recognition of a fingerprint on the badge, for example).   b) Feedback signal  21  (access means  5   a - 7   a ) to mobile customer badge  14  or  15 ): feedback message “CORRECT FEEDBACK” or “INCORRECT FEEDBACK”, and possibly identification code of the access means  5   a - 7   a.      c) In step  1003 , perform optional encryption (cf. optional decryption in step  1102  in  FIG. 8 ).   
 
         [0193]      FIG. 8  describes the subroutine for analyzing a coded instruction signal between a mobile customer badge or an access means  5   a - 7   a  regardless of the direction. 
         [0194]    In step  1102 , perform optional decryption (cf. optional encryption in step  1003  of  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0195]    In step  1103 , analyze the received signal to extract from it the following data:
   a) Coded instruction signal  16  (mobile customer badge  14  or  15  to access means  5   a - 7   a ): a specific instruction  16   b , a customer identification code extracted from the stack  14   d ,  15   d  of customer identification codes, which will be processed by the server  1 , and depending on the embodiment chosen, possibly a time of generation of the instruction, or even the identifier of the badge. An identification code of the mobile customer badge can also be transmitted (in the case of recognition of a fingerprint on the badge, for example).   b) Feedback signal  21  (access means  5   a - 7   a ) to mobile customer badge  14  or  15 ): feedback message “CORRECT FEEDBACK” or “INCORRECT FEEDBACK”, and possibly identification code of the access means  5   a - 7   a.      
 
         [0198]      FIG. 9  describes the subroutine for interrogation of the server  1  by a mobile customer badge or access means  5   a - 7   a  regardless of the direction. Calls from the mobile customer badge to the server  1  are set up via the transmission means  19 . Calls from the access means  5   a - 7   a  to the server  1  are set up via the communication network  8 . 
         [0199]    In step  1202 , build a message to send to the server  1 . 
         [0200]    In step  1203 , perform optional encryption (cf. also step  1206 ). 
         [0201]    In step  1204 , send the message to the server  1 , an instruction for example. In one embodiment, the telephone network of the cellular telephones can be used. 
         [0202]    In step  1205 , await a message from the server  1 . 
         [0203]    In step  1206 , perform optional decryption (cf. also step  1203 ). 
         [0204]    In step  1207 , use the information sent by the server. Depending on the embodiment chosen, this is information on nearby display means, audiovisual messages  4 , processing of an order to pay, etc. 
         [0205]      FIG. 10  describes the subroutine for response to the server  1  by a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . Calls from the mobile customer badge to the server  1  are set up via the transmission means  19 . 
         [0206]    In step  1302 , perform optional decryption (cf. also step  1305 ). 
         [0207]    In step  1303 , use the information sent by the server. Depending on the embodiment chosen, this is information on nearby display means, audiovisual messages  4 , processing of an order to pay, etc. 
         [0208]    In step  1304 , build a message to send to the server  1 , for example an instruction, or a follow-up call  18 . 
         [0209]    In step  1305 , perform optional encryption (cf. also step  1302 ). 
         [0210]    In step  1306 , send the message to the server  1 . In one embodiment the telephone network of the cellular telephones can be used. 
         [0211]      FIG. 11  describes the interactive communication program of the access means  5   a - 7   a  via the communication network  8 . 
         [0212]    In step  202 , display on the display means  5 - 7  audiovisual messages  4  sent by the server  1 . 
         [0213]    In step  203 , await a coded instruction signal from a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0214]    In step  204 , test reception from a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . If no signal has been received yet, go to step  217 . 
         [0215]    In step  205 , if an instruction signal has been received from a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 , call the subroutine for analyzing that signal. 
         [0216]    In step  206 , test validity of instruction message received. If the instruction message has been received incorrectly, go to step  214 . 
         [0217]    In step  207 , if the instruction message is correct, display it on display means  5 - 7 , or possibly even on the mobile customer badge. 
         [0218]    In step  208 , call the subroutine for preparing a coded instruction signal. 
         [0219]    In step  209 , send the coded feedback signal to the mobile customer badge  2  or  3 . 
         [0220]    In step  210 , test follow-up by the server  1  as a function of the instruction received. 
         [0221]    In step  211 , possibly wait if the follow-up with the server  1  must be deferred. 
         [0222]    In step  212 , call the subroutine for interrogating the server  1 . 
         [0223]    In step  213 , test for possible follow-up with the mobile customer badge  2  or  3  by returning to the step  208 . If not, return to the step  202 . In step  214 , if the instruction message from the mobile customer badge  2  or  3  has been received incorrectly, display it on the display means  5 - 7 , or possibly even on the mobile customer badge. 
         [0224]    In step  215 , prepare a feedback coded instruction signal to the badge to send the signal “INCORRECT FEEDBACK”. 
         [0225]    In step  216 , send the coded instruction signal to the badge. 
         [0226]    In step  217 , depending on the embodiment chosen, this step is optional, and enables the access means to call nearby mobile customer badges  2  or  3  by calling the corresponding subroutine. 
         [0227]      FIG. 12  describes the interactive communication program of the access means  5   a - 7   a , if it includes a card reader, for example for communicating with a “basic” mobile customer badge (cf.  FIG. 6 ). Note that, in this “basic” mobile badge configuration the access means cannot call the nearby mobile customer badges  2  or  3  as described in step  217  of  FIG. 11 . 
         [0228]    In step  252 , display on the display means  5 - 7  audiovisual messages  4  sent by the server  1 . 
         [0229]    In step  253 , test insertion of a “basic” mobile customer badge. If not, continue display in step  252 . 
         [0230]    In step  254 , await an instruction from the “basic” mobile customer badge. 
         [0231]    In step  255 , read information stored in the badge, possibly with different processing if data illegible. Read in particular the new valid customer identification code  16   a  (code of immediately higher rank to that of the last instruction (cf. step  258 )). 
         [0232]    In step  256 , call a subroutine for interrogating the server  1  on the validity of the instruction, in particular on the customer identification code  16   a.    
         [0233]    In step  257 , test the validity of the received instruction. If the instruction is invalid, go to the step  263 . 
         [0234]    In step  258 , if the instruction is valid, display it on display means  5 - 7 . 
         [0235]    In step  259 , write information in the badge, if necessary, in particular indicate that the customer identification code  16   a  used in step  256  is now not usable for another instruction. 
         [0236]    In step  260 , test possible follow-up by the server  1  as a function of the instruction received. 
         [0237]    In step  261 , possibly wait if the follow-up by the server  1  must be deferred. 
         [0238]    In step  262 , call the subroutine for interrogating the server  1 . 
         [0239]    In step  263 , if the instruction is invalid, display it on display means  5 - 7 , and return to step  252 . 
         [0240]      FIG. 13  describes the subroutine for calling by the access means  5   a - 7   a  of a mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . This subroutine is optional depending on the embodiment chosen. 
         [0241]    In step  2002 , build a stimulus to go to the nearby mobile customer badges  2  or  3 . Depending on the embodiment chosen, this stimulus will be the same as the coded instruction signal exchanged with the mobile customer badge  2  or  3 . 
         [0242]    In step  2003 , send the stimulus to the nearby mobile customer badges  2  or  3 . 
         [0243]    In step  2004 , test any signal from a mobile customer badge  2  or  3  in response to the call. If this badge has already been called (cf. step  2011 ), compare the stored call time and the present time to avoid calling the same customer again after a short time interval. If not, go to step  2012  to finish the subroutine. 
         [0244]    In step  2005 , if feedback from a mobile customer badge  2  or  3  is picked up, the access means can, depending on the embodiment chosen, possibly evaluate the distance to the badge, or relay the request to the server  1 , which possibly has information on the geographical location of the badge. 
         [0245]    In step  2006 , test if the access means offer their services or not as a function of the distance between the display means  5 - 7  and the identified mobile customer badge. If the distance is judged too great, then abandon the call and go to step  2012 . 
         [0246]    In step  2007 , the access means interrogates the server  1  to obtain information on the customer, in order to refine its response. 
         [0247]    In step  2008 , test if the access means offers their services or not as a function of the customer preferences or profile. If not, abandon the call and go to step  2012 . 
         [0248]    In step  2009 , call the subroutine for preparing a coded instruction signal. 
         [0249]    In step  2010 , send the coded feedback signal to the mobile customer badge  2  or  3 . 
         [0250]    In step  2011 , store the identified customer mobile badge, with the call time. This record is used in step  2004  to prevent calling unnecessarily a badge recently identified. 
         [0251]      FIG. 14  describes the interactive communication program of the server  1 . 
         [0252]    In step  302 , test if a message has been received: if a message has been received from the badge via the transmission means  19 , go to step  313 . If a message has been received from access means, go to step  303 . If not (if no message has been received), go to step  314 . 
         [0253]    In step  303 , perform optional decryption. 
         [0254]    In step  304 , the server  1  verifies the validity of the instruction message  17  received:
       The field  5   b  designating the access means against the area  12  of the means for display of messages to be broadcast,   The field  16   a  designating the customer identification code against the area  24  of the customer identification code stacks for that customer. Where appropriate, a tolerance is authorized by the server  1  of a few customer identification codes of immediately higher rank in its own stack of customer identification codes.   The server also searches the area  10  for messages to be broadcast, the audiovisual message  4  corresponding to the generation time  17   a.          
 
         [0258]    In step  305 , test the validity of the received message. If invalid, go to step  309 . 
         [0259]    In step  306 , indicate that the next customer identification code will be the immediately higher code in the area  24  of the stack of customer identification codes of each mobile customer badge. This serves to prepare a next call with the same mobile badge via the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0260]    In step  307 , test the validity of the received customer command. If the command is incorrect, go to step  309 ; otherwise, if the command is an emergency command, go to step  312 . 
         [0261]    In step  308 , call the subroutine for managing valid commands apart from the emergency command (cf.  FIG. 16 ). 
         [0262]    In step  309 , prepare a feedback message for the access means, to go to the mobile customer badge. 
         [0263]    In step  310 , perform optional encryption. 
         [0264]    In step  311 , send the composed message to the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0265]    In step  312 , if the instruction is an emergency call, then call the emergency call processing subroutine (cf.  FIG. 15 ). 
         [0266]    In step  313 , if the message has been received from the mobile customer badge via the feedback transmission means  19 , then call optional subroutine (depending on embodiment chosen) for responding to the interrogation of the server  1  by the badge (cf.  FIG. 17 ). 
         [0267]    In step  314 , call the subroutine for preparing and sending audiovisual messages to the access means  5   a - 7   a  (cf.  FIG. 18 ). 
         [0268]    In step  315 , call the optional subroutine (depending on the embodiment chosen) for calling mobile customer badges near one or more display means  5 - 7  via transmission means  19  (cf.  FIG. 19 ). 
         [0269]      FIG. 15  describes the subroutine for emergency calls by the customers on their mobile customer badge  14  or  15 . 
         [0270]    In step  3002 , the server system  1  recovers the information relating to the customer, to the geographical situation of the access means  5   a - 7   a  or possibly directly from the customer if the server has information on the geographical location of the mobile customer badge used. 
         [0271]    In step  3003 , the server system  1  generates a telephone call to the customer as a function of the telephone coordinates collected in step  3002 . In step  3004 , test the response of the customer to the telephone call. 
         [0272]    If no answer, go to step  3008 . 
         [0273]    In step  3005 , if the customer has answered, call the emergency services nearest the customer as a function of the information collected in step  3002 . 
         [0274]    In step  3006 , test the response of emergency services to the telephone call. If no response, go to step  3008 . 
         [0275]    In step  3007 , connect the customer to the nearest emergency services. 
         [0276]    In step  3008 , construct a message to the emergency services nearest the customer, including the information collected in step  3002 , where appropriate with the location of the customer. 
         [0277]    In step  3009 , send the message to the emergency services nearest the customer, in the form of a telephone, facsimile or electronic mail message, for example. 
         [0278]      FIG. 16  describes the subroutine for managing valid commands apart from the emergency command. 
         [0279]    In step  3102 , test to determine if a follow-up message  18  is needed or not as a function of the command entered. Where applicable, if the command is a payment request, this test can determine, as a function of the customer profile, that follow-up is not necessary below a certain amount and obligatory above it. If not, go to step  3109 . 
         [0280]    In step  3103 , prepare the follow-up message. 
         [0281]    In step  3104 , perform optional encryption (cf. also step  3107 ). 
         [0282]    In step  3105 , send the follow-up message via the feedback transmission means  19 . 
         [0283]    In step  3106 , await a feedback message. 
         [0284]    In step  3107 , perform optional decryption (cf. also step  3104 ). In step  3108 , analyze the feedback message. 
         [0285]    In step  3109 , execute the command: for example shipping request. 
         [0286]    In step  3110 , prepare a feedback message to the access means  5   a - 7   a . In step  3111 , perform optional encryption. 
         [0287]    In step  3112 , send the feedback message to the access means  5   a - 7   a  via the communication network  8 . 
         [0288]      FIG. 17  describes the optional subroutine depending on the embodiment chosen for responding to interrogation of the server  1  by the badge. 
         [0289]    In step  3202 , perform optional decryption (cf. also step  3205 ). 
         [0290]    In step  3203 , extract the request sent by the badge. This is typically an enquiry from the badge to the server to find out the display means nearest the customer (possibly with a particular type of display means specified, and according to a specified distance). 
         [0291]    In step  3204 , compose the message to send to the badge. 
         [0292]    In step  3205 , perform optional encryption (cf. also step  3202 ). 
         [0293]    In step  3206 , send the message to the badge via the feedback transmission means  19 . 
         [0294]      FIG. 18  describes the subroutine for preparing and sending audiovisual messages to the access means  5   a - 7   a.    
         [0295]    In step  3302 , the server  1  prepares the audiovisual messages  4  to send to the display means  5 - 7 , extracting them from the area  10 . 
         [0296]    In step  3303 , call subroutine  13   a  for storing time information for sending the audiovisual messages  4 . This information is used in feedback to identify to which audiovisual message  4  a customer badge instruction corresponds. 
         [0297]    In step  3304 , perform optional encryption. 
         [0298]    In step  3305 , send audiovisual messages  4  to the access means. 
         [0299]      FIG. 19  describes the optional subroutine (depending on the embodiment chosen) for calling mobile customer badges near one or more display means  5 - 7  via transmission means  19 . 
         [0300]    In step  3402 , the server  1  analyzes the customer information area  11  to determine a badge not listed for calling, and its geographical location. In step  3403 , the server  1  analyzes the area  12  of information relating to the display means to determine using their geographical location those near the badge selected in step  3402 . 
         [0301]    In step  3404 , test the distance between the selected badge and the nearest display means  5 - 7 . Where applicable, if this badge has already been called (cf. step  3410 ), compare the stored call time and the present time to avoid calling the same customer again after a short time interval. Otherwise, go to step  3411  to finish the subroutine. 
         [0302]    In step  3405 , the server  1  analyzes the customer information area  11  to determine the profile of the customer associated with the listed badge. 
         [0303]    In step  3406 , test if the server  1  offers its services or not as a function of the preferences of the customer or their profile. If not, abandon the call by going to the step  3411 . 
         [0304]    In step  3407 , prepare an information message to go to the selected mobile customer badge. 
         [0305]    In step  3408 , perform optional encryption. 
         [0306]    In step  3409 , send the message via the feedback transmission means  19  to the identified mobile customer badge. 
         [0307]    In step  3410 , store the identified mobile customer badge, with the call time. This record is used in step  3404  to avoid calling unnecessarily a badge already identified recently. 
         [0308]      FIG. 20  describes the program for sequencing actions effected by the mobile customer badge as a function of the customer pressing the main key  31 . 
         [0309]    In step  4002 , test to determine if the pressing of the main key  31  of the mobile customer badge is the first one. In the usual embodiments, this key switching the badge on and therefore starting this program, this step is optional. If not, wait in this step until this key is pressed. 
         [0310]    In step  4003 , switch on the mobile badge and where applicable turn on the light-emitting diode  38 . 
         [0311]    In step  4004 , test to determine if the pressing of the main key  31  of the mobile customer badge is the second one. If not, wait in this step until this key is pressed. 
         [0312]    In step  4005 , send a command instruction, and where applicable extinguish light-emitting diode  38 , and turn on the light-emitting diode  39 . 
         [0313]    In step  4006 , test to determine if the pressing of the main key  31  of the mobile customer badge is the third one. If not, wait in this step until this key is pressed. 
         [0314]    In step  4007 , send a payment order and where applicable turn off light-emitting diode  39  and turn on light-emitting diode  40 . 
         [0315]    The present invention is not limited to the embodiments that have been described explicitly and includes variants and generalizations thereof that fall within the scope of the following claims.