WO1999030283A1

WO1999030283A1 - Time accounting device, devices containing same and corresponding method

Info

Publication number: WO1999030283A1
Application number: PCT/FR1998/002595
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pierre Soulier
Original assignee: P.S.A.I. S.A.R.L.
Priority date: 1997-12-08
Filing date: 1998-12-02
Publication date: 1999-06-17
Also published as: FR2772163A1; FR2772163B1; AU1439599A; EP1038274A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device, in particular portable and personal, for time accounting and assigning it to precise tasks to which this time has been devoted. Said device comprises at least means (F9) for memorizing the tasks, means (F2, F8) for reading in the time parameters and their task-code(s) and associated client-account(s), and means for assigning said time parameters to the task(s) and client-account(s) and display the result (or cause it to be shown otherwise or transmitted). Preferably, said device comprises other means such as time measuring means (F8), means for transferring data to a computer (F4), data banks, and the like. The invention useful for instantaneous and cumulative recording, in real time, the time assigned to one or several tasks, by one or several persons, and for using the data for invoicing, management of industrial projects, management of human resources, and the like.

Description

TIME ACCOUNTING DEVICE, DEVICES CONTAINING THE SAME, AND RELATED METHOD

The present invention relates to the technical sector of "accounting" for time.

Definitions and general description of the invention:

The term “accounting” will be used here to designate the operations consisting in assigning to operations of any kind (commercial, scientific, technical, industrial, etc.), hereinafter the “tasks”, the time actually spent in carrying out said operations. tasks by one or more operators (whether these operators are personnel or machines, etc.), hereinafter the "operators".

This term "accounting" will also designate the operations consisting in assigning certain codes to the time parameters thus recorded, as parameters designating the operator, the project concerned (whose task may then be only one of the aspects), a machine, a sub-assembly, the date, the place, the associated costs, consumable parts and the like, and to process these codes and parameters in such a way that the device can allocate the time thus recorded to "accounts" which will then allow billing, machine management, etc.

By "account", we will therefore designate here any memory field dedicated specifically to the final object of accounting, for example a defined client, a defined project, a defined machine, a defined sub-assembly, a defined workshop, a stock defined rooms, a storage area awaiting allocation, for example for the telephone account which will be described below, and the like.

The term "accounting" will also be used to designate the time measurement operations themselves, that is to say the automatic calculation of the time spent, and the assignment to a task. The main object of the invention is to propose a device which solves the overall problem of automatic accounting of the time allocated to a task, without being bound by the particular requirements of a profession, without the use of auxiliary machines, usable even on the move and directly producing a cumulative result, the whole being compatible with the resources and practices even of small structures, craftsmen, SMEs, etc.

The device according to the invention comprises:

at least one means for storing "tasks", "operators" and "accounts", as well as all associated codes;

at least one means for entering the time parameters and their code (s) - task and / or code (s) - account and / or code (s) - associated operator (s), for each period of time to be recorded ,

at least one means for assigning these time parameters to the task (s) and / or "accounts",

at least one means to visualize (or otherwise show or transmit) the result.

Preferably, the invention includes other means such as a means of measuring or calculating time, a means of transferring data to a computer, and / or updating files (for example customer files, parts, etc. ..) from the computer to the device according to the invention, databases, and the like.

The invention relates very generally to a device operating according to an entirely new concept, according to which the operator ", starting a" task "for a specific customer (more generally, an" account "as defined above), n only needs to select the client code (more generally, the "account" code), the means and functionalities of the device automatically calculating the time to be allocated to said account, and assigning it to this account, in real time and with a function cumulative. Prior art:

There are many models of electronic organizers, or of devices comprising a timetable, often in a compact format.

The patent FR 2 555 336 and its certificate of addition the patent

FR 2,591,366 describe such an electronic agenda for managing appointments in multi-user mode. The time functions only include entering appointment times and similar parameters.

Patent FR 2 662 832 describes means for the classification of documents with incorporated electronic schedule. It concerns the documents to be managed over time and describes the combination of mechanical classification means and electronic time management means. A countdown of time is provided, by means of a clock, to show the delays to be monitored. It is absolutely not a question of counting time in the direction specified above, but of an electronic system of reminders of deadlines, by a countdown type process, deadlines which appear in clear on the edge of the mechanical means , especially on the edge of a rigid filing cabinet.

Patent FR 2 700 866 describes an electronic system for pointing employees in their company. Such systems are simple electronic parking meters.

Systems are also known for managing actions relating to the same activity, in particular a card system which is composted at the beginning and at the end of each period. A fairly wide application is made of it, in particular for garage owners and body shops. Besides the fact that it is heavy to use, and includes mechanical means (paper sheet) and an auxiliary machine, it does not apply to operators on the move. Furthermore, it is absolutely not a question of managing, in real time, the time spent on an operation, and a fortiori not several operations. This is just an improvement to the previous "paiper" system, just as parking meters have improved the previous manual pointing.

In the field under consideration, the most recent development consists of certain data entry software which aims to replace the paper time sheet; however, timekeeping remains a manual operation. These softwares cannot be used on the move and their functionality means that access to the file is necessary for data entry, generally with data entry at the end of the day, hence the risk of errors. There is also known time recording software which operates in on-off mode by reading a barcode. Access to the file, on which the barcode appears, is therefore imperative.

It can therefore be seen that many improvements have been made, using the resources of modern techniques; these improvements have generally been made on the basis of specifications for a profession, for example garage owners, liberal professions, etc.

None of these steps really set out to solve the overall problem of accounting for time spent on a task, in the sense defined above, in real time, that is to say even when traveling outside the home. 'company, and without the need to use the file or machines or paper supports, cards, etc ..., appendices.

There is however a clearly identified need both in the liberal professions, that for the craftsmen, or the industry for the production of production; indeed, in all these areas, we continually come up against the practical impossibility of accurately recording the time allocated to an operation for a given customer account, especially when the operation is interrupted by another customer account. Usually, this accounting is carried out either approximately using a watch, clock, etc. and on paper, as a time note in a file, or a posteriori long after the operation, with an obviously very low precision. The problem is further complicated if one seeks to simultaneously account for parts, consumables, etc. which have been used during the operations.

The invention provides a solution to all of these problems.

It is interesting to note that, in spite of the profusion for several years of devices of all types, portable or pocket, generally combining several functions, such as a telephone-calculator, an electronic agenda-telephone etc ..., and in spite of the efforts of development and commercial efforts of large groups to multiply portable assistance devices, no device offers a time counter.

It must be deduced from this, if so many efforts have been fruitless in a field which is nevertheless very widely exploited and growing exponentially, that the industry considered either considered the realization impossible or impracticable, or else simply did not think of it.

In both cases, it is surprising that the Applicant was able to identify the problem and propose a complete solution.

Detailed description of the invention:

The invention generally relates to a device for the automatic, real-time and cumulative accounting of time periods (or time) of an "operator", dedicated to a "task" and to be assigned to an "account" , characterized in that it comprises means for memorizing the operators, tasks and accounts, means for the operator to select the "account" code, means for the automatic calculation by the device of the time to be allocated to said account, and means to automatically assign it to this account, in real time and with a cumulative function.

The device according to the invention comprises a time counter which starts automatically as soon as the identification parameters of the

"account" (for example, customer, or customer then business, or customer then business then "sub-business", or machine then sub-assembly, or machine then manufactured product, etc.) have been selected by the operator, and also stops automatically as soon as a different account parameter is entered or an end of operation parameter.

The time counter reacts according to the invention to the entry of "accounts", whatever the degree of finesse of this account. In the simplest devices, an "account" functionality triggered by the selection of the account on the screen, or by entering a code corresponding to the account, will start the counter, and likewise stop it.

In more complex systems, the operator will be able to "build", for example on screen, a more complex account, for example formed by a client identifier, then a project identifier, etc., for example to manage the billing by project. In this case, the operator will select several successive codes - customer, then project, etc. - then validate the whole in the form of an "account" using a validation key for example.

The means for selecting the account and then for entering the times or periods of time consists of a keyboard comprising, quite preferably, a means of rapid search associated with a screen, in particular, arrow keys, or possibly, but less preferably, an electronic encoder wheel ("Knob"). Naturally, one can also think of means operating by voice recognition, handwritten recognition, voice synthesis and the like.

If, for example, we go from one case to another (ie from one account to another), for the same client, the entry of the new case (which is a new "account") will automatically stop the allocation of time to the first case and will on the contrary trigger the automatic allocation of time to the new case (ie to the new account).

Similarly, the interruption of a task by, in particular, a telephone call relating to a different task, must be managed, which is currently impossible in practice. According to the invention, a special function key, for example a "telephone" key, or "priority" key, allows a temporary account to appear on the screen, and simultaneously stops the current assignment to assign the time to the temporary, unidentified account selected on the screen. Such a logical system makes it possible to move very quickly from one task to another, without loss of time or heavy and demotivating constraints, and without risk of errors. When the interruption is finished, pressing the "priority" or "telephone" key again stops the incrementing of time on the temporary account, and starts counting the time on the first account. In deferred time, the time of the temporary account is then assigned to the account responsible for the interruption. According to a first variant, the name of the correspondent can be entered in a memory space of the screen, during the telephone conversation for example, for example if the account number is unknown, or in the event of a new customer, or simply to memorize the 'information. According to a complementary variant, it is possible to have several memory areas for several separate temporary accounts. We can thus memorize the time of several different "interruptions", and then assign the times to the actual accounts.

The main function of the device is therefore the recording of time by "task" and the automatic and real-time allocation of this time to "accounts".

It will be judicious to enhance this main function with known additional functions representing a complementary set compared to the main function, such as an electronic agenda function, telephone directory, dictaphone, and the like.

The device according to the invention will preferably include at least one database (customer file, project file, or machine file, sub-assemblies, products, parts inventory, etc. and / or associated codes) making it possible to define and select the " account ", which constitutes the first step of the method according to the invention.

All the data processed by the device (counter, time, files, voice messages, etc.) are preferably stored locally in a non-volatile Flash EEPROM type memory, overcoming any power supply failure. The connection between the device according to the invention and a computer, both for uploading files and their updates to the laptop, as well as for uploading information from the device to the computer, will be by any known file transfer technique. and data, in both directions, preferably by a cable link or, more preferably, by an IRDA type infrared connection.

It is naturally possible to provide a printer link, in a manner also known, or a link by modem for a remote transmission of the data collected.

We can consider the absence of this database on the simplest devices, but then the operator must enter an "account" code himself, the device then losing simplicity.

It is possible to envisage the absence of a computer or "PC" for entering the data relating to an account, but the operator must in this case enter the data in question himself.

The invention applies to the instantaneous and cumulative recording of the time allocated to one or more tasks, by one or more people, and to the use of data for billing, management of industrial projects, workshops, machines, parts and their optimization to improve their productivity, human resource management, and the like.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawing, in which:

- Figure 1 shows the block diagram of a particular, non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2, which consists of diagrams 1 to 21, shows the main features of a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and their use. EXAMPLE OF TECH NOLOG IQU ES SOLUTIONS

The essential details concerning the main positions of the device are given below, with reference to the appended FIG. 1.

F 1

Taking into account the technical and economic considerations relating to the project, it seems advisable to opt for an electronic display system of the “liquid crystal” type.

A standard product with a 128 x 128 dot graphic window without backlighting seems to be the best choice.

For prototypes, we will therefore opt for a reference:

LM3165ASNY from the company "DENSITRON" (TM)

The final version of the product will be oriented towards a mirror of the same type, but for cost reasons, it will be necessary to integrate the controller and the drivers on the electronic card of the Applicant's product.

F2

The prototype keyboard will be produced using “discrete” keys of the “SECME COSMOS” (TM) type.

F3

Listening to the audio messages will be done through a micro speaker integrated on the electronic card, and there are many equivalent commercial references.

An additional "JACK" socket will allow listening on external headphones. F4

The link to the host computer (interface box) will be made by an IrDa link (wireless broadband infrared).

Very integrated boxes ensure the control of the entire process (transmission / reception and interfacing).

Some documentation (INTERNET sources) is available in the appendix.

The best integration combined with a low cost was found on the "TEMIC" (TM) components ref. TFDS4000.

F5

The connection to a peripheral printer will be made via a serial port (RS232) and a miniature SUBD connector.

F6

Recording and reproducing sounds is an important aspect of the project, which must be approached with care.

We note the absolute need for digital signal processing before recording, in order to reduce the memory capacity required.

Ultra-sophisticated components already exist in this field, which equip almost all modern telephone answering / recording machines.

The same technical solution will be chosen.

The Asian firm “OKI” (TM) offers a product perfectly suited to the need, both in terms of integration and cost, the MSM6789A. F7

The OKI chip does not have memory capacity. This must be brought in externally.

Its technical specifications give a recording time of 18 minutes for telephone quality sound per MB of memory.

The device will be fitted as standard with 2MB of dynamic RAM.

All the major global manufacturers of components for IT offer high capacity dynamic RAM. For example, "HYUNDAI" (TM) offers the reference:

HY51 16100

F8

The software that will be installed in the device will not require a lot of computing power, the main part of the work being the transfer of data between the different electronic blocks (the display and the memory), and process management.

The software will be written in "C", so you must provide sufficient program memory space (32 kB at least).

A standard 8-bit microprocessor will be sufficient, as for example the

87C528 from "PHILIPS" (TM)

A real-time clock with built-in timer will be implemented with a specific chip:

PCF8583 F9

The main memory (non-volatile) will be used to save all the meters and other essential working data of the device, as well as the audio memory (volatile) of the sound recorder. A “FLASH” technology is perfectly suited, since it combines great integration and low cost.

The “2MO” (TM) model from AMD (ref. AM29F016), world leader in the FLASH market, is suitable.

F1 0

The device is intended for operation on rechargeable batteries.

A quick energetic assessment allows the consumption of the device to be evaluated at around 50 mA (under 5V).

By choosing a standard CdNi battery ("VARTA" (TM) model AA) with a nominal capacity of 0.6 Ah (at 2.4 V), we obtain approx. 5 hours of autonomy.

F1 1

The battery charging power source will be drawn from the domestic mains by an external step-down transformer and a very compact switching power supply circuit of the current type drawn from the manufacturer's library "MAXIM" (TM).

According to a preferred embodiment, a solar cell will compensate for the natural discharge of the batteries.

Below is a non-limiting example of a detailed embodiment of a device according to the invention, and its operation.

Those skilled in the art will be able to envisage the accessible variants of the example described. FUNCTIONALITIES OF THE TIME COUNTER AND EMPLOYMENT

a - Presentation

In summary, the time counter allows the time spent to be allocated to certain "accounts" for the purpose of statistical operations (invoicing, costing). These accounts define a standard operation performed by the user and are characterized, among other things, by an hourly cost.

The task of the device is to select an account and start a timer. Only one account can be opened at a time, it will be necessary to open another to close the previous one which will then be incremented by the value of the timer.

In the event of “forgetting” to close an account (at the end of the day, for example), the device will trigger an audible alarm allowing the user either to continue to count, or to stop “in an emergency”. The hours declared “working” will be pre-defined by software at the PC level. We will provide possibilities to stop an account temporarily, by a "wait" or other key (meal, etc.).

For the purpose of periodically invoicing the customer relative to the progress of the work (and duly recorded by the machine), there is a monitoring function for the elapsed time with an alarm setpoint programmable by the device. An audible and visual message is triggered when the account is opened to indicate a timeout.

According to a nonlimiting example, the account is identified by a "text" field defining the name of the client, and by another "text" field defining the type of transaction for this client. The concatenation of these two fields (with a capacity limit of 16 characters) gives the effective name of the account:

ex: client name: ADAM

operation: / WIRING E account name: ADAM / CABLAGE

Its associated counter has a capacity of 999 h 59 min, with a resolution of one minute.

You can manage up to 255 different accounts.

A third field will make it possible to record the duration allocated to the operation opened on the account, and will act as an alarm signal in the event of exceeding, either of the total value allocated to the operation, or through a parameter programmable by the device in%. Its capacity is 9999 h 59 min, with a resolution of 1 minute.

Priority account:

It is a special account that allows you to credit the time spent on an “interruption” task, and to assign it retrospectively to another account. For example, the user is working on a client's file and has therefore opened their account. He is interrupted by a telephone call, the duration of which he must allocate to another account. It therefore opens the priority account, with very quick access. In deferred time, he will switch it to the caller's account.

For direct access to this function, a special button is provided on the front of the device, allowing “priority” opening of the “time counter” program. As soon as the operation is finished, we will automatically return to the previously opened function.

Odometer:

According to a possible alternative embodiment, this account makes it possible to record mileage trips for the customer whose account is open. A graphic editor allows you to enter the number of kilometers traveled, the date and time of the trip will be automatically recorded at the same time. b - Procedure

The counter is called from the main menu by framing its icon with F1, then confirming with F5.

DIAGRAM 1

The page appears allowing you to search for and validate the account to be debited. This search is carried out simultaneously in two complementary modes. The first, alphabetical search, identifies the account name according to its first characters. The second is a direct search by scrolling in alphabetical order of stored accounts:

DIAGRAM 2

Alphabetical search: by positioning the vertical selection bar on the alphabetical area using F1, you can sort directly on the alphabetic characters of the account name by selecting one by one with F2 (+ F5 to validate) its first letters. In the example below, the selection of "B" as the first alphabetical character positions the first account starting with "B" in the search field. We can further refine the search by selecting another letter if multiple accounts begin with "B

The other search mode allows direct selection on the account name. By placing the vertical selection bar with F1 in front of the "accounts" area, you can with F2 scroll directly through the names in the search field and stop with F5 on the right: DIAGRAM 3

The account search is then complete.

The next page gives the status of the selected account:

DIAGRAM 4

- the most recent debits and the cumulative total, as well as the total allocated to the account (in brackets). If the debits and the total allocated are exceeded, an audible and visual alarm is triggered when the account is opened.

- the additional information relating to this account, namely:

• the personalized memo function to this account

• the personalized calendar function for this account,

• the function of dictaphone personalized to this account,

• the personalized planning function for this account.

(possible variants, also non-limiting)

Personalized agenda:

Access to the calendar from the counter allows you to link the new initialized appointment with the open account. In the "Calendar" field of the "Counter" screen, the first appointment for the account in question will appear (once this appointment is finished, the next will appear and so on).

According to a nonlimiting variant, a scrolling function makes it possible, from the first appointment, to scroll through all the appointments provided for the account. Personalized dictaphone:

Access to the dictaphone from the counter makes it possible to link the new recorded message with the open account. In the "Messages" field of the "Counter" screen, all the messages thus defined will appear.

Personalized memo

This involves processing text files transferred from the PC to fill in the content of a mission, or notifying any information about the client, or similar operations.

Personalized planning:

Access to the planning program from the counter allows you to link a planning period with the open account. In the “Planning” field of the counter screen, the end of the last allocated period will appear (end of mission).

F1 allows you to place the vertical selection bar on one of the fields of the account: debit, calendar, messages, memo or schedule for consultation or update.

Debit field:

With F2, you can consult the history of account debit periods.

DIAGRAM 5

Calendar control:

It is possible, with F2, to consult the date and time of all the appointments defined with the customer at the origin of the account. FIGURE 6

The F5 key calls up the "Agenda" program from the counter. It is then possible to set an appointment relating to the customer whose account is currently open.

When the appointment is made, you return to the counter with the "ESC" key. This appointment will appear in the "Calendar" field on the "Counter" page.

FIGURE 7

Message field:

We can, with F2, know if memos have been recorded under this client:

DIAGRAM 8

The F5 key calls, from the counter, the “Dictaphone” program. It is then possible to record “memos” relating to the customer whose account is currently open:

DIAGRAM 9

When the memo is saved, you return to the counter with the "ESC" key. This memo will appear in the “Dictaphone” field of the “Counter” page:

DIAGRAM 10

Planning field:

The date of the end of the mission planned for the open account appears under this field. Via F5, it is also possible to call the “Planning” program to consult or modify the mission's progress plan.

Memo field:

Appear under this field all the text files transferred from the PC for any information on the client or his mission, or similar information.

Priority counter

This counter can be called in priority by a special button on the console of the device, from any program initially launched (dictaphone, diary, planning).

DIAGRAM 11

F5 closes this account and automatically calls the menu which will allow the debit to be assigned to a "customer" account:

DIAGRAM 12

Once the account found, F5 validates the manipulation, and we return to the previous menu the priority operation.

Odometer

According to a possible variant, function F3 makes it possible to call this function from the main menu of the counter:

DIAGRAM 13

We arrive at the "odometer" page:

DIAGRAM 14

The vertical selection bar allows you to select the desired function:

either increment the odometer, or consult the travel history relating to this client.

The function is selected using F4.

Viewing history

We can scroll down the travel history for this client thanks to F2:

DIAGRAM 15

Odometer increment

Pressing F4 opens the odometer:

FIGURE 16

The three “digits” (units, tens, hundreds) are selected by F2, with materialization by a horizontal bar under this selection. The incrementation (from 0 to 9) is performed by F1.

As soon as the odometer is completely updated, for example:

FIGURE 17

F5 validates the operation:

DIAGRAM 18

The mileage movement history is updated:

FIGURE 19

An action on "ESC" closes this program, and you return to the general counter menu:

DIAGRAM 20 A new action on "ESC" closes the counter program, and we return to the main menu:

DIAGRAM 21

A last action on "ESC" stops the device. INTERFACING WITH HOST PC

The host computer has the function of updating, collecting and processing the “time counter” data stored in the portable device according to the invention, the agenda, planning or other functions remaining local (a transfer of information is not a priori not planned). The "dictaphone" will also be transferred to the host PC for memos relating to an "account", so that they can be processed by the secretariat responsible for writing a business report.

According to a variant, several laptops can be connectable to the same host computer. For this, each of them must be recognized by an identifier, for example.

A specific program (under WINDOWS) is written for these purposes on the PC and its precise functions are defined.

The real-time aspect is important. The laptop can be connected and updated at any time of the day. However, the host PC should not be monopolized for this task, since it can be used primarily for other functions (word processing, etc.).

It is therefore preferable to insert an interface between the PC and the laptops which can:

- be updated with PC data when it is started,

- chat in real time with mobile phones and exchange information,

- lower its data to the PC before it stops. This interface will be connected on the one hand to the PC by an unused serial port, and on the other hand by IRDA (infrared link) with the fleet of laptops.

According to a preferred variant, however, no interface will be established between the host PC and the portable device; we can indeed work in certain configurations in "background task" that is to say that we can recover information from different ports while working on different programs.

The foregoing description, of both general and specific embodiments of the invention, is not limiting.

The invention further relates to devices and apparatuses of the electronic diary, computer, personal computer, calculator, telephones and the like type, containing, or combined with, a timekeeping device according to the present invention.

Claims

1. - Device for the automatic accounting, in real time, and cumulative, of time periods (or time) of an "operator" dedicated to a "task" and to be assigned to an "account", characterized in that it includes means for memorizing the operators, tasks and accounts, means for the user to select the "account" code, means for the automatic calculation by the device of the time to be allocated to said account, and means for assigning it automatically to this account, in real time and with a cumulative function.

2. - Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a time counter which starts automatically as soon as the identification parameters of the "account" have been selected by the operator, and also stops automatically when whether you enter a different "account" parameter or an end-of-operation parameter.

3. - Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises at least one database (customer file, project file, or machine file, sub-assemblies, products, stocks of parts etc. and / or codes associates, hourly rates, etc.) to define and select the "account".

4. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one means for storing "tasks", "operators" and "accounts", as well as all associated codes;

at least one means for entering the time parameters and their code (s) - task and / or code (s) - account and / or code (s) - associated operator (s), for each period of time to be recorded , at least one means for assigning these time parameters to the task (s) and / or "accounts",

at least one means to visualize (or otherwise show or transmit) the result.

5. - Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a means of measuring or calculating the time or the period of time dedicated to a specific task.

6. - Device according to claim 5, characterized in that said means comprises a calculator or time counter controlled by entering or validating an "account".

7. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises means for transferring data to a computer and / or updating files from the device from the computer to the device.

8. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the means for selecting the account and then for entering the times or periods of time consists of a keyboard comprising a quick search means associated with a screen, including arrow keys or an electronic encoder wheel ("Knob").

9. - Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a special or "priority" function key, for example a "telephone" key, which allows a screen to appear on the screen. temporary account, and simultaneously stops the current assignment to allocate the time to the temporary, unidentified account selected on the screen.

10. - Device according to claim 9, characterized in that a new press on the "priority" key, for example "telephone", stops the incrementation of time on the temporary account, and begins to count the time on the first account.

1 1. - Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that one can enter the name of the "temporary" correspondent in a memory space of the screen, and store it.

12. - Apparatus containing, or combined with, a device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. - Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that it consists of, or comprises, an electronic diary type device, computer, personal computer, calculator, telephone, and the like, containing, or combined with, a device according to the 'Any one of claims 1 to 11.