Title: COMPUTER-BASED METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AND FOR CHARGING FOR SERVICES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a computer-based method and apparatus for providing services, such as gambling and entertainment services, to a user and for charging the user.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Currently, there are numerous situations where people are gathered together and desirous of some form of entertainment or diversion, but no suitable form of entertainment or the like is available. This commonly arises in various modes of transport. For example, airline flights, particularly international airline flights, can be of many hours duration. Many people find it difficult to concentrate on anything too demanding, due to ambient noise levels and the poor quality of air in an aircraft cabin.
On longer flights, it is common to provide aircraft with screens for showing motion picture films. While this can provide entertainment, it has its own disadvantages. Commonly, a few screens are located along the lengths of an aircraft cabin, with each screen being visible by a large number of passengers. This necessarily requires all passengers to watch the film at the same time. Showing the film usually has to be timed around other activities on long flight, such as the serving of meals, drinks or snacks. This can often pressure cabin staff to serve meals and to collect food trays in an extremely short period of time. In any event, many passengers either are not too interested in movies, or may simply dislike the particular film chosen by the airline company.
There are also currently known a number of computing devices providing for various forms of interactive entertainment.
Currently, there are such well-known products as "Mario Brothers" and the like. These will often provide a cartoon-like stimulation of a certain scene with various characters that can be manipulated by the user. The
user then has a task of navigating one or more characters to some desired end. Usually, a number of different levels of difficulty can be selected. In addition to the visual effect, provided on the screen of a personal computer, or other monitor connected to a computing device, it is common to provide a suitable sound effect.
However, in most of these known systems, the only satisfaction gained by the user is in meeting the challenges presented by the system. Some games or entertainment of this sort will enable the user to score points, but again the use simply gains satisfaction in accumulating a certain number of points, with the system possibly providing for comparison with previous scores of others.
In many societies, there are also many well-known forms of gambling available. These, typically, rely upon some random or chance element, which can be provided, for example by the use of cards, dice or the mechanism of a ball and wheel in roulette. It has been known to provide computer software packages which simulate known gambling games. A problem with such known software-based gambling games is that they provide little or no security, where the game is to be played for money or some other tokens of substantial value. Many software-based games will provide the gaming mechanism, while relying entirely upon the user to administer and monitor any money or funds changing hands between the participants.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The inventors therefore realize that it would be desirable to incorporate gambling games and other entertainment into an interactive computer-based system, while providing full security and enabling full control of any funds changing hands. More particularly, it is the applicants' suggestion that a computing device be provided, for each passenger who is to use the system, which can, in effect, be credited with
whatever amount of funds the passenger wishes to use.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a computer-based interactive apparatus, for enabling services to be provided to a user and charged to the user, the system comprising: an administration unit including an administration computer device, which includes a token coupler for connecting to a user token having data processing capability, for writing credit information to the token; and a plurality of user computer devices, each having an interface means for interfacing with a user, and a token coupler for coupling to a user token, for accepting credit information from the user token and for writing a remaining balance to the user token, wherein each user computer device can only be activated and applications stored thereon used, after insertion of a user token including a credit balance.
In the present specification, including the claims, reference to a "token" is a reference to a smart card or similar device providing the same capabilities. A smart card is a card with a microprocessor embedded therein, which provides for some data processing and storage capabilities. It enables a card to store information electronically, which information can be accessed and updated, if correct security codes are used. As is known, proprietary codes or coupler keys must be used to gain access to a smart card. Additionally, in the present invention, it is preferred to use encryption technology, to encrypt data on a smart card with appropriate keys, which must be known if this data is to be decrypted. The passenger will then be free to utilize these funds in any way desired. The computing device will be programmed with a number of different gambling games and /or other forms of entertainment. The gambling games would, it is anticipated, run in accordance with accepted rules for each game. For the entertainment aspect, it is possible that a user could simply be charged on a time basis.
For games such as Mario Brothers, a user, instead of just being awarded points, could be awarded cash prizes for different point levels, in effect converting it into a gambling-type of game.
The provision of a high level of security and complete control of a transfer of funds enables a gambling game to offer a high level of cash prizes, which is attractive to many people. Further, by effecting all payments through credit cards of the passengers, there need be no concern of handling any large quantities of cash, with the possibilities of theft or fraud. It will further be appreciated that many aircraft fly in international air space, where it is expected that domestic or local laws on gambling will not apply. It is therefore expected that in many cases, a variety of gambling games with substantial cash prizes could be offered.
A further facet of the system is that, unlike other forms of entertainment such as movies, the gambling or entertainment can in effect, be provided on an individual basis. Each passenger will choose whether or not they are interested in receiving a computing device to enable them to play the games etc. Further, for each passenger, it is entirely up to that passenger to what extent they use the device and when they use it. For example, a passenger may use it for part of a flight, spending the rest of the time in other more usual ways, such as eating, resting or reading.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried in effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, which show preferred embodiments of the present invention and in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figures 3a and 3b show plan and front views respectively of a third embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; and
Figure 4 shows a front, exploded view of the third embodiment of the apparatus.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figure 1, an apparatus in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated by the reference 10. The apparatus 10 comprises an administration station or computer 12, a credit authorization unit 14, a printer 16, and a plurality of individual computing devices 18, of which just one is shown. The computer devices 18 would usually all be identical. The administration station 12, credit authorization unit 14 and printer 16 collectively comprises an administration unit, which will be located at one location, for operation by, for example, one of the cabin staff in an aircraft, or other authorized operator, as detailed below.
The credit authorization unit is a standard product manufactured by International Verifact Inc. It comprises two components, namely a base unit 20, and a removable hand held unit 22. The base unit 20 has a cradle for receiving the hand held unit and, as indicated at 21, provides appropriate connections to that unit.
As indicated at 24, the base unit would be connected to a power supply, and, as indicated at 26, would be connected to data transmission lines, for transmitting data to an appropriate financial institution.
The hand held unit 22 includes a magnetic stripe card reader 28, for reading a credit card. Unit 22 further includes a numeric key
pad 30, and a number of components indicated in outline in the figure, namely a microprocessor 44, data storage memory 45 and communications hardware 46.
The base unit 20 also includes suitable processing devices, data storage and communications hardware.
The administration station or computer 12 is a secure, portable computer, incorporating security technology of Toven Technology Inc., as detailed in published international application W092/ 14209, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. This unit has a central processor (80486), 4 MB RAM memory, storage media (fixed disk drive of 80 MB capacity), a video display (9.5 inches with active colour), 85 key keyboard, security system microprocessor, an encryption processor, a smart card reader 34, a port connected to the credit authorization unit 14 by a data transmission line 38 and a battery power supply (not visible). Alternatively, a suitable power supply line can be provided, for connection into aircraft power supply circuits or otherwise.
As noted, the administration station or computer 12 is connected by the data transmission line 38 to the base unit 20. It is also connected by a line 40 to the printer 16. The printer 16 is thus controlled by the station 12, for purposes detailed below. Preferably, the printer is a compact thermal transfer unit.
Each individual computer device 18 provides a game station for an individual user. It will have a central processor (80486), memory (4 MB), storage media (80 MB fixed disk drive), security system microprocessor, encryption processor. It also includes a video display 50, smart card reader 52, port 54 for an audio output, and a port 56 for program loading. Each unit or device 18 has a battery as a power source (not shown) which would be recharged, in known manner. Headphones 58 can be connected to the audio port 54, as shown, for a user to enjoy an audio output associated with a particular program or game.
The video display 50 incorporates a touch screen, i.e. a screen that is sensitive to touch, and capable of detecting which area or location of the screen is touched. Different applications will create areas on the screen to be touched by a user. The touch screen can detect which areas are touched, to operate the application accordingly. This is instead of a conventional keyboard, and touching screen has the same effect as touching a key of the conventional keyboard.
To ensure integrity and security, both the administration station 12 and each individual computing device 18 will need to be activated by an appropriate smart card. The smart card is a card having the size and shape of a conventional credit card, which has embedded in it a microprocessor, some storage capability, and connections, for providing electrical connection to a smart card reader. Here, Figure 1 shows a smart card 70 for the user or administrator running the administration unit 12, and a smart card 72 for use by an individual user of a computer device 18.
As detailed below, the games on the individual device computer device 18, all data on the administration station 12, and credit information stored on smart cards 70, 72 are encrypted. Smart cards conventionally have built in security features to prevent tampering and modification. Thus, for a smart card to transfer data with a smart card reader, the smart card reader must have a coupler key that will be recognized by the smart card.
Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, all data on each smart card 70, 72, including financial data and encryption keys is encrypted using an access key. This data can thus only be read by a computer device 18 which has already been pre-programmed with the corresponding access key.
Each computer device 18 is controlled initially and set up by use of the administration of the system or apparatus.
The security system identified in published international application W092/ 14209 relies upon three main encryption keys, namely
an "access key", a "system administrator key", and a "user key". For the present application, two system administrator keys would be provided which would be the responsibility of a central administrator, responsible for administering the system, the second administrator key effectively replaces the user key. Each system comprises an administration unit and an appropriate number of computing devices or stations 18. The system administrator's function would be to load appropriate games and applications onto each device 18, each encrypted with the system administrator key. One system administrator key is used to encrypt the operating system of each device 18 (and as detailed below possibly some applications), while the other is used to encrypt applications. Thus, the system administrator keys are, in the present context, keys used to encrypt all applications and programs on a given set of computer devices 18.
The system administrator keys would be stored on the smart card 70 carried by an administrator of the system 18, and encrypted by the access key.
Each user of computer device 18 would be given an individual user smart card 72. As detailed below, this smart card would have encrypted on it the dollar amount credited to that user, and the system administrator keys, which would be common to all associated devices 18.
The access key also provides an additional level of security, as it ensures that the system administrator keys are encrypted on all applicable smart cards. Thus, as detailed in the above-mentioned published international application, the system administrator card 70 would bear both system administrator keys, encrypted by the access key. When inserted in a particular computer device 18, and using the access key, previously downloaded into the device or station 18, the system administrator keys would be decrypted. This will then enable various maintenance functions to
be carried out, such as loading of new programs, or updating and altering existing programs or applications. Further, it could enable the system administrator to disable some applications. It could well be that, for example, in some jurisdictions, it will be permissible for passengers or users to play or use certain games or applications, but not others. In such a case, when passing through those jurisdictions, the system administrator can disable the appropriate applications, so that use of the devices 18 will be lawful. Also, parents may wish to purchase credit for a child to use purely entertainment applications; in such cases the gambling applications or games could be disabled.
The system administrator card will not permit any of the applications or games to be played or used, except for test purposes. More particularly, it will not be possible for the system administrator to play any gambling game and obtain any sort of a dollar credit or the equivalent on the system administrator card. Gambling games and other applications can only be used when the second administrator key is present on a user smart card. The system administrator user cards each have an identifier, which actuates each device 18 accordingly. The system administrator card 70 actuates it for maintenance functions, while a user card 72 actuates each device 18 to enable the games etc. to be used.
It is anticipated that the above arrangement of encryption keys can deal with any users failing to return their individual smart cards. Computer-minded users may wish to keep one for examination, while other users may wish to keep one as a souvenir. Other cards may simply be lost or damaged.
If a single card is not returned, this need not be a concern. While it may contain a credit balance, this is encrypted and cannot be tampered with.
If there is concern that there is any breach of security, e.g. through a whole batch of user cards 72 being mislaid, then the devices 18
can be programmed with a new access key, by the system administrator.
Thus, the system administrator could insert the smart card 70 into the administration unit 12. This would be instructed to create a new access key, randomly, or by use of available data such as time, date, flight number etc. This new access key would be stored within the unit 12, and the system administrator key re-encrypted with the new access key and stored on the system administrator card 70, in an appropriate location, replacing the former system administrator key encrypted with the previous access key. Temporarily, the access key will be recorded on the system administrator card.
The system administrator can then download the new access key into each device 18. It would be stored in encrypted form. After the new access key has been written to all devices 18. It would be deleted from the system administrator card. The use of two system administrator keys enables the basic operating system, and possibly some applications to be encrypted with one key, with other applications encrypted by the second administrator key. This could enable each device 18 to be partially activated by a system administrator. This could enable some "rolling loop" type of display to be run, explaining to a user what is available, without a user card 72 being present. At the same time, most of the applications, particularly those involving gambling, would be disabled.
To activate the full range of applications, it will be necessary to insert a user card 72, with the second administrator key. This will then be decrypted with the access key and used to activate all the applications for use by the user, as detailed below.
For many purposes, where it is not desired that each device 18 can present, for example, a rolling loop display without a user card being present, then a single system administrator key can be used. This key would be used to encrypt all the contents of the hard disk of the
devices 18, and is preferred for a simple implementation of the invention. At the start of a flight, passengers will be canvassed, to see who is interested in using the games etc. available on devices 18. Each passenger interested would be asked to pay for the amount of usage desired, by way of credit card. A passenger's credit card would be taken and run through the magnetic stripe card reader 28. The appropriate dollar amount would be entered. In known manner, there will be an interchange with the corresponding financial institution to obtain authorization; possibly, for a number of passengers, one could enter a series of credit card transactions and transmit all of these simultaneously.
For example, the hand held unit 22 could be used to process a number of credit card requests from a number of passengers as they enter the aircraft. The passengers will be told that they would be handed a unit in due course, once the flight was in progress. When all data had been collected, the hand held unit 22 would be returned to the base unit 20, which would cause a single transmission to be made to the appropriate financial institutions. With the proper authorization obtained, this information would be transmitted to the administration station, and through the administration unit 12 to the printer 16. The printer 16 would print out appropriate credit card receipts for the passengers.
Sequentially, the administrator would, for each request, take a user's smart card and insert it into the administration station 12. There, the user card would have the appropriate dollar amount written to is, encrypted with the access key.
After being given the credit card receipt for signature, in known manner, the user would be handed a device 18 and a corresponding user card 72, with the appropriate dollar amount and the system administrator key both encrypted with the access key. The user will then insert the user card into the device 18.
The device 18 will read and decrypt the system administrator key, and then the encrypted dollar amount. The user will then be provided with a rolling loop display (if not already activated), including instructions on how to use the device 18, and information on programs and applications available for use. The user will also be advised of the dollar amount credited to the machine for his or her use.
For each application, the user will be advised of the cost of using that application. For example, some applications may be purely entertainment, and charged on the time basis or otherwise. Other gambling games, could operate in known manner. Thus, for example, for the game Black Jack, representations of cards could be provided, and the user could operate the game by touching appropriate sections of the screen, including sections permitting the user to select the amount to be wagered etc. Any money spent on using applications, or on gambling, would be deducted from the total dollar balance originally credited. The balance on the user smart card is updated on a per transaction basis. When the user is finished, they would be led through an appropriate exit sequence, and any dollar amount remaining would be re-encrypted onto the user card 72 with the access key.
At the end of the flight, or otherwise, the user would return the device 18 to the system administrator. The system administrator would take the user card 72 and reinsert it into the administration station, to determine what dollar amount is available. An appropriate credit will then be made to the user's credit card. It will be appreciated that when dealing with purely credit card transactions, one can provide gambling games which provide a possibility of large pay outs, without having to be concerned with the difficulty of handling a large volume of cash. The games or applications as available on the devices 18
could be varied and could include children's games, virtual reality games, information services and advertising. As noted, headphones 58 could be provided, to provide an added dimension to each game.
Where an user uses all of the original credit balance on the card, the user can simply purchase further credit which would be credited to the card again.
Each device 18 will include a colour "active matrix" display which will offer 640 x 480 resolution and 256 colours. This will be based on touch technology, eliminating the need for a keyboard. The user will see colour graphics and symbols, and be prompted or instructed by both visual and audio means to touch an appropriate area of the screen.
It will be appreciated that, where a single access key is used, then any user smart card 72 can be used with any one of the devices 18. In an aircraft situation, each user will be instructed that a card 72, with an encrypted credit amount, is of considerable value and should be guarded safely. Nonetheless, there is the possibility that someone else could misappropriate a card 72 and use it in another device 18. There may also be other situations where the devices 18 and cards 70 are distributed much more widely and held for long periods of time, leading to greater possibilities of fraud etc.
For such cases, it is possible that each device 18 and its associated user card 72 could have an unique access key. Thus, to use any particular user device or station 18, it will be necessary to have the sole user card 72 having the corresponding access key. This would provide yet another level of security.
Referring to Figure 2, a second embodiment of the computer device is shown, indicated at 80. As before, a number of these would be provided, replacing the devices 18. While it is preferred, as shown for devices 18, to use a touch screen interface for the user, it is possible that, for some applications, a keyboard will be desirable and
necessary. Here, the standard 85 key keyboard has been replaced by a 8 key keyboard 82, to provide a simpler interface, for use by passengers and user who may not be familiar with conventional keyboards. Each key would have associated with it a number of mechanical switches, to provide for redundancy and durability.
Four keys can be provided, to move a cursor on the screen. The other keys can be for functions such as select, bet, play and quit, for gambling games.
For some users, it may be desirable to provide a keyboard. Further, many users may prefer the tactile sensation involved in punching keys, rather than simply touching the screen.
A screen 84 is connected by a hinge to the main body of the device 80.
Reference will now be made to Figures 3 and 4, which show a third embodiment of the apparatus. This embodiment has many features in common with the first two embodiments, and the description above is applicable to common elements. Here, the apparatus is generally indicated by the reference 100. It is provided with a touch sensitive screen 102. The apparatus 100 is intended as a stand-alone unit, which would enable a user to both run applications or games, as well as perform administrative functions, such as obtaining credit.
To this end, it includes a smart card reader /writer 104 and a credit card reader 106. As shown in Figure 4, the smart card reader/writer is part of a security module 105.
Referring to Figure 4, the unit or apparatus has an external case 108 with top and bottom halves 108a, 108b, the bottom case half 108b providing slots for credit and smart cards. A main board 110 has the credit card reader 106 and the security module 105 mounted below it, together with a hard drive 112, providing a storage media in known
manner.
Above the main board 110, there is a touch screen 114 and a thin film transistor screen 116 associated with it.
As indicated schematically in Figure 3a, there are a number of communication ports 118. These are shown schematically, and practically, could be formed flush with the rear of the case 108. These could include a number of functions, including a connection to, for example, an aircraft power distribution system, for providing various standard DC levels. A number of serial ports could be provided, including one for credit card communication. This would enable communication with appropriate financial institutions, for obtaining credit card authorization. A serial port could be provided for connection to a printer, such as printer 16 and to headphones 58, as in the earlier embodiments.
In an aircraft or other environment, it is preferred that this third embodiment be provided with an appropriate power supply and be connected into a network, enabling at least communication for the credit card reader 106 for financial authorization. For this purpose, the unit would include an internal modem. Then, a user can operate the unit entirely independently of an administrator. The user would be provided with a unit and a smart card, again indicated at 70.
Initially, a user would insert a credit card containing no available credit into the apparatus or computing device. This would then call for the insertion of a credit card through the credit card reader 106, to enable credit authorization to be obtained. The user would input through commands to the touch screen, a request for an appropriate level of credit.
Once credit authorization is obtained, this credit balance will be read to the smart card 70, and a corresponding debit is made against the user's credit card.
As before, the user would then be given the option of running various games or applications, including gambling games. A
credit balance on the card 70 would be depleted sequentially as games are run, and any wins on gambling games would be written or credited to the card 70.
The card 70 has the advantage that it provides security for the device 100. If the user wishes to leave the device 100 for any period of time, she or he could do so secure in the knowledge that no one else can gain access to any remaining credit balance. Thus, a user could have a significant credit balance on the card 70, which could be removed and taken with the user. No other person could then run games or applications.
Although this may not be of particular importance in an aircraft environment, it could be of greater importance where the device is used in various other environments, e.g. in a hotel or resort. The smart card then becomes an independent, credit-bearing token, which can be used for other functions, other than simply operating the device 100.
While the system has been described for use in, primarily, an aircraft, it will be appreciated that the system can be used in a wide variety of different environments and locations. In its broadest sense, it enables control of a number of devices or game stations, by a single central administrator. Each device 18 can be battery-powered, and requires no connection or communication with the base unit 12. As such, there is no requirement for the users to be located in the same place, or using their devices in the same time frame. For example, the system could be used by a hotel, where guests could effectively purchase a credit balance and obtain one of the devices or game stations 18, on checking in.
These can then be used, as and when desired, by each guest in his or her own room. The system administrator unit could then be run from the reception area in the hotel, and as before, enable full control over credit and debit balances and the like. Alternatively, where the third embodiment is used, a network with various access points would be
provided to enable the user to obtain credit card authorization etc.
Nonetheless, it is anticipated that the system will prove particularly attractive to passengers in various vehicles, for whom the range of entertainment or diversion is necessarily restricted. It could thus be used on trains, ferries, buses and the like.