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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of on-line wagering systems of the type
in which a number of agent terminals in data communication with a central
data processor manage the acceptance and validation of play entries in
games of change or skill. The players, for example, guess the outcome of
unpredictable events, and the correct or most nearly correct entrants
share a prize. In particular, the invention relates to an improved on-line
wagering system of this type, wherein player entries (past and present),
payment, play validation and storage of information regarding the
identities and demographics of individual players are managed by means of
memory cards issued to the individual players, the memory cards being
interfaced with the agent terminals when a player enters a game.
2. Prior Art
User-carried information storage cards are known in connection with
identification functions and as means to manage debiting and crediting of
customers' financial accounts. Cards range from passive memory storage
means in which a magnetic strip affixed to a thin plastic card stores
digital data such as the player's account number and current balance, to
more sophisticated devices in which an integrated circuit and memory are
embedded in a card, the card being substantially the same dimensions as a
familiar plastic credit card. Such cards are convenient when dealing with
payment of money. The customer's current account balance is recorded on
the card and a corrected balance is written after reading and debiting the
the current balance to account for purchases and the like. The card
functions as a portable means for storing indicia representing value.
User carried cards also are known for identification purposes. The cards
each carry a unique customer code such as an identity code or account
number, that can be easily read by electronic equipment such as a security
gate apparatus, credit card reader or an automatic bank teller machine.
Frequently, the user must manually enter a second code that is matched to
the account number, etc. A central data processor at the bank, credit
company or the like handles storage of variable information such as the
remaining credit or current account value. This type of card is a
read-only device that allows the carrier access to the premises or
account.
User-carried cards for identification purposes are shown, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,575,621--Dreifus; 4,459,075--Saada et al;
4,491,725--Pritchard; 4,501,960--Jouvet et al; 4,373,134--Grace et al;
and, 4,544,834--Newport et al. These patents, in varying levels of
sophistication, disclose details by which information can be stored on a
card and used for identification purposes including handling sales of
products or services without the need for cash or other forms of
electronic information transfer.
Some general purpose means including cards adapted to store information are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,511,796--Aigo; 4,532,419--Takeda, and
4,004,133--Hannan et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,352,011--Guillou discloses a card
specifically adapted for subscribing to a video script processing system.
Cards of this type, which include on-card processors and/or extensive
control electronics, are described herein as "smart cards."
The disclosures of the foregoing patents relating to structural and
functional attributes of user-carried memory devices are incorporated
herein. One can also refer to currently available smart card products, for
example, those of Thomson Components-Mostek Corporation, 1310 Electronics
Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006. Notwithstanding this variety of uses for
financial and identification cards, systems and devices to data have not
adapted smart card technology to the peculiar needs of on-line wagering
systems. Wagering systems known to data have not been adapted to take
advantage of the capabilities, over and above simple account-storing or
user-identifying cards, that become possible in an on-line wagering system
having smart card means for alternative inputs and outputs to the agent
terminals, in addition to or instead of inputs and outputs used
traditionally.
A typical prior art on-line wagering system includes a plurality of agent
terminals dispersed throughout a geographical area, each one in at least
occasional data communication with a central system data processor, for
example, by radio or telephone lines, or by downloading a stored record of
transactions. Communications can be encrypted for transmission of critical
data such as win indicia in an "instant" game in which the agent terminal
is adapted to immediately issue a validated play card, for example with a
scratch-off surface removed by the user to reveal card win indicia. In
many games the player guesses the occurrence of random or at least
unpredictable events, such as the drawing of numbers, the outcome of
sporting events and the like. Before approaching the agent terminal the
user according to the prior art makes hand written entries on an entry
card having printed boxes or similar areas to be marked for selecting
among different numbers, contestants or other indicia which may become the
winning entry. A user may be required, for example, to choose and mark six
correct numbers from forty possible numbers for each individual entry.
This marked entry card is read at the agent terminal, for example using
optical mark sensing equipment, and the agent terminal transmits the data
to the central lottery computer, which validates the data and returns a
validation code to the agent terminal. The agent terminal then prints a
validation receipt as proof of an entry, which is carried by the user and
eventually compared to winning numbers published or otherwise disseminated
when a winner is picked. Alternatively, keyboard entry means at the agent
terminals can be used to select play entry data, or to select generation
of random numbers if the user so chooses.
Many users repeat their entry numbers or other patterns of playing data
every time they play. These patterns might be, for example, particular
numbers such as birthdays, social security numbers, license tag numbers or
other arbitrarily-chosen numbers or patterns which a user regards as
lucky. Users who repeat their patterns must complete a mark sense entry
for every play or explain to the operator of the agent terminal the
particular data and/or data pattern desired. In many on-line wagering
systems, particularly in Europe, every play entry of every wagering game
must be accompanied by the user's name and address, as a means to
facilitate payment of winnings and to provide marketing data to
management. The user must enter this data for each entry card. For repeat
pattern players, it is quite tedious to complete their entry forms, which
is a disincentive to play. Some agents even keep card files near their
terminals for reference when entering play data, as a service for their
regular repeat pattern players.
On-line wagering system managers in most cases have very little information
about the players. Mark-sensed entry cards in those systems where entries
must include users' names and addresses could be collected and analyzed to
determine playing patterns and demographics from the addresses given by
entrants, and possibly to determine their likely gender based upon their
first names. However, complete data necessary to analyze demographic
particulars of players is practically not available according to a typical
on-line wagering system. Similarly, the individual playing history of a
given player is not available or even possible to generate, except in
name/address entry systems, and even then only with the greatest
difficulty. Therefore, it is not possible to determine statistically the
attributes of persons playing the lottery, their identities and playing
habits, or otherwise to generate data that would assist operators of
on-line wagering systems in marketing their products to specific players
or to specific demographic groups.
A typical smart card as used according to the prior art for access to an
account such as a bank account stores only a few digital data words. The
card is not primarily useful for storage of any substantial amount of
information. Instead, the card stores one or more unique codes (e.g.,
account numbers and/or security codes), which are associated by the data
processing equipment at the bank with internal memory records (e.g., the
stored account balance). On the other hand, in connection with a card in
which indicia representing increments of value are stored on the card and
are decremented when using the card to purchase a product or service,
there has been no need to store any data relative to the user. In the
latter case, storage of the incremental value indicia or "tokens" has been
sufficient.
According to the present invention, a smart card arrangement for a typical
on-line wagering system substantially improves system convenience for
users, and also permits the management to monitor performance and playing
history relative to individual players and/or groups.
Smart cards available from Thomson Components-Mostek Corporation are
available with on-board security means operative to disable the card in
the event unauthorized attempts are made to alter the contents thereof.
According to the present invention, security capabilities of smart cards
are employed in order to prevent a user from increasing the number of
token values stored on the card, which under control of a terminal are
incremented upon receipt of payment from the customer, and decremented
upon the customer purchasing an on-line wagering service, specifically
buying a play entry. On-card data storage means, i.e., circuitry resident
on the card, preferably accepts validation codes returned from the central
processing computer of the wagering system, obviating the need for a
printed validation ticket, otherwise required for the user to prove a play
entry. Unscrupulous persons may have an incentive to attempt to increase
playing tokens or to discover a winning validation code and attempt to
claim a prize. However, the smart card according to the system of the
invention is uniquely associated with an individual person. It is not
possible for one person to claim a prize on a play which readily can be
determined by reference to available wagering system data to belong to
another person.
According to the invention, the security of an on-line wagering system can
be further increased by storing an ecryption code directly on an
individual user's smart card. This encryption code can be an encryption
key that is uniquely stored on the user's smart card, and not available
through the central data processor except during actual communications
with the agent terminal in which the smart card has been loaded. An
encryption key code, matched to an encryption key code at the central
processor, can be arranged according to algorithms known in the prior art
to encrypt data stored on a smart card such that unscrupulous persons who
attempt to discern data on the card or data transmitted between the
on-line wagering system and the card, would need both the key on the card
and the key in the on-line wagering system central processor. This
arrangement substantially improves security and can be combined with an
on-card security means adapted to disable a card in the event of detected
unauthorized access.
It is possible to arrange a smart card to include non-refillable token
value storage, for example in the form of fusible bits that are
electrically broken when the user "spends" a token. U.S. Pat. No.
4,443,027--McNeely et al teaches fusible means used to activate a single
credit card for access to any of a number of credit accounts for which the
user may qualify. According to the present invention, fusible or
electrically programmable bits can be arranged to store the value tokens
and access to the tokens can be guarded by means adapted to detect
unauthorized access (e.g. access attempted without the correct encryption
code) and to disable the card in the event unauthorized access is
detected.
Limited access to data on the card by its authorized user is a valuable
feature and can be facilitated, with respect to at least part of the
information stored on the card. U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,297--Ugon et al
discloses a memory storage card which is insertable into a casing slot
similar to a calculator housing, having a keyboard input and display
means. It has also been attempted to mount keyboard means directly on a
card, and to arrange a thin LCD display on the card as a means to read out
data stored on a smart card. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,982,102--Cidade and
4,268,744--McGeary disclose means for a user to store information on a
card. Cidade discloses means for manually punching holes in a punch card,
for selecting play entry data in a lottery. McGeary discloses magnetic
memory means that can be written upon to store a user's golf scores. These
references disclose means for user-controlled storage, but lack the
interactive features of a smart card that make the smart card particularly
useful as a user-carried entry means for on-line wagering.
According to the present invention, an on-line wagering system can be
operated with increased security and decreased expense, without the need
for printed verification receipts, mark sense betting slips or other paper
indicia. Security is enhanced while accuracy and convenience are
increased, with the additional benefit that marketing information becomes
available to operators of the wagering system in a convenient manner that
is easily integrated with wagering system operations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to employ the benefits of user cards with
on-card data memory in an on-line wagering system characterized by a
plurality of agent terminals communicating play entries with a central
processor.
It is also an object of the invention to improve the accuracy, security and
convenience of an on-line wagering system for both users and managers.
It is a further object of the invention to facilitate collection of
marketing information in an on-line wagering system.
It is still another object of the invention to employ a user-carried
processor interactive with a wagering system processor to divide
responsibility for duties including data selection, validation and
storage, in a manner that improves accuracy, security and convenience
while making marketing data more accessible for analysis.
It is yet another object of the invention to optimally divide data storage
needs of an on-line wagering system between a centralized system memory
and decentralized memory located on individual user cards employed to
enter play data.
These and other objects are accomplished by an on-line wagering system with
programmable player entry cards including cards having on-card data
storage for value tokens and data uniquely related to a player to whom the
card is issued. The player cards are operable in cooperation with the
central system processor as play validation and play entry means in lieu
of mark sense slips, keyboard entry and printed validation receipts.
Demographic player data uniquely related to the player is stored on the
card and/or in the central system data memory and allows correlation of
play entries with player demographics. A plurality of agent terminals in
data communication with the central data processor interface between the
central processor and the player cards. The agent terminals preferably
also accept traditional mark sense entry slips and produce printed
verification receipts, upon request.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
There are shown in the drawings certain embodiments that are presently
preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not
limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a smart card for use in the system
according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating loading of a smart card according
to the invention into an agent terminal.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the on-line wagering system,
including a plurality of agent terminals in data communication with a
central processor.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of on-card components of a smart card according
to the invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a smart card having input and
output means.
FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view illustrating an alternative connection
means between the smart card and the agent terminal.
FIG. 7 illustrates a smart card also having a magnetic strip for incidental
data storage.
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a combined smart card and housing means including
input/output hardware.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating certain aspects of system operation
according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates a player card 30 in the form of a "smart card" having an
on-card data storage means. Information to be stored regarding a player,
the player's entries (both historical and prospective), player payments
and the like can be stored wholly or partly on the player's card 30 and in
a central wagering system data memory. The card 30, issued to an
individual player whose name 34 can be printed directly on the card 30,
carries an on-board memory and preferably includes a microprocessor
accessing the memory and conducting programmed data communication with
external devices. A connector area 36 has a plurality of exposed
conductive contacts 38, by which the external devices access the
processor, and the information stored on card 30.
Card 30, although equipped with a memory and preferably a microprocessor
controlling access thereto, has minimal supporting electronics. DC power,
processor clock signals and preferably a programming power supply, are all
supplied by connections to external devices, e.g., the system agent
terminals. Therefore, the card itself need not include a crystal
oscillator, storage battery or other means which might have a limited life
or be difficult or expensive to house in a thin plastic card.
Card 30 is adapted to interface with a reading device provided in agent
terminal 60, as shown in FIG. 2. In many respects, agent terminal 60 is
similar in structure to conventional agent terminals, but also
accommodates smart cards. A keyboard 72 is provided for manual data entry.
A CRT or similar display 68 provides visual feedback to the agent. Reader
mechanism 64 is adapted to receive hand-marked entry slips from users.
Printer 66 is provided for producing printed validated receipts. According
to the invention, however, data entry functions formerly accomplished by
mark sense reader 64 and verification functions formerly accomplished by
printer 66 are accomplished by direct data communication with card 30.
Card 30 also enables additional conveniences and functions that have been
unavailable in conventional systems.
Agent terminals 60 includes a connector adapted to interface with
conductive pads 38 on players' cards 36. When a card 30 is detected in
interface device 62, clamping means engage the card to ensure good
electrical connection between connector 36 and the power and signal
conductors of the agent terminal. An internal clock signal is supplied by
agent terminal 60, as well as a reset signal, supply voltage and ground.
The clock and supply voltages for the cards can be the same ones used
internally by the processor operating the agent terminal, whereby
operations are synchronous. A pulsed programming voltage and an
input/output signal line also interface between the agent terminal 60 and
the player card 30.
The overall configuration of the on-line wagering system according to the
invention is shown in FIG. 3. Any of a plurality of customer cards 30 can
be loaded into each of the agent terminals 60, to accomplish transfer of
data from the cards to the agent terminals and from the agent terminals to
a central system processor 80. Likewise, communications from the central
system processor can be directed to the agent terminal 60 and then to the
customer cards, in order to accomplish functions such as communications,
validation of player entries, transfer of identity information and the
like. Preferably, communications between agent terminal 60 and central
processor 80 are over telephone lines or radio communication links, and
can be encrypted as necessary.
The cards 30 can be identical, or can be of certain types having different
capabilities. More sophisticated and expensive cards can be provided to
players who require more operations, with more sophisticated (and
expensive) cards being provided as a promotion to players who store more
value tokens for future plays.
Each of the customer cards preferably stores information respecting a sum
of consideration paid by the customer to the on-line wagering system,
which is reduced by cancellation of incremental tokens wherever the
customer enters a play or otherwise purchases a service. For the
information of the customer, it is possible to outfit the agent terminal
60 to simply read out the current token value sum stored on a given
customer card. The terminal can be programmed upon acceptance of customer
payments to reactivate tokens that have been deactivated when presented as
payment for plays. Alternatively, a separate card maintenance terminal 70
can be provided at certain locations in order to issue customer cards 30,
to add token values, and otherwise to process information. Card
maintenance terminal 70 need not be in real time communication with the
central on-line wagering system processor. Instead, the card maintenance
terminal can produce a tape or other record of transactions, which can be
loaded into the central processor periodically.
The central wagering system processor has a certain data memory capacity
and each of the customer cards has a certain data memory capacity.
According to the invention, data used to identify customers, to identify
transactions and in part to manage the operation of the lottery is stored
wholly or partly on the customer cards. This not only reduces time and
storage demands on the central wagering system and its memory, but also
enables new functions not formerly available. There are operational and
security implications to storing portions of the information in one area
or the other. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, both wagering
transaction data and player data are stored at the central processor. In
this case, the customer cards store only unique identifying codes and
token values. Preferably, however, the customer cards carry on-card memory
for a large part of the data relating to the identity of the customer and
the customer's play history. This data preferably includes demographic
data, for example the age, gender, home address of the customer and the
like. If the system is arranged such that the customer card stores a
simple I.D. code, that code is recognized by the central processor and
uniquely correlated with player data stored in a memory section 86. Wager
transaction data, including for example the numbers played by customers, a
sequence number for each transaction and the like, can be stored in the
wager transaction data memory 84.
The internal workings of an appropriate smart card, for example as
available from Thomson Components-Mostek Corporation, is shown in FIG. 4.
Card 30 includes external connections for supply power 56, ground, data
input/output via interface 54, a programming voltage routed through a
fusible link or the like included in an antifraud means 52, the processor
clock and a reset signal. These lines connect across connector 36 via
individual conductive pads 38, engaged against the card when the card is
loaded into terminal 60. Preferably card 30 includes not only memory, but
also has an active microprocessor 48 controlling operations and
controlling access to the on-card memory. Processor 48 employs memories
42, 44, 46, which are volatile RAM, electrically programmable nonvolatile
EPROM and non-volatile ROM, respectively. RAM 42 stores current working
data. The electrically programmable EPROM 44 can be used to store token
information, and the operations of processor 48 can be programmed using
ROM 46. To provide a re-usable card, memory unit 44 can be electrically
programmable and erasable (EEPROM). RAM 42 can be a non-volatile random
access memory if desired, for example employing magnetizable cores or
bubbles. EPROM 44, which preferably stores token value bits, can be
protected by an anti-fraud disabling means 52, which is disposed between
the supply of the EPROM 44 and the source of programming voltage V.sub.pp,
for example pulses at about 40 volts used to set addressed bits in EPROM
44. Under control of CPU 48, the anti-fraud disabling means can be made
operable to render the card inoperable (or even to erase value tokens) in
the event unauthorized access is attempted, for example should a user
attempt surreptitiously to increase the number of active tokens on the
card. Where antifraud means 52 has a fusible conductor, the conductor can
be opened when unauthorized access is attempted (e.g., upon two tries
without correct codes), rendering the card unusable. In each case,
input/output with card 30 is conducted serially through an input/output
interface 54.
Card 30 as shown in FIG. 4 comprises an active processor and memory. The
agent terminal 60 and/or card maintenance terminal 70 is used to inquire
with CPU 48 on card 30 as to play entry data desired, number of active
tokens and the like. CPU 48 is also used to verify that spent tokens have
indeed been cancelled when a play is entered. These communications pass
through terminals 60 or 70.
It is also possible according to FIG. 5 to employ a so-called "super" smart
card 122, having on-board means enabling user controlled reading and
writing to at least certain parts of the on-card memory. Card 122 includes
a memory and processor interfaced to agent terminal 60 through a connector
36 in the same manner as the previous embodiments. However, instead of
using only the agent's keyboard 72 on terminal 60 to read, write or access
the card memory, the user is also able directly to interface with the card
apart from loading the card in the terminal, for certain limited
functions. In this event, it is necessary to provide an alternative supply
of power, clocking for the microprocessor, input/output and the like.
These are provided on the card, or by means of a user-carried housing into
which the card is loaded.
CPU control is preferred for user access to the card just as for agent
terminal access, but may be inconvenient apart from agent terminal 60 due
to the need for power, clocking signals, etc. Apart from CPU 48, gating
can be provided allowing user-controlled access to limited portions of the
memory using key switches 126 to address and display memory data on
outputs such as LCD display 124. Key switches 126 can be parts of a
membrane keypad on the surface of the card, or can be arranged as pairs or
conductive pads which the user bridges using a tool to operate internal
gating on the card. The necessary gating can be arranged in large scale
integrated circuits on the card or in a user-carried housing. In other
respects, card 122 is similar to the regular smart card in which there is
no user-interfaced input/output means.
In addition to the preferred type of electrically conductive connector pad
36, which typically is a metal disc subdivided into six to ten conductors,
it is possible to use other forms of connectors. FIG. 6 illustrates an
edge type connector in which card 132, shown partially cutaway, is
interfaced using pin receptacles 36. When card 132 is plugged into the
agent terminal, pins in the agent terminal extend into holes 136 to make
the necessary contacts. This form of connector is protected against
corrosion caused by contact with perspiration on a user's hands and the
like. Various forms of connectors are known for receiving pins, for
example spring contacts and the like.
It is also possible to incorporate together with the user card a means for
storing information in a less active manner. As shown in FIG. 7, the card
can have the usual electrical connector 36 by means of which contacts in
the agent terminal can read and write data to and from the card, under
supervision of the card's on-board CPU. Moreover, in FIG. 7 an additional
magnetic strip 136 is applied along the edge of the card, for storage of
an additional code. By use of a known programmed sequence of codes, it is
possible to ensure that every time access is made to the card, an internal
code is updated according to the program. A complementary code, or the
same code can also be writted on the magnetic strip, or the strip can be
used for other forms of information such as a user's name.
The embodiment of FIG. 8 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 in that the
user can interact with the card apart from agent terminal 60. A housing
member 142 receives a card, and includes a display 124 and keypad 126 for
user access to information stored thereon. FIG. 8 shows the card partially
inserted, and when fully inserted, connector 36 is engaged by contacts
(not shown) in housing 142. A separate connector, for example that of FIG.
6, can be included alternatively for interface with the housing 142,
whereby the usual connector 36 is employed only when the card is entered
in the agent terminal for reading or writing and the alternative connector
engages housing 142.
FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention in which play entry data is
stored in memory A, designated by reference numerals 84, 94. A second
memory B, designated by reference numerals 86, 96 stores user-specific
data. As shown in FIG. 9, memories A and B distribute data storage between
the central lottery processor 80 and the user's card 30. The B memory
demographic data in processor 80 preferably is a record of demographic
data of current players, downloaded from cards 30 to a separate storage
area for analysis apart from central on-line wagering operations.
Demographic data analysis using memory 86 is made available by virtue of
storage of this information in connection with issue of card 30 to a given
user. User's can be uniquely tracked and/or the response of groups of
users to wagering system marketing efforts can be monitored without a
great deal of additional data input. Moreover, there is no need for the
central wagering system to maintain a database with demographic
information regarding the millions of users who might wish to play. This
is a substantial benefit to operators of wagering systems, and allows a
management information system to be employed to monitor the successive
promotions, performance of advertising media and the like, without undue
data processing cost and complexity.
In many respects, the embodiment of FIG. 9 is similar to an on-line
wagering system in which users are required to hand-mark written play
entry slips, which are then read by the agent terminal and the data
transmitted to the central processor, which returns a validation code and
causes the agent terminal to print a validation receipt. Preferably, all
the same activities are undertaken in the system according to the
invention as in previous systems. Not all users may play regularly enough
to want their own user card or to be willing to pay for one if they are
sold to users. In the event a user card is employed, the user card will be
issued together with a record of the player's demographic data, preferably
substantially all stored on the card, which data is available when the
card is accessed by an agent terminal.
User identity and demographic analysis is preferably undertaken by
management of the on-line wagering system. Analysis also can proceed, if
desired, at the level of the local agent, i.e., the business operating
terminal 60, whereby the agent can monitor his own customers if desired.
In the event demographic data is stored wholly on the card, or
alternatively if the agent terminal is allowed to access demographic data
in the central system by transmitting a unique user identity code to the
central lottery processor, then the agent as well as the managers of the
wagering system can determine various points of information about the
customers. For example, birth dates, addresses and the like are important
marketing tools for wagering system managers. These same tools may assist
agents, that typically operate separate businesses (e.g., news shops,
liquor stores, etc.) in which the agent terminals are located. The
availability of information allows the wagering system managers (and
possibly agents) to provide promotions and incentives, for example premium
products and/or free plays on a player's birthday, discounts to frequent
customers and the like, which otherwise would not be available without
entering data on the identity of the user with every play or other access
to card 30.
In many on-line wagering system jurisdictions, particularly in Europe, all
users are required to write their complete names and addresses on every
play entry. For example, should a player have a set pattern of numbers
played frequently in a lottery game, or a pattern of games or contestants
selected in any type of wager entry as a matter of habit, it would be
quite tedious also to enter the player's name and address for every play.
Th card of the invention, due to its unique association with the user and
on-card storage of the user's identity and address, this function can be
conducted entirely electronically.
FIG. 9 includes flow charts demonstrating the parallel operation of the
central on-line wagering system and distributed agent terminals for smart
cards 30 and written mark sense slips (not shown). The processor on the
card is simply programmed to determine whether it is being legally
accessed, for example by comparing an encryption code received to an
encryption code stored in a table in the card's memory. If unauthorized
access is attempted, for example more than once, the card disables further
access and becomes inoperative. In the event access appears to be legal,
the card determines whether it is being inquired to transmit data or to
receive instructions, whereupon the card conducts its internal memory read
out or update. The number of active tokens is then corrected, for example
by cancelling a token in the event of a play, which fact is verified by
reading out the token values, whereupon activity on the card is suspended.
Should the card be used to read out information, for example the habitual
playing numbers or playing patterns of a user, the card can be programmed
to operate in a loop, reading out one play at a time until either the list
of plays or the sum of tokens is exhausted.
Agent terminal 60 can be operable, for example, by initially determining
whether a mark sense card or a smart card has been loaded. Should a mark
sense card be loaded, the agent terminal operates conventionally by
reading the data, recording the customer's payment, communicating on-line
with the central wagering system 80 and receiving a validation code,
whereupon a receipt is printed. In the event the agent terminal detects
that smart card has been loaded in the port, the agent terminal reads the
I.D., which can be as little as a unique sequence number or as much as the
user's complete demographic information. The agent terminal also reads
whether the card is requesting plays according to specific numbers or
patterns, and the number of tokens present. Should plays be requested,
these are initiated in the same manner as if initiated by a mark sense
card. Specifically, communications are undertaken with the central
processor 80 to enter the play in the pool of players, for possible win.
Payment is verified as the number of tokens is corrected. A validation
code is then sent to the agent terminal. The agent terminal processor
and/or the central lottery processor at this point have an opportunity to
read demographic data from the card. A unique player-identifying indicia
stored on the card can also be used as a means to look up demographics or
to double check a list of active players determined by means of
system-stored encryption codes which will be accepted by the card as
indicating legal authorized access.
Statistical studies of the demographics of players are possible without
accessing demographic data for every player. A sampling of demographic
data is likewise sufficient for many such studies, within certain
confidence levels determined by the number sampled. Where less complete
data will suffice or where a long term study is desired, demographic data
can be taken from randomly selected entrants or from every one of so many
sequential entrants, etc. Similarly, management may wish to conduct
studies limited to certain areas, certain groups of more-successful or
less-successful agents, etc., which can be accomplished by reading
demographics from selected players only. The microprocessor-controlled
access to card-stored data facilitates studies of this type.
According to the invention, validation codes as well as play histories for
a given card are stored back on the card 30. This play history record is a
form of demographic data in itself, and is another means by which the
wagering system and/or its agent terminals could be programmed for
analyzing play patterns. The system preferably also is arranged to reward
frequent users or to positively reinforce playing on some regular or
irregular schedule.
The validation code being available on the card, the user is free of any
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