WO2009061172A1

WO2009061172A1 - Computer program product and computersystem

Info

Publication number: WO2009061172A1
Application number: PCT/NL2007/000320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ronnie Staflen
Original assignee: Roward Trade
Priority date: 2007-09-21
Filing date: 2007-12-14
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: WO2009061172A8; EP2223270A1

Abstract

The invention refers to a work process for the protection of a user of a computer-based entertainment service such as the lottery or an online entertainment service, against excessive use. The invention refers to a work process for processing the applications for participation of a computer-based entertainment service such as the lottery system. The work process includes receipt of the application sent by an applicant's communication unit, through the communication network, registration of an identity of the communication unit, whereby the identification code in the communication network represents an identity, and whether or not approving the application on the basis of the comparison.

Description

Title: Computer program product and computersystem

The invention involves the work process to protect a user using computer-based entertainment services, such as lottery systems or an online entertainment service, against excessive participation.

Lotteries are common knowledge. By indication a request to participate in a lottery, a lottery code is provided. Following a random draw of one single or various winning lottery codes, one single or several participants to which the corresponding lottery codes have been assigned to, can accept a price.

However, the excitement triggering the participant during the - at times public - draw as well as the element of chance to win a price could encourage an addiction, with all the results thereof for the participant involved.

The invention intends to facilitate a work procedure for processing the application to participate in a lottery, in which the above-mentioned disadvantage is discouraged. The invention specifically intends to provide a work procedure for processing the application to participate in a lottery in which addiction is discouraged. For this purpose the work procedure, in accordance with the invention, facilitates the receipt of an application by the communication unit - sent by the applicant through a communication network — and the registration of an identity representative identification code of the communication unit in the communication network, the comparison of the registered identification code with previously registered identification codes, and whether or not accepting the application based on the comparison.

By registering the identification code following the receipt of the application, and comparing it to the previously registered identification codes, it can be determined whether applications for participation to the lottery through the communication unit, have previously been accepted.

Based on this information it can be decided whether or not to accept this application. As such it is discouraged that a specific participant makes excessive use of the lottery and gambling addiction can be prevented. The invention is partly based on the insight that addiction can be discouraged by resisting excessive use of an individual participant. Next the invention is partly based on the insight that the use of the lottery system can easily be traced by registering the communication unit's identification code - used for the application to participate in the lottery — and which represents an identity in the communication network, such as a mobile telephone number or the computer's IP-address. This is an elegant manner to avoid the participant's personal data, whereas it can be determined whether or not a participant uses the communication unit more often to apply for participation in the lottery. Notwithstanding the fact that a participant could make use of more than one single communication unit, the number of units available for the application to participate in the lottery is limited, meaning that in accordance with the invention, excessive participation can be discouraged.

Moreover, by organising the application to participate in a lottery as such, an accessible lottery system can be created in which participation can easily be realised. By saving at least one single variable into the database which characterises the entertainment services used through the communication unit, and by comparing the variable with one of the preset values on whether or not to accept an application and/or to continue the application for the requested entertainment service, the user of this entertainment service can be protected against excessive use in an elegant manner. By saving at least one single variable, the entertainment services can be characterised, such as the duration of an online entertainment service, whereas the comparison of the variable with a preset value has an assessment function whether or not to accept and/or continue the application for a specific type of service. It is preferred if an applicant is not accepted and/or the application is not continued if the variable exceeds the preset value, e.g. the maximum playing time. Furthermore, at least one single variable which characterises the entertainment service which was used through the communication unit can be saved into a memory, which ensures that the characteristics of an entertainment service used and/or the corresponding play history, can be saved for any later application or continuation verifications.

Moreover, it is possible to have the communication unit patched through to a computer system which provides the entertainment, after the application has been accepted. As such a system is designed which functions as an intermediary between the applicant and the computer system providing the entertainment. Next, the system can set several variables which must be completed by the applicant in order to participate in the entertainment service. Variables which could characterise an entertainment service used could include the number of participations during a time unit, the time during which the services are used and/or the total amount involved per time unit.

It is preferred if the application is not accepted if the registered code meets the identical identification code used during any previous applications, in order to prevent that a user has the possibility to use the communication unit for the lottery twice. However, it is also possible not to accept an application following a number of previous registered applications, e.g. after two or three previous applications. Next, the option to accept the application more than once if it is clear that several users make use of the same communication unit for their application is possible as well. By next sending a confirmation to the applicant's communication unit, the user can easily been informed on whether or not the application has been accepted in an easy and cheap manner. It is preferred that sending the confirmation will be after payment of the lottery participation fee, for as such participation is guaranteed. 5 Naturally the sequence of the referred to actions can be reversed as well. Next it is also possible to inform the user on the decision regarding the approval by means of different media, e.g. by mail.

The invention is also related to a computer programme product. 3 Moreover, the invention is also related to a computer system.

Further advantages of the invention models have been included in the conclusions. The invention will be further explained on the basis of execution examples which have been illustrated in the drawing. The drawing illustrates:

5 Fig. 1 a diagram of a first computer system in accordance with the invention; and Fig. 2 a diagram of a second computer system in accordance with the invention.

The figures only illustrate a schematic representation of the invention's preferred model.

0 Figure 1 illustrates the structure of a first implementation of a computer system (1) in accordance with the invention.

Computer system 1 includes a processor (2) which is connected to a communication network (3). Several communication units are linked to the communication network 5 (3), of which one single communication unit (4) is indicated in the Figure. A user can apply for participation in the lottery through the communication unit (4), as will be explained in detail below.

Next, the computer system incorporates a memory (5) linked to the processor (2), for

0 the registration of identification codes.

During the operation of the system (1) the computer system (1) receives an application for participation in the lottery, which is sent by the communication unit (4). The processor (2) registers the communication unit's identification code. The identification code represents an identity in the communication network (3). Next,

5 the processor compares the registered identification code with the identification codes stored into the memory. Based on the comparison, the processor (2) takes a decision on whether or not to accept the application.

The communication network (3) could be a telephone network, such as a ground line and/or a mobile telephone line or a general data communication network, such as a

K) local area network (LAN), the Intranet or the Internet. Such networks can be implemented in numerous manners, e.g. with copper wire connections, fibre glass wired connections and/or satellite connections. The network (3) could be managed by a network provider and/or cable owner/operator. The communication unit (4) could include a telephone, mobile telephone as well as a

\5 standard ground line. However, the unit (4) could also be set up in a different manner, e.g. as a computer, desktop, laptop or PDA, which can be linked to a communication network (3). The application for participation in the lottery could be realised by starting a telephone conversation in which the user is guided by means of a menu. However, it is also possible to submit such an application through a text 5 message, e-mail or voice-mail. Moreover, the application can also be registered online.

In a preferred model in accordance with the invention, the communication unit (4) is a mobile telephone linked to a subscription, in order to avoid participation in 0 lotteries by minors. Preferably prepaid mobile telephone numbers are excluded from participation, based on payment problems.

Depending on the applied communication network (3) and/or communication unit (4), the identification code could be a telephone number, partial telephone number or 5 (part of) an IP-address.

The processor (2) could be modelled in a simple manner or consist of a number of multiple processor elements. As such the computer system could serve as a general purpose computer or e.g. as a server.

10

The memory (5) is a memory element of a computer system; however, it could also consist of a multiple number of memory units. These could be arranged local or distributed for the purpose of storing or saving the registered identification codes. Next an integral database can be implemented for storing the identification codes.

>5

The decision made by the processor (2) means that the application is not accepted if the registered code complies with an identical identification code which was used for a previous application.

30 Following the acceptation of an application, the registered identification code is saved into the memory (5) of the computer system (1). Next a lottery code is allocated, which is composed of symbols of the registered identification code. As such the lottery code can correspond with the registered identification code corresponding to the application. Since the identification code is unique, the system can be 5 organised as such that each allocated lottery code is unique as well. The lottery code can also be composed in a different manner, e.g. by reversing the sequence of the symbols. Naturally the code may also be composed in a fully different manner, e.g. by allocating subsequent numbers or by using a random number range. 0 Next, the processor (2) sends a confirmation, e.g. by text message or e-mail, to the applicant's communication unit (4), in order to confirm the participation in the lottery and, preferably including the allocated lottery code. This will be realised following the payment of the lottery participation fee. In the event payment has not been realised and/or the confirmation could not be received by the communication 5 unit (4), participation in the lottery can still be rejected. Payment can be realised in various manners, e.g. by an authorisation for an automatic collection, a prepaid participation fee, possibly through a bank or as a gift voucher, through an online payment system or a credit card. Furthermore the payment methods include an indirect payment, e.g. by making use of paid communication network (3) services, such as text messages, the use of a telephone number at higher costs, or settling through a communication network (3) provider's telephone account. Preferably the computer system (1) is linked to a payment system (6) in order to allow the processor (2) to realise payment corresponding to the participation in the lottery.

At the drawing of the lottery, one or several winning lottery codes are selected at random. This could also be organised in numerous manners, such as by the processor (2), by a person, e.g. a celebrity during a television show, or by means of the implementation of a game, whereby game components could result in the winning lottery codes. For a guaranteed independent draw, a notary or a person representing a government body could be present during the draw.

Preferably the pay out code is sent to one or several participants to whom the winning lottery codes have been awarded, during or prior to the publication of the winning lottery code, in order to prevent fraud. By means of the pay out code, the winning participant(s) can collect their prices.

The processor (2) can also be automatically processed by specific equipment or by software which directs the standard equipment in accordance with the invention. As such the equipment for whether or not accepting the lottery application is integrated in the equipment for processing the lottery system itself.

However, it is also possible to process the applications manually, or at least partly, e.g. by implementing a call centre, linked to the communication network (3), whereby the employees speak to potential users by telephone and manually, semi- automatically or fully automated compare the identification code to other previously registered identification codes. As an option, a participant can also be registered by a third party, namely by also providing the telephone number of the participant.

Figure 2 shows the schematic organisation of a second model of a computer system (1) in accordance with the invention. Here the equipment for the acceptance or non- acceptance of an application and the equipment for the lottery system process are processed separately. The processor (2) for the acceptance or non-acceptance of the application is an autonomously operating unit which is linked to the memory (5) of the computer system (1). Here the processor (2) functions as a portal on the Internet for offering a lottery system. It is also possible to use the computer system (1) to make a multiple number of lottery systems available to the public. As such the computer system (1) serves as a filter for determining whether or not an application to a possibly selected lottery system can be accepted.

5

It must be noted that the processor (2) and the separate processor (7) have as such been implemented separately. The processors (2, 7) can be positioned on the same location, but they can also each be on a different physical location. Naturally the processors (2, 7) are mutually linked, by means of communication lines, in order to

0 guarantee the required (mutual) cooperation. Moreover, the memory (5) could also be a stand alone unit, and be positioned on again a different location.

According to a different aspect of the invention, the computer system (1) can in general be used for determining whether or not an applicant is accepted for

5 participation in a computer-based entertainment, such as a lottery, a telephone game, gambling, erotic telephone service, Java game, ring tone or similar. As explained in more detail above, the computer can be either integrated or separately implemented, and — by choice — be linked as a portal to one or several separate processors for the actual provision of entertainments services.

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If a user sends out an application for an entertainment service, the excessive use of the service by the user can be limited, e.g. by rejecting the application if a certain preset number of applications per time unit threatens to be exceeded. As such excessive costs for the user and the chance of developing and/or maintaining

£5 addictive behaviour is limited.

Apart from information on previous applications based on registered identities, additional information can also be used, such as a possible individually set maximum number of applications per time unit or a maximum duration of a service, to determine whether or not to accept an application. For this purpose the system's

50 (1) memory (5) can be linked to values regarding the maximum duration, maximum amount of money, or number of applications to the users' registered identities. The referred to values can be set individually, for example by the provider of the entertainment service and/or by the user of the service. Setting the values is preferably realised on a secured website.

35

As an option the system (1), in accordance with the invention, can integrate a facility to monitor the duration of an accepted connection between the user and an entertainment service. If a preset time is exceeded, the system can then disconnect, in order to protect a

40 user against excessive use of the entertainment service. The invention is not limited to the example described. Many variations are possible.

Registered identification codes could be controlled manually, without making use of a computer memory. Comparing the newly registered identification codes with 5 previously registered identification codes can — in principal — be performed fully manually. Furthermore the work process in accordance with the invention can, as an option, upon a rejection or termination of an application or an established connection respectively, send a message to the user that the application was rejected, the connection was terminated respectively, possibly stating the reason thereof.

Such variants will be evident for the professional and are deemed to be within the range of the invention, as discussed in the following conclusions.

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

1. Work process for the protection of the user of a computer-based entertainment service against excessive participation, including:

5 receipt of the application sent by the communication unit of the application, through the communication network; registration of an identity in the communication network, which represents the 0 identification code of the communication unit; comparing the registered identification code with previously registered identification codes;

5 saving at least one single variable into the database, which characterises one single or various entertainment services used: whether or not accepting an application and/or continuing the applied for entertainment service, based on a comparison of a value representing a preset value. 0

2. Work process in accordance with conclusion 1, in which the applicant is not accepted and/or the applied for entertainment service cannot be continued if the variable exceeds a preset value.

.5 3. Work process in accordance with conclusion 1 or 2, furthermore including the saving into the memory of the registered identification code and corresponding — at least one single - variable which characterises one single or several used entertainment services.

0 4. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, in which the communication unit switches to a computer system which provides the entertainment service, following the approval.

5. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, in 15 which the approval of the application for a lottery code is allocated and which is composed of the symbols of the registered identification code.

6. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, in which the allocated lottery codes coincides with the registered identification code-0 corresponding to the application.

7. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, furthermore including sending the confirmation to the applicant's communication unit, preferably following payment of the lottery participation fee. 5

8. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, furthermore including sending a pay out code to the participant to whom the winning lottery code was allocated, during or before the publication of the winning lottery code.

5

9. Work process in accordance with one of the above-mentioned conclusions, in which the applicant includes a text message, e-mail or online application.

10. Computer programme product including instructions which can be read by a 0 processor, regarding the execution of the work process to protect the user of a computer-based entertainment service against excessive participation, including: receipt of the application sent by an applicant's communication unit, through the communication network; 5 registration of an identity of the communication unit, whereby the identification code in the communication network represents an identity comparing the registration code with previously registered identification codes;

0 saving at least one single variable into the database, which characterises one single or several entertainment services used through the communication unit; and whether or nor approving the application and/or continuation of an applied for entertainment service, based on the comparison of a variable with a preset value.

5 11. Computer system, including a processor which can be connected to a communication network for communication with a communication unit of an application applying for participation in a computer-based entertainment service, and a processor linked to a memory whereby the computer system is prepared for the receipt of an application sent by the communication unit, and whereby the

0 processor is prepared for the registration of an identity in the communication network, representing the identification code of the communication unit, comparing the registered identification code with the registered identification codes saved in the memory, saving into the database of at least one single variable which characterises one single or several entertainment services used thought the

5 communication unit, and whether or not approving the application and/or continuing the applied for entertainment service on the basis of the comparison of a variable.

12. Computer system according to the conclusion referred to in 11, which can be linked to a payment system for settlement of a participation fee.

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13. Computer system according to the conclusion referred to in 11 or 12, in which the communication unit is a ground line or a mobile telephone device, linked to a subscription.

14. Computer system according to one of the conclusions referred to in 11-13, whereby the communication unit is a mobile telephone linked to a subscription.

15. Computer system according to one of the conclusions referred to in 11-14, whereby the communication network includes a telephone network or the Internet.