EP0881608B1 - Card reading device and method to initiate an event in such a device - Google Patents

Abstract

The method triggers an event in a card reading machine for phone cards (1) esp. in a telephone system. The telephone cards (1) have a value memory (14) for storing the card value. The method involves a value testing step in which the content of the value memory of an inserted card is compared with a predetermined value range or with a predetermined target value. The method also involves a selection step in which it is tested whether the inserted card belongs to a predetermined group of cards for devaluation. When both the value testing step and the selection step produce a positive result, the card reader event is triggered. The card may also have a serial number memory whose value is tested in the selection step.

Description

The invention relates to a card reader and a method for triggering an event in one such device according to the generic terms of the independent Expectations.

Card readers of this type are for example used in telephones to prepaid cards read and validate, see e.g. Rankl, Effing, "Manual of chip cards", pages 248 - 353, May 1995, Carl Hanser Verlag, Munich. The value of the Card reduced according to the applicable fees until the Card is canceled. Have validated cards usually a value only for collectors, be it because the cards can be reloaded.

It is against this background that The task of designing the readers and cards in such a way that new applications open up and thus the Customer acceptance is increased.

This task is the subject of independent Claims met.

According to the invention it is checked whether the The value of the card is in a certain range or has reached a target value and whether it is at the same time belongs to a certain subgroup of all possible cards. If these two conditions are met, then so a certain event is triggered. At this event for example it can be a surprise act for the user, in particular to indicate whether the user has won a lottery or not.

A serial number memory is preferably stored in the card arranged, which checked by the reader becomes. The event is only triggered if based on the serial number it is determined whether the card belongs to the subgroup. For example, the Final digits of the serial number compared to a table be stored in the reader. The serial number is a number for each individual card is different, or at least only one small number of cards is used at the same time.

In addition to a serial number, the Memory of the card a group memory can be provided which says whether the card to trigger the event is justified at all. Such a group memory needs only a single bit or a few bits and allows a secure check of the card authorization, even if it cannot be determined based on the serial number alone is whether the card can trigger the event. In particular, it is not necessary that all of the potentially authorized cards with certain serial numbers Possess characteristics.

The value verification and selection step is preferred executed regardless of whether the store of value previously changed in the same reader is. This has the advantage that not all of the readers need to be able to follow the steps mentioned perform. If the card is e.g. devalued in one device, which cannot trigger the event, can the user then checks them in a device which set up to perform the necessary steps is.

Figur 1 eine Karte zur Verwendung im erfindungsgemässen Verfahren,

Figur 2 ein vereinfachtes Blockschaltbild eines Kartenlesegeräts in Form eines Fernsprechgeräts,

Figur 3 einen Auszug aus dem Speicher der Karte,

Figur 4 einen Auszug aus dem Speicher des Kartenlesegeräts,

Figur 5 den Ablauf bei der Prüfung einer Karte und

Figur 6 ein mögliches Vorgehen beim Auslösen des Ereignisses.

Further preferred embodiments and applications of the invention result from the dependent claims and from the following description with reference to the figures. Show:

FIG. 1 shows a card for use in the method according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a card reading device in the form of a telephone device,

FIG. 3 shows an extract from the memory of the card,

FIG. 4 shows an extract from the memory of the card reader,

Figure 5 shows the process of checking a card and

6 shows a possible procedure for triggering the event.

First, one of the possible should be based on the figures Embodiments of the invention are discussed. On more of the possible design variants will be published on Closing the description received.

In the embodiment shown in the figures is an application in the field of Telephones. Especially in the public area such devices are often equipped with a card reader. To operate the device, a prepaid card must be in this reader will be inserted. The prepaid card has a memory, for example optically or electronically can be, which reflects the current card value. During a conversation, the accrued Card fees are charged and their value is reduced. Common cards of this type are, for example, in the ISO standard 7816 and described in the ETSI standard PrEN 726. Cards of this type are e.g. as "postcards" or Credit cards used.

Such a map is shown in FIG. It has contacts 1 for the card reader connected to a memory chip inside the card are. As a rule, it bears an inscription 2, in The present example also has a printed serial number Third

Figure 2 shows the basic structure of a telephone set with card reader 4. The device includes one Controller 5, which accesses data in a memory 6. A keyboard and is used to operate the device Display 7 provided. The controller 5 controls the function the telephone part 8, which comprises the elements that give the device the actual telephone functions, such as. a handset and suitable interface circuits to the telephone network 9. Furthermore, the Telephone part 8 also a modem, by means of which the controller 5 can exchange binary data over the telephone network 9.

Before from a technical point of view on how it works of the device and the card is received, are briefly the desired skills below User view described.

In the present case, it should be the user be able to purchase two different types of cards. The first type is conventional cards, that have a certain initial value. The card value is reduced in a known manner when making calls, until the card is canceled. After that, the card has at most still collector's value.

The second type of card is lottery tickets. These cards are also included at the beginning equipped with a certain value when calling is reduced according to the applicable fees. As soon as However, if the card is canceled, it acts as a lottery ticket. If the telephone device detects a canceled ticket, it checks whether this card is entitled to win. If so, this will suit the user communicated.

The technical implementation of this concept results from FIGS. 3 to 6.

In Figure 3, the Map memory shown. It refers to a non-volatile memory which is divided into two areas 10 and 11 is divided. In area 10 there are values which will not be changed after the card has been sold can, while the data in area 11 also from Phone reader at least to a limited extent are changeable.

There is a serial number memory in the protected area 10 12 arranged. This memory contains one Serial number, which is different for each card, or who have at least few cards. It can for example, it is a number with which the Card manufacturers ascending the cards of a delivery numbered. The serial number can, as shown in Figure 1, additionally printed on the outside of the card his.

Also located in the protected area a group memory 13. This memory indicates whether it a ticket is a lottery ticket or a conventional one Card deals. This information is special then significant, if not based on the serial number alone can be determined whether a card is a ticket or not. The group memory is required just a few bits.

In the not (or only partially) protected area 11 of the memory of the card is a store of value 14, the value of the reader in a known manner is reduced according to the applicable fees.

In Figure 4 is an extract of the memory 6 of the Reader shown. Located in this area a list of the serial numbers that are eligible to win. In a first part 16 of the table are for example those serial numbers that have a profit of Show CHF 100.-. These serial numbers are in the present Example characterized by their three last digits are 235, 421 or 991. In part 17 of the The table contains a corresponding list of final digits for serial numbers that entitle you to CHF 1,000. In the last part 18 there is a list the serial numbers to which one of the main prizes is due.

The table of Figure 4 shows, of course just one of the many ways like that Serial numbers evaluated and the corresponding information can be saved.

The data are preferably in the table according to Figure 4 in encrypted form before the danger unauthorized reading, e.g. on a stolen Reader, reduce.

If a card is inserted into the reader, or will the same card be used when calling the If the device is canceled, the steps are as shown in the figure 5 and 6 are summarized.

In the first step 20, the group memory 13 of the card read out. If the card is due to this Is not a lottery ticket (step 22), then the Check at point C canceled and the card is marked as normal prepaid card used.

In step 24, the serial number from the corresponding serial number memory 12 with those in the Table compared according to Figure 4. The number meets the Not win criteria (step 26), so the test canceled at point C.

In step 28 the card value is in the value memory 14 after each debit, repeated if necessary, checked. If the card value has not yet reached 0 (step 22), the test is terminated at point C. Otherwise an event is triggered at point B.

For example, it can be the in Figure 6 act sequence in which the respective Profit in the display 7 known to the user is made (step 32). It is also conceivable that The device then automatically connects to the telephone the lottery operator's headquarters (step 34) where the winner is told how to get to his Profit comes, e.g. by sending his card to the lottery operator sends or at a designated place swaps for the profit. Preferably depending on due event triggered a different event, e.g. a text adapted to the profit the display 7 is shown.

The table according to FIG. 4 or the corresponding one Evaluation algorithm can be stored permanently in the device his. However, this has the disadvantage of being a scam through, however, complex investigations which of the cards are eligible to win.

To alleviate this problem, the winning numbers can be changed periodically. For this purpose, the value in the table can preferably be according to Figure 4 or the corresponding evaluation algorithm per Telephone by reprogramming the terminal accordingly be tracked.

It is also conceivable that not only because of the final digits of the serial numbers it is decided whether a card is eligible to win. By using a more complicated algorithm will risk decryption less and the recognition of winning cards more difficult for a fraudster. In principle, the Serial number mathematically using any suitable algorithm be transformed, the transformed Value is then checked against certain criteria. So can, for example, by means of a serial number a hash value is generated using a suitable algorithm, e.g. a checksum, showing a win if the hash value has a predetermined size.

However, the card must be eligible to win not necessarily encoded in the card number too his. It is also conceivable that in the protected part 10 of the card memory, corresponding information is explicit is registered. This information can e.g. include a phone number in the event of a win Called certain height or displayed to the user becomes.

It is also conceivable that the reader instead steps 24 and 26 using a random algorithm decides whether the card will be eligible to win should. The result can no longer be changed on the map registered and communicated to the user. by virtue of statistical considerations should be considered in this case, however very high amounts of winnings are waived.

As already mentioned, the The card is a value card that can only be validated once. However, a chip card can also be used is rechargeable. In this case e.g. the user when loading his card tell if he has an additional one Who wants to pay the fee to attend entitled to the lottery. If so, the group memory 13 set the card accordingly and the card becomes a ticket.

The invention is not only for use in Suitable for telephones. It is also conceivable for others Equip devices with a corresponding function, e.g. Petrol station machines, drinks machines, etc.

• die Gratisabgabe eines Artikels (z.B. bei einem Verkaufsautomat),
• eine einmalige Wertgutschrift auf die Karte,
• die Ausgabe einer Lotterienummer zwischen 1 und 13, wobei der Benutzer erst gewinnberechtigt wird, wenn er von verschiedenen Karten insgesamt drei gleiche Lotterienummern erhalten hat,
• die Ausgabe eines Werbetextes, die ihn zum Kauf einer neuen Karte des gleichen Kartenanbieters auffordert und ihm einen Rabatt in Aussicht stellt,
• etc.

Instead of displaying a lottery win, the ticket can also trigger another event, e.g.

• the free delivery of an item (e.g. at a vending machine),
• a one-time credit on the card,
• the issue of a lottery number between 1 and 13, whereby the user is only entitled to win if he has received a total of three identical lottery numbers from different cards,
• the issuance of an advertising text, which prompts him to buy a new card from the same card provider and promises him a discount,
• Etc.

By only triggering the corresponding events when the value of the card is given Size (e.g. 0) or a certain size range the risk of abuse is reduced and also given an incentive to get the card as soon as possible consume.

Claims (13)

1. Method for initiating an event in a card reader for value cards (1), in particular in a telephone,
   wherein the value cards (1) comprise a value memory (14) for storing the value of the card, comprising

   a value checking step (23, 30) in which the contents of the value memory (14) of an inserted card are compared to a given value range or a given target value,

      and characterized by the following steps

   a selection step (20 - 26) in which it is tested if the inserted card belongs to a given subgroup of the cards to be devaluated,

   wherein, if the value checking step (28, 30) as well as the selection step (20 - 26) yield a positive result, the event (32, 34) is initiated.
2. Method of claim 1, characterised in that the card comprises a serial number memory (12), the value of which is checked by the card reader in the selection step.
3. Method of claim 2, characterised in that the card comprises a group memory (13) in addition to the serial number memory (12), wherein the event is only initiated if the group memory has a predefined content, such that, independently from the value of the serial number memory (12), the event can only be initiated with a part of the readable cards.
4. Method of any one of the claims 2 or 3, characterised in that a table (16 - 18) of serial numbers is arranged in the card reader, which is compared to the value of the serial number memory.
5. Method of claim 3, characterised in that in the selection step (20 - 26) the value of the serial number memory (12) is mathematically transformed and that the transformed value is checked by a given criterion.
6. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the card reader is connected to a phone network (9) and that upon initiating the event a connection via the phone network (9) is established.
7. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the card reader comprises a display (7) that displays the initiation of the event.
8. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that upon introduction of a card into the card reader at least the value checking step and/or the selection step is carried out each time, with or without the value of the value memory (14) having been changed beforehand.
9. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that depending on the result of the selection step one of several events is elected.
10. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an event memory is arranged in the card, which indicates if an event, and, if applicable, which one of the events, is to be initiated.
11. Method of any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that in the value checking step (28, 30) it is checked if the card has been fully devaluated.
12. Card reader, preferably telephone, for carrying out the event of one of the preceding claims,
    wherein it comprises a value checking means for comparing the value memory (14) of a card (1) with a given target value range or target value, characterised in that it comprises selection means for determining if a card belongs to a given subgroup of the cards to be devaluated, as well as initiating means which initiate the event upon confirming results of the value checking and selection means.
13. Card reader of claim 12 characterised in that it comprises means for carrying out the method steps of one of the claims 2 - 11.

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