EP1204049B1 - Data processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

The second system, the back end (2), includes a random number generator, and a lottery memory (10, 11, 12) for player- and ticket number data, and the prize plan. A computer (10, 11) allocates prizes in accordance with random number selection and the ticket numbers. An e-mail system is included. In the first system, the front end (1), a computer (6, 7) exchanges data with the players and notifies winners.

Description

The invention relates to a data processing system with a first subsystem (front end), to which the outside via the Internet can be accessed, and with a second subsystem (Backend) that is logical with an unauthorized access preventing device with the first subsystem connected and otherwise complete.

Data processing systems of this type are related to known to the internet. An internet subscriber does have one first subsystem access, can enter data there, data get displayed, get general information, may be forwarded to other links. But he doesn't have one direct access to the data in a second subsystem, that is connected to the first one by a firewall. Rather, the data from the second subsystem is only selective transferred to the first subsystem to which the Internet subscriber Should have access.

The following documents form the relevant state of the art:
WO-A-9901188 discloses a method and an apparatus for performing a virtual punch card lottery game. A central controller is operated by the provider and is in contact with the player via the Internet. The player selects his desired number in a coordinate network on his virtual punch card and sends his selection to the game provider. An encryption processor is also integrated on the central controller, which ensures both the authenticity of the players and the security of individual communication. Furthermore, a player database with the players' e-mail addresses is managed centrally by the controller. In the event of a win, the central controller sends an e-mail notification to the player. All payment information as well as participation itself takes place via the Internet.

EP-A-0947966 discloses an interactive lottery game. Each lottery will have one certain time played, the time being variable. The game is centralized Computer with game database performed. Participants can get away from their home Participate PCs in the lottery over the Internet.

US-A-5855515 discloses a network of locally licensed game machines for: Example in casinos. The system has one on site in the casino Frontend controller, which on one side in connection with the Gambling equipment stands. On the other hand, there is a central computer system to control the licensed devices and casino systems. Periodically a random number is generated according to the rules of the game Game participants should match. This is done indirectly with the help of the frontend system informed about his jackpot win.

Internet applications are diverse and enjoy one steadily growing popularity. But there are certain areas particularly sensitive. Lottery rules are strict, so that the profits cannot be manipulated.

The object of the invention is to create a data processing system of the type mentioned at the beginning with which participation is only possible from the Internet without manipulation are possible from the outside.

The data processing system according to the invention stands out characterized in that the second subsystem (backend) has a random generator, Storage facilities for data of game participants a lottery including lottery numbers that Players are assigned a winning plan and a calculator for allocating profits based on those in the random number generator generated numbers to game participants with the numbers has corresponding lot numbers, and that in the first subsystem a computer for data exchange with the game participants and in the second subsystem an e-mail facility for notification the winner is provided.

The winning numbers are generated by a random number generator generated, which of course must be ensured that real random numbers are generated and not certain numbers generated significantly more often than other numbers. A random number generator has proven to be particularly useful proven his numbers using a physical Noise source, e.g. Semiconductor noise determined. This Random number generator can be any digit (max. 20 digits) Final digits, (e.g. lot numbers with two final digits, lot numbers with three final digits, etc.) that yield profits should. This random number generator is from the outside, in particular from the first subsystem (front-end system) as a matter of course inaccessible. In the second subsystem (Backend system) are further storage devices (database) for data from lottery participants including Lot numbers assigned to the players are provided. The data of game participants include names, Address, bank details and, if necessary, telephone numbers, e-mail addresses and the same. The lot numbers are also saved, with which the game participants in the lottery participates. If we are talking about game participants here are of course not only male game participants Gender, but also such female gender meant. The storage devices also contain a profit plan that determines how high a particular one is Generation of random numbers (drawing of final digits) The winnings are when the lot has the correct ending number correct two last end numbers etc. The corresponding Allocation of the winnings to the lots and thus the game participants then take place with the help of a in the second subsystem arranged computer. Then in the first subsystem Computer for data exchange with the game participants and in second subsystem an e-mail device for notification the winner provided.

Operation is automatic. In particular, can be provided be that the data processing system has a timer, of at regular intervals, in particular generation once a day at a specified time of random numbers and allocation of winnings (draw). Of course, more can also be provided than to make such a drawing once a day. Of the participants can do this over the internet about winning numbers orient and possibly even the generation of these winning numbers follow. Other general information can also get a game participant. In particular, however, it is also provided that that the or a computer of the first subsystem Mask created for the screen of the game participant, in can enter the same data. Here the game participant can register and his name, address, bank details and enter payment method. Once payment is made by Transfer has been received or the authorization of Payment is made by the credit card institute or the like that the game participant wants to use can the game participant in an advantageous embodiment choose one or more lot numbers. The number of lots which the game participant can choose can be limited become.

Except for the fact that the game participant has his personal Must enter data and the desired lot numbers, the operation takes place automatically. Paying out winnings is also done automatically, by the game participant specified bank account. In addition, can be provided be that game participants are free to participate in one or multiple draws (bonus lots) are granted as winnings. This can be the case, for example, if the player in the the drawing in question has the correct final number in its lot number Has.

It can also be provided that with the exception of bonus lots only participating in a given number of draws is possible. In an advantageous embodiment for example, you could have four successive classes (Weekly draws) with seven draws each (each Provide day one) so that the whole cycle changes every Repeated 28 days. By having a minimum number of draws must be chosen, the attractiveness of the Lottery because there are more chances to win.

For the purpose of data security, it is advantageously provided that that only data of the game participant who is currently on the System accesses, transferred from the second to the first subsystem be in there again after a predetermined time the second subsystem is transferred or deleted. Thereby the greatest possible data security is guaranteed and exists greatest possible protection against data manipulation. That also Access to the first subsystem secured by a firewall and game participants can only access with a password, goes without saying and corresponds to the practice that is common on many other websites.

It is advantageously provided that one or more of the Computer either in the second subsystem, advantageously but authorization control already in the first subsystem carry out. For example, based on the zip code be checked whether the game participant is actually in a Area in which the lottery is carried out.

Each computer and memory is expediently by one second added to continue operation in the event of failure of the first to be able to.

As already mentioned, the operation is fully automatic. Of course, only the game participant has to Enter data manually. Checking eligibility at Credit cards, incoming payments and the like are made automatic, as is the payment of winnings.

As already mentioned, firewalls ensure that no unauthorized access to the system or components of the System is possible. Particularly advantageous against the danger of manipulations, however, it has turned out if the essential parts of the system are mechanically sealed. So could for example the random number generator in a sealed see-through housing to accommodate it cannot be manipulated. Of course this must If necessary, provide the housing with ventilation holes his.

It is expediently provided that all essential Processes, especially the generation of the final digits, are logged become. This can be in electronic form or else done by printing on paper.

Fig. 1:

in schematischer Darstellung den Aufbau des erfindungsgemäßen Datenverarbeitungssystems; und

Fig. 2:

ein Beispiel eines Gewinnplans.

The invention is described below using an advantageous embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, for example. Show it:

Fig. 1:

the structure of the data processing system according to the invention in a schematic representation; and

Fig. 2:

an example of a profit plan.

The data processing system shown in Fig. 1 has three Areas, namely the freely accessible Internet area 3, the first subsystem 1 and the second subsystem 2. Das first subsystem 1 is against the freely accessible internet area 3 separated by a firewall 4. Access to data, that go beyond general information is only with Possible with the help of a password. The first subsystem is 1 separated from the second subsystem 2 by a "logical" firewall. The first subsystem has a web server 6 and one Data server 7, which links to a data structure 8 is. A replacement computer is shown at 9 which is used can be, if the computer 6 or 7 fails. in the second subsystem 2, a main computer 10 is provided, wherein at 11 a replacement computer is connected, which at Failure of the computer 10 take over the same functions can. The link is made via a database system 8. At 12 shows a spare drive in which the data in addition to being stored in computers 10 and 11 become. The random number generator is accessed in the embodiment shown here by the computer 10 and 11. The second subsystem 2 is through access connected to banks, credit card institutes etc. via the Internet.

A winning plan is shown in FIG. 2. The lottery extends over four weeks of seven days each. On every day there will be a draw. For example, participation must be on 28 consecutive days, with the first day but any day of the 28-day cycle can. Only in the case of a bonus ticket is participation only in possible in one class, namely in the first class of the following Lottery.

The lottery is completely paperless over the internet, at most, the numbers can be provided the random number generator or its protocols as a paper copy to send to the tax authority.

The game participant dials into the website and can initially general information there, especially a Watch the online presentation of the lottery. He can then log in or register again. Passwords are used for this. Ordering lots, entering the dates of the Game participant including entering payment information and the lot selection takes place through an input mask. However, the lot will only be activated when payment is made by Bank transfer has been made or by the credit card institute the payment is authorized. Via this website the generation of the final digits is then also shown. The game participant can also find out here whether he won. While he or she is browsing the website has called, personal data from the second is also secure Transfer subsystem into the first subsystem. If the game participant disconnects or after one predetermined time in which the game participant no longer was active, this data is stored in the secure second subsystem transferred back or deleted. Leading the Customer statements, drawing processing, profit notification, the administration of master data etc. takes place in secure second subsystem instead. Payment transactions that Online validation of payment data, the data traffic with the bank (transfers, credit and direct debits) also advantageously over the Internet.

At precisely defined intervals, in the example of Fig. 2 Generation occurs once a day at the same time of final digits instead. This will make the lots correct End number, determined with two correct end numbers, etc., then assigned a profit based on the profit plan becomes. This profit is then automatically transferred to that of Game participants transferred bank account specified.

For security, it is advantageously provided that electronic Lots are created with information about Lot number, customer number, participation period, current account of the Game participant - all of which are digitally encrypted - be provided so that the electronic lots against changes are protected.

1 is expediently used as the database 8 in FIG Oracle database used. Other databases could theoretically but can also be used, although not should be geared primarily to this.

When checking whether the game participant is even able to participate in the game he must state whether he is over 18 years of age is old, plus the local authority if here Restrictions exist by checking the zip code Verified.

Claims (15)

1. Data processing system having a first sub-system (1) designed as front end, which can be accessed remotely via the Internet, and having a second sub-system (2) designed as back end, which is connected to the first sub-system (1) via a logic device that prevents unauthorised access and is otherwise isolated, wherein
      the second sub-system (2) has:

   a random number generator,

   storage devices (9, 10, 11) for data on players in a lottery, including lottery ticket numbers, which are assigned to the players, and a winnings plan,

   a computer (9, 10) for allocating winnings on the basis of the numbers generated in the random number generator to players having lottery ticket numbers corresponding to the numbers, and

   an e-mail facility for notifying the winners and a timer that initiates the generation of final numbers and allocation of winnings at regular intervals, in particular once a day,

   a computer (6, 7) for exchanging data with the players and notifying the winners being provided in the first sub-system (1) designed as front end.
2. Data processing system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the random number generator has a physical noise source.
3. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the or one computer in the first sub-system (1) designed as front end generates a mask for the player's screen, in which the latter can enter data.
4. Data processing system according to Claim 3,
   characterised in that input facilities for one or more lottery ticket numbers to be selected by the player are provided in the mask for him or her.
5. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that participation in the lottery is activated only if payment [lacuna] the stake has been made or confirmed.
6. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that winnings are paid automatically into the bank account specified by the player.
7. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that players can be allowed to participate in one or more further draws free of charge as winnings.
8. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that, with the exception of bonus lottery tickets, it is possible to participate only in a preset number of draws.
9. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that only data for the player who is accessing the system at a given point in time are transferred by the second sub-system to the first sub-system (1), designed as front end, and there are transferred back to the second sub-system (2), designed as back end, or deleted after a preset time.
10. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that one or more of the computers (5, 6, 9, 10) carry out an authentication check.
11. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that each computer and storage device (5, 6, 9, 10) is supplemented by a second, which continues the operation should the first fail.
12. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that operation is fully automated.
13. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the essential parts of the random generator are mechanically sealed.
14. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that all essential processes are logged.
15. Data processing system according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterised in that it is connected to the Internet.

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