GB2388948A

GB2388948A - Validation system

Info

Publication number: GB2388948A
Application number: GB0211591A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Grint; Anthony Gerard Stanton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-05-21
Filing date: 2002-05-21
Publication date: 2003-11-26
Also published as: GB0211591D0

Abstract

A method of issuing tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like which comprises generating and storing a sequence of random or pseudo random numbers in a processing unit. Successive random numbers are allocated to respective ticket files and these ticket files are sent to customers in response to an order for a ticket. This allows the customer to print their own ticket, voucher, coupon or the like. A key, which may comprise the sequence or an algorithm for generating the sequence, together with the first number of that sequence and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like issued is passed to a processing unit for validating the tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like.

Description

VALIDATION SYSTEM

This invention relates to a validation system primarily, but not 5 exclusively, aimed at ticket validation for events, travel or any other circumstances requiring an entry ticket or pass, which system is suitably internet based. Alternatively, or additionally, the system may validate vouchers, tokens or the like. Related methods are also disclosed.

10 The system is based on a new approach to validation, which is materially different to systems currently used world wide.

For convenience, the prior art will be discussed in relation to a ticket

validation system.

Ordinarily a ticket customer has three choices when it comes to purchasing and receiving tickets for an event, an occasion, a journey or any other circumstance requiring a permission of some kind. They may attend a ticket office to purchase and receive tickets; they could telephone 20 a ticketing organization and purchase 'over the phone' and receive their tickets by post; or, more recently, they could order their tickets using the internet and again receive the tickets by post.

There are many problems and difficulties associated with all these 25 methods, both for the vendor and purchaser - not least that the costs involved in printing, security measures and postage can be very high, and that tickets are often subject to illegal copying (fraud) and 'touting'.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide ticket issuing and 30 validation systems which go at least some way towards mitigating these problems.

( 2 According to the present invention, there is provided a method of issuing tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like, comprising generating and storing in a processing unit a sequence of (pseudo) random numbers, allocating 5 successive random numbers from said sequence to respective ticket files and transmitting such ticket files to customers in response to customer orders to enable the customers to print their tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like and passing a key comprising the sequence, or an algorithm for generating the sequence, together with the first number of that 10 sequence and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like issued to a processing unit for validating tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like.

The invention extends to a method of validating a ticket, voucher, coupon 15 or the like which bears one of a predetermined sequence of random numbers which comprises accepting said sequence of random numbers in a processing unit at a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like validating station, accepting in said processing unit a key comprising the first random number from said sequence which is associated with a ticket, 20 voucher, coupon, or the like and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like issued to generate from said random number sequence a list of valid random numbers of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like, inputting a ticket random number into said processing unit, comparing it with random numbers on said list, and if the ticket random 25 number is on the list, accepting the ticket, voucher, coupon or the like as valid and deleting its number from the list, otherwise rejecting the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like as invalid.

The invention further extends to a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like 30 issuing and validating system in which:

( 3 a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like issuer generates a sequence of (pseudo) random numbers, one for each available ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like and in response to a customer request sends a ticket 5 file containing a random number of said sequence to enable the customer to print a ticket, voucher, coupon or the like, bearing that ticket random number in machine readable form, a ticket reader operatively associated with a processing unit programmed with at least one decryption algorithm and having a memory store containing said sequence of random numbers 10 is provided, the ticket issuer sends to said processing unit a key which contains at least the first random number of said sequence, and the total number of tickets issued, thereby to generate in said processing unit a list of random numbers associated with tickets issued, a ticket presented to the reader is read and its associated random number is compared in the 15 processing unit with the list of random numbers and accepts the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like as valid if a ticket random number is on the list, and then deletes that ticket random number from the list.

The invention also includes a computer readable medium having stored 20 therein instructions for causing a processing unit to execute the ticket issuing method defined above.

The invention further includes a program storage device readable by a machine and encoding a program of instructions for executing the ticket 25 validation method defined above.

A PENG (pseudo random number generator) creates (outwardly) unpredictable numbers for the maximum number of tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like, and upon request a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the 30 like is created which contains one of these numbers in machine readable form, for example as a barcode of that number which is shown on the

( ticket. Additional information can also be shown on the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like e.g. purchaser's identity, a reserved seat number, details of the event, a map giving directions to the area of the event or to a specific reserved seat.

Subsequent tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like contain further numbers and barcodes in that batch, until all are allocated or the event is held. lO Tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like can be purchased securely over the internet, but instead of awaiting the tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like by post the purchaser will receive an e-ticket either by email or onto their browser screen directly in real time. This ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like is generated in accordance with this invention. The ticket, 15 voucher, coupon, or the like will be in a form of a file, which may be encrypted or otherwise protected using a password supplied by a customer at the time of purchase. This is to ensure that, should the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like be intercepted along its route to the customer, the ticket file contents cannot be divulged and hence copied or 20 printed. The ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like can be printed by the customer, and can be used as appropriate, possibly to gain entry to an event by presentation at the event.

It is acknowledged that the idea of producing a bar-coded ticket via the 25 Internet is not unique. However, inherent in this method of delivery are a number of difficulties. For example, the fact that a ticket can be printed many times and distributed, exchanged or re-sold and then multiple presentations made of the same ticket at an event; the perennial problem of fraud and touting; all are exacerbated by this method of ticket 30 generation and distribution. However, we believe that our method of

validation, which combines a ticketing engine and validator, ensures that these problems are substantially mitigated.

Prior to use of the tickets, vouchers, coupons or the like, a 'key' is 5 released (also encrypted) which is sent by any of a number of methods (including SMS text message, email, fax, overland mail etc) to the event organization. This 'key' contains the first number in the number sequence generated by the ticketing engine and the number of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like which have been issued. This 'key' like 10 the associated tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like is encrypted and validated before transmission.

Officials provided to check the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like have a stand-alone barcode scanner and processing unit for validating tickets, 15 vouchers, coupons, or the like as they are presented.

The processing unit contains decryption algorithms and the random number sequence.

20 The 'key' is applied to the processing unit using a barcode or by typing in the sequence with the keypad.

The processing unit uses this key to re-create the number sequence and hence knows all the numbers to expect on the tickets, vouchers, coupons, 25 or the like which will be scanned. I As people present their tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like the I barcodes are scanned and if they are found to be in the sequence set by the 'key' then access is allowed. If a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like 30 is presented that is not in the sequence it is rejected as invalid.

( As tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like are presented and deemed valid, their number is struck off the number sequence inside the processing unit.

5 If two identical valid tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like are presented then the first will be accepted and the second rejected as the processor has previously removed that number from the valid list.

If more than one entry point to an event is required then the number of 10 points of entry and hence scanners are linked to a central point by wireless or other network. The scanners operate by sending the ticket numbers to the central processor, which acts as before and will signal any particular entry point if an invalid or copied ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like is presented.

If a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like is presented which is badly printed, damaged or otherwise unreadable by the barcode scanner then as long as the associated code number is legible that may be typed into the processing unit instead.

Once the event has closed the processing units may be interrogated to determine which ticket numbers have been/not been used and this information may be passed to the event management for follow up or auditing purposes.

The system can be used again and again when a new valid 'key' is supplied and programmed in as before. Each event has a unique batch of numbers but the scanner requires no reprogramming and for example, using an eightcharacter ticket code it can handle more than 30 4,000,000,000 unique validations. For a twelve-character code this number rises to over 250, 000.000,000,000 before a duplicate code

number is created. In practice, once all key combinations had been used over a series of events, the event organiser could simply request to start the process over again with the first key.

5 If multiple attempts at loading invalid 'keys' are made then arrangements can be made to cause the processor to shutdown and prevent further operation until it is returned to the manufacturers for reenabling.

The numbers of the invalid 'keys' can be recorded within the chip prior to 10 this protection mode shutdown and may be used for investigation.

The validating processor is suitably based on a single chip microprocessor, which hold its own program and data within the chip as firmware'. Thus the chip cannot be read, nor the contents removed 15 without causing destruction of the chip and hence also of the secure contents within.

A particular advantage of the encryption engine is in its suitability for use with O.T.P. (one time pad) encryption techniques. This method is widely 20 recognised and accepted by all mathematicians as being the only known method of encryption that cannot be deciphered without access to the key, unlike all current encryption techniques which rely on sophisticated mathematics that make it difficult but ultimately not impossible to decipher. The keys are held within the aforementioned microprocessor 25 and as such cannot be revealed.

An internal battery backup system can be used to prevent loss or corruption of data and will continue to operate the device normally for a period, which should span the maximum normal entry time.

The ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like may be issued in association with an event and may be used to gain access to the event, which may be a concert, sports event, show, etc. Alternatively the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like may be used in other schemes, for example money off 5 vouchers, prize vouchers, reward schemes, etc. In general, any system in which it is desirable to require issue and secure validation may be suitable for the methods and system herein.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with 10 reference to the accompanying drawing which is a flow chart setting out the various steps involved in generating, purchasing and validating tickets in accordance with the present invention.

The following description refers to the phrase "ticket". The skilled

15 person will appreciate that this may cover tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like.

The ticket issuer generates a sequence of (pseudo) random numbers, one for each available ticket. It will be appreciated that a single such 20 sequence may be divided into lists of random numbers for allocation to tickets for different events.

The customer requests a ticket and supplies such details of credit card or charge card as may be required, and optionally a password. The issuer 25 sends to the customer ticket file (which may be password-encrypted) containing random number from the sequence. The customer decrypts and prints the ticket, which will bear the random number in a machine-

readable form.

30 A ticket inspector at the event has a ticket scanner and a processing unit containing decryption algorithm (s) and the random number sequence.

( 9 Prior to the event, the ticket issuer sends to the inspector's processing unit a key containing the first random number of the sequence list applicable to that event, and total number of tickets issued.

5 The customer presents the ticket to an inspector for scanning. The scanner passes the ticket random number to the processing unit which compares the ticket random number with the list of random numbers and accepts the ticket as valid if the ticket random number is on the list, and deletes that ticket number from the list.

The following are some of the advantages provided by the system: 1. Large cost benefits to the event management as no costs are involved in printing conventional tickets with their own expensive 15 security features (holograms etc) or posting them to their customers.

2. No large infrastructure investment - other methods of validating etickets require significant hardware investment and a broadband internet connection to access the ticketing database in real 20 time. Our system does not depend upon access to a database of issued tickets. 3. Hackproof. Software based systems are far less secure from hacking and misappropriation. This system is 25 hardware/firmware based and therefore far more resilient to hacking.

4. Assurance that the number of tickets issued will match the number of people attending an event.

30 5. Prevention of large scale fraudulent copying of tickets and ticket touting.

( 10 6. Peace of mind for the customer who receives their ticket(s) near instantaneously instead of waiting for overland mail to deliver in time. 7. Purchasing of tickets online up to the sending of the 'key', which could be minutes before the start of an event.

8. Information on numbers attending (and those who did not) 10 can be made available to event management within minutes of the event closing.

The scale of the system is completely flexible and can be made to be cost effective for small numbers of people, perhaps 100 at a corporate 15 presentation up to an Olympic-scale event over many days and many sites.

Claims

( CLAIMS

1. A method of issuing tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like, 5 comprising generating and storing in a processing unit a sequence of pseudo random or random numbers, allocating successive random numbers from said sequence to respective ticket files and transmitting such ticket files to customers in response to customer orders to enable the customers to print their tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like and 10 passing a key comprising the sequence, or an algorithm for generating the sequence, together with the first number of that sequence and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like issued to a processing unit for validating tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like.

15

2. A method of validating a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like which bears one of a predetermined sequence of pseudo random or random numbers which comprises accepting said sequence of random numbers in a processing unit at a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like validating station, accepting in said processing unit a key comprising the first 20 random number from said sequence which is associated with a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like issued to generate from said random number sequence a list of random numbers of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like valid inputting a ticket random number into said processing unit, 25 comparing it with random numbers on said list, and if the ticket random number is on the list, accepting the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like as valid and deleting its number from the list, otherwise rejecting the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like as invalid.

30

3. A ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like issuing and validating system in which:

( 12

a ticket issuer generates a sequence of pseudo random or random numbers, one for each available ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like and in response to a customer request sends a ticket file containing a random number from said sequence to enable the 5 customer to print a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like bearing that ticket random number in machine readable form, a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like reader operatively associated with a processing unit programmed with at least one decryption 10 algorithm and having a memory store containing said sequence of random numbers is provided, the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like issuer sends to said processing unit a key which contains at least the first random 15 number of said sequence, and the total number of tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like issued, thereby to generate in said processing unit a list of random numbers associated with tickets, vouchers, coupons, or the like issued, 20 a ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like presented to the reader is read and its associated random number is compared in the processing unit with the list of random numbers and accepts the ticket, voucher, coupon, or the like as valid if the ticket random number is on the list, and then deletes that ticket random number 25 from the list.

4. A computer readable medium having stored therein instructions for causing a processing unit to execute the method of Claim 1.

30

5. A program storage device readable by a machine and encoding a program of instructions for executing the method of Claim 2.