GB2416892A

GB2416892A - Validating entitlement to online services

Info

Publication number: GB2416892A
Application number: GB0417011A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Kaplan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-07-30
Filing date: 2004-07-30
Publication date: 2006-02-08
Anticipated expiration: 2024-07-30
Also published as: GB2416892B; GB0417011D0

Abstract

A contact-less data carrier is presented to an antenna 205, and the carrier data is sent to an account data Receiver where the data is logged in waiting for the user to activate their wireless enabled computing device using RFID, WIFI or Bluetooth. The user's wireless device receives a home page from the receiver requesting the data carrier's unique data code, 215, which the user enters, 220, to gain access. In the background the account card data receiver forms a link through the Internet to an online HQ audit server coordinator that decodes address data from the data carrier and opens a connection to an online account server that coordinates the transfer of the received carrier data and then transmits the account balance of the data carrier to the user's online linking device. The account server validates whether the data carrier has sufficient credit to access any online service and also maintains a connection in the background to monitor the connection for updating the account balance according to usage.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO ENABLE VALIDATING

ENTITLEMENT TO ACCESS ONLINE SERVICES

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for validating entitlement to access Internet services by use of an account data carrier and receiver when linked to a related online account server.

The ubiquitous and pervasive growth of the Internet through ever increasing expansion of data bandwidth offered by the Telco industry now insidiously encompasses all aspects of daily life, creating an ever increasing and constant desire to be "connected" when not at work or at home on ones own computer. This market driven pathological need to have a constant direct "connection" to the outside world taps deep into primordial synopsises to mimic a quasi umbilical-cord attachment to the outside through the many different connected media options that are now available. There are also GPS devices that can pin point a location utilising satellite, cell or other triangulation method.

There are many examples of being able to be connected such as through the use of phones including mobile phones that have the ability to roam internationally and still be contactable whilst also having the facility to make contact. Internet cafes have sprung up all over the world where it is possible to enter buy a cup of coffee and pay a fee to sit at a provided computer connected to the Internet and 2s surf the web or download email. There are also phone boxes all over the world that one may use by depositing the required amount of change and make a phone call to anyone who has a phone number to call.

As bandwidth becomes available to accommodate all forms of online media services, so to are related hardware devices to take advantage of the increased bandwidth by creating an ever more personal experience through smaller portable hardware to enable the many different adaptable online connections such as through "bluetooth", WIF1" or "REID" easily, when in the office or at home using ones own ADSL or other connection to a server. The ability also exists to connect through use of"WIFI" at certain coffee shops, by paying online using a credit card, to one of the multinational 0 service providers such as "BT Open world" who charge by selling block time limited access e-certificates that allows a connection to the Internet through a provided "BT" WIFI network only.

This may satisfy a need when used in a specific location offering the purchased related WIFI connection hot spot. However, paying one hot spot provider doesn't enable the use when away from that service providers hotspot to get online without having to pay another hotspot provider a fixed time fee also using a credit card for payment to enable online access. The problem that exists is that the hotspot location offering the service provider's services does not have anything to do with the transaction which requires a credit card payment online directly to the WTFI service providers account.

Additionally there is no easy way to make a prepaid inexpensive phone call using a VoIP enabled device or send SMS with ease when not at home or office and not wishing to use a credit card or mobile phone.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems and offer an unlimited number of WlF1 locations and service provider hot spots where the location provider controls the fees levied for online access that does not require a credit card and where a prepaid account data carrier containing account server address data code on the data carrier enables validating online usage and pre arranged distribution of the income from any related hot spot usage.

The present invention also aims to provide an alternative method and apparatus to enable a user to prepay for access to the Internet to enable visiting web sites and make a VolP for as long as there is credit remaining in the related data carrier account when using a suitable computing device in conjunction with any of the wireless connection facilities such as WIFI, Bluetooth or REID when 0 provided to enable a connection to the Internet to surf the web or make cheap phone calls internationally or even send SMS.

The present invention also aims to provide an easy to use GPS or other triangulation location facility related to a data carrier that utilises any one of a number of different triangulation facilities that could be used to determine the location of a computing device containing the account data carrier code when this service is included for remote activation chargeable to the activated data carrier account.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a prepaid access contact-less account data carrier that can be purchased from the hot spot WIFI location. The data carrier may be used to surf the web or make a VoIP phone call or send an SMS through the use of a WIFI, bluetooth or REID device. Data usage may also carry a different fee to that of using a VolP service provider to make a phone call utilising an Internet connection or even send or receive SMS services, the account number of the data carrier generating the IP address for receiving messages or the device may be set up to receive an SMS at an existing online number there may also be the ability to offer SMS only related numbers or addresses for use when utilising the Tnternet to access SMS facilities in a WAN enviroment.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a data carrier receiver that utilises an antenna to enable establishing contact with a contact-less data carrier, the data that is scanned by the antenna being sent to the receiver that decodes the received data to enable making a connection to the correct account server online as dictated by the presented data carriers account server address data code and account number to enable lo validating the account balance of the presented data carrier. The data carrier receiver also contains unique HQ address location data preloaded within it that is activated when a data carrier is presented to the receiver, this unique account server address location contains all the individual account address data and is linked to the receiver in the background by browser, FTP or any of the many known methods of data transmission.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the data carrier contains different address data that the receiver utilises according to the required access method and usage as dictated by the user when entering the data carriers unique data code when requested.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a voucher for purchase containing a unique "PK1" public number relating to the account server supplier's "PKI's" private number, for updating an account balance when online after using the data carrier to be credited. The vouchers may be tailored to individual companies for giving to customers to increase account balances for online usage.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the account data carrier data receiver is part of a complete online service access device comprising a WIFI unit, the data receiver, a VoIP data converter gateway and a Modem required for connection s to an ADSL line or other suitable data transfer medium. This online data receiver device may be built as one unit including the above or as a separate interconnecting device that may be added to any existing online access facility. The contact-less account data carrier receiver contains the proprietary prepayment access technology that lo may be included as a payment facility with other existing online devices that may or may not utilise WIFI, "Bluetooth" REID or have an ADSL connection, although at this time due to the speed of data transmission it is preferable to use at least ADSL.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a contact-less account data carrier that contains a personal account number that is relevant in this example only to the card supplier account server whose address data code is contained within it including a unique data carrier code, there is also the VoIP server address to enable a VolP call. The data carrier may be any suitable account data carrier computing device able to contain the required data fields to enable the data carrier receiver validating entitlement for access. For this example a contact-less account data carrier will be represented as a card although it will be appreciated that the account data carrier may be built within a computing device itself for linking online to validate entitlement for receiving and transmitting data, SMS or VoIP over the lnternet.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention a data carrier receiver contains a unique location identifier that identifies the location of the data carrier receiver provider to enable crediting the individual location provider, this identification data is transmitted in the background to an HQ audit server that maintains an ongoing connection to enable the correct distribution of agreed fees per usage of the individual account data carrier from the chosen location provider. Being an open usage facility various entities require payment, such as the data carrier seller, the data carrier voucher provider, the location providing online usage of the data carrier, the VoIP or SMS service provider if used and the HQ audit service provider for proportioning the various accounts being 1 0 facilitated.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the data carrier may contain a GPS or other triangulation position location facility that is activated from a remote location by entering the unique data carrier code at an account server that charges the data carrier account for the facility of remotely determining the data carrier location by grid reference or area map online.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1. is a schematic diagram of the prepaid data carrier access facility Figure 2. is a flow diagram of accessing the lnternet by use of an account data carrier Figure 3. is a schematic diagram of the Receiver with an attached antenna Figure 4. is a block diagram of the memory of the account data Receiver Figure 5. is a flow diagram showing the process of validating Onlme service usage Figure 6a. is a schematic diagram illustrating data carrier as a card Figure 6b. is a schematic diagram illustrating an account data carrier as a key fob Figure 6c. is a schematic diagram illustrating a SIM chip card Figure 7. is a schematic diagram of an example of a home page for unique data code entry Figure 7b. is a schematic diagram of the receiver home page showing credit and for voucher data entry Figure 8. is a schematic diagram of a data carrier in the form of a VoIP phone or SMS device.

Figure 9. is a schematic diagram of the SMS data carrier access facility The System comprises a number of components that cooperate to effect the validating of online services, namely a data receiver and account data carrier linked to a related online account server. Further apparatus may include WIF1, Bluetooth, REID, a VoIP gateway, SMS service and a high speed modem for linking to the Tnternet having stored therein account server locations relevant to the individual account data carrier address data.

Figure 1. is a schematic diagram of a system for validating access to the Internet services utilising an account data carrier that can be purchased and updated without the use of a credit card to enable downloading or receiving data, SMS or making a web phone call using VoIP. The system comprises a number of different apparatus which cooperate to effect the invention. A user wishing to have access to Internet services such as making an inexpensive VolP phone call when not at home or away from the office, purchases a contact-less data carrier 105 containing "x" credit for the Internet service access. When the user is in a location with an antenna 110 the user presents the contact-less data carrier 105 to the antenna 110 the card data 101,102,103,104 is picked up and sent to the account data Receiver 115 where the data is logged in waiting for the user to activate their wireless enabled computing device using REID, WIFI l 0 125 or Bluetooth 130 for connecting to the receiver 115, the users wireless device 125, 130 receives a home page from the receiver 115 requesting the account data carriers 105 unique data code 103, which the user enters to gain access for SMS 180 data 185 directly through the modem 140 where computer to computer voice over internet may be used not requiring a VOIP gateway or VoIP 190 utilising a VolP gateway 135, for this example an ADSL 145 connection to the Internet 150 is demonstrated. In the background the account card data receiver 115 forms a link through the Internet to the online HQ audit server coordinator 155 that decodes the address data 101 from the data carrier 105 and opens a connection to the online account server 160 that coordinates the transfer of the received account carrier data and then transmits the account balance of the data carrier to the users online linking device 125, 130. The account server validates whether the data carrier 105 has sufficient credit to access any online service and also maintains a connection in the background to monitor the connection for updating the account balance according to usage. The receiver 115 also links utilising the VoIP address data 104 when accessed by a user to the VolP service provider 165 to enable connecting through the VoIP server 165 where the account number 102 is transmitted for the continued monitoring of the usage by the user, a further link is made by the account data receiver 1 15 to the location server 170 from where the user is accessing the Tnternet, being updated according to online usage from the specific location.

Should a user not have sufficient credit to enable going online a voucher may be purchased from a location provider, that would be activated after the unique data carrier code 103 has been entered and the home page appears with the option to enter the vouchers PKI number 106 into the voucher box on the home page, this number is transmitted to the HQ Audit server 155 that validates the credit purchased and debits the voucher server 175 and then credits the data carrier account number 102 at the data carrier server 165 and HQ 155. This system is intended as an option for where WIFI or Bluetooth online facilities are available to the public. By not requiring credit card payments the system becomes available to anyone with a WIFI or Bluetooth enabled device to access the Tnternet from a host of different locations. In time it may be possible for individual stores or even homes with a wireless connection to offer the facility to the general public and also receive a small recompense for allowing the use of their wireless online connection facility. This could also be from companies who would open their online facilities, after securing their on usage from hacking, to use after hours and also receive an income. In time the entire country or even world wherever an online wireless connection exists could be made available by opening up the wireless facility to outside access by the general public who would be able to phone anywhere for a few pence or send an SMS or just go online to surf while waiting for a bus or out and about.

Figure 2. is a flow diagram of accessing the Internet by use of an account data carrier, when a user wishes to access the Internet using a wireless enabled device, the user purchases a contact-less data carrier for this example from the location offering a wireless, such as WlFl, service. To log online the user presents the account account data carrier to an antenna 205 that picks up the data from the data carrier and sends it to the Receiver that decodes the signal 210 and holds the data until the user has switched on their wireless device to receive the account data receivers home page 215 requesting that the user enter the unique data carrier code into one of the boxes depending on what service the user wants to access.

The user them enters the unique data carrier code into either the SMS, data box or VOIP box 220. The receiver uses the unique data carrier code to identify the WIFI device as belonging to the account number of the data carrier. After the unique carrier data code is entered the receiver accesses the HQ server in the background utilising address data preinstalled in the receiver 225 and then transfers the account data to the related server address 230.

This illustration represents the simplest connection utilising a data carrier and receiver, it will of course be appreciated that the prepayment utility can be used for many different access service purposes such as to receive SMS messages that may be transmitted by utilising only a REID or WIFI facility for sending and receiving of the SMS messages through a receiver connected to the internet.

As an example it may also be possible to have WIFI hot spots in remote locations that could access the Internet by way of GPRS technology or antennas placed in telephone booths to accommodate REID and WIFI or the facility could be placed in shop windows that 1] indicate the available service by use of a logo or recognised access indicator. Phone calls could be made to anywhere in the world utilising VoIP technology by phones that could be rented out with credit already installed and a contact-less data carrier built into the unit that could be activated by entering the phone data carrier's unique code supplied with the phone and after use any available credit could be used through a registered account server by re entering the data carrier's unique code until all the credit was used.

Topping up the phone again would be simple procedure through a 0 hot spot location receiver connection by entering an account voucher number.

Figure 3. is a schematic diagram of the Receiver 310 with an attached antenna 305. The receiver 310 is included as part of an Tnternet access centre encompassing a WlFI device 315, VoIP gateway 325 and a Modem 320 connected for this illustration to an ADSL service 330. As shown the receiver could be built as one unit with the accompanying related devices that enable the proprietary prepaid Internet service access.

The data carrier receiver could contain a "bluetooth" facility to enable transmitting and receiving data or a phone call using a VoTP connection. It would also be possible to enable WIFI access after the account was credited with sufficient funds to pay for the service required. This WIFI connection could be through direct access utilising only the WIFI facility that would transmit the account server address data then the unique data carrier code would be entered to permit access. This would be particularly useful in situations where the REID antenna was not available and a long range WIFI facility was, such as the 15 plus mile transmission range that could also be used for any SMS service through interoperability and an Internet connection to validate the account balance on the data carrier device used. As an integral unit comprising the WIFI, VoIP gateway and modem it would be possible to offer online services from any location connected to the Internet through a broadband connection even remote locations would be possible utilising long range WIF1 facilities and because of the structure these facilities would be able to earn income from providing the location regardless of where situated even roaming between locations whilst online would be possible provided the account had sufficient funds.

Wireless enabled portable phones that had the account data included in the circuitry could be used to make VoIP calls from remote locations that offer wireless connectivity, PtoP calls could also be made if a gateway was not available.

Figure 4. is a block diagram of the memory of the account data Receiver. The initial access data enters the receiver through the external connected antenna 405 and passes to the decoder 410 before being passed on to the microprocessor where the ROM 420 determines how to store the received data in the RAM 425 whilst waiting for the WlF1 or bluetooth connection in this example to activate whereupon the account data receivers home page is received by the WIFI device, the microprocessor 415 then waits for the unique data carrier code to be entered. Once the unique data carrier code is entered the microprocessor 415 through the ROM 420 determines that the account data carrier code is associated with the data held in the ROM 420 and accesses the Internet to validate the data carrier as having sufficient credit to access the Internet relative to the required service. The microprocessor 415 also co-ordinates the transfer of address data from the ROM 420 through the Data transfer interface 430 and buffer 435 to enable the connection to the HQ server. It should be appreciated that as microprocessors are made more and more complex and able to perform many different application all of the above may be undertaken by a single microprocessor including the different facilities such as ROM 420, RAM 425, Interface 430, or Buffer 435 or including only a few, however the process would remain the same and that is validating the account data carrier online, the data carrier may also be included or built into the computing device such as a phone or other mobile device utilising WTFT, "Bluetooth" or REID to form an online connection to the Internet to enable the transfer of account data to an account server for validating sufficient funds are available. The receiver being the key to enabling the validating of the data carrier whether remotely or not by utilising the coded data on the data carrier to form the connection to the account server online utilising the predetermined address data related to the data carrier that activates the data stored in the receiver that forms the connection by accessing the HQ server. A simple example would be a SMS device that is activated when in range of a WIFT receiver with an online connection, the receiver would request the unique data code that the SMS device contained relating to data carrier account data. Once this was entered and transmitted to the receiver the receiver would access T-TQ server coordinator that would connect to the account server and determine if there was sufficient credit available to validate a connection to either send or receive any text messages, in this example the data carrier is a portable SMS device itself that could be disposable after use or may be topped up with additional credit after credit was used up. Further the account data carrier device could access an account server directly after accessing the Internet for determining validation of service which would be allowed until all the credit as loaded in the computing device itself was used up at which time it would be necessary to load addition credit as discussed in a previous embodiment.

Figure 5. is a flow diagram showing the process of validating online service usage. An account data carrier is presented to an antenna 410 that receives the data and passes it on to the attached receiver 415 the receiver then holds the data waiting for a related wireless device to be activated 420 and the unique data carrier code to be entered 425 for the desired service. Once the receiver receives the unique data code it finds the related account data carrier data and transfers the data to the HQ service coordinator 430 and the HQ data server coordinator transfers the account details to the related account server 445 where the account details are received 450 and also to the wireless access location server 455 and if requested the VOIP service provider 435 where the account details are received 440 so that the online service can be validated and the usage can be monitored in the background. When all the credit on an account data server runs out it may be replenished by use of a voucher by entering the voucher number in the designated box 460 on the home page where the details are transferred to the HQ server coordinator 430 that links to the voucher account server 465 to verify the voucher.

The account data carrier is then credited with the amount of the voucher.

This is an example of a data carrier presented to an antenna, however it should be appreciated that a computing device that contains the means to act as a data carrier may access a data carrier receiver directly thereby transferring the required data through the receiver to the HQ server coordinator as code or address location data. The HQ server coordinator is able to connect to the receiver in

the background after being accessed.

Figure 6a. is a schematic diagram illustrating data carrier for this example, The following examples are for use in public access locations such as coffee shops or station lobbies utilising a prepaid account data carrier. For this example a contact-less card 610 will be lo used as an example of the account data carrier, although it should be appreciated that in other examples may be any carrier capable of carrying account data for use online would be included, in which a coil 605 represents the data carrier and transmitter activated by an antenna that receives the data and passes it to the microprocessor for decoding and processing.

Figure fib. is a schematic diagram illustrating an account data carrier 625 as a key fob 630 or it could be built into any article big enough to incorporate it within the device and not interfere with the transmission of data when presented to an antenna when wishing to go online for whatever reason. It must be appreciated that should the device be for WIFI access it would be suitably built-in for use.

Figure 6c. is a schematic diagram illustrating a SIM chip card 650 that is contact-less 655 and transmits data from the SIM 660 when presented to an antenna.

Figure 7a. is a schematic diagram of a home page 705 received after the data carrier data has been transmitted to the receiver. The user determines whether they want to access data 710 online or use the VoIP 720 services then enters the unique data carrier code in to the box 725 for data or 730 for VoIP. Once the decision has been made the enter button 735 is pressed and the unique data carrier code is correlated with the data carrier account data in the account data receiver for validated at the account server.

The home page shows a very simple screen simulation for this example and it should be appreciated that the moving around and increasing input options on the screen could be by any of the many different methods known in the arts to facilitate this or any other requirement to facilitate this invention.

Figure 7b. is a schematic diagram of the receiver home page 750 that would be presented showing voucher 755 input after the unique data carrier data code was entered and the account server indicated that the online access funds were getting low 765. The original home page may include a balance of funds available after the unique data code was entered however as this would not be known until after the connection to the account server it may be included on the next presented page 750 with the option to enter a voucher number 760 and then press enter 770 to increase the online balance for usage. The vouchers may be bought wherever a connection is available, as a connection to the account server has to be originated to accept the voucher funds that are to be credited to the data carrier.

Figure 8. is a schematic diagram of a data carrier in the form of a VoIP phone 805 or SMS 810 device. The device would contain the data carrier built within itself and would have a unique data carrier code that would have to be entered 815 to access the Volp services or SMS services utilising the Internet to facilitate a connection. The device could also contain an EMV 830 secure data generating facility for use when making purchases online from a merchant requiring the chip and PIN input data number. The account data carrier could also have a WIFI, Bluetooth or REID facility built within it to enable the validation of an online account atan account server location. There could also be simple SMS devices 825 that linked through WIFI, Bluetooth or REID and contained a GPS location chip 820 that could be triangulated from a remote location utilising the data carrier account server and data carrier 's unique data code. An account data carrier that was created for use as a SMS unit containing a screen a Wireless facility and GPS could be used by kids who could utilise either a school enabled wireless online link during break or after school and also link into various individual wireless enabled Internet set ups offered by business or home owners that would receive a small recompense for allowing their wireless connection to be accessed. By offering a simple device that only allowed SMS for instance parents would also be able to locate where their children were by utilising the built-in GPS or other triangulation facility by going online and entering the account data carrier number and unique data code at the provided GPS web site that would then show the location of the hand set by grid map or address. The handset could also be liveried according to agreement with popular themes and also have the facility to download itunes to signal when a message was received. Because the SMS would be sent by use of the Internet the cost would be a fraction of mobile phone costs and it would also be limited with regards to loss if the device were stolen.

Figure 9. is a schematic diagram of the SMS data carrier as a phone for accessing the Internet to send and receive messages. The proprietary SMS dedicated receiver/phone 905 switches on and connects through a wireless connection 910 to the account data receiver 915 that initiates a connection through the Internet 920 to the HQ server coordinator 925 that connects to the online SMS account service provider 930 that validates the entitlement to use the service and if approved transmits the received message through the Internet 920 to the data receiver 935 that transmits it wirelessly 940 l0 to the SMS computing device 945 that would signal by chosen method that a message had been received. In the advent that the phone SMS receiver 945 were turned off the message would be kept at either the HQ 925 server or the SMS service providers 930 location and when the phone 925 were turned on again the message would be forwarded to the data phone receiver 925. The data phone receiver 905 could send SMS messages to any cell phone through the SMS service provider 930 and also receive messages from cell phone devices when routed through the SMS service provider 930. It would also be possible to send FASTSMS utilising the service provider. The ability to send and receive messages sent by email as long as they were no longer than 160 words would also be possible.

It will be appreciated that instead of providing account data carriers that connect to the Internet for validation that an off line connection may also be provided for use in a LAN situation as long as the connection accesses an account server to validate the account data carrier.

It will further be appreciated that an account data carrier may be any one of a multitude of different computing devices or data carriers capable being used as an account data carrier for validating the account usage online to enable utilising Internet services for any of a variety of different applications including paying for media downloads that may be for home entertainment directly to a media centre containing TV, music or payment for takeout food directly from the account server account. In this case money may be placed on the account data carrier account server by use of Internet banking transfer or utilising a service such as PayPal or mondex when the account data carrier has been associated with an email address for 0 direct payment.

It will further be appreciated that the data on an account data carrier may carry address data and other data for linking to different server locations in the background to facilitate the updating of the account of the account data carrier at the different locations. The account data carrier may also contain coded data that is transmitted to an account server by the HQ server coordinator after an account data carrier receiver recognises the coded data received from the data carrier and utilises a server location address loaded within it relating to the HQ server that decodes the address data received. After the data has been transferred to the account server the HQ server also monitors the online activity to enable making disbursements according to the agreed amounts. It will also be appreciated that the data receiver may be pre-programmed to transfer all data carrier data received directly to a preinstalled location server address after receiving the data carrier data, this may be in the background, the address data may then have to be decoded to enable locating the desired server location as encoded on the data carrier.

By providing a validating facility for access that utilises individual account server data online, a means is provided to enable prepayment for all access requirements that is not limited to credit card holders only. A means also exists to offer the wireless online access from any location with a wireless facility whether in an office or from an individual's home, it would also allow roaming between different wireless locations when connected through the HQ server.

Although the embodiments of the invention described with reference to the drawings comprise computing devices and the process performed by the computing devices the invention also extends to computer programs particularly computer programs or lo account data carriers adapted for putting the invention into practice.

The program may be in the form of source or object code or any other form suitable for use in implementation of the processes according to the invention. The account data carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the required data. As an example, the carrier may be any transmissible carrier such as electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or radio or other means.

When the account data is embodied in a signal which may be conveyed directly by cable or other means, the account data carrier may be constituted by such cable or other device or means.

Alternatively, the account data carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the data is embedded, or for use in the performance of the relevant processes. It will also be appreciated that due to the continually evolving nature of the Internet, VoIP and SMS facilities described and with reference to are known processes, and that by not describing for example the operation of VolP, such as the use of H.323 or that of TAPI or SIP that have not been described, they would are still be included as would all protocols or processes that may be suitable for use in the implementation of the account data carrier, receiver and HQ server system when utilised to implement validation of entitlement according to the invention.

Claims

1. A system for validating entitlement to online services, wirelessly by utilising; one or more account data carriers; one or more wireless transmission devices; one or more account data carrier receivers; one or more HQ server coordinators; one or more account server locations having stored therein l o individual account data; The account data carrier apparatus may further comprise one or more of the following; a data carrier account server address data; a data carrier unique code; a data carrier account number; a VoIP server address data; a SMS online service provider Wherein validation of online services is characterized by use of wireless transmission facility, an account data carrier, an account data carrier receiver and related online account server for validating if the data carrier account has sufficient credit to enable access the service requested.

2. A system for validating entitlement to online services, wirelessly by utilising; one or more account data carriers; one or more wireless transmission devices; one or more account data carrier receivers; one or more HQ server coordinators; one or more account server locations having stored therein individual account data; The account data carrier apparatus may further comprise one or more of the following; a data carrier account server address data; a data carrier unique code; a data carrier account number; a VolP server address data; a SMS online service provider lo Wherein validation of online services is characterized by use of wireless transmission facility, an account data carrier, an account data carrier receiver and related online account server, the data carrier receiver determines after requesting unique data carrier code prior to transmitting any data to an HQ server coordinator to access in the background to enable validating entitlement of the data carrier based on the credit status of the data carrier account.

3. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claim 1 and 2. in that the account data carrier is built into the computing device as an integral part of it.

4. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claim 1 to 3 in that the account data receiver utilises the account carrier data to form a link to an account server online for updating the credit status of the account data carrier by monitoring the continued access of the data carrier to online services.

5. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims I to 4 in that data on a data carrier instructs a data carrier receiver to access a VoIP server in the background to monitor the continued access of the data carrier when making a VoIP enabled phone call.

6. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims I to 5 in that the data on a data carrier instructs the data carrier receiver that the use is for an SMS service.

7. A system for validating entitlement to services online lo according to claims 1 to 6 in that the data on a data carrier instructs the data carrier receiver to transmit the location address to the HQ server to enable recompense for said location.

8. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims 1 to 7 in that the data carrier data receiver determines which of the unique carrier codes submitted is for which connection requested by various wireless computing devices if more than one request is made.

9. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims 1 to 8 in that the data carrier data receiver accesses the HQ server coordinator in the background to facilitate the data as received from the data carrier and create a continued monitoring by the HQ server of the activities entered online by the account data carrier.

10. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims 1 to 9 in that a contact-less data carrier is utilised in conjunction with an antenna to enable the data carrier account data to be accesses.

11. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims 1 to 10 in that a wireless connection is utilised.

12. A system for validating entitlement to services online according to claims 1 to 10 in that address data is encrypted for use by the HQ server only for decoding.

13. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device characterized by; a WTFI facility for connection to the Internet an account data carrier built in a unique data code identifying device Wherein the SMS computing device is further characterized in that a SMS computing device utilises a wireless connection and the Internet to send and receive SMS data.

14. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 13 in that the validation of entitlement to use is by use of the built in account data carrier data.

15. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 and 14 in that the device also requires the input of an account data carrier unique data code.

16. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to l 5 in that the credit for usage of the SMS service may be replenished by use of a purchased voucher.

17. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 16 in that an account server validates entitlement to usage.

18. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device l O according to claim l 2 to l 7 in that the address of the SMS computing device is an IP number.

19. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 18 in that the address of the SMS computing device utilises a VolP phone tagging facility.

20. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 19 in that SMS address is a uniquely generated tag for the wireless SMS service only.

21. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 20 in that the SMS device may contain polyphonic ring tones downloaded as attachments from the Internet.

22. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 21 in that the SMS computing device connects through an online SMS service provider that routes all SMS data sent.

23. An SMS transmission and receiving computing device according to claim 12 to 22 in that the SMS computing device contains a GPS triangulation facility to enable remote access of the devices location.

24. A system to validate entitlement to access online services, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

lo

25. A system to validate entitlement to access online services, substantially as herein described with reference to the

accompanying description.