WO2000011625A1

WO2000011625A1 - Method and device for an online games system

Info

Publication number: WO2000011625A1
Application number: PCT/EP1999/006001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Helma Hofmann; Moritz Kulbach; Andrea Maier
Original assignee: Deutsche Telekom Ag
Priority date: 1998-08-25
Filing date: 1999-08-16
Publication date: 2000-03-02
Also published as: DE19840694A1; EP1108251A1

Abstract

The invention relates to online games systems and aims to enable customers/users to obtain a statement for the amounts paid in by them while the game is on-going. The method provided for by the invention relies on the fact that each game is based on a point system. According to the invention a sum of money made available by the user on the basis of a price table adapted to the individual games of the games system is converted into the game points, which are credited to a game account of the customer. The game account of the customer is constantly updated in line with the state of play for the entire duration of play, using a calculation module. The method provided for by the invention is especially suitable for online multiplayer games systems.

Description

Method and arrangement for an online gaming system

Description:

The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for an online computer game system, in particular to billing between customers and operators of the computer game system. The computer game system is not designed as a profit-oriented game of chance.

From DE 195 02 613 AI a game device system is known with several game devices set up or located apart from each other. The individual game devices can be connected to a common central computer via a respectively assigned remote data transmission. The game device system is designed as a profit-oriented game device system. Billing processes between operator and customer are preferably carried out using credit cards and bank cards. Profit transactions, especially for larger amounts, are made directly to a bank or an account whose owner is identified by the credit card number or PLN number or the telephone number. As an alternative, however, a corresponding account can also be set up with the gaming machine system operator.

From DE 44 37 277 AI an improved remote gaming system is known in which a player can play against a betting facility or a state-operated lottery from a remote location on a personal computer or a portable computer device. With this system, the player can purchase and redeem betting credits from remote locations without the need for an electronic communication link between the player and the betting facility. This is implemented via a banking business program.

British Telekom offers multiplayer games at http://www.wireplay.com. The settlement between the provider and the customer takes place via monthly fixed amounts or time-bound via the telephone connection. In principle, this means that billing takes place either as monthly billing using a credit card direct debit or using the data from the telephone connection. Furthermore, a range of games for multiplayer games from Playernet is known, which is available on the Internet at http://www.playernet.de. With this offer, billing between the operator and the customer takes place via a combination of a monthly hourly fixed amount (Playemet subscription) or online based on minute-based fixed amounts.

There is also an offer for multiplayer games from Rivalnet (Rivalnet http://www.rivalnet.com.). With this solution, you dial the game server via a telephone connection. So far no costs have been charged, but are planned.

The solutions from DE 195 02 613 AI and DE 44 37 277 AI are related to profit-oriented games of chance. The billing processes for the multiplayer games offered on the Internet are processed either via monthly fixed amounts and / or via a fee for the online time of the game.

In the known solutions, the game process and the billing process are linked to one another only by a time component. The player can play for an unlimited period. This means that he does not have an exact overview of the costs. This can particularly annoy a player if he has to pay a very high bill after the game.

The solution according to the invention is aimed at enabling the customer / user for the amount deposited in each case also to have a certain conclusion within the action of the game.

The method according to the invention assumes that every game is based in some form on a points system. This information can usually be derived from the game itself. According to the invention, the amount of money selected by the customer for the game, for example by means of a prepaid card, selected from a price table matched to the games is converted into game points via a calculator module. These game points are credited to the customer in a game account managed by the calculator module and set up separately for this customer. After approval of the game by the Calculator module, the calculator module monitors both the course of the game and the game account of the customer. The customer's game account is always adapted to the current game status by the calculator module over the entire duration of the game. If the customer fulfills certain tasks within the game, the calculator module credits them points. If the customer uses up points during the game, these are calculated by the calculator module with the customer's game account. The game is over when the customer has no more points in his game account. This means that the customer has also completed a game.

The method according to the invention is described in more detail using an exemplary embodiment.

1 shows a basic illustration of the arrangement for the game system on which the method according to the invention is based.

In Fig. 2 the point system is shown using a flow chart.

The method according to the invention is explained in more detail below.

The calculator module is part of the game system. The main tasks of the calculator are the authorization of the players, the online calculation of the game points and the change of the

Entries in the game account file. It initiates the feedback to the player about account balance, loss or gain of points and breaks when all points are used

Application from.

Points are deducted for

• the use of the game platform (time-dependent basic fee for IP traffic) • the use of the games (depending on the type of game)

• the purchase of merchandising items

• the purchase of digital objects other services (e.g. download, email)

Points are credited to

• Fulfillment of a certain achievement (e.g. reaching a game score or for the longest online time in a month) The calculator module is designed so that, depending on a specific game situation, the exchange of digital objects between the users involved in the game can take place. The calculator module then deducts game points from the game account of a first user and posts them to the game account of a second user

Online time calculation

A basic fee is charged for the entire online time, regardless of whether the player is only playing or playing in a community platform. The "Points per online time" parameter is specified in a management file assigned to the calculator module

Online time is recorded at the level of the community platform after the user has authenticated himself via his VTD account. In this regard, an accounting process must be started for each user of the platform, which records the user-related online time in the system, if necessary broken down into individual community Applications, recorded This data is the basis for further processing in the calculator module, which essentially converts the online time into game points

It is therefore not necessary to record the online time at the level of the LP platform via a radio system.This also eliminates the otherwise required double authentication of the user at the LP and application level.This approach largely decouples the application platform from the transport platform and thus simplifies adaptation to alternative network structures

Calculation of the premium content

The premium content is billed individually for each game. The basis for the calculation can be ao. Game time, score, score, game level, number of moves, type of game

For each game it must be considered what information we can get from the GDR (Game Detail Record). The calculation of points depends on the game type and the Opportunities that arise from the GDR. If the GDR does not receive any usable information, at least the playing time must be queried at another point in the application and processed in the calculator module.

From the data mentioned, depending on the management system

(Promotion system) predefined parameters the plus or minus points of a user are calculated.

Fig. 2 shows the basic options for earning or consuming points.

The management system

The management system is a tool for managing the calculation parameters of the calculator module. For each chargeable action, a calculation table is kept in the calculator module, which can be changed, added or deleted via the management system.

The parameters are set individually for each chargeable campaign and each game and changed at short notice for any marketing campaigns or price changes.

Possible price variants for games are:

• time-dependent

• per turn • per turn

• Monthly flat rate for a game

• performance-dependent for a data volume (download, possibly with e-mail)

• for an entire game (from start to finish)

As part of the game, it is possible to earn bonus points. The number of bonus points is recorded and credited to the user's account. Other prizes:

• Online

• Prices for downloads, merchandising, email, digital objects

Start the game

The calculator module authorizes the users based on the game account balance. If the user wants to start a game, it must first be checked whether there are enough game points for the game. The player is informed how long he can play with the available points and is given the opportunity to top up his points account. If the game points are not enough, the game cannot be started.

Examples:

■ A user 1 (customer 1) dials in via his computer via the public telecommunications network into the access computer of the operator of the game system and is asked to provide his user name and password after the connection has been established. After entering his user name and password, the access authorization of user 1 is checked by the calculator module comparing the data record entered by user 1 with the data records stored in a customer file.

■ If the check is positive, i. H. an identical data record was found that enables the assignment of the user, the calculator module creates one for user 1

User process. This user process has direct access to the data record of user 1 stored in the customer file. User 1 then has direct access to the content area

■ The calculator module converts the amount of money previously acquired by User 1 into points and writes these points into User 1's gaming account. After the customer starts the game, the calculator module asks for information in the user process online about the consumption or gaining points. The calculator module compares this information with the score in the game account of user 1 and updates the game account continuously. This means that every point loss or gain is immediately posted to the game account of user 1 or debited from the game account. When the user 1 has used up all the points on his gaming account, the calculator module withdraws the access authorization for the content area from the user 1. Two more examples of points earned by the user are described below:

- A user wants to start a game that is billed per game round and costs 5 points per round. If the player has only 4 points, this must be indicated to him and the game must not be started. The player is given the opportunity to top up their points account.

- A user wants to start a game that is calculated based on time. 5 minutes cost 1 point. The user still has 2 points. He could play less than 10 minutes with it, since the online time is also billed. The user is shown how long he can play with the available game points. The calculator module gives him the option of either starting the game immediately or filling up his gaming account beforehand.

Deduction or credit of game points

During the game, the used game points are deducted from the account balance at the start of an action or unit of time.

This means that the game point for a 5-minute unit is calculated at the beginning of the time unit. A round-dependent fee when starting the game round. The point balance is changed immediately with every chargeable action. This can be done internally in the calculator module or directly in the game points file. The game points file will be updated at the latest after all points have been used up or when we leave our application. When the point account is used up, the user is given the opportunity to fill up the account. Then he can go back into the game; with saved game and score if the game offers the possibility.

When a certain achievement is reached, the user can receive bonus points. The

Bonus points are credited to him after achievement or after the end of the game. The receipt of bonus points should be displayed to the user accordingly: "Great, you have reached the score 200,000

The user also has the option of entering a score list. Entry in a scorelist must be voluntary (data protection). The name from his VLD (virtual identity) is offered, which the user can freely change for the scorelist.

Points can also be charged for the purchase of digital objects. The charging of points for downloads and email (especially if large

Data volumes are transferred) is also provided as an option.

Furthermore, it is possible to save the personal game status of games that are interrupted for each user. (Type and number of buildings achieved, personal

Characteristics (magician, warrior)). It is possible to save the scores in the VLD database or in a database assigned to the game.

interfaces

The following interfaces are implemented between the calakulator module and the other modules:

Interface to the management system

Query of the current price table. (It is ensured that the price tables can be changed without much programming effort (e.g. via an input menu).) Interface to the game accounts

Query of the VLD and the saved game status when entering the application. Change in the score in the gaming account during or after use. Change of other personal characteristics (possession of digital objects, qualifications (magicians, warriors, savegames)), if these are not stored in other modules.

Interface to the community matching platform

Online time data, e.g. B. about the exchange of digital objects, downloads, chargeable community and matching applications. Entry in scorelists.

Interfaces to the games

Query of the GDR, e.g. B. Transfer of saved games.

Interface to the game launcher

Query of PDR (point detail record) and GDR (game detail record). Authorize the player for use.

Interface to merchandising

Purchase of merchandising articles and possibly also purchase of digital objects.

Connection of the prepaid card option

Interface to the ZKT

An essential component for billing via the calculator module is also seen in the fact that amounts of money matched to gaming points are available via prepaid Purchase cards. The payment method is completely anonymous or linked to the

VLD (Virtual Identity) of the customer within the game service. When dialing into the system, only the card code is requested and an account with the corresponding amount of points is set up under the anonymous identification of the user (freely selectable user name and password).

It is only mandatory to provide your civil identity for the telecommunication invoice account, credit card and EC direct debit payment methods offered in parallel.

An interface is thus provided for the calculator module, via which information minus the card value, expiry time of the card, etc. are transmitted to the system for further processing.

The ZKT takes over the entire process of card generation, including the assignment of card numbers. The format of the card number currently consists of a 13-digit serial number (randomly generated) that is visibly printed on the card. Another 12-digit number (consecutive) is concealed on the back (scratch field). To authenticate the card, the user must enter both numbers in the system.

After generating a batch, the numbers issued are communicated to the game system. This can be done online or on floppy disks, with the data being encrypted for security reasons.

User parameters

Based on the card number, the calculator module must now be able to read out special parameters which relate in particular to the usage rights of the card.

The following information should be read from the code number:

• Value of the card • Currency (with a view to the changeover to the euro)

• The card is valid • Card type (here account-related parameters such as age limitation according to USK are stored)

• Status of the card (parameters for monitoring and controlling the card quotas, subdivision eg according to valid, redeemed, blocked, expired)

The calculator module now checks the validity of the voucher on the basis of the map data previously transmitted by the ZKT. that is, the card number and the voucher status are checked and, if the authorization is positive, the value of the voucher is fully credited to the user's VTD account. The status of this voucher changes accordingly from valid to redeemed.

Claims

(6) Claims:

1. Method for an online game system, in which a customer / user is offered paid access to the game system by the operator of the game system, that is to say that after a connection has been made to the

Customers / users for the game system a sum of money acquired by the customer based on a price list tailored to the game system is converted after a check by a calculator module into game points, that the calculator module generates a user process for the customer / user and the game points to the customer / user on a Customer / user assigned game account credits that after the start of the

Game, the calculator module monitors the game progress and the game account of the customer / user over the entire duration of the game and thereby adapts the game account to the current score according to game actions of the customer / user, and that the calculator module withdraws the access authorization to the game from the customer / user when the score is reached the game account of the customer / user is zero.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the user / customer receives bonus points during the game for successful actions that are registered by the calculator module and booked on the game account of the customer / user.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that when a cash amount is acquired via a prepaid card when the customer dials into the game system, the card code of the prepaid card is queried by the calculator module and compared with card codes stored for the access authorization, and that at

Determination of an access authorization for the checked prepaid card under an anonymous identification freely selectable by the customer / user through the calculator module for the customer for the game a user process is created and a gaming account is set up with the corresponding score.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that game points are transferred from the game account of a first user to the game account of a second user depending on a specific game situation by the calculator module.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the event that the user already has a game account with the operator of the game system, before the user's access to the game system is released, the calculator checks whether the number of game points registered on the game account for a game or a game sequence is sufficient, and that the user in the event that the game points stored in the game account are not sufficient for a game or a game sequence, the

Calculator offers users the opportunity to purchase game points.

6. Arrangement for an online game system in which a customer / user of the

Operators of the game system are offered paid access to the game system, so that a calculator module designed as a control module is arranged between the access computer of the operator of the game system and the servers of the content area downstream of the access computer.