WO2000030018A1

WO2000030018A1 - Interactive communication system

Info

Publication number: WO2000030018A1
Application number: PCT/GB1999/003780
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alan Kwan Wang Wai; Siu Wa Chen; Bing Chung Wong; Ting Chi Lee; Kevin Michael Worringham
Original assignee: International Data Limited Doing Business As Cardtalk Unlimited; Luckhurst, Anthony, Henry, William
Priority date: 1998-11-12
Filing date: 1999-11-12
Publication date: 2000-05-25
Also published as: AU1065300A

Abstract

A communication system comprises a card (10) (having generally the same dimensions as a credit card) and a reader/programmer (14). The card carries audio and/or visual data messages that are read by the reader/programmer and reproduced audibly and/or visually as required. The data messages are transferred by presenting the card to the reader via electrical contacts (13) and (15). In use, the data messages are typically for advertising and promotion of products, or for instruction or educational use. However, embodiments of the invention can be applied to fulfil a wide range of applications. The reader/programmer (14) can be arranged for example to transfer audio and/or visual messages to the card (10) (from an external source such as a personal computer or the Internet) and the card (10) then used to carry the message, by mail say, to another user who uses his own reader/programmer to interpret the message data.

Description

INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The invention relates to an interactive communication system.

The invention relates more particularly to a communication system comprising a pocket sized interactive storage card. Pocket sized data storage cards are known. Such cards are used for carrying personal data to enable cash transactions at cash dispensers for example or as multi-journey travel tickets, and are sometimes referred to as SMART cards. These prior art cards are traditionally used with dedicated "readers", for example in the form of a cash dispenser or ticket barrier monitoring device. The cards are presented up to their readers when required and communicate by electrical linking between the card and the reader. The reader may also be provided with pushbuttons or other manually manipulatable controls so that the reader can be instructed by a user, using those controls, to exchange and control data stored by the card. Thus, at present it is known to store personal data on a pocket sized card and to read, or at least make use of permanently stored data to carry out or allow specific financial transactions by the card holder. It is also known to store voice information using a card, having a dedicated power supply, and to receive or broadcast that information via a telephone link (see USA Patent 4677657) .

Thus, relative present day technology and products are therefore broadly known and understood and used and provided for making use of cards for storing information and instructions but lack easy and wide use due to their present individual limited applications and versatility.

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least reduce this problem.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an interactive communication system comprising a pocket sized card including an integrated circuit having a memory and a signals transmission coupler unit mounted to the card, and a reader/programmer arranged to transmit and to receive signals via the coupler unit when the card is presented to the reader/programmer, the reader/programmer including an integrated circuit having a CPU and circuits for selectively supplying output signals to the card or to one or more output units, corresponding to message data to be stored or previously stored in the said memory respectively.

The reader/programmer may include a display unit for visually displaying message data.

The reader/programmer may include a loudspeaker for audibly producing the message data.

The reader/programmer may include a microphone for receiving the message data.

The reader/programmer may have a keyboard arranged to enable to user to manually control operation of the reader/programmer.

The reader/programmer may have a modem unit to enable the reader/programmer to communicate externally via a telephone network.

The reader/programmer may have a transceiver for external communication with other communication systems.

The transceiver may be an infrared, an ultrasonic or a radio transceiver.

The communication system may include a toy, as ^'an output unit, that responds to and is controllable by signals generated by the reader/programmer in which the control signals comprise message data stored in the said memory.

The toy may be arranged to generate message data signals for supply to the reader/programmer and storage in the said memory.

The reader/programmer may include an adjustable alarm clock and the reader/programmer arranged to respond to alarm clock signals to supply of said output signals automatically.

The card may be provided with an extra set of mimic electric contacts and/or a visually observable mimic integrated circuit .

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a a portable message communication system comprising a pocket sized card having mounted an integrated circuit having a memory and a set of electric contacts, a reader arranged to be electrically contactable, via the contacts, with the card when the card is presented to the reader, the reader including an integrated circuit having a CPU and output circuits for selectively generating output signals to one or more output units corresponding to message data stored in the memory.

The message data may comprise animation data that is displayed by an output unit on the reader.

A writable memory may be included in the card and in which the reader includes means for transferring message data to the writable memory.

The reader may have a keyboard arranged to enable the user to manually control the operation of the reader to carry out functions using message data in the card.

The message communication system may also comprise a pocket sized card having mounted thereon a set of electric contacts, a reader arranged to be electrically contactable, via the set of contacts, with the card when the card is presented to the reader, the reader including an integrated circuit having a CPU and a memory, and an output unit for creating audible and/or visual messages stored in the memory, in which the CPU is arranged to respond to the relative position of the set of contacts of the card to create a particular message or to create one of a number of messages in random.

Message data communication systems according to the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : -

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system including a card and a reader/programmer;

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another system including the reader/programmer;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of the card and the reader/programmer;

Figure 4 is a flow chart showing one communication system for transfer of message data between the card and the reader/programmer;

Figure 5 is a flow chart of another similar communication system;

Figure 6 is a flow chart of a further similar communication system; and

Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a further system in which a reader/programmed acts as a control center.

Referring to the drawings, in Figure 1 a pocket sized card 10, having the physical dimension similar to a standard sized credit card, has mounted to or embedded in its surface an integrated circuit that includes of a CPU 11 and a memory 12. A set of electrical contacts 13 are exposed on one major surface of the card.

A reader/programmer 14 includes an exposed set of electrical contacts 15, that are mounted inside a slot 15A (see Figure 3) of a body of the reader/programmer 14, arranged to cooperate with the contacts 13 when the card is presented to the reader 14 in use. The reader/programmer includes an integrated circuit that consist of an interface circuit 16, a CPU 17, a ROM 18, a RAM 19. An LCD display 20 and a keyboard 21 are also provided. When the card 10 is presented to the reader/programmer 14 , message data can be read to the memory 12 and message data stored in the memory 12 can be retrieved and presented on the display 20, as the case may be. A loudspeaker 22 is also provided for producing audio signals corresponding to audio message data stored in the memory 12. A microphone 23 is provided for receiving audible signals. The LCD display 20 as the loudspeaker 22 are regarded as two types of "output units".

A modem unit 24 is connected to a socket 25 that accepts a telephone network plug and another socket 26 is provided for connecting the reader/programmer 14 to a personal computer 27.

In some embodiments the loudspeaker 22 and the microphone 23 are replaced by a transceiver, and thus Figure 1 can be regarded as showing transceivers 22, 23 for depicting those embodiments. The transceivers are used for remotely communicating with the reader/programmer 14 using infrared, ultrasonic or radio signals, as the case may be. In Figure 2, a more generalised embodiment is shown. In Figure 2, the personal computer 27 is used to transmit and receive message data from the Internet 28 using a suitable conventional modem forming part of the personal computer circuit.

An external device 29, being another so-called "output unit", can take any number of forms, including a toy. Such toys include animated dolls and electric cars. In the former case, in particular, the dolls can be arranged not only to react to signals from the reader/programmer 14 to speak and to move, for example, but also to transit responses or information to the reader/programmer 14. The responses may take the form of message data that is arranged to be stored and subsequently retrieved from the memory 12.

Figure 3 shows an external physical configuration of the system, when it will be appreciated that the reader/programmer 14 is normally a relative small portable device that can be carried and/or easily attached or installed at a point-of-need or point-or- sale location.

Depending on the application, respective message data is normally stored in the memory 12 and such message data can programmed into and/or retrieved using the reader/programmer 14. The message data can also be presented visually and/or audibly for a user. Such data messages include messages that can be personal, informative, instructive, educational, promotional, or recreational, or combinations of such types of messages. As the card 10 is physically small, it is easy to retain and to carry in a pocket or wallet of the user, for example. The card is also relatively cheap to manufacture and so can made commercially available, even as a disposable item if desired. Message data is also easily programmed into the RAM 19, and the integrated circuit in the card 10 includes a writable store (memory 12) to accept data from the reader/programmer 14. In this way, the card 10 may be used as a "message card" to record personal or business information and sent, instead of a fax or an e-mail, to another user having a reader/programmer 14 at his own location. Such transmissions are more personal, and can be in the form of a greeting, and are generally more secure.

In one advertising application, the communication system includes a card 10 having message data that comprises a combined voice and visual message for both simultaneously describing the product and^' showing pictures of the product whenever the card 10 is placed in the slot 14A of the reader/programmer 14. Where a number of readers/programmers 14 are located around an exhibition hall, each reader/programmer is arranged to retrieve message data from the card relevant to new products, or exhibits, adjacent that reader/programmer's location.

For instruction or education applications, the communication system is arranged with message data that explains how to operate a machine, say, or contains a historical review of a famous city, respectively. Each time the card is placed in the slot 14A, data messages are retrieved from the card and presented by the reader/programmer for use by the user.

Embodiments of the invention may be provided in the form of a "computer game" in which the card has a game stored in the memory 12 and the keyboard 21 is used to enable playing of a game, following the game results that are presented on the display 20.

It will be noted that a computer 27 is shown in Figure 1 that is connectable via the socket 26 (or in other ways) to enable the reader/programmer 14 and the computer 27 to interchange data and instructions.

In any event and in general, the communication systems according to the invention are extremely versatile and can find a place to meet the requirements of a wide range of applications in retailing, market promotions and contests, including cross-promotions (where two or more companies combine to promote their respective companies or products) ; and the cards may be used for premiums and give-away items.

In Figure 4, the flow chart shows procedures programmed into the CPU 17. Message data stored on the card 10 can be retrieved, after insertion of the card into the card reader/programmer, via the contacts 13 and 15. The reader/programmer 14 monitors the insertion of the card constantly. When the card is first inserted, the reader/programmer will check whether the card is a valid one or not. (The card may be invalid because it is a totally different card, e.g. a normal credit card, or the card may be "out-of-date", say.) If it is an invalid card, a voice and/or display message may then be prompted by the reader/programmer 14.

If card is valid, the reader/programmer 14 will check the type of the inserted card. If it just the simple "trigger" card, it will output the audio and/or visual message stored in the reader/programmer accordingly (as explained in more detail below) . If it is a valid message card and if the reader/programmer 14 is communicating with an external source directly by a modem unit or (via the personal computer 27 having a modem installation) message date is read to the card 10 or message data is read from the card for transmission from and to the external source respectively. Thereafter, the message data stored on the card will be downloaded to the reader/programmer and instruction data on the card will be run step by step. If the message data represents a picture or text, the CPU will determine whether the message is stored on the card or inside the reader/programmer. If it is stored on the card, the message will then be loaded into the reader/programmer and the corresponding information will be displayed on the LCD display 20. If the data message represents melody or voice, the CPU will check whether the message is stored on the card or inside the reader/programmer. If the data message is stored on the card, the message will then be loaded into the reader/programmer and the melody/voice will then be converted to analog signals through a D/A converter provided in the reader/programmer and played back through on the loudspeaker 22. If key operation is required, the CPU will wait until the corresponding key is pressed. This feature is used for interactive message retrieving or game playing.

It will be noted that if time delays are required between each frame of a stored picture animation, the CPU can insert a delay routine between frames of picture for the animation as required. It will also be appreciated that combinations of message data representing visual, audio and animation can be presented to the user simultaneously, or in suitably synchronised fashion as required, by the reader/programmer 14.

Embodiments of the invention may be provided that are somewhat simpler than described in the sense that the message data on the card may be only visual or only audio or only animation, and/or in that the reader/programmer 14 does not have any stored data messages of its own. It is also possible to leave out the step in the flow chart of determining whether the card carries message data or not. Of course, if the card is totally invalid, the first step in the flow chart will detect such a card and reject it.

In another embodiment of the invention, the card 10 is used for storing message data created by the user in situ, using the reader/programmer 14, making use of the memory 12. After the message data is written to the card 10, the message data is retained after the user removes the card from the reader/programmer. All the message data can be retrieved if the card is inserted in the reader/programmer or in a similar reader/programmer, afterwards . A flow chart is shown in Figure 5.

In order to save the message data stored in the card, the user may be required press a "STORE" button on the keyboard 21 after the card 10 is inserted to activate a recording function. If a valid card has been inserted, message data is then programmed into the memory 12.

The message data can be used for personal purposes. The information stored may be a name, an address, a telephone, or an e-mail address of the related person. The information may also be a picture, or a photograph that the user would like to be memorized. It is also possible to make up a "Greetings card", say, that combines a picture and a personal message from message data stored in the reader/programmer (or from a computer connected to the reader/programmer, see Figure 1) or a typed in message or a voice message.

The message data can be delivered to another person on the card who then retrieves the data on his own reader/programmer. In this way, messages in audio and/or visual can be prepared and sent to the other user. Thus, the message data could be incorporated on to the equivalent of a business name card (forming the card 10) of the sender and be sent with voice, contact information, company profile, details of a product that the user wishes to promote and so forth. The business name card can be sent to a potential customer by normal mail .

It will be noted that in some circumstances, only the reader/programmer 14 is arranged to store message data and the card 10 arranged simply as a "trigger" card. The card trigger an operation of the reader/programmer to reproduce its message, or one of its messages, where it has a plurality of messages. A trigger card, generally having the same configuration as the card 10, is identified by the reader/programmer 14, according to which set or pair of its exposed electrical contacts are electrically shorted together, when the trigger card is inserted into slot 14A. In response to the "identity" of the trigger card, the reader/programmer is arranged to re-produce a respective data message, or sometimes one of a number of messages randomly if applicable, stored in its memory.

It is also proposed in some cases to decorate a trigger card, or to apply to the surface in some other way, with mimic components. The trigger card in its simplest form requires only the ability to electrically connect together any particular or selected two of the contacts

15. Such mimic components, such as electrical contacts or visually observable integrated circuits are in fact non-functional and normally misleading in context being only decorative imitations. The purpose of the mimic components is to give the trigger card an apparent or enhancing financial value, as a marketing aid where in fact its function is very simple. The mimic components also disguise the trigger card's actual operative elements and therefore reduce the likelihood of third parties, including vandals and thieves, attempting to produce functional imitations or mock-ups of the trigger card.

As it will be apparent from the description above, embodiments of the inventions provide extensive and many possible variations that find application in otherwise normal or well-understood technical and commercial activities. The communication systems of the present invention enable much more versatile and interactive data storage and data transfer applications than hitherto envisaged at a cost that is currently extremely competitive. So much so that embodiments of the invention will enable a wide distribution and use of the communication systems as described and claimed. Such applications are especially useful at points-of-sale, for promotional activities and in forms of convenient and informative educational material. The communication system can be provided in relatively simple manner and at low or affordable prices.

The message communication system can be used in a point of purchase area. For example, cards 10 with an imprinted graphic image can be issued by soft drinks company to customers in a marketing contest. The customer can bring his card and insert the card into a reader/programmer 14 which is located at the point of purchase. He will then be able to hear a voice message (such as the price announcement or promotion slogan) . The communication systems can also be used in the toy industry, where a unit with built-in speaker and digital LCD acts as the reader/programmer 14.

Cards can be provided with different imprinted cartoon character images and an embedded I.C., which has respective stored voice messages of the characters . The card is then inserted into the reader/programmer and the voice messages can be heard at a pre-set morning alarm time. Children can therefore use the cartoon character to wake them up.

In an advertising application, the communication system has cards with a built-in I.C. which stores voice messages as well as animation images. Each reader/programmer has a built-in LCD screen and speaker. Animation graphic and message data can then be seen on the LCD screen, with voice messages and sound effects emitting from the speaker. The audio data messages may also include sound effects, music, songs, soundtrack, instrumental play, and TV and film themes. Advertising, promotional, recreational and other messages as appropriate can be conveyed to the card holders accordingly.

The communication system can also be used for cross- promotion campaigns. For example, fast food chain stores can issue cards to customers . The customers bring the cards to a specified location, such as in a theme park, at which a reader/programmer is situated at the special location. The customer then inserts the card into the reader/programmer and hears the messages to see if he has won a prize or not.

If the reader/programmer is connected to a PC or is included in a PC installation, commands or data message can be transmitted between the PC and the card 10 as described. The PC is connectable to the Internet and message data uploaded or download from the "external world" and from and to the card respectively. Message data in the memory 12 can be retrieved and used any time when the card 10 is plugged into the reader/programmer.

If the reader/programmer includes a modem unit, message data can then be uploaded or downloaded from the external world through the Internet.

The reader/programmer can also include the an Infra-Red, or Radio frequency transceiver for remote communications. Command, audio/visual or any kind of message data can be transmitted or received from an external device.

The reader/programmer 14 may be used as a control center for the external devices, or so-called "output units", where the reader/programmer is arranged to communicate output units 30, 31 and 32 using infra-red, ultrasonic or radio signals, as the case may be. Typically, the device 30 may be a doll, the device 31 a toy car, and the device 32 an audio/visual monitor for describing a new product for sale, based on message data stored in the memory 12.

For a toy application, the reader/programmer 14 can be arranged to control toy cars for movement or audio/visual playback. The reader/programmer may be arranged to respond to message data transmitted from the cars. Such received message data can be stored in the memory 12.

Embodiments of the invention include so-called "output units" in the form of dolls. The dolls may playback speech or move under the control of the reader/programmer. Each doll may include a sensor to detect conditions of its surrounding environment. The sensor may detect temperature or the presence of light, for example, and supply feed-back signals to the reader/programmer. By pressing appropriate buttons on the doll, say, message data can be fed back to the reader/programmer and used to control or affect another doll supplied with output signals by the reader/programmer. Once again, such interactive message data can be stored onto the card. The reader/programmer may include an alarm clock. If an alarm time has arrived, command message data signal will be sent out automatically to trigger an external device (or output unit) for movement or audio/visual playback.

It will be appreciated that, whereas in Figure 1 the card 10 has a set of contacts 13 that make physical contact with contacts 15, the card 10 may be provided with another form of "signals transmission coupler unit". Such another form of transmission coupler unit could be a magnetic stripe or an electrical coil, for example, on the card, and the reader/programmer arranged to read and write message data from and into the memory 12 via magnetic and inductive coupling respectively.

Claims

1. An interactive communication system comprising a pocket sized card including an integrated circuit having a memory and a set of electric contacts, and a reader/ programmer arranged to be electrically contactable, via the contacts, with the card when the card is presented to the reader/programmer, the reader/programmer including an integrated circuit having a CPU and circuits for selectively supplying output signals to the card or to one or more output units, corresponding to message data to be stored or previously stored in the said memory respectively.

2. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer includes a display unit for visually displaying message data.

3. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer includes a loudspeaker for audibly producing the message data.

4. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer includes a microphone for receiving the message data.

5. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer has a keyboard arranged to enable to user to manually control operation of the reader/programmer.

6. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer has a modem unit to enable the reader/programmer to communicate externally via a telephone network.

7. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer has a transceiver for external communication with other communication systems.

8. A communication system according to claim 7, in which the transceiver is an infrared transceiver.

9. A communication system in which the transceiver is a radio transceiver.

10. A communication system according to claim 1, including a toy that responds to and is controllable by signals generated by the reader/programmer in which the control signals comprise message data stored in the said memory.

11. A communication system according to claim 10, in which the toy is arranged to generate message data signals for supply to the reader/programmer and storage in the said memory.

12. A communication system according to claim 1, in which the reader/programmer includes an adjustable alarm clock.

13. A communication according to claim 12, in which the reader/programmer is arranged to respond to alarm clock signals to supply of said output signals automatically.

14. A communication system comprising a pocket sized card including an integrated circuit having a memory and a signals transmission coupler unit mounted to the card, a reader/programmer arranged to transmit and receive signals via the coupler unit when the card is presented to the reader/programmer, including an integrated circuit having a CPU and circuits for selectively supplying output signals to the card or to one or more output units, corresponding to message data to be stored or previously stored in the said memory respectively.

15. A portable message communication system comprising a pocket sized card having mounted an integrated circuit having a memory and a set of electric contacts, a reader arranged to be electrically contactable, via the contacts, with the card when the card is presented to the reader, the reader including an integrated circuit having a CPU and output circuits for selectively generating output signals to one or more output units corresponding to message data stored in the memory.

16. A system according to claim 15, in which the reader includes an output unit for visually displaying message data retrieved from the memory.

17. A system according to claim 15, in which the reader includes an output unit for audibly producing audio message data retrieved from the memory.

18. A system according to claim 15, in which the message data comprises animation data that is displayed by an output unit on the reader.

19. A system according to claim 15, including a writable memory in the card and in which the reader includes means for transferring message data to the writable memory.

20. A system according to claim 15, in which the reader has a keyboard arranged to enable the user to manually control the operation of the reader to carry out functions using message data in the card.

21. A message communication system comprising a pocket sized card having mounted thereon a set of electric contacts, a reader arranged to be electrically contactable, via the set of contacts, with the card when the card is presented to the reader, the reader including an integrated circuit having a CPU and a memory, and an output unit for creating audible and/or visual messages stored in the memory, in which the CPU is arranged to respond to the relative position of the set of contacts of the card to create a particular message or to create one of a number of messages in random.

22. A message communication system according to claim 21, in which the card is provided with an extra set of mimic electric contacts and/or a visually observable mimic integrated circuit .