WO2002029713A1

WO2002029713A1 - Data carrier having a dial-up application and carrier support member

Info

Publication number: WO2002029713A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/004402
Authority: WO
Inventors: Philip Merry
Original assignee: The Freedom Concept Limited
Priority date: 2000-10-03
Filing date: 2001-10-03
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2001292069A1

Abstract

A data carrier for use in a computer or other electronic device; the carrier being having a dial-up application stored thereon. A method of connecting to the Internet or other electronic communications network comprising: inserting a data carrier into a compact disc drive of a computer or other electronic device, wherein the data carrier includes a dial-up application: installing the dial-up application on the electronic device; and executed the dial-up application on the electronic device to dial-up and connect to a predetermined service provider on the electronic communications network. A support member for a data carrier which fits in the tray of a compact disc drive, in particular a tray which includes a hole to provide access for the drive mechanism, wherein the support member includes two portions which extend in opposite directions toward one another to define a mouth region of less than 40 mm so that when the support member is located in the tray, the portions of the support member extend from each side to partially cover over the hole in the tray to reduce the width of the hole.

Description

DATA CARRIER HAVING A DIAL - UP APPLICATION AND CARRIER SUPPORT MEMBER

The present invention relates to a data carrier for use in a computer or other electronic device; the carrier having a dial-up application stored thereon. In one embodiment the data carrier is in the form of a compact disc card but it may also be any other form of data storage medium. Examples comprise floppy discs, magnetic strips, computer chips, firmware and credit card chips. The present invention further relates to a support member for a data carrier and to a kit for applying the support member onto a tray of a compact disc drive.

Data carriers in the form of circular compact discs have been known for some time. The discs are loaded into a drive usually housed within a computer to be read by an optical reader. When loading the disc, the user places the disc on a circular depression in a tray that slides into and out of the drive housing. A hole is provided towards the rear of the tray to provide access for the drive machinery to lift the disc off the tray and move a reader (e.g., an optical head having a small laser) within close proximity to read the data recorded on the disc. Typically, this hole in the rear of the tray is greater than 45 mm wide and in many cases often over 50 mm wide.

A recent development is the creation of compact discs in other shapes and sizes, in particular compact discs in the shape of a conventional credit card are becoming more popular. These work in the same way as conventional compact discs and can be read on conventional readers. In effect, they consist of a cut down version of a compact disc, having a small circular way of data located towards the middle of the card. Guides are usually provided on the underside of these compact disc cards (hereafter referred to as "CD-cards") in the form of 80 mm radius arcs, which cooperate with a circular depression in the tray of a compact disc drive, to assist the user in placing the CD-card accurately in a tray of a compact disc drive. The CD-cards, being of substantially the same shape as a credit card so that they can be carried easily in a wallet, are generally of a rectangular shape of between 80-90 mm in length and 55-60 mm wide and usually have rounded corners, although the sizes and exact shape may vary according to manufacturer's preferences. Using current processing techniques, these CD-cards can hold up to 80 Mb of data, which is enough to run a small application. These are loaded into a drive in the same way as a conventional disc but must be placed on the tray with the long side at right angles to the front-rear direction of the tray. Some of these card- shaped discs now incorporate guides in the underside (the data side), to help position them correctly on a drive tray. However, there is still a danger that when the 5 credit card sized data carrier is being ejected, it can fall through the hole in the rear of the tray and become trapped or lost in the drive.

Due to their size and shape, these CD-cards are becoming popular promotional aids because they can be handed out in the same way as business cards, with the possibility that the user will then keep the card in his wallet, rather than throwing the promotional item away. Typically the CD-cards will contain an application that runs a promotional screen play on the monitor of the users computer. Sometimes the information displayed will contain an internet address of the promoter. If the user wishes to access the promoter's internet site he may be able to click on the address, activating a dial-up connection application and a browser application which is already stored on his computer, to take the user directly to the promoters internet site.

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data carrier in the form of a compact disc card having a dial-up application stored thereon.

In this way, the user can carry a dial-up application around with him in his wallet to provide access to the Internet, worldwide web or other electronic communications network. The dial-up application is a relatively small piece of software which is small enough to be stored on a CD-card. The software is in the form of a macro which executes a programmed set of steps to connect the user to a specified location on the Internet. An example of a dial-up application is Microsoft's Dial-up Networking software ("Microsoft" is a registered trade mark). The specified location may be that of the promoter, or more preferably a location which is operated on behalf of the promoter by an internet service provider (ISP). Using any computer e.g., his own or his friends or neighbours computer which has a modem and a compact disc drive, the user can simply insert his CD-card into the drive and the dial-up application will connect him to the particular ISP, regardless of whether the computer previously had a dial-up and browser application stored on its hard drive. If the computer already has such software, then the user may be prompted to select whether the new or the existing dial-up application is used.

According to a further broad aspect, the present invention provides a new method of connecting to the internet or another electronic communications network comprising:

inserting a CD-card into a compact disc drive of a computer, wherein the CD- card includes a dial-up application;

installing the dial-up application on a hard drive of the computer; and

executing the dial-up application on the computer to dial-up and connect to a server of a predetermined internet service provider.

Preferably the dial-up application sends the server an identifier so that the server can recognise the CD-card being used and send data to the computer which enables the computer to generate a personalised page on the screen.

In this way, the user is greeted with a personalised screen (e.g., a splash page) whenever he connects to the ISP regardless of who's computer he has used. Preferably an identification code and password is supplied to the ISP by the dial-up application to identify the user. In the interest of security, the user can be prompted for further identification before sensitive or more personal information is sent by the ISP to the user.

Preferably the ISP has a directory of sites of a plurality of promoters, the different promoters being categorised according to the business, service or entertainment the promoter may be providing, in a similar way to a conventional directory. The promoter may be a manufacturer of a product, a distributor, a retailer, a club, (e.g. a football or other sports club, a fan club for a famous personality or band, a political party, a collector's club, a loyalty card club, etc.), an organisation, a charity, a service or information provider, or any party or body having something to promote.

In preferred embodiments, a set of CD-cards each carrying advertisement for a given promoter are distributed to potential users. The CD-cards connect the user to a given ISP, which is operated on behalf of not only the given promoter, but many other promoters. Each time a CD-card from the particular set is used and the dial-up application connects to the ISP, the promoter on the CD-card is recognised and is given a share of the revenue generated from the line connection. A registration fee for each of the promoters is levied so that the user is given a "free" connection to the ISP. By "free", it is intended that there is no charge by the ISP operator for the user's use of the ISP, although the user may incur charges through the connection to the ISP, for example, line charges for the line connection to the node of the telecommunications provider.

According to preferred embodiments, therefore, this new system may be seen as providing a unique marketing and distribution medium for a free Internet Service Provider (ISP). It offers a dial-up network connection to a server, for example, the applicant's UK server. The installation software is distributed through an innovative package, the 'CD-Card'. This medium is a credit card size and shaped CD-ROM holding up to 80Mb of data. Although it is the preferred sole distribution package for the applicant's UK ISP, it lends itself to additional outlets and organisations. As a promotional distribution and advertising medium, it can be made to look and feel as a promoter's own dial-up network connection. The flexibility for clients to have their own logos and theme on the face of the card together with the added software to guide the user to their web site increases their profile. Using this system means that the ISP's clients, i.e., the promoters, do not have the overheads or maintenance of an ISP and the system remains flexible in that any changes required by the client are carried out by the ISP operator at server level. This eliminates the need to issue new cards, unless of course the front design changes. The system can be used to promote many differing products and services. The biggest market for this system is envisaged as being the nations football clubs, small and large businesses, the music industry, small cottage style industry merchants and many more. For a small setup fee, which would cover design, printing, glass work and materials (the CD-card), the promoter would receive, say, 1000 plus CD-cards that are pre programmed for the dial-up connection installation to the ISP server. Upon connection the user would be presented with a 'customer registration' screen that carries the logos and information of their favourite team or player/athlete, music artist/group or business profile. This theme will follow the front design of the card, for instance the team colours and logo, a well known player or athlete or the current pop idol etc. Once the user has entered the customers code they will be taken directly to the promoter's page(s). Here they will be able to browse the site or surf the web. The convenience of the system is in its portability properties; it fits nicely into a wallet or purse and because of its small installation program the user can quickly install it on a friends or neighbours PC. This facility not only allows the user access but at the same time will extend the promotional aspect of the product as it will leave the dial-up on the PC for the friend or family to use.

One of the main preferred features of the system is its unique entry and directory facility in grouping together trades and professions in a telephone style directory. For example, the first four digits of the sponsors code represents the group to which they belong, the second set of numbers represents their company or organisation whilst the third is a sub division or particular member of that organisation.

By categorising in this manner the system is able to present an Internet style 'Phone Book' of registered sponsors where, if desired, the user can select from the directory specific services or interests by category and be presented with a familiar looking 'phone' number to log on to that particular site or services. This process may help to dispense with the confusion over the Internet uniform resource location (URL), or address such as http://www.someobscurename. somesubdomain. co.uk (coin, org, net, co.nz, co.au, etc.) by avoiding the long internet addresses that people forget.

The CD-cards and the system described above is a product enhancing media distribution vehicle that offers dial-up connection to those who do not have the facility or those that do not wish to have the overheads associated with line rental and maintenance. The convenience and portability of the CD-cards facilitates for a wide reaching audience that offers a value for money option to the customer. Cover text and logos etc. of the splash screens are controlled at the ISP server, which means that the software is updated on line at login time. CD-cards that portray a football player, athlete or entertainer(s) could inspire the traditional schoolboy craze of collecting cigarette cards etc. The system gives the client their own virtual dial-up connection that drives its fans, supporters and business directly to the customer site allowing them to raise, not only their profile, but that of sponsors too, ergo, increased revenue and distribution.

In the case for entertainers and record promoters, the share of call revenue could be offered to the entertainers favourite charity, yet further promoting their concerns for the worlds societies and less fortunate groups (for example, in a style similar to that of Live Aid).

The present invention therefore extends to a system comprising a server holding data representing a plurality of web pages for a plurality of different promoters, wherein each promoter is allocated a set of data carriers to distribute to potential users, the data carriers being of a size and shape which is capable of being carried in a wallet and having a dial- up application stored thereon which is programmed to connect a computer to the said server.

This system also provides an environment for monitoring consumer activities since details of the consumer are known from the initial registration screen and subsequent web activity could be monitored, at least to the extent that these activities relate to sites on the particular server, and data useful to marketing and advertising companies could be collected. The present invention also extends to such data collection.

According to yet a further broad aspect, the present invention provides a support member for a data carrier which fits in the tray of a compact disc drive, in particular a tray which includes a hole to provide access for the drive mechanism, wherein the support member includes two portions which extend in opposite directions toward one another to define a mouth region of less than 40 mm so that when the support member is located in the tray, the portions of the support member extend from each side to partially cover over the hole in the tray to reduce the width of the hole.

The support member is in effect a drive tray insert 20 which reduces the width of the hole at the rear of the tray. Preferably the hole is reduced to less than 37 mm, more preferably less than 35 mm, yet more preferably less than 33 mm and most preferably to . about 30 mm or less. Preferably the material is sufficiently stiff to support the data carrier and prevent it falling through the hole whilst being sufficiently flexible to avoid damage in the event that it comes into contact with the drive machinery. A thin sheet of plastics material (e.g., less than 1 mm thick and preferably 0.5 mm thick), which is cut or stamped to shape, is ideal for this purpose.

Preferably the support member is of one piece construction, since this allows the two supporting portions to be positioned accurately and easily in a single manoeuvre, but the support member could comprise two pieces to minimize materials. The support member may be mounted to an applicator of conventional disc shape, i.e., being flat, of about 120 mm (± 5mm) in diameter and possibly having a central hole. An adhesive, could be used to mount the support member on the applicator, and further adhesive, preferably which remains peelable, could be applied to the other side of the support member and covered with, if necessary, a peelable cover. In this way, to apply the support member, the peelable cover is peeled off to expose the adhesive and the support member is stuck to the tray of the drive using the applicator, in a similar manner to applying a sticker. The applicator may include markings on its reverse side, as necessary, to position the support member accurately on the tray with the two support portions partially covering over the hole in the tray. The applicator can then be peeled off leaving the support member stuck in position on the tray.

According to another aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a kit for applying the support member to a surface, the kit comprising a disc shaped applicator having a ■ diameter of less than 130 mm, a layer of adhesive applied to one side of the applicator and a support member fixed to the applicator by the adhesive, the support member having two portions positioned close to the circumference of the applicator, the two portions being spaced apart on the applicator by a distance of less than 40 mm, but preferably more than 20 mm, the support member portions having a layer of adhesive applied thereon and a peelable cover covering the adhesive.

By positioned "close to", it is intended that the portions are mounted so that their opposing parts extend for, say, over a region from 80-90% of the radius of the disc applicator from its central point, preferably 75-95%, and most preferably 70-97%. The opposing parts may be flat, slightly rounded or extend as a plurality of resilient fingers.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a support member for a data carrier comprising a substantially C-shaped sheet of material having a pair of ends to provide support for the data carrier, wherein the support member has a perimeter which defines a substantially circular external edge of diameter less than 130 mm, a mouth region where the pair of support providing ends oppose each other, and an internal cut- out region for receiving the data carrier.

Preferably the internal cut-out region has no 10 material in a central rectangular region of 80 x 50 mm, preferably of 85 x 55 mm and most preferably of about 87 x 57 mm (the rectangle may have rounded comers in common with the rounded corners of a credit card sized data carrier).

It is envisaged that such data carriers could be made in a variety of shapes whilst still be playable on a conventional compact disc drive, for example, a shape of a trade mark or other popular shape, for example star shape or similar. In all such cases, it is possible that the width of the data carrier may be sufficiently small to potentially risk losing the data carrier through the hole in the tray. The present invention could be used to help minimise the risk of this and it would be possible for manufacturers to sell or distribute a support member having a central cut-out region corresponding to the shape of data carrier that they distribute. Advertising or popular images may be applied not only to the data carrier, but also to the surface of the support member which would be visible to the user when the drive is open. Although preferred, the external edge of the C shaped support member does not have to follow a smooth arc. The purpose of the external edge is to assist the user in locating the support member properly in the circular depression of the drive tray and provide material to hold the two supporting portions in a spaced relationship prior to being stuck to the surface of a drive tray. If desired, the external edge may instead comprise protrusions to guide the placement of the support member. In some embodiments, it may even be possible to dispense with the central cut-out region and simply have the data carrier positioned upon the support member, in the same way that a conventional disc can be played on the drive without the support member being removed. If desired, guides could be incorporated in the support member to engage the guides moulded in the underside of a data carrier.

A preferred embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred support 15 member;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a support member mounted on a disc shaped applicator; and

Figure 3 is an underside view of a credit card sized data carrier.

As shown in Figure 1, the support member 1 comprises a generally C-shaped piece of resilient sheet material which has been cut or stamped to shape. The support member 1 has a perimeter 2 defining an external, substantially arc shaped, outside edge 3, a mouth region 4 having two opposing edges 5 and an internal, cut-out central region 6 having an inside edge 7 and being of substantially the same size as the data carrier 8 (see Figure 3) which is to be accommodate therein. The inside edge 7 may include rounded corners 9 corresponding to the rounded corners 10 of the data carrier 8 and include arc shaped portions 11 which can cooperate with arc shaped guides 12 that protrude slightly from the data carrier 8. Most drive trays include a circular depression for 80mm diameter discs so discs of less than 120mm diameter usually incorporate these arc shaped guides to assist the user in placing the disc centrally on the drive tray. The opposing edges 5 are separated by a distance d which is less than the usual size of the hole in the rear of a drive tray, and preferably of about 30 mm. Any smaller than this and the support providing portions 13 adjacent the opposing edges 5 may engage the drive mechanism when the tray is retracted within the drive housing and the data carrier is being read. It is envisaged, however, that it may be possible to use, for example, bristles or the like extending from the opposing edges 5 which are sufficiently soft to be deflected away easily by the drive mechanism, but which could still provide some function of minimising the risk of the data carrier 8 falling through the hole in the drive tray. Clearly, any such arrangement must also be sufficiently thin so as not to interfere with the loading of the data carrier 8 in the drive mechanism. In Figure 2, the C-shaped support member 1 is shown mounted on an applicator 14 which is made of preferably the same or similar resilient sheet material as the support member 1. A low strength adhesive is used to mount the support member 1 on the applicator 14 so that the applicator 14 can be peeled off easily from the support member 1. The adhesive should remain stuck to the applicator 14 rather than the support member 1 to prevent it from affecting the operation of the data carrier 8 within the drive. The applicator 14 may include markings to assist the user in placing it correctly on the drive tray or may be made of a transparent or translucent material. The support member 1 could also be peeled off the applicator 14 and placed on the drive tray, by eye, without the assistance of the applicator 14, is so desired. In the embodiment shown, the applicator 14 corresponds to the shape of a conventional compact disc and has a circular perimeter 15 and a central hole 16. The application kit preferably also includes a peelable adhesive (not shown) applied to the surface of the support member 1 for sticking the support member 1 to the surface of the drive tray and also for retaining a peelable cover (also not shown) which would cover the adhesive to prevent it from drying out until such time as the support member 1 is stuck to the drive tray. The adhesive should be one which allows the support member 1 to be peeled off the drive tray after a time without leaving sticky residue which could interfere with the operation of the drive.

A credit card sized data carrier 8 is shown in 10 Figure 3. The underside is formed with arc shaped guides 12 as mentioned above which extend about 0.5 mm above the surface of the data carrier 8. A central hole 17 and a raised circular portion 18 are provided which are clamped by the drive mechanism. Material, into which the data can be stored, extends from an inner edge 19 to the arc shaped guides 12 and beyond, but only a small circular region 20 usually contains any data. Using current processing techniques, this may hold up to 80 megabytes of information which is sufficient to run small software applications, and in view of the convenient size of the data carrier, has become a popular means for distributing promotional software since it can be handed out in the same as a conventional business card.

Thus there has been described herein a novel tray insert in the form of a sheet like member which can provide support to a small data carrier used in a conventional compact disc drive, to minimise the risk of the data carrier falling through the hole in the rear of a drive tray and becoming lost in the drive itself. The applicator kit incorporating the support member 1 is cheap to manufacture and, due to its thickness, could easily be distributed with a magazine or publicity information.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A data carrier for use in a computer or other electronic device; the carrier having a dial-up application stored thereon.

2. A data carrier as claimed in claim 1 in the form of a card.

3. A data carrier as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in the form of a CD-card

4. A data carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 which can be carried around by a user in a pocket or wallet; which data carrier provides a dial-up application to provide access to the Internet, the worldwide web, or other electronic communications network.

5. A data carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the dial-up application is in the form of a software macro which executes a programmed set of steps to connect the user to a pre-specified location on the electronic communications network.

6. A data carrier as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the dial-up application sends an identifier to an electronic communications network so that the electronic device recognises the data carrier being used and sends data to the device.

7. A method of connecting to the Internet or other electronic communications network comprising:

inserting a data carrier into reading apparatus of an electronic device, wherein the data carrier includes a dial-up application;

installing the dial-up application on the electronic device; and executing the dial-up application on the electronic device to dial-up and connect to a predetermined service provider on the electronic communications network.

8. A method as claimed in claim 7 wherein the dial-up application installs itself.

9. A method as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the electronic device is a computer and the dial-up application is installed on a hard drive of the computer.

10. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the dial-up application sends the provider an identifier so that the provider recognises the data carrier being used and sends data to the electronic device.

11. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the dial-up application sends the provider an identifier which enables the electronic device to generate a personalised page on the screen.

12. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein an identification code and password is supplied to the provider by the dial-up application to identify the user.

13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein, in the interest of security, the user is prompted for further identification before the provider sends sensitive or more personal information to the user.

14. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 13 wherein the electronic device is a computer, telephone or hand held personnel digital assistant.

15. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 14 wherein the data carrier is a marketing or distribution medium.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 15 wherein the data carrier is a credit card size and shaped CD-ROM.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 16 wherein the provider has a categorized directory of sites.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein part of a code on the data carrier represent a group or category of an entry on the providers sites, another part of the code represents a company or individual, another part of the code represents a particular site or product of that company or individual.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 18 which provides a means of monitoring activities of users or other data collection.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 7 to.19 wherein the electronic device is a computer aiϊd the reading device is a compact disc drive

21. A support member for a data carrier which fits in the tray of a compact disc drive, in particular a tray which includes a hole to provide access for the drive mechanism, wherein the support member includes two portions which extend in opposite directions toward one another to define a mouth region of less than 40 mm so that when the support member is located in the tray, the portions of the support member extend from each side to partially cover over the hole in the tray to reduce the width of the hole. .

22. A support member as claimed in claim 21 comprising a generally C shaped piece of sheet material.

23. A support member as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22 which reduces the width of the drive tray hole at the rear of the tray to less than 37 mm, more preferably less than 35 mm, yet more preferably less than 33 mm and most preferably to about 30 mm or less.