Method, computer system and program for processing bets or games of chance

The present invention relates to a method for processing bets or games of chance, which include betting and winning requests, over the telephone network, using a computer system connected to the telephone network to which a database and headsets are connected.

The invention also relates to a computer system for processing bets or games of chance, which include betting and winning requests, via the telephone network, with:

a database,

Call distribution means (ACD), which are connected to the telephone network, receive incoming calls and answer a plurality of processing queues (QrO_K) distribute, and a number of M hearing and speech sets (Pi-Pm), which are connected to M first processing queues (Q).

Such systems are known as computer-assisted call centers. Incoming calls are distributed by the computer system to employees who work at workstations equipped with headsets. The computer system can present the caller with selection menus by means of voice output, which the caller acknowledges or controls with touch dial inputs (DTMF) in order to get to certain employees.

The operation of such call centers is extremely uneconomical for betting or gambling applications: Shortly before the acceptance deadline for a bet or a game of chance, there is usually an explosive increase in the number of incoming calls, so that a correspondingly proportional number of jobs for employees and thus a correspondingly large number Employees would have to be provided. However, in significant periods of time between betting or gambling, a large proportion of the jobs are inoperable.

Systems have therefore already been proposed to process the incoming calls entirely by machine. US Pat. No. 5,415,416 and US Pat. No. 5,910,047 describe a computerized system for accepting lottery wagers via the telephone network with a voice menu system that is controlled by the caller entirely via touch-tone inputs (DTMF) through to the input of credit card numbers via DTMF, with voice output feedback the caller. However, this system is only suitable for placing bets and cannot process any winning requests. For the initial registration as a new customer, registration with an employee on a headset is required.

A critical point in the acceptance of such an automated service is this user interface. A large number of potential users perceive an interaction with the system via keypad inputs to be cumbersome and prone to errors during input, so that they shy away from such services.

On the other hand, voice-controlled menu systems for telephone services are known which use automatic speech recognition methods so that the caller can enter natural language commands and data.

In the case of betting and gaming applications which also include prize requests, the problem arises that, for the purpose of any prize requests, all of the caller's addresses have been stored up to now. However, according to the level of development of speaker-independent speech recognition methods available today, speech recognition of an essentially unlimited set of addresses that are possible worldwide is not possible in a realistic computing time. Speech recognition would only be feasible for a limited catchment area of ​​potential customers, for example addresses from around 100,000 inhabitants. In the case of a catchment area for customers from all over Germany, however, the system should be able to recognize around 80 million different addresses.

Since the target group of telephone-based automatic betting and gaming systems is basically geared towards potential new customers whose catchment area is not restricted, an unsolvable problem is currently arising. On the one hand, increasing the number of jobs for customer registrations by employees is uneconomical because of the irregular peak loads; on the other hand, the currently available speech recognition technology is not able to cope with this task.

The aim of the present invention is to create a method, a computer system and a program for this which is able to produce a largely automated system for processing betting bets and prize requests with reasonable economic outlay

AT 409 938 Β for betting or games of chance.

This object is achieved in a first aspect of the invention with a method which is characterized by the steps:

a) Providing a first limited set of predefined language constituent patterns building up possible spoken tip submissions in the database,

b) Acceptance of an incoming call by the computer system,

c) automatic evaluation of a caller ID of the caller, with preceding or following

d) Recognition of a choice by the caller between placing a tip on the one hand or requesting a prize on the other hand, and depending on the recognition, optionally d1) converting one or more spoken tip submissions of the caller with the help of a speech recognition process that compares with the first set of language constituent patterns into a machine-processable data record and storing the data record together with the caller ID in the database, or d2) forwarding the call to a headset in the case of a win request.

In the present description, all types of participation in a bet, a game of chance, a lottery or the like are under the term “tip submission”. understood, be it a typing, betting, playing, placing a bet, etc. The term placing a bet includes all conceivable participation variants.

In a second aspect of the invention, this object is achieved with a computer system of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is characterized by

Medium (ASR-rASR_N) for evaluating a caller ID of the caller, a number N speech recognition modules (ASR ^ ASRn), which are connected to N second processing queues (Q) and each convert one or more spoken tip submissions of the caller into a machine-processable data record and together with the database save the caller ID, and a selection evaluation device (ASR, S), which is connected to the call distribution means (ACD) and, depending on a selection made by the caller, the call distribution means (ACD) for forwarding the call to one of the speech recognition modules (ASR) when selecting a tip on the one hand or to one of the headsets (P) in the case of winning request selection on the other hand controls.

The invention proposes a completely new approach for the automatic processing of betting and games of chance over the telephone: The invention is based on the surprising finding that a fundamental distinction must be made as to whether participating in a game over the telephone involves betting (= placing a bet ) or withdrawal (= winning request), and the insight that in the former case the voice recognition of the address of a caller is not necessary at all. As a result, the currently available speech recognition technology can be fully used, and the number of work-intensive workplaces with headsets and headsets is reduced by the factor (M + N): M.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is distinguished by the fact that in step c) a new caller identifier is generated and voice output if the caller identifier cannot be evaluated or does not exist. This means that new customers can also take part in the game immediately and take advantage of the full functionality of the system.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, the automatic evaluation of the caller identification can take place on the basis of a telephone number of the caller transmitted from the public telephone network. If the caller ID is not transmitted by the telephone network or if the fixed assignment of the game participants to certain telephone connections is not desired, the automatic evaluation of the caller ID can alternatively be carried out with the aid of a voice recognition process that compares a second limited set of predetermined, carries out speech component patterns which build up possible spoken caller identifications. In any case, the caller ID is independent of the address and can therefore be evaluated in the second case with the aid of speech recognition methods available today.

The caller ID preferably includes an account number and a password in order to increase security.

AT 409 938 B

Another advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized by the steps of providing a third limited set of predetermined, possible spoken credit card debit, bank account debit transactions or the like. constituent language constituent patterns in the database, and

Conversion of a spoken credit card debit, bank account debit transaction or the like. of the caller with the aid of a speech recognition method which carries out a comparison with the third set of speech component patterns into a machine-processable transaction record, which is stored with the caller ID in the database. In this way, a credit can be automatically linked to the caller ID, so that an initially anonymous betting account can be set up for the caller.

The betting account can also be credited by debiting or paying by telephone bill, direct debit, electronic means of payment, customer cards, prepaid cards, vouchers, etc. In the present description, the terms credit card, bank account or the like., Credit card, bank account or the like., Credit card company, bank company or the like. all of these variants.

Preference is given to the transaction records in the database via a credit card, bank account verification terminal or the like. Checked for creditworthiness in order to increase security for the operator.

There are two preferred variants for recognizing the selection of the caller in step d). On the one hand, the selection can be made by means of a telephone dialing number determined by the telephone network, which appears to the caller in the form of an extension dialing so that the basic choice between placing a bet and requesting a profit can be made by the caller when dialing the system. Alternatively, the selection in step d) takes place by means of voice output and voice recognition, so that the system appears externally with a selection number and is continuously voice-controlled.

Preferred embodiments of the computer system according to the invention emerge from subclaims 11 to 14.

Further objects, features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of a preferred exemplary embodiment, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 shows a block diagram of a telephone-based betting or gaming system according to the prior art;

2 shows a schematic block diagram of the system according to the invention; 3a to 3c are flow charts of the method according to the invention;

4a shows a block diagram of a speech recognition method known per se;

4b is a flow diagram of the speech recognition method used in the invention; and

5 shows the block diagram of a practical form of implementation of the computer system according to the invention.

In the drawings, reference symbols are used, some of which serve directly as abbreviations for the functions performed by the components identified in this way. Appendix 2 contains a list of the abbreviations used.

In Fig. 1 the structure of a known computer-aided system for processing bets or games of chance over the telephone is shown schematically. Call distribution means ACD are connected to the public telephone network PSTN via K exchange lines A. In the case shown, the call distribution means ACD are composed of a private branch exchange PBX and an interactive voice response module IVR, which outputs voice menus and messages and, if necessary, via keypad inputs from a caller A._s is controllable. The call distribution means ACD distribute the incoming calls to a number K hearing and speech sets Pi to P_K, of which three are shown as representatives.

Employees at work station Pi take calls and pass data on data stations Ti to T_K or read from them. The data stations T₄ are you_K are connected to a database DB. The call distribution means ACD can also be connected to the database DB in order, for example, to make calls according to specific priorities to the headsets Pt to P_K to distribute.

AT 409 938 B

The configuration of Figure 1 is known as a computerized call center architecture and requires K manned workstations.

Fig. 2 shows the computer system according to the invention. Call distribution means ACD are again via K trunk lines Ai to A_K connected to the (not shown) public telephone network. The call distribution means ACD divide incoming calls on the trunk lines in a controlled manner (as will be explained in detail below) to K processing queues Qi to Q_K on. The call distribution means ACD thus make the fundamental decision as to whether calls to a set A of M hearing and headset Pt to P_M. or to a set B of N speech recognition modules ASRi to ASR_N to get redirected.

The processing queues Qt to Q_K can be actual holding and waiting queues with the batch processing principle, for example first-in / first-out, or mere forwarding channels, in which case the call distribution means ACD simply work in the form of a private branch exchange.

The number of outgoing queues or channels Qt to Qk does not have to be equal to the number of incoming trunk lines Α_Ί to A_Kbut can also be lower, for example, so that several callers can be in a processing queue.

The activation of the call distribution means ACD for forwarding to sentence A or sentence B depends on an automatic evaluation of a selection made by the caller, u.zw. whether he wishes to submit a bet (sentence B) or a request for a prize (sentence A).

In a first variant, this selection can be made by the caller with the aid of touch dial inputs (DTMF or DTMF), which are evaluated in the call distribution means ACD. The call distribution means ACD evaluate, for example, the last digits of a telephone number dialed by the caller in the manner of an extension number.

In a second variant, the caller makes the selection using voice commands. For this purpose, separate speech recognition modules provided in the call distribution means ACD can be used (not shown). However, those speech recognition modules ASRt-ASR are preferred_n, which are also used for the conversion of spoken tip fees explained below. In cooperation with a controller S and one or more voice response modules VR connected to the call distribution means ACD, the caller can, for example, be requested to enter this selection.

It goes without saying that the arrangement of the controller S is only an example; the controller S can also be arranged in one of the components ACD, ASR, DB or VR or distributed over them, as is known in computer technology.

The speech recognition modules ASR, of sentence B convert the typing messages spoken by the caller into machine-processable data records and store them in a database DB. The spoken taps can be present in a single continuous voice string or - prompted accordingly by the voice response module VR - in several individual voice strings.

Each bet placement includes at least a caller ID and an ID of the selected game. In the case of a bet, the betting tip also includes the betting tip and preferably the amount of the stake.

The spoken taps are detected in each speech recognition module ASRi by a comparison with one or more sentences V of predetermined speech constituent patterns, such as phonemes, syllables, words, etc., which are supplied to the speech recognition modules ASR.

4a shows schematically the sequence of a speech recognition method known per se. In a first step 41, significant features are extracted from digital speech information 40, for example by subdividing into time segments (frames), segment-wise Fourier transforming and subsequent extraction of certain language-relevant frequencies. The features of a section form a feature vector.

In a second step 42, the feature vectors of the speech segments are classified, for example according to phonemes with the aid of predetermined sentences V of speech constituent patterns.

In a third step 43, a probability assessment of possible word strings takes place, with the stored language constituent pattern sets V also being able to be used.

AT 409 938 B

A well-known probability evaluation model is the hidden Markov model. The N most likely word strings are available at the output of the method.

For a detailed overview of procedures and methods for speech recognition, see Shaughnessy, O .: Speech Communication, Human and Machine, Addison-Wesley, Reading, MA, 1990; and Schukat-Talamazini, EG: Automatic Speech Recognition - Basics, Statistical Models and Efficient Algorithms, Vieweg, Braunschweig, 1995 referenced.

The recognition rate of the method can be increased further if the N-best lists of neighboring words are correlated by comparison with given word combination options. This method is explained in more detail using the example in FIG. 4b with regard to the voice input Bavaria versus Stuttgart.

The speech recognition process isolates the two team words and returns an N-best list of the recognized teams, which is sorted on the basis of the hit probabilities. Due to unclear or dialectic pronunciation or the uncertainty of speech recognition in general, it can happen that one or both of the teams are not at the top of the list. The list of all games offered from the database DB is therefore used for optimization. This correlation evaluation can significantly increase the recognition rate compared to recognizing individual words alone.

The results of the games of chance or bets are noted in the database DB via terminals (not shown), linked to the data records mentioned, and corresponding winnings are calculated therefrom. The results and winnings can be called up by the caller via the same system using voice control.

The content of the database DB is also available on the headsets Pi to P_M. via terminals (not shown) to verify winning requests, add addresses to the database and initiate or authorize payouts. Payouts can then be made in any way, for example via a network of local offices that is online with the database DB. Alternatively, the computer system could also itself credit card, bank account transactions or the like. carry out.

A specific embodiment of the method of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3c. FIG. 3a essentially shows the first voice menu section for processing the registration in the system, FIG. 3b shows the voice menu for managing the betting account by the user, and FIG. 3c shows the voice menu for placing bets.

In the remainder of the description, the expression inputs are always understood to be voice inputs, unless expressly stated otherwise, and outputs or requirements are always understood to be voice outputs.

The basic decision between forwarding the call to one of the headphones and headset P, the sentence A in the case of a win request or to one of the speech recognition modules of the sentence B in the case of placing a tip is made by the main menu 301 and option 3 of the account menu 302 (Fig. 3b) : After a preceding, optional logon process Fig. 3a, the caller makes the choice between placing a tip, option 1 of the main menu 301, and requesting a prize, option 2 of the main menu 301 and option 3 of the account menu 302. In the first case, a branch is made to FIG Headset P ,.

Starting with FIG. 3a, when there is an incoming call, a check is first made in block 303 to determine whether a caller identifier (CLID) transmitted by the public telephone network is available and registered. If so, the caller is requested in block 304 to enter a password (PIN number) and in block 305 it is checked whether the completed caller ID from CLID, which is also used as an account number, and password (PIN number) are valid . If so, a branch is made to the main menu 301.

If block 305 rejects the caller ID, two new login attempts are allowed in a loop via blocks 306, 307 and 304, block 306 counting the number of attempts and block 307 allowing the explicit entry of an account number instead of the CLID. After three invalid login attempts, block 306 drops the call to an employee on a headset P 1.

If block 303 determines that a CLID is not available or registered, blocks 308 and 309 output an entry menu with options 1 = logon, 2 = new customer registration,

AT 409 938 B

3 = explanation and 4 = employee provides. Option 1 of menu 309 branches to block 307 and option 2 to blocks 311 to 318 for the generation of a new caller ID.

After an introductory explanation in block 311, the generation of a new caller ID is linked to the selection of a currency in block 312, the entry of the age in block 313 and the checking of the age in block 314, the call being terminated in the case of minors. Otherwise, a new account number and a new password (PIN number) are generated in block 315, output in block 316 and a query is made in block 317 as to whether the output was understood. If so, the caller can leave additional information in block 318 which is recorded as a voice message without further machine processing. A branch is then made to the CLID or account number entry 307.

After successfully logging into the system, the main menu 301 of FIG. 3b is proceeded to. Option 1 of menu 301 is the selection of submitting a tip and branches first to a block 320, which checks whether the caller's betting account has a credit. If there is no credit, a warning is issued in block 321 that no bets can be made. However, in order to give new customers the opportunity to get to know the system before they make a deposit, it is still possible to proceed to the tip submission menu, FIG. 3c. In this case, however, the actual placing of bets remains blocked.

If there is credit, the account balance is output in block 322 and the process also proceeds to the tip submission menu, FIG. 3c.

If the caller selects option 2 = account management in the main menu 301, a branch is made to the account menu 302. This offers the options 1 = nominal account balance (via block 323), 2 = update account (see below), 3 = debit account or request for payment of winnings (see above), 4 = give account report and 5 = nominal status the-last-transaction.

After entering the period of interest in block 324, option 4 gives an activity report on the account in block 325.

The update of the account in option 2 can be done with the help of a credit card debit, bank account debit transaction or the like. be made. After the account balance has been announced in block 326, there is the possibility of entering a credit card number, bank account number or the like. (e.g. Prepaid card data, voucher numbers, identification for an electronic means of payment, etc.), after verification (328) of an expiry date in block 329 and after verification (330) of an amount to be debited in block 331 repeated again, in block 334 confirmation is again awaited, and in block 335 the transaction is carried out.

Every credit card debit, bank account debit transaction or the like. is saved in the database. A credit card, bank account or the like connected to the database. On request or regularly (polling), gateway checks all pending transactions waiting for validation for creditworthiness through interaction with a credit card company, bank company or the like, as is known in the art.

In block 236, the caller has the option of waiting for this validation or not. If so, the loop 337-338 remains until the transaction is verified or validated. If the result of the validation was positive, block 339 branches off to block 341, where the new account balance is output;

Option 5 of the account menu 302 enables the transaction status to be checked later; blocks 342 to 345 essentially correspond to blocks 337 to 341.

3c shows the sequence for submitting a bet, starting with the submission menu 346. In the submission menu 346, the desired type of bet, game of chance or lottery can first be selected. In the example shown there are several types of sports betting, u.zw. Option 1 = soccer bet, option 2 = car racing bet, etc.

The football bet option 1 is further illustrated and branches to a football betting menu 347. Here again there are different types of bets, u.zw. Single bet option 1, combination bet option 2 and goal bet option 3.

The single bet option 1 first prompts in block 348 to enter the desired game, which speech input has already been explained above with reference to FIG. 4b. The chances of winning are then announced in block 349 and for entry in block 350

AT 409 938 B of the desired tip 1, 0 or 2 requested.

The combination bet in blocks 351 to 355 consists of the successive entry of several single bets, blocks 351 to 353 corresponding to blocks 348 to 350 of the single bet and a loop control via blocks 354 and 355 takes place.

The goal bet 356 again prompts you to enter the desired game, analogously to block 248, and the desired tip can be entered in block 357.

After a combination bet or goal bet, the chances are output in block 358.

All three options lead to block 359, which checks whether the deposited credit card debit, bank account debit transaction or the like. has since been validated. If so, a branch is made to block 360 and the result of the transaction is output. If this was negative, block 361 disconnects the call to a processing station P 1. Otherwise, or if no transaction was pending, the entry of a stake in block 362 is requested.

Block 363 checks whether the stake is within predetermined limits. If not, the minimum and maximum stakes are announced in block 364 and the stake is requested again.

Otherwise, block 364 'checks whether the stake is covered by the betting account. If this is not the case, a branch is made again to block 362 with output of a warning in block 365.

If this test has also been passed, confirmation is requested again in blocks 366 and 367. If confirmed, block 368 stores the typing submission as a record in the database.

Fig. 5 shows a practical implementation of the system. A telecommunications system of the Alcatel 4400 type is connected to the public telephone network PSTN via three ISDN basic connections A, each of which includes 30 exchange lines, and serves as a call distribution means ACD.

Two IVR master servers 511 and 512 are connected to the ACD, which perform the interactive voice response functions and implement the functions of the modules VR and S of FIG. Simple speech recognition processes, such as recognizing individual digits or letters, can also be carried out by these servers.

The IVR master servers 511 and 512 and the call distribution means ACD are connected to one another and to the other components of the system via a LAN. These include a management terminal 501 for administration and an application generator terminal 502 for programming the system.

Complex and computationally intensive speech recognition methods, such as those carried out in blocks 348, 351 and 356, are outsourced to slave-server clusters 521 and 522. The computing power is thus easily scalable.

The system can also be connected directly to the Internet via a firewall hub 503.

The workstations of the employees or call agents are also connected to the LAN, each comprising a terminal T and a headset P,. A SQL server 504 implements the database DB. A gateway server 505 forms the gateway for the validation of credit card debit, bank account debit transactions or the like. and has a connection (not shown) with one or more credit card companies, banks or the like. in connection.

The entire system is programmed in a modular manner, for example using graphic development tools for creating IVR applications, for example the application generator software VIOLA, which is available from Alcatel. The software-based product L&H ASR 1500 / TSO from Lernout and Houspie is used as speech recognition software on the slave server clusters 521 and 522. With speaker-independent recognition, this product is able to acquire an active vocabulary of approx. 500 Recognize words in six different languages ​​with a 95% recognition rate.

The SQL database managed by the SQL server 504 is based on the SQL server 6.5 from Microsoft. In order to abstract the access of the programs described to the database, the functions listed in Table 1 below were defined as interfaces to the database and implemented in the form of stored procedures.

AT 409 938 B

<td>function</td><td>description</td>

<td>SP GetSpof NoWeek</td><td>Returns the betting no. based on the week and game no.</td>

<td>SP GetAccount</td><td>Searches for the betting account number. based on the Caller ID</td>

<td>SP logon</td><td>Register with betting account number. and PIN code</td>

<td>SP CreateAccount</td><td>Creation of a new betting account for new customers</td>

<td>SP GetBalance</td><td>Returns the balance of a betting account</td>

<td>SP Payln</td><td>Payment to the betting account by credit card</td>

<td>SP CheckTrans</td><td>Review a credit card transaction</td>

<td>SP GetCBHistory</td><td>Provides an overview of the multiple bets that have been placed</td>

<td>SP GetSMHistory</td><td>Provides an overview of placed single bets</td>

<td>SP_GetPayHistory</td><td>Provides an overview of deposits and withdrawals on the betting account</td>

<td>SP GetSpofNo</td><td>Returns the betting no. based on the team names</td>

<td>SP GetOdds</td><td>Returns the odds for a bet</td>

<td>SP PlaceSMBet</td><td>Placing a single bet</td>

<td>SP GetCBOfferNo</td><td>Returns the betting no. the multiple bet</td>

<td>SP GetStakeAmt</td><td>Returns the minimum and maximum stakes for a bet</td>

<td>SP PlaceGoalBet</td><td>Placing a goal bet</td>

<td>SP PlaceCBBet</td><td>Placing a multiple bet</td>

<td>SP_GetOpen Matches</td><td>Provides a list of all open games and teams</td>

Tab. 1

These functions can be accessed from almost any system using an ODBC driver; such drivers are available for many types of operating systems. The exact specification of the parameters of the procedures listed in Table 1 is given in Appendix 1.

The database DB also enables complete logging of all user activities. If required, all incoming calls can also be logged in the database as voice strings (voice logging).

The invention can be used in all types of betting, games of chance, lotteries, telephone games or the like. apply and is of course not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but includes all variants that fall within the scope of the attached claims.

ANNEX 1

Definition of the database interface

1) SP_GetSpofNoWeek

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

2) SP_GetAccount

Input parameters

Output parameters @weekno (int) l @coupmatchno (int) @betofferno (int) = success / 1 = failure none @callerid (varchar (30)) @accountno (latest for specified

AT 409 938 B

Return code

Result set

3) SP_Logon

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

4) SP_CreateAccount

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

5) SP_GetBalance

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

6) SP_Payln

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

7) SP_CheckTrans

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set

8) SP_GetCBHistory

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set caller id) {int) = success / 1 = failure none @accountno {int) / @pinno {varchar (5)) / @callerid (optional) (varchar (30)) / @language {varchar (8)) ( if no account exists, return an empty string) = Success / 1 = Failure none @DOB {varchar (11)) I @language (default German) {varchar (8)) / @currency char (3) / @caller id (optional) {varchar ( 30)) @accountno (int) / @pinno {char (5)) = success / 1 = failure none @accountno {int) © currency (char (3)) l @ balance {int) 0 = success / 1 = failure none © credcardno (varchar (30)) / @expdate {int) / @accountno {int) / @amount {int) @transcode {int) = success / 1 = failure none @transcode {int) © state {smallint) = rejected / invalid card number = rejected / internal error

- not processed = successfully processed = success / 1 = failure none @accountno {int) l © datefr {datetime) none = success / 1 = failure

Details of the combo bet as follows: bet number date betname stake: strong profit: winnings status: state result: (correct / incorrect) (list of the single bets combined in this combo bet) bet number match name date tip: option odds: odd status: state

AT 409 938 B

<td>9) SP_GetSMHistory Input parameters Output parameters Return code Result set</td><td>@accountno (int) / @datefr (datetime) none 0 = success / 1 = failure Details of the bets as follows: Bet number date betname Tip Option Odds odd bet: strong Profit: winnings Status: state Result: (right / wrong)</td>

<td>10) SP_GetPayHistory Input parameters Output parameters Return code Result set</td><td>@accountno (int) / @datefr (datetime) none 0 = success / 1 = failure Details of payment as follows: date type of payment fund customer balance</td>

<td>11) SP_GetSpofNo Input parameters</td><td>@ team1 (varchar (30)) l @ team2 (optional) (varchar (30)) l @matchdate (optional) (varchar (12))</td>

<td>Output parameters Return code Result set</td><td>none 0 = success / 1 = failure Details of each match of input parameters; The details of each match correspond to a line in the result set and include match name, bet more often number, and match date.</td>

<td>12) SP_GetOdds Input parameters Output parameters Return code Result set</td><td>@betofferno (int) none 0 = success / 1 = failure List of options and odds for the bet more often number. Includes goal bets and single bets. The columns in the result set are as follows: Odds / Option.</td>

<td>13) SP_PlaceSMBet Input parameters</td><td>@betofferno (int) l @optinono (smallint) i @stake (int) / @accountno (int)</td>

<td>Output parameters</td><td>@Returncode (smallint) 1 = bet placed successfully 2 = bet closed</td>

<td>Return code Result set</td><td>0 = success / 1 = failure none</td>

<td>14) SP_GetCBOfferNo Input parameters Output parameters Return code Result set</td><td>none @combobetofferno (int) 0 = success / 1 = failure none</td>

<td>15) SPGetStakeAmt Input parameters</td><td>@spofno (int) l @accountno (int)</td>

AT 409 938 B

Output parameters

Return code

Result set @maxstake (int) / @minstake (int) 0 = success / 1 = failure none

16) SP_PlaceGoalBet

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set @predictedscore (varchar (30)) i @betofferno (int) l @stake (int) / @accountno (int) @Returncode (smallint) = bet successfully placed = bet closed = success / 1 = failure none

17) SP_PlaceCBBet

Input parameters

Output parameters

Return code

Result set @cbbetofferno (inf) l @accountno (int) l @smbetofferno (varchar (50)) (numbers concatenated with *) / @optinos (varchar (20)) (concatenated with *) / @stake (int) @Returncode ( smallint) = bet placed successfully = bet closed = success I 1 = failure none

18) SP_GetOpenMatches

Input parameters @fnweek (int) Output parameters Return code Result set none = success / 1 = failure

Each line contains matchname, team 1 and team 2 in that match

APPENDIX 2

List of abbreviations

<td>ACD</td><td>Automatic call distribution</td>

<td>ASR</td><td>Automated Speech Recognition</td>

<td>CLID</td><td>Caller ID</td>

<td>CSTA</td><td>Computer Supported Telecommunication Architecture</td>

<td>DTMF</td><td>Multi-frequency dialing (DTMF) (Dual Tone Multiple Frequency)</td>

<td>IVR</td><td>Interactive Voice Response</td>

<td>LAN</td><td>Local Area Network</td>

<td>ODBC</td><td>Open database connectivity</td>

AT 409 938 B

<td>PBX</td><td>Private Branch Exchange</td>

<td>pin code</td><td>Personal Identification Number</td>

<td>PSTN</td><td>Public Switched Telephone Network</td>

<td>SQL</td><td>Structured Query Language</td>

<td>VR</td><td>Voice Response</td>

PATENT CLAIMS: