Hand-held electronic device to be used in conjuction with a screen.

p0001The invention relates to a portable electronic device, of the type microprocessor card, including at least optical reception means, a clean microcomputer to process the information received, a display for displaying information from the microcomputer, and a source of electrical energy to power the various circuits.

p0002The state of the art, including WO 87/01835 discloses a portable electronic device comprising optical reception means, a microcomputer, a display, a memory and a keyboard. This device is cependent used to read a large amount of data displayed on a computer screen, will produce a secret code, view the secret code on its display for a user to identify the computer and gain access by introducing this secret code by the computer keyboard.

p0003Such a portable electronic device provides a degree of limited application for controlling access to a computer system. The invention aims to provide a portable electronic device, such as that defined above, which will achieve maximum functions and applications while maintaining a sufficient job security and effective protection against fraudulent use.

p0004It is desirable, furthermore, that such a device remains a compact, relatively cheap to enable its widespread dissemination, and a simple implementation.

p0005According to the invention, a portable electronic device which comprises at least optical reception means, an own microcomputer to process the information received, a display for displaying information from the microcomputer, and a source of electrical energy for powering the various circuits is characterized in that it includes a keyboard enabling the user also to enter information into the microcomputer, and this microcomputer is programmed to use the information from the optical reception means and / or key and to display the results into account this information, possibly combined.

p0006This combination of means: optical means for receiving external information; keypad for receiving information specific to the user, display, microcomputer and electric battery as a power source, enables the device unattended operation. In particular it can operate with a TV, a telematics terminal, "Minitel" for example, or a computer terminal.

p0007Such a device can be used to link the computer networks, cable networks and terrestrial broadcasting.

p0008The microcomputer can be programmed to enable many applications, without modifications to the existing screen real estate, such as télépari, that is to say the bet by "Minitel", the bet and the game live on television, population sample selection TV, home shopping, payment services (pay TV subscription or consumption), the control of access to iT resources or server.

p0009When use requires protection of the device, the microcomputer is programmed to make the active device after introduction, the keyboard, a PIN for identifying the user of the device.

p0010The portable electronic device preferably includes a storage memory for storing information from outside.

p0011The display is advantageously of liquid crystal type (LCD) and can include eight aligned alphanumeric characters.

p0012The device preferably has the shape of a rectangle parallelepiped casing of small thickness, notably of the order of 5 mm. The optical receiving means are advantageously constituted by phototransistors; these photo transistors are arranged on the edge of a small side of the housing. Phototransistors are preferably not more than three in number, aligned.

p0013Phototransistors enable receive optical information from a screen or active components, type LED, modulated by an electrical signal.

p0014The three phototransistors aligned possible to obtain a flat device that can be pointed at the screen and can fit without setting the common screen sizes of computer or data terminals.

p0015The number of phototransistors can be less than three; two photo transistors, while allowing to preserve the advantage of adapting to different screen sizes, only allow a lower rate.

p0016A provision phototransistor four or more online no longer allow adapting to different screen sizes without setup. Four square willing phototransistors allow adaptation to all screens, but involve flatten the product on the screen, making the device less ergonomic and poorly suited to small terminals.

p0017Advantageously, the ends of the side of the housing, comprising the phototransistors, are provided with buffers, particularly elastomeric material, of substantially hemispherical shape, for better support of the housing against a convex screen.

p0018The microcomputer is preferably programmed such that a timer is provided to return the electronic device in the rest state, after a predetermined time, including four minutes after the device was activated by entering the code confidential proper identification.

p0019The microcomputer may further be programmed to lock the device after subsequent entry of a number of incorrect PINs, for example four codes, product reactivation can only be ensured by a procedure or a special tool.

p0020The portable electronic device, according to the invention may be for use to allow a connection to a server, from a terminal or the like; in this case, the microcomputer is programmed to ensure, when the identification function has been performed, an authentication function at the server, by calculating, from information from the server, according to an algorithm, a code which appears on the display of the device and that the user must enter on a keyboard of a terminal connected to the server, a computer code is also performed by the server according to a similar algorithm, and compares the code computed by the server and the code entered by the user is performed by the server; if this comparison establishes a coherence between the two codes, server access is given to the user while in the absence of coherence between the two codes, the access remains prohibited.

p0021The device comprises, apart from a clean system clock to the microcomputer, a real time clock to give the device a limited lifespan, operate the device according to the Schedule and / or date operations, including uses and transactions with this mobile device.

p0022The device comprises a read only memory (ROM) organized into two zones, namely:<ul><li>a program area in which is stored instructions:<ul><li>the decoding function and the optical receiver;</li><li>the identification function;</li><li>the authentication function;</li><li>the application functions, such as betting, game show, wallet, teleshopping;</li></ul></li><li>and a manufacturing area for storing information relating to the manufacture of the card and to initialize the product, this information concerning:<ul><li>client code;</li><li>the mask number used for the microcomputer;</li><li>manufacturing key, in particular constituted by 128 bits, allowing control of the customization.</li></ul> The device memory is also organized into two zones, namely:</li><li>a data area for storing information about, for example, a bet, a game, an amount, a number of films screened as part of a pay-TV, transaction certificates, etc ...;</li><li>and a personalization zone containing information on:<ul><li>the PIN (identification);</li><li>the secret authentication key;</li><li>the operating parameters (eg blocking of the card after four unsuccessful identification tests);</li><li>the various secret keys may be needed for the application functions.</li></ul></li></ul>

p0023The storage memory can be a PROM or an EEPROM, as in the cards memory or microprocessor, or a saved RAM.

p0024PROM or EEPROM solutions require relatively high voltages and supply currents. For safety reasons, these memories can be programmed from the outside requiring, as on the smart card, a self-programming by the microcomputer. These solutions offer a good degree of security but are costly; they nevertheless justified for certain applications.

p0025A simpler and cheaper solution is advantageously made from a RAM (random access memory), internal to the microcomputer, backed by the power of the device with a very low current and whose write access to the personalization area can be protected, including a fuse which is blown after the personalization phase.

p0026The microcomputer includes a data bus and an address bus not accessible from the outside, so you can not read or modify fraudulently, from the outside, information of the device.

p0027The keyboard of the device is preferably a keypad with twelve to sixteen keys, ie ten keys corresponding to the numbers 0 through 9 and two to six keys additional functions that can advantageously be customized to the application (betting, gaming, TV toll). The display is LCD alphanumeric.

p0028The invention consists, apart from the provisions disclosed above, in a number of other arrangements which will be explained in greater detail below in connection with a particular embodiment described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but which is not limiting.

p0029Figure 1 of the drawings is a simplified block diagram of a portable electronic device according to the invention.

p0030Figure 2 is a plan view of the device.

p0031Figure 3 is a view along the arrow III, Figure 2.

p0032Figure 4 is a view along the arrow IV, Figure 2.

p0033Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the principle of identification and authentication.

p0034Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating only the identification function.

p00357 is a diagram illustrating the authentication function.

p0036FIG 8 is a diagram illustrating the use of a device according to the invention with an adapter housing connected directly to a terminal.

p0037Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the connection scenario between a terminal and a server by using the device of the invention.

p0038Figure 10 is a similar diagram to that of Figure 9 for a money-transfer function.

p0039Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the interest of the reading device at three phototransistors for screens of different sizes.

p0040Figure 12 is a diagram of a self-tuning circuit to a display.

p0041Figure 13, finally, is a diagram illustrating the Timekeeping the circuit of Figure 12.

p0042Referring to the drawings, particularly to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a portable electronic device 1, the memory card type, comprising an outer casing 2 of rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the thickness <u>e</u> (Figure 3) is low, particularly in the order of 5 mm. The width<u>l</u> and the length L of the housing may be equal to those used generally for credit cards, bank cards, etc ..., that is to say of the order of 54 mm <u>l</u> and 85 mm for L.

p0043The device comprises at least optical reception means R advantageously constituted by phototransistors 3 (Figure 4) arranged on the edge of a small side of the housing 2, and in particular aligned. In the example, the phototransistors are three in number. 11 illustrates the interest of the reading device at the three phototransistors 3 for screens 48, 49 of different sizes. The display 48 corresponds to the smallest size, and the screen 49 to the larger size.

p0044When you move from screen size to another, the distance between the centers of the light p1 pavers, p2, p3 will change, while the distance between the phototransistor 3 remains constant.

p0045With the arrangement in at most three phototransistors, all paving is always centered and it is possible to lengthen the cobblestones right and left p2, p3, following the direction of alignment D photo transistors, so as to be sure, whatever the size of the screen, the right and left phototransistors are always opposite a portion of paved p2, p3 correspondents.

p0046The screen of a terminal generally has a convex shape. To facilitate the implementation of the portion of the housing 2, provided phototransistors 3 against this screen is advantageously provided at each end of the wafer, a buffer Q (see Figure 2), including elastomeric and substantially hemispherical shape projecting on this installment.

p0047The receiving means R, as shown in Figure 1, are connected to a microcomputer 4 by way of processor means 5 suitable for attaining a self-tuning to a terminal screen 13.

p0048Indeed, the transmission of information for R means is by a sequence of light and dark paving stones <u>p</u> (See Figure 8) that appear in a predetermined area of ​​a screen 13<u>e</u> terminal 13; due to changes in brightness of a terminal screen to another, it is possible that dark keypad of a terminal is brighter than a lighted keypad from another terminal. To avoid distortions of reading from one terminal to the other, the processing means 5 are provided for allowing, during an initialization phase, adjust a comparison value depending on the brightness of the terminal screen. To reflect the dispersion of sensitivity of the phototransistor, the comparison value can be defined for each phototransistor.

p0049As shown in Figure 12, this threshold can be obtained by discharging a capacitor C under the control of the microcomputer 4 through a resistance W. The charging and discharging of the capacitor C are controlled by the microcomputer 4 to through resistance W via an input / output port Z can be placed in the following states: high ( "1") to the load capacitance C, low ( "0") for his discharge ; high impedance state ( "Hz") by maintaining the threshold during the reception. A comparator K receives an entry + the signal from the photo transistors and the other input - the voltage across capacitor C, comparison threshold. Before commissioning, the capacitor C is charged to its maximum value. During initialization, the capacitor C discharges as shown by the arc of U curve in Figure 13 (voltage across the ability ordinate, time x-axis), until the desired value, the level of reception and determined by the microcomputer. The comparison value is then kept constant as shown by the V segment of Figure 13, during the reception. This comparison value is the level of optical receiver. This variable threshold may be supplemented by a single fixed for low luminosities. The same effect can be achieved by controlling the gain of an amplifier by the microcomputer.

p0050The coding of the optical transmission is defined so as to reduce the transmission time and adapt to all networks and protocols connecting the terminal to the central system. The main features of this transmission as part of a computer system are that it is only possible to control the sequencing of pavements displayed but not the display time. These characteristics justify the use of at least two phototransistors for transmission on a computer screen. The transmission characteristics of broadcast, cable allow the display time control with the possibility of synchronous transmission via a single phototransistor. The synchronization of the transmission is using the video scanning. This allows the portable device when used with TV function and receive distance information (a few meters) by pointing the product towards the screen.

p0051The optical reception and decoding functions written in the memory of the microcomputer of the portable device may be specific to the mode of operation, telematics or television, but the same device will run on both supports using one or three phototransistors.

p0052The device 1 includes a display 6, preferably liquid crystal display (LCD), forming a rectangular screen 7 (figure 2) on the housing. Preferably, this screen 7 is provided to display eight alphanumeric characters aligned. 6 The display allows users to view information from the microcomputer 4.

p0053A source of electrical energy, generally constituted by an electric battery of reduced size (not shown in the drawings) is provided for powering the various circuits.

p0054The device includes a keyboard 8 in particular constituted as shown in Figure 2, twelve buttons <u>t</u> corresponding respectively to the ten digits 0 to 9 Keys <u>t</u> are arranged in four rows of three, parallel to the screen 7. The keyboard 8 is disposed adjacent to an edge of the housing 2, the left side according to the representation of Figure 2, to a surface 9, relatively large, or clear on the right and graphically exploitable.

p0055The keyboard 8 allows the user to also enter information into the microcomputer 4.

p0056Advantageously, the housing 2 has 10 input-output means series connected to the microcomputer 4. These means can be plugs or optical coupling means, the optical input may advantageously be performed by one of three phototransistors. Such 10 jack allows direct connection to an outlet provided in an adaptation limping 26 which will be discussed about the figure 8.

p0057The microcomputer 4 is a masked microcomputer technology MOS C. It may be the type MC 68 HC 0̸5B6 to "Motorola" for a version microcomputer autoprogrammable, or type NEC 75308 for RAM storage memory version, or when the specific circuit types (ASIC) for a version with protected RAM . The specific circuit will be developed from a previous standard types in which we include the memory protection means microcomputer. These means of protection may be constituted by a blown fuse after writing memory. It includes a read only memory (ROM) 11 and a 12-storage memory.

p0058The ROM 11 is organized in two areas namely a program area and a manufacturing area, which will be discussed further.

p0059The memory 12 is also organized into two zones namely a data area, and a personalization area, which will be discussed further.

p0060The data bus and the address bus (not shown in the drawings) of the microcomputer 4 are not accessible from the outside, so as to make it impossible to read or fraudulent alteration, from the outside, the information contained in the device 1.

p0061The microcomputer 4 is programmed (the program instructions are stored in ROM 11) to not make the active device after introduction, the keyboard 8, a confidential PIN code identifying the user of the device. This PIN is known only to the holder of the device 1.

p0062A timer is preferably provided for returning the microcomputer 4 to the idle state after a predetermined time, in particular from 4 minutes after the microcomputer has been enabled by entry of the correct PIN. The microcomputer 4 rest state corresponds to a state in which the microcomputer does not take into account information from R. receiving means

p0063The program stored in the memory 11 is also provided to lock the device 1 after consecutive entry of a number of incorrect PINs on the keypad 8, for example four codes. The device 1 then becomes unusable, and the reactivation of the device can be assured by a special procedure for example on a host.

p0064The device 1 is in database application designed to allow a connection to a server, from a terminal 13 or equivalent (the "Minitel" console), the microcomputer 4 is programmed (instructions stored in the program area of ​​the memory 11) to ensure vis-à-vis authentication function of the server S. for this, the microcomputer calculates, using information from the server, using an algorithm, a code that appears on the display 6. the user must then enter this code on the keyboard 13c of the terminal 13 (see figures 7 and 9) connected to the server. Calculating a code is also performed by the server according to a similar algorithm, and compares the code calculated by the server and the code entered by the user is performed by the server; if consistency is found between the two codes, server access is given to the user; if no consistency appears between the two codes calculated, server access is still forbidden to the user.

p0065Figures 5 to 7, and Figure 9 allow to better illustrate these characteristics.

p0066Figure 5 shows schematically in S the server or site to be protected, on the left side of this figure. The dotted lines 13 schematically shows a terminal, constituting an interface, remote from the server S and connected, for example by a cable, to the latter. This terminal 13 includes a display and a keyboard not shown in Figure 5. The device 1 according to the invention is diagrammatically shown in the right part of this figure 5. To access the server S from the terminal 13, the user must first enter their personal identification code PIN on the keypad 8 of the device 1, which is represented by the arrow 14.

p0067If the code is correct, the device 1 is ready to receive information, which may be indicated by a message on the screen 7 (Figure 2).

p0068The operations will be described in more detail in connection with Figures 7 and 9. The diagram of Figure 5 shows that, during authentication, the device 1 acts as a key, while the server S acts as a lock. The arrow 15 symbolizes the display on the terminal screen 13 of information from the server, while the arrow 16 symbolizes the input information from the keyboard of the terminal 13.

p0069The diagram of Figure 6 illustrates the identification function.

p0070Initially, the device 1 is in the idle state schematically by the upper circle of the scheme.

p0071The entry of PIN, the user, the keyboard 8 switches the device to the activated state schematically by the circle at the bottom left of Figure 6. In this state, the device is capable of receiving and to process optical information appearing on the terminal to allow the user to access a server.

p0072After a predetermined time by a timer, in particular 4 minutes order, which corresponds to the end of the identification function, the device 1 returns to the idle state.

p0073If there are several consecutive input of incorrect PINs, for example four successive erroneous codes, the device 1 goes from the resting state to an off state represented by a circle to the right in Figure 6, prohibiting any use of device.

p0074The return of the off state to the idle state can be ensured by a recovery procedure that can be performed only on a host, in the example described.

p00757 is a block diagram illustrating the authentication function mentioned about the diagram in Figure 5. The left side of this figure corresponds to the communication controller or lock the server S. The section to the right of the dashed (which shows schematically the terminal 13) is the key constituted by the device 1.

p0076Block 17 corresponds to the generation of a random number <u>at</u> by the server S. The block 18 corresponds to the coding and display on the screen 13<u>e</u> the terminal. The block 19 corresponds to the optical receiving, by the phototransistors 3 of the device 1. The block 20 corresponds to the decoding, by the microcomputer 4, the information received. The block 21 corresponds to the calculation by the microcomputer 4, the alphabetical code from the received information<u>at</u>, Using an algorithm A. The block 22 corresponds to the display on the screen 7 of the device 1 of the result <u>x</u> corresponding to the code calculated 21.

p0077The user or operator, shown diagrammatically by a circle 23, after reading on the screen 7, introduced on the keyboard 13<u>c</u> the terminal 13 the code displayed on the screen 7.

p0078The block 24 corresponds, in the server S, the calculation of an identification code according to an algorithm B from the random number <u>at</u>And to compare the calculated code in the server S, with the one introduced by the operator 23 on the keyboard 13<u>c</u>.

p0079If the comparison between the two codes establishes a coherent, consistent with the algorithms A and B, system access is given to the operator 23.

p0080In the absence of consistency, access remains prohibited.

p008125, block relative to the device 1, provides application functions programmed in the microcomputer 4, such as television sets, TV bet, pay TV, wallet, teleshopping.

p0082Some operations require you to maintain relatively long housing 1 against the screen 13<u>e</u> the terminal for the exchange of information.

p0083To prevent the operator having to hold the housing 2 can be provided adapter box 26 (Figure 8) for the implementation of the functions that require significant exchange of information. This housing comprises a housing opening outside through an opening 27 into which can be engaged the housing 2 of the device. The bottom of the housing 27 is equipped with additional means of means 10 (Figure 1). The housing 26 is connected to a cable 28 whose other end can be connected to an outlet 29, including the type RS 232 C, the terminal 13 or the computer peripherals taking the Minitel.

p0084Figure 9 is a diagram of the connection scenario of a terminal 13 to a server S, with the device 1 of the invention. This 9 explicit functions described in connection with Figure 7.

p0085The operator, from the terminal 13 first establishes the connection to the server S, typing on the keyboard 13c of the terminal 13, a predetermined number. The block 30 corresponds to the establishment of the connection. The server S generates a pattern (block 31) that is to say actually appear on the screen 13<u>e</u> Terminal bright cobblestones <u>p</u> which, in the example, are constituted by three rectangles aligned as shown in Figure 9.

p0086The user presents the device 1 so as to place phototransistors 3 opposite pavers <u>p</u>. The device 1 is in place to receive the information optically. Of course, previously, users had to validate the device 1 by introducing the keyboard 8 of the box 2 their PIN for identification.

p0087The user then presses a key on the keyboard 13<u>c</u> the terminal. The server S, in response to depression of the key on the keyboard 13<u>c</u>, Generates and transmits to the terminal 13, in coded form, a random number, as indicated by block 32. The information corresponding to this random number are translated on the screen 13<u>e</u> by variations in blocks of brightness levels <u>p</u>, Information which is received by the device 1. The latter shows on the shield 7 an alphabetic or alphanumeric code that the user enters on the keypad 13<u>c</u>, Which corresponds to block 33 input by the server S.

p0088Block 34 corresponds to the calculation by the S server code from the random number generated at 32, and to compare it with the supplied code calculated from the keyboard 13<u>c</u>.

p0089When there is consistency of these two codes, the S can complete the user identification before giving access to the service, asking the user's name (block 35). The user then types his name on the keyboard 13<u>c</u>.

p0090The last step performed by the server, before granting access to the service, is to check in a file F, as indicated by block 36, the correlation between the identification key, the name and the access rights. When the agreement is established, the user is connected to the service it can use.

p0091Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating a money-transfer function which can be provided by the device 1 of the invention.

p0092This feature allows the loading of a predetermined amount of money or number of chips in the device 1, specifically in the storage memory 12 of the device from a server S in which the holder of the device 1 has previously stocked and open an account. This function then access to services of pay TV type, subscription or consumption, or Paris, or other applications by drawing on the amount of money that has been loaded into memory 12 storage of the device 1.

p0093The diagram of Figure 10 shows an exemplary layout of the wallet function.

p0094The first stages of the program correspond to the previous implementation of carrier identification functions of the device 1 and authentication of such holder with respect to the server. These steps are shown within a rectangle 37 and correspond substantially simplified in Figure 9, some intermediate steps that have not been included in the rectangle 37. The same references have been used in Figure 10 designate similar blocks to those of Figure 9 without the described again. The block 38 corresponds to the identification of the user by introducing the confidential PIN code on the keypad 8 of the housing 2.

p0095The rectangle encompasses 39 program steps regarding operations after the entry of the wallet service has been given to the user in front of the terminal 13 with the device 1.

p0096The user, from the terminal 13, performs on the keyboard 13c, a load demand on its device 1, a sum of money to a specified amount. Examination of this request is made in the block 40; S server queries its F file to see if the credit user's account is sufficient to allow loading of the amount requested. If the answer is negative, the application is rejected as indicated by exit 41.

p0097If the answer is affirmative, the S server program passes to step 42 for encryption and certification of the transaction. The server S transmits the corresponding information to the terminal 13, the information appearing in the form of light cobbles<u>p</u> bright or dark on the screen 13<u>e</u>. The device 1 is applied, by the user, against the screen 13<u>e</u> by its edge provided phototransistors 3 for collecting the information in the pavement <u>p</u>.

p0098The user or operator must then type on the keyboard 13c an instruction corresponding either to acceptance of the transaction certificate and the sum announced by the server S, or refuse the certificate; no operator response will be considered a refusal.

p0099The block 43 corresponds to step S server program that follows the operator's response. If the answer is negative, the transaction is rejected 44. If the answer is positive, the server program goes to the next step represented by block 45 corresponding to the signature, that is to say, on the side server, information relating to the transaction are stored as indicated by block 46, while the side of the device 1 the amount requested by the operator is actually stored in the storage memory 12 of device 1 in response to information received from the server as indicated by the arrow 47.

p0100May be provided, also, to store in the device 1 the information relating to the transaction effected (transaction certificate stored in the device 1).

p0101This wallet application can be advantageously used with the adapter box 26.

p0102Conversely, from a device in which one has been charged a sum of money, it is possible to access services, paris, or games, by taking the amount payable on the one stored in the memory storage 12.

p0103This payment allows, in particular, setting out local application of game or bet TV (gambling, lotteries, games, horse racing, or the like, etc ...), especially from a TV or a "Minitel".

p0104The device 1 of the invention, especially with its money-transfer function, is especially suited for pay TV.

p0105Periodically, the device can be used for remote payment of the subscription to a digital TV and receive, from the server, in exchange for this payment, a code for the subscription period which will allow the device 1 to control the descrambling the image.

p0106The device 1 of the invention can afford, always as part of a pay-TV, pay only for show or movie that the user wishes to view a specific date.

p0107The device 1 of the invention can provide a record of the films screened, including the measurement of hearing, and for the payment of copyright.

p0108As part of a television or similar animation, it is possible to send information from a transmitting station, by radio or by cable television networks, data communication, computer, etc ..., by showing a pattern on the receiver terminal or screen pattern to be read by the phototransistors of the device 1 of the invention plated onto the screen. Such information can be used to select the winners in a game, and to set up games or paris live on television.

p0109Animations or programs concerned may be of different types:<ul><li>it may be, for example, game shows, sports programming, cultural, educational, film, etc ... during which the viewer must answer one or more questions during or at the end of course of the program;</li><li>it may also be gambling or the lottery drawing in which the type, eg after downloading a random or pseudo-random number in the device, the player has a certain time to carry through key 8, a bet which can consist of putting a certain amount or a certain number of points earned or preloaded into the device. After this time, the microcomputer 4 treats the number downloaded by means of an appropriate algorithm and displays either a gain or a number that should be compared with the result of a draw carried out during transmission to determine if the player has won, this comparison can be performed in the microcomputer 4 through a second download sequence through R. receiving means</li></ul>

p0110The possible game scenarios are extremely numerous and are not the object of the present invention. It aims among others to provide a device enabling an individual to participate in a program or program broadcast on a screen by entering through the keyboard of the device at the right time, one or more representative data from its participation, it whether one or more answers to one or more questions in the beginning, during or at the end of transmission of one or more random number chosen by the individual as part of a lottery, the up to a certain amount (money, points), etc ...

p0111The data transmitted to the device by displaying a test pattern on the screen mainly include the following information:<ul><li>the nature of the broadcast game, corresponding to a program stored in the ROM 11 of the microcomputer 4;</li><li>the chronology of the "game", the parameters are:<ul><li>* The times at which the device asks the player to answer questions;</li><li>* The time allotted for each answer;</li></ul></li><li>the correct answers to questions;</li><li>optionally gains allocated to correct answers, these gains may, alternatively, be programmed into the microcomputer as a function of the detected nature of the game.</li></ul>

p0112Of course, the timing of the downloaded scenario in the device that the user is synchronized with the progress of the issue or broadcast program.

p0113Once the appropriate pattern (lighting tiles) appears on the screen, the user must place the device against it in the right place. The optical reception means R converts the screen brightness variations into electrical signals which are converted into binary signals of the format desired by the processing means 5. The received data is decoded by the microcomputer 4 which, when received all necessary data, shows on the screen 7 of the indication 6 message, such as "rEADY", indicating that the device is ready for use.

p0114The user then only has to watch the show until the first question to be asked, either orally or in writing pop on the screen. The deadline for reply can be displayed on the screen as a countdown in seconds, and parallel the microcomputer 4 can prompt the user to respond by displaying information on the screen, such as a "?".

p0115The user then enters his response to the keyboard and confirmed by pressing a function key. This response is not taken into account in the device 1 that if done in the time allowed by the downloaded scenario. With the microcomputer 4 programmed to provide, in conjunction with the clock, timing means, the scenario takes place in the device 1 in synchronism with the operation of the television program, the player after each question on the screen, enter its response to the keyboard within the deadline.

p0116The microcomputer 4 compares each answer key-8 with good downloaded response and stored in the memory 12 and updates the player's score based on parameters that either have been downloaded or are part of the microcomputer of the program for the game in question. The microcomputer can also be programmed to display on the shield 7 a message indicating whether the player or not given the correct answer ( "BRAVO", "SORRY"), that the correct answer is given or not to screen for or at the end of the show.

p0117The microcomputer 4 can be programmed to display on the screen 7 the score or gain achieved by the player at the end of the game, whether in number of correct answers, either in points or any other appropriate form.

p0118The holder of the device 1 can then send its gain, showing by example in coded form on the screen 7 of the device, into an account managed by a server it may have access through the authentication procedure described above preceded if necessary the identification procedure.

p0119Finally, the applications of the invention are multi-device, the carriers may include telematics, cable networks, terrestrial broadcasting, while the terminal whose screen lets you use the device 1 may be a "Minitel" , micro ordinat eur connected or not, or a TV console. The device 1 can operate autonomously on any screen without special player, nor any modification of the terminal.