Methods and systems for non-program applications for subscriber television

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to CATV systems generally and more particularly to non program applications thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are known in the patent literature various proposals for gambling systems employing telecommunications.

U.S. Patent 4,602,279 describes a method for providing targeted profile interactive CATV displays.

U.S. Patent 4,654,482 describes a home merchandise ordering telecommunications terminal which employs a bar-code reader and a merchandise catalog.

U.S. Patent 4,669,730 describes an automated sweepstakes-type game which is designed to be used on banking system computer terminals such as ATM or POS terminals.

U.S. Patent 4,797,913 describes a direct telephone dial ordering service system in which a calling customer can order products and/or services from a given vendor without voice intervention using a telephone as a subscriber interface device.

U.S. Patent 4,856,787 describes a concurrent game network in which a master game terminal is connected in a computer network with a plurality of slave game terminals. The terminals include touch screen display.

U.S. Patents 4,882,473 and 4,764,666 describe an online wagering system with programmable game entry cards and operator security cards which employs a smart card in a special purpose terminal which is located at a gaming station. The terminals in the various gaming stations are interconnected by conventional data links. The smart cards are personalized for each participant and for operators. This system is also described in an article entitled Lotteries and Smart Cards, by Cliff Dutton et al, SCAT '89, Conference Proceedings: Smart Card Applications and Technology, pp 165 - 171.

An article entitled Application of Card Technology to the Casino Environment by Walter H. Wellman, SCAT '89, Conference Proceedings: Smart Card Applications and Technology, pp 172 - 182, describes the use of smart cards in gaming.

U.S. Patent 4,996,705 describes the use of telecommunications systems for lotteries and describes a telephone-based system employing an operator who speaks with the customer.

None of the above-mentioned prior art patents relate to CATV systems.

In an article entitled An Evolutionary Approach to the Development of Two-Way Cable Technology Communications, by James B. Wright et al, IEEE Transactions on Cable Television, Vol CATV2, No. 1, January 1977, the development of two-way CATV systems is proposed for various applications, including shopping.

In a publication entitled VideoGuard Secure Pay-TV Access Control dated December, 1989, published by News Datacom in London, England, at page 2, a possible application of smart cards in TV merchandising is mentioned. At page 4 it is stated that Smart cards can be used as debit cards to purchase merchandise.

U.S. Patent 4,451,701 describes a viewdata system and apparatus which utilizes , without modification, a conventional television receiver for providing interactive communication between a host computer and a consumer.

The following U.S. patents are representative of the art found in the U.S.

4,467,424; 5,036,461

4,494,197; 4,323,770;

5,034,807; 4,689,619;

4,926,256; 4,455,570;

5,068,894; 5,036,389;

5,191,410; 5,111,030;

5,105,268; 4,978,839.

Patent literature:

;4,875,164; 5,173,589;

5,175,416; 5,038,022;

5,077,607; 4,958,381;

4,926,255; 5,172,413;

4,968,873; 5,128,523;

4,558,464; 5,065,235;

4,893,248; 4,959,783;

4,969,183; 5,181,107;

4,450,477; 4,928,168;

4,864,110; 4,962,531;

5,162,638; 5,081,680;

3,845,277; 4,980,542;

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide CATV systems having significant non-program features. The term CATV is used throughout the specification and claims in an unusually broad sense to include cable television networks as well as satellite television and pay television generally. The invention also extends to television gaming and shopping systems generally.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming system including a CATV network having a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television, apparatus for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; apparatus for transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and accounting apparatus for settling gaming debts and winnings via the CATV network.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a television gaming system including a television network and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television, communication apparatus for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; apparatus for transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and accounting apparatus for settling gaming debts and winnings via the communication apparatus.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV shopping system including a CATV network including a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; apparatus for transmitting via the CATV network to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to shopping opportunities; apparatus for receiving shopping inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; and accounting apparatus for settling shopping debts via the CATV network.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming system including a CATV network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; apparatus for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; apparatus for transmitting live to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and accounting apparatus for settling gaming debts and winnings.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming system including a CATV network having a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; apparatus for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; apparatus for transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and programmable apparatus for limiting gambling activity via the CATV network.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming system including a CATV network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television;

apparatus for receiving gaining inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; apparatus for transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and accounting apparatus connected directly to general purpose credit card charging and crediting facilities for settling gaming debts and winnings via the CATV network and the credit card facilities.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV shopping system including a CATV network including a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; apparatus for transmitting via the CATV network to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to shopping opportunities; apparatus for receiving shopping inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; and accounting apparatus connected directly to general purpose credit card charging and crediting facilities for settling shopping debts via the CATV network and the credit card facilities.

Preferably the accounting apparatus maintains .separate accounts for CATV program charges and for non-program charges.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming method including the steps of: providing a CATV network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; settling gaming debts and winnings via the CATV network.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a television gaming method including the steps of: providing a television network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and settling gaming debts and winnings via communications apparatus.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV shopping method including the steps of: providing a CATV network including a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; transmitting via the CATV network to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to shopping opportunities; receiving shopping inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; and settling shopping debts via the CATV network.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming method including the steps of: providing a CATV network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; transmitting live to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and settling gaming debts and winnings.

There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming method including the steps of: providing a CATV network having a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and limiting gambling activity via the CATV network.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV gaming method including the steps of: providing a CATV network having a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; transmitting to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to gaming results; and interconnecting directly to general purpose credit card charging and crediting facilities for settling gaming debts and winnings via the CATV network and the credit card facilities.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a CATV shopping method including the steps of: providing a CATV network including a central control station and a multiplicity of subscriber units each including a television; transmitting via the CATV network to the multiplicity of subscriber units information relating to shopping opportunities; receiving shopping inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units; and interconnecting directly to general purpose credit card charging and crediting facilities for settling shopping debts via the CATV network and the credit card facilities.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be operable without requiring any voice interaction between the subscriber and an operator.

In gaming applications, the television network may additionally provide gaming statistics to subscribers.

In one embodiment of the invention, gaming programs may be received by the subscribers from a source other than a television network, such as a computer or video cassette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television gaming system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a broadcast television gaming system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television shopping system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 4A and 4B together constitute a generalized block diagram illustration of a part of a CATV television gaming or shopping system constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television gaming system constructed and operative in accordance with a yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television shopping system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 constitutes a simplified block diagram illustration of gaining input receiving apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figs. 9A and 9B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of gaming control circuitry forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figs. 10A and 10B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of accounting apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Fig. 11 is a simplified block diagram illustration of transmission apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figs. 12A and 12B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of part of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 13 constitutes a simplified block diagram illustration of communication apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Figs. 14A and 14B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of gaining control circuitry forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Figs. 15A and 15B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of accounting apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Fig. 16 is a simplified block diagram illustration of transmission apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2;

Figs. 17A, 17B and 17C together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of part of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Fig. 18 is a simplified block diagram illustration of shopping input receiving apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Figs. 19A and 19B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of shopping control circuitry forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 1;

Figs. 20A and 20B together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of accounting apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Fig. 21 is a simplified block diagram illustration of transmission apparatus forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 3;

Figs. 22A and 22B are simplified block diagram illustrations of apparatus for limiting gaming activity forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 5;

Figs. 23, 24, 25 and 26 together constitute an illustration of the configuration of typical codes for information utilized in the systems of the present invention;

Figs. 27A, 27B and 27C together constitute a flow chart illustrating the operation of the gaming apparatus of Figs. 1 and 2;

Fig. 28 is a flow chart illustrating selection of the payment option in the apparatus of Figs. 1-3;

Fig. 29 is a flow chart illustrating selection of the payment option in the apparatus of Figs. 4A and 4B;

Figs. 30A, 30B and 30C together constitute a flow chart illustrating the operation of the shopping apparatus of Fig. 3;

Figs. 31A, 31B and 31C together constitute a flow chart illustrating the operation of the interactive gaining apparatus of Figs. 4A and 4B;

Fig. 32 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of statistics compilation and distribution facilities forming part of the apparatus constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figs. 33, 34 and 35 illustrate typical screen displays appearing in the course of operation of the apparatus of Figs. 1, 3 and 4 respectively; and

Fig. 36 illustrates a typical statistics screen display appearing in the course of operation of the apparatus of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television gaming system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The CATV gaming system includes or is used with a CATV network 10 typically including program input apparatus (not shown) coupled by any suitable connection, e.g. cables and microwave, with a multiplicity of subscriber units 12. The CATV network envisioned in the present invention may provide communication in either a single direction, i.e. to the subscriber, or alternatively in both directions, i.e. both to and from the subscriber. Where the CATV network provides communication only in a single direction, the communication from the subscriber may be handled by telephone or by any other suitable communications medium.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of subscriber units includes a television 14, a CATV interface unit 16 and an associated subscriber input unit 18. The CATV interface unit 16 may include a conventional decoder which is commercially available from multiple vendors. Preferably, however, the interface unit 16 is a special purpose unit, whose functionality is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 7A 7 ־C.

The subscriber input unit 18 may include a conventional CATV remote control unit. Alternatively it may include a keyboard or other alphanumeric input device which is associated with the interface unit 16.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the CATV network 10 provides one or more gaming programs which may be selected by subscribers and in connection with which subscribers may enter gaming inputs, such as bets in a card game or roulette. Alternatively, the gaming program may be received by subscribers not via the CATV network 10 but rather from a supplementary program source 19, such as a video cassette or a computer, via interface 16.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus 20 is provided for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units 12. This apparatus may be implemented as part of the computer system of the CATV network 10 or alternatively may be separate computer apparatus associated therewith. Apparatus 20 may receive data from subscriber units 12 via the CATV network or via a telephone link via a modem (not shown) at the subscriber side. The functionality and structure of the apparatus for receiving gaming inputs will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 8.

Gaming is administered by gaming control circuitry 22, which interfaces with apparatus 20 and with transmission apparatus 26, which transmits the gaming program and results to subscribers along the CATV network. The functionality and structure of the gaming control circuitry 22 will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Figs. 9A and 9B. Gaming control circuitry 22 also receives inputs from game chance generators 21 and from supplier accounting processors 25.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, accounting apparatus 24 interfaces with gaining control circuitry 22 for administering financial transactions related to the gaming between the subscribers and the CATV network. The accounting apparatus 24 may be operated as part of the CATV network accounting system, and may debit and credit, losses and winnings as the case may be to the subscribers' CATV accounts. Alternatively and preferably, separate accounts for CATV programs and gaming are maintained. The functionality and structure of the accounting apparatus 24 will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Figs. 10A and 10B.

The accounting apparatus 24 may interface directly with transmission apparatus 26 for providing information to subscribers regarding their winnings, losses, and account balances via the CATV system. The functionality and structure of the transmission apparatus 26 will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 11. Preferably the accounting apparatus 24 maintains separate accounts for CATV program charges and for non-program charges.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a generalized block diagram illustration of a broadcast television gaming system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The broadcast television gaming system includes or is used with a broadcast television network 30 typically including program input and transmission apparatus (not shown) and reaching a multiplicity of subscriber units 32.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of subscriber units includes a television 34 including an antenna 35 and an associated subscriber input unit 38. The subscriber input unit 38 is preferably a conventional or special purpose unit, whose functionality is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 12A and 12B. It may include a keyboard or other alphanumeric input device. The subscriber input unit 38 may also serve as a report television controller.

The subscriber input unit 38 is preferably associated with wired or wireless communication apparatus 40, via a telephone line or any other suitable communication link 41. Subscriber input unit 38 may also receive programs from a supplementary program source 39.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the broadcast television network 30 provides one or more gaming programs which may be selected by subscribers and in connection with which subscribers may enter gaming inputs, such as bets in a card game or roulette, via the subscriber input unit 38.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention communication apparatus 40 is operative for receiving gaming inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units 32.

The functionality and structure of apparatus 40 will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 13.

Gaming is administered by gaming control circuitry 42, which interfaces with apparatus 40 and with TV transmission apparatus 44, which transmits the gaming program and results to subscribers along the broadcast television network. Gaming control circuitry 42 also receives inputs from supplier accounting processors 47 and from supplier game chance generators

49, such as suitably programmed computers.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, accounting apparatus 46 interfaces with gaming control circuitry 42 for administering financial transactions related to the gaming between the subscribers and the broadcast television network. The accounting apparatus may debit and credit, losses and winnings as the case may be to the subscribers' account.

The accounting apparatus 46 may interface directly with communication apparatus 40 for providing information to subscribers regarding their winnings and losses, via the broadcast television system. Accounting apparatus 46 may also interface directly with transmission apparatus 44 for providing information to subscribers regarding their winnings, losses and account balances, via the television broadcast network 30. This information may be received by the subscriber in oral form, or alternatively in visual form by means of a display associated with the subscriber input unit 38 or alternatively displayed on the television 34 by means of a suitable display output link 48 between the subscriber input unit 38 and the television 34.

Accounting apparatus 46 may also interface directly with supplier accounting processors 47 to provide accounting data related to suppliers.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a generalized block diagram illustration of a CATV television shopping system constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

The CATV shopping system includes or is used with a CATV network 50 typically including program input and transmission apparatus (not shown) and being coupled by any suitable connection, e.g. cables and microwave, with a multiplicity of subscriber units 52.

Preferably, each of the multiplicity of subscriber units includes a television 54, a CATV interface unit 56 and an associated subscriber input unit 58. The CATV interface unit 56 may be a conventional decoder which is commercially available from multiple vendors. Preferably, however, the interface unit 56 is a special purpose unit, whose functionality is described hereinbelow with reference to Figs. 17A - 17C.

The subscriber input unit 58 may be a conventional CATV remote control unit. Alternatively, it may include a keyboard or other alphanumeric input device which is associated with the interface unit 56.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the CATV network 50 provides one or more shopping programs which may be selected by subscribers and in connection with which subscribers may enter shopping inputs, such as selection of the type of goods, color and size. Alternatively, shopping opportunities may be provided by shopping offer generators 63.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus 60 is provided for receiving shopping inputs from the multiplicity of subscriber units 52. This apparatus may be implemented as part of the computer system of the CATV network 50 or, alternatively, may be separate computer apparatus associated therewith. The functionality and structure of the apparatus for receiving shopping inputs 60 will be described in detail hereinafter in connection with Fig. 18.

Shopping is administered by shopping control circuitry 62, which interfaces with apparatus 60 and with transmission apparatus 66, which transmits the shopping program. One possible type of shopping program is an auction, wherein the bidding and results are transmitted to subscribers along the CATV network. Shopping control circuitry 62 also interfaces with., shopping offer generators 63 and supplier accounting processors 65 to receive offers for shopping and shopping announcements.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, accounting apparatus 64 interfaces with shopping control circuitry 62 for administering financial transactions related to the shopping between the subscribers and the CATV network. The accounting apparatus 64 may be operated as part of the CATV network accounting system, and may debit and credit, losses and winnings as the case may be to the subscribers' CATV accounts. Alternatively and preferably, separate accounts for CATV programs and shopping are maintained.

The accounting apparatus 64 may interface directly with transmission apparatus 66 for providing information to subscribers regarding their winnings, losses, and account balances via the CATV system. Preferably the accounting apparatus maintains separate accounts for CATV program charges and for non-program charges.

Reference is now made to Figs. 4A and 4B which together illustrate in generalized block diagram form apparatus for providing interactive live CATV programming for an auction or gaming. The apparatus of Figs. 4A and 4B may be used in conjunction with the systems illustrated in either of Figs. 1 and

3.

Gaming or shopping input apparatus 80, which may be apparatus 20 or 60 in Figs. 1 and 3, respectively provides, via a suitable interface 82, subscriber inputs to a studio 84, such as an auction or gaming hall. Depending on the particular activity being carried on, the subscriber inputs may be displayed visually on a display 86 in the studio or alternatively may be utilized in any other suitable manner.

The gaming or auction is carried out live before a television camera 88, using the subscriber inputs as bids in an auction or bets in gaming, as appropriate. The camera 88 captures the essential activity based on the subscriber inputs and transmits a live image of this activity via suitable interface circuitry 90 to results transmission apparatus 92 and thence to subscriber units 12. Results of a game are also input, via interface 90, to gaming control circuitry 22.

Results transmission apparatus 92 is operative to add to the transmission in overlay or in any other manner, as desired, gaming or auction results which are not conveniently captured by the camera 88.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5 which illustrates a

CATV television gaming system of the type shown in Fig. 1 with certain modificatiors which will now be described. Most of the elements of Fig. 5 may be identical to those in the apparatus of

Fig. 1 and are indicated by identical reference numerals.

The system of Fig. 5 also includes apparatus 100 for limiting gaming activity. This apparatus, which is described in more detail in Figs. 22A and 22B, may be operative to prohibit or limit gaming activity in response to control inputs received, from any suitable source, such as subscriber units 12, gaming control circuitry 22 and accounting apparatus 24.

The inputs from the subscriber units 12 may be intended to prevent gaming from being available to a subscriber entirely or at certain hours, or above certain monetary limits. The inputs from the gaming control circuitry 22 may limit gaming to certain frequencies or monetary limits and the inputs from accounting apparatus 24 may limit the amount of losses or wins that the subscriber is allowed to accrue.

The system of Fig. 5 also includes a general purpose conventional credit card interface 102, which is coupled to accounting apparatus 24 and which may interact with major credit card networks in a conventional manner and permit charging and crediting to subscriber credit cards for gaming losses and winnings.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6 which illustrates a CATV television shopping system of the type shown in Fig. 3 with a modification which will now be described. Most of the elements of Fig. 6 may be identical to those in the apparatus of Fig. 3 and are indicated by identical reference numerals.

The system of Fig. 6 also includes a general purpose conventional credit card interface 104, coupled to accounting apparatus 64, and which may interact with major credit card networks in a conventional manner and permit charging and crediting to subscriber credit cards for shopping expenses.

Reference is now made to Figs. 7A - 7C which together illustrate a preferred embodiment of a CATV interface which may be employed as interface unit 16 and input unit 18 in the embodiment of Fig. 1. Each subscriber receives at interface unit 16 a plurality of different scrambled inputs from transmission apparatus 26. These inputs may include video programming, gaming programming, control messages, gaming announcements, access control data packets, statistical data and codes, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes, gaming subscriber accounting data and codes, accounting announcements, and a video carrier signal on which the above-mentioned inputs are carried.

Preferably the inputs from transmission apparatus 26 are received at a receiver 150 which may perform necessary demodulation and provides an output to a decrypter 152 which decodes the inputs. Alternatively, the inputs may not be scrambled and the decrypter may be eliminated. As a further alternative, only some of the inputs may be scrambled. The receiver 150 may be a conventional receiver useful with encrypted CATV systems.

The decrypter also receives one or more of the following additional inputs: seeds, keys, stored subscriber selections, algorithms and accounting data from a smart card unit

154 or from a memory 156. Most of these additional inputs are employed for decrypting the output of receiver 150 or a portion thereof.

The decrypter provides video programming and gaming programming output signals to a television 14 (Fig. 1) and also provides the following outputs to a CPU 158:

control messages, gaming announcements, access control data packets, statistical data and codes, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes, gaming subscriber accounting data and codes, accounting announcements and stored subscriber selections.

CPU 158 also receives gaming inputs via a subscriber input data receiver 160, such as a conventional I/O interface, which may be actuated either by a keyboard 162 connected thereto or remotely by a remote control device 164 which forms part of the input unit 18. CPU 158 also receives algorithms and plain data from memory 156.

CPU 158 provides the following outputs via a multiplexer 166, a modulator 168 and an on-screen display (OSD) inserter 169 to television 14 (Fig. 1):

CATV & gaming selections, statistical data, processed control messages, processed gaming announcements, accounting announcements, CATV & gaming accounting data & codes.

CPU 158 also provides the following outputs via a multiplexer 170 and a data encryptor 172:

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes, gaming subscriber accounting data & codes, gaming selections & codes, CATV selections & codes.

Data encryptor 172 receives seeds, keys and algorithms from smart card unit 154 and provides, via a transmitter unit 174, encrypted CATV selections and encrypted gaming selections to the CATV network computer and to gaming input receiving apparatus 20 (Fig. 1), respectively.

The data encryptor 172 preferably also provides the following encrypted outputs to one or both of the memory 156 and the smart card device 154:

gaming subscriber accounting data and codes, gaming selections, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes and CATV selections.

The smart card unit 154 is preferably operative in accordance with the teachings of applicant's published European Patent Application 90310131.9. It is appreciated that according to an embodiment of the invention, either the memory 156 or the smart card unit 154 may be eliminated.

Reference is now made to Fig. 3 which illustrates the structure and functionality of the gaming input receiving apparatus 20 which forms part of the apparatus of Fig. 1. A demodulator 200, receives and demodulates the following inputs from subscriber units 12 via interfaces 16:

Selection of payment option

Gaming credit amount requests

Selection of game

Selection of options in game

Selection of betting combinations

Subscriber identification

Gaming supplier selection

Service type selection

Optionally, the gaming input receiving apparatus 20 may also receive CATV programming selections and other CATV related subscriber selections.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the inputs to demodulator 200 are received in encrypted form. In such a case, a suitable decrypter 202 is provided for receiving the output of demodulator 200.

The output of decrypter 202, or, in the absence of a decrypter, the output of demodulator 200 is preferably supplied to a demultiplexer 204, which separates the various inputs into inputs destined for gaming control circuitry 22 and inputs destined for accounting apparatus 24. Demultiplexer 204 assigns inputs in accordance with instructions received from a controller 206.

The following inputs are directed to accounting apparatus 24:

gaming credit amount requests;

gaming payment option;

gaming supplier selection;

subscriber identification;

service type selection.

The following inputs are directed to gaming control circuitry 22:

selection of game;

selection of game option;

betting combinations;

subscriber identification;

service type selection.

It is noted that preferably all of the inputs to demodulator 200, as well as other information employed in the system, are normally in coded form. A diagram of a typical code configuration appears in Figs. 23 - 26, described in detail hereinbelow.

Reference is now made to Figs. 9A and 9B which together illustrate gaming control circuitry 22 of Fig. 1. The gaming control circuitry 22 of Fig. 1 comprises a demultiplexer 210 which receives control messages from accounting apparatus 24 (Fig. 1) and provides demultiplexed control messages to a CPU 212.

A second demultiplexer 214 receives the following inputs from gaming input receiving apparatus 20: selection of game; selection of game option; betting combinations; subscriber identification; service type selection.

The demultiplexer 214 separates the inputs and directs them to CPU 212. CPU 212 processes these inputs, together with inputs received from game chance generators, which determine winning combinations, and from supplier accounting processors 25 which provide supplier codes.

The outputs of CPU 212 are typically combined in a combiner 216 which outputs to a multiplexer 218. Multiplexer 218 provides the following outputs to accounting apparatus 24: game type;

game option;

winnings;

losses;

subscriber identification.

Multiplexer 218 also provides control messages and gaming announcements to transmission apparatus 26 for transmission to the appropriate subscribers.

Reference is now made to Figs. 10A and 10B, which together illustrate the accounting apparatus 24 of Fig. 1.

A first demultiplexer 230 receives the following inputs from gaming control circuitry 22:

game type;

game option;

winnings;

losses;

subscriber identification.

A second demultiplexer 232 receives the following inputs from the CATV network computer:

CATV credit amount request;

subscriber identification;.

catv program code;

CATV supplier code;

Service type identification;

CATV payment option.

A third demultiplexer 234 receives the following inputs from gaming input receiving apparatus 20:

gaining credit amount request;

gaining payment option;

gaming supplier code;

subscriber identification;

service type identification.

The outputs of demultiplexers 230, 232 and 234 are all supplied to a CPU 236, whose operational functionality will be described hereinbelow in connection with the flow chart appearing in Figs. 27A - 27C.

CPU 236 provides the following outputs to a combiner 238:

CATV credits & codes;

CATV debits & codes;

CATV balances & codes;

Gaming credits & codes

Gaming debits & codes;

Gaming balances & codes;

Statistical data & codes.

The combiner 238 combines these outputs and supplies them in combined form to a multiplexer 240 which provides the following outputs on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis:

Control messages to gaming control circuitry 22;

The following outputs to transmission apparatus 26: statistical data and codes; accounting announcements;

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes;

Gaming subscriber accounting data & codes;

The following outputs to supplier accounting processors

25:

CATV supplier accounting data; gaming supplier accounting data. Combiner 238 also supplies accounting and statistical data and codes to a memory controller 242 which also receives general applications data from CPU 236 and updates a memory bank 244 including the following registers:

CATV balance register;

statistics register;

announcements register;

general applications registers;

gaming debit register;

gaming credit register;

gaming balance register;

CATV debit register;

CATV credit register.

Memory bank 244 may also be accessed by CPU 236 via memory controller 242.

Reference is now made to Fig. 11 which illustrates transmission apparatus 26 of Fig. 1. The transmission apparatus comprises a multiplexer 250 which receives access control data packets from the CATV network computer as well as control messages and gaming announcements from gaming control circuitry 22. The multiplexer also receives the following inputs from the accounting apparatus 24: statistical data and codes;

accounting announcements;

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes;

Gaming subscriber accounting data & codes.

The output of multiplexer 250 is supplied via an encryptor 252 to a modulator 254, which operates on a video carrier signal received from a video carrier source and provides a modulated output to a combiner and amplifier unit 256 which receives gaming and video programming from appropriate sources and provides a video output to the subscriber units 12.

Reference is now made to Figs. 12A and 12B which together illustrate a preferred embodiment of an interface which may be employed as subscriber input unit 38 in the embodiment of Fig. 2. Each subscriber receives at subscriber input unit 38 via an antenna 35 broadcast television inputs from the TV transmission apparatus forming part of the television broadcast network 30. Each subscriber input unit 38 may also receive a plurality of inputs from supplemental transmission apparatus 39. These inputs may include video programming, gaming programming, control messages, gaming announcements, gaming subscriber accounting data and codes and accounting announcements. These inputs are carried on a video carrier signal.

Preferably the inputs to subscriber input unit 38 are received at a receiver 300 which may provide TV programming and gaming programming directly to television 34. The remaining information is provided to a demodulator 302 and thence to a demultiplexer 304. The output of demultiplexer 304 is supplied to a CPU 306 and preferably includes accounting announcements, gaming announcements, control messages, gaming subscriber accounting data and codes and statistical data & codes.

The CPU receives gaining selections via a subscriber I/O interface 308 from a wire-connected keyboard 310 or from a remote control unit 312. The CPU also receives a decrypted input of gaming selections and accounting data from a decrypter 314 which receives seeds, keys and algorithms as well as gaming selections, and accounting data in encrypted form from a smart card unit 316, which reads a smart card 318 or from a memory 322.

Smart card unit 316 is also operative to insert into the smart card encrypted gaming selections and encrypted gaming subscriber accounting data and codes provided by a data encryptor 320.

Memory 322 may also serve as an external memory for the CPU 306 and may store algorithms and plain data for use by the CPU 306. Data encryptor 320 provides encrypted gaming’ selections and gaming subscriber accounting data and codes to memory 322.

CPU 306 provides gaming subscriber accounting and gaming selections & codes to a multiplexer 324, which supplies them to data encryptor 320.

CPU 306 provides the following outputs via a multiplexer 326, a modulator 328 and an on-screen display inserter 329 to television 34 (Fig. 2): statistical data, gaming selections, processed control messages, processed gaming announcements, accounting announcements, gaming accounting data & codes.

Data encryptor 320 also provides, via a communication modem 330, encrypted gaming selections and codes to communication apparatus 40.

Reference is now made to Fig. 13 which illustrates the communication apparatus 40 forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2. The communication apparatus 40 includes a demodulator 350 which receives inputs from a plurality of subscriber input units 38. The demodulator 350 preferably provides the following outputs to a decrypter 352:

Gaming credit amount requests

Selection of payment option

Selection of game

Selection of options in a game

Selection of betting combinations

Subscriber identification

Gaining supplier selection

Services type selection

The decrypter 352 provides a decrypted output to a demultiplexer 354 which receives control signals from a controller 356 and in accordance therewith preferably provides the following outputs to gaming control circuitry 42 (Fig. 2):

Selection of game

Selection of options in a game

Selection of betting combinations

Subscriber identification

Service type selection

Demultiplexer 354 also preferably provides the following outputs to accounting apparatus 46 (Fig. 2):

Gaming credit amount request

Selection of payment option Subscriber identification Gaming supplier selection Service type selection Reference is now made to Figs. 14A and 14B which together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of gaming control circuitry 42 forming part of the apparatus of Fig.

2. The gaming control circuitry 42 comprises a demultiplexer 360 which receives control messages from accounting apparatus 46 (Fig. 2) and which provides corresponding control messages to a CPU 362.

The gaming control circuitry 42 also comprises a demultiplexer 364 which receives the following inputs from communication apparatus 40 and provides corresponding inputs to CPU 362:

Selection of game

Selection of options in a game

Selection of betting combinations

Subscriber identification

Service type selection

CPU 362 also receives supplier codes from suppliers accounting processors 47 and winning combinations from game chance generators 49. CPU 362 provides the following outputs via a combiner 365 and a multiplexer 366 to accounting apparatus 46:

Game type and option winnings Losses

Subscriber identification

CPU 362 also provides the following outputs via combiner 365 and multiplexer 366 to TV transmission apparatus 44 (Fig. 2):

Control messages

Gaming announcements.

Reference is now made to Figs. 15A and 15B which together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of accounting apparatus 46 forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2. The accounting apparatus 46 includes a first demultiplexer 370 which receives the following inputs from gaming control circuitry 42:

Game type and option

Winnings

Losses

Subscriber identification

The accounting apparatus 46 also includes a second demultiplexer 372 which receives the following inputs from communication apparatus 40:

Gaming credit amount request

Selection of payment option

Subscriber identification

Gaming supplier selection

Service type selection

The outputs of demultiplexers 370 and 372 are supplied to a CPU 374 which receives general applications data from a memory controller 376 which accesses a memory 378 preferably containing at least the following memory units:

Gaining balance register

Announcements register

Statistics register

Gaming debit register

Gaming credit register

General applications memory

The CPU 374 outputs the following information via a combiner 380 to a multiplexer 382 and to memory 378 via controller 376:

Gaming credits & codes

Gaming debits & codes

Gaming balances & codes

Statistical data & codes

The CPU also outputs control messages via combiner 380 to multiplexer 382.

The multiplexer 382 provides control messages to gaming control circuitry 42, gaming supplier accounting data to supplier accounting processors 47 and the following outputs to TV transmission apparatus 44:

Statistical data & codes

Accounting announcements

Gaming subscriber accounting data & codes.

Reference is now made to Fig. 16 which is a simplified block diagram illustration of TV transmission apparatus 44 forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 2. A multiplexer 390, forming part of apparatus 44, receives control messages and gaming announcements from gaming control circuitry 42 and receives the following inputs from accounting apparatus 46:

Statistical data & codes

Accounting announcements

Gaming subscriber accounting data & codes.

Multiplexer 390 provides an output via an encryptor 392 to a modulator 394 which receives a video carrier signal from a video carrier source. The modulated output of modulator 394 is supplied to a combiner & amplifier 396 which receives gaming programming and TV programming inputs from suitable sources and is operative to provide a TV broadcast to subscriber input units 38.

Reference is now made to Figs. 17A - 17C which together constitute a simplified block diagram illustration of subscriber unit 52, forming part of the apparatus of Fig. 3. Each subscriber receives at interface unit 56 a plurality of different scrambled inputs from transmission apparatus 66. These inputs may include video programming, shopping programming, control messages, shopping announcements, access control data packets, statistical data and codes, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes, shopping subscriber accounting data and codes, accounting announcements, and a video carrier signal on which the abovementioned inputs are carried.

Preferably the inputs from transmission apparatus 66 are received at a receiver 400 which may perform necessary demodulation and provides an output to a decrypter 402 which decodes the inputs. Alternatively, the inputs may not be scrambled and the decrypter may be eliminated. As a further alternative, only some □f the inputs may be scrambled. The receiver 400 may be a conventional receiver useful with encrypted CATV systems.

The decrypter also receives one or more of the following additional inputs: seeds, keys, stored subscriber selections, algorithms and accounting data from a smart card unit 404 or from a memory 406. Most of these additional inputs are employed for decrypting the output of receiver 400 or a portion thereof. Receiver 400 also may receive shopping programs from a shopping opportunities source.

The decrypter provides video programming and shopping programming output signals to a television 54 (Fig. 3) and also provides the following outputs to a CPU 408:

control messages, shopping announcements, access control data packets, statistical data and codes, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes, shopping subscriber accounting data and codes, accounting announcements and stored subscriber selections.

CPU 408 also receives shopping inputs via a subscriber input data interface 410, such as a conventional I/O interface, which may be actuated either by a keyboard 412 connected thereto or remotely by a remote control device 414 which form part of the subscriber input unit 58.

CPU 408 provides the following outputs via a multiplexer 416 and a modulator 418 to television 54 (Fig. 3):

CATV & shopping selections, statistical data, processed control messages, processed shopping announcements, accounting announcements, CATV & shopping accounting data & codes.

CPU 408 also provides the following outputs via a multiplexer 420 and a data encryptor 422:

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes, shopping subscriber accounting data & codes, shopping selections & codes, CATV selections & codes.

Data encryptor 422 receives seeds, keys and algorithms from smart card unit 404 and provides, via a transmitter unit 424, encrypted CATV selections and encrypted shopping selections to the CATV network computer and to shopping input receiving apparatus 60 (Fig. 3) respectively.

The data encryptor 422 preferably also provides the following encrypted outputs to one or both of the memory 406 and the smart card unit 404:

shopping subscriber accounting data and codes, shopping selections, CATV subscriber accounting data and codes and CATV selections.

The smart card unit 404 is preferably operative in accordance with the teachings of applicant's published European Patent 90310131.9. It is appreciated that according to an embodiment of the invention, either the memory 406 or the smart card unit 404 may be eliminated.

Reference is now made to Fig. 18 which illustrates the structure and functionality of the shopping input receiving apparatus 60 which forms part of the apparatus of Fig. 3. A demodulator 450, receives and demodulates the following inputs from subscriber units 52 via interfaces 56:

Selection of payment option

Shopping credit amount requests

Selection of item, color, size

Selection of added items

Subscriber identification

Shopping supplier selection

Service type selection

Optionally, the shopping input receiving apparatus 60 may also receive CATV programming selections and other CATV related subscriber selections.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the inputs to demodulator 450 are received in encrypted form. In such a case, a suitable decrypter 452 is provided for receiving the output of demodulator 450.

The output of decrypter 452, or, in the absence of a decrypter, the output of demodulator 450 is preferably supplied to a demultiplexer 454, which separates the various inputs into inputs destined for shopping control circuitry 62 and inputs destined for accounting apparatus 64. Demultiplexer 454 assigns inputs in accordance with instructions received from a controller 456.

The following inputs are directed to accounting apparatus 64: shopping credit amount requests; shopping payment option; shopping supplier selection; subscriber identification; service type selection.

The following inputs are directed to shopping control circuitry 62:

selection of item, color, size selection of added items;

subscriber identification;

service type selection.

It is noted that preferably all of the inputs to demodulator 450, as well as other information employed in the system, are normally in coded form. Diagrams of a typical code configuration appear in Figs. 23 - 26, which are self explanatory.

Reference is now made to Figs. 19A and 19B which together illustrate shopping control circuitry 62 of Fig. 3. The shopping control circuitry 62 of Fig. 3 comprises a demultiplexer 460 which receives control messages from accounting apparatus 64 (Fig. 3) and provides demultiplexed control messages to a CPU 462.

A second demultiplexer 464 receives the following inputs from shopping input receiving apparatus 60: selection of item, color, size selection of added items; subscriber identification; service type selection.

The demultiplexer 464 separates the inputs and directs them to CPU 462. CPU 462 processes these inputs, together with inputs received from shopping offer generators 63 (Fig. 3), which determine shopping availability, and from supplier accounting processors 65 (Fig. 3) which provide supplier codes, in accordance with the functionality set forth in a flow chart appearing in Figs. 30A - 30C, which will be described hereinbelow.

The outputs of CPU 462 are typically combined in a combiner 466 which outputs to a multiplexer 468. Multiplexer 468 provides the following outputs to accounting apparatus 64: item, color, size; added items; subscriber identification;

Multiplexer 468 also provides control messages and shopping announcements to transmission apparatus 66 for transmission to the appropriate subscribers.

Reference is now made to Figs. 20A and 2OB, which together illustrate the accounting apparatus 64 of Fig. 3.

A first demultiplexer 480 receives the following inputs from shopping control circuitry 62:

item, color, size;

added items;

subscriber identification;

A second demultiplexer 482 receives the following inputs from the CATV network computer:

CATV credit amount requests;

subscriber identification;

CATV program code;

CATV supplier code;

Service type identification;

CATV payment option.

A third demultiplexer 484 receives the following inputs from shopping input receiving apparatus 60:

shopping credit amount requests;

shopping payment option;

shopping supplier code;

subscriber identification;

service type identification.

The outputs of demultiplexers 480, 482 and 484 are all supplied to a CPU 486, whose operational functionality will be described hereinbelow in connection with the flow chart appearing in Figs. 30A - 30c.

CPU 486 provides the following outputs to . a combiner 488:

CATV credits & codes;

CATV debits & codes;

CATV balances & codes;

Shopping credits & codes

Shopping debits & codes;

Shopping balances & codes;

Statistical data & codes;

Control messages.

The combiner 488 combines these outputs and supplies them in combined form to a multiplexer 490 which provides the following outputs on a subscriber-by-subscriber basis:

Control messages to shopping control circuitry 62;

The following outputs to transmission apparatus 64: statistical data and codes;

accounting announcements;

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes; shopping subscriber accounting data & codes.

The following outputs to supplier accounting processors 65 (Fig. 3):

CATV supplier accounting data;

shopping supplier accounting data.

Combiner 488 also supplies accounting and statistical data and codes to a memory controller 492 which also receives general applications data from CPU 486 and updates a memory bank 494 including the following registers:

statistics register;

announcements register;

general applications resisters;

shopping debit register;

shopping credit register;

shopping balance register;

CATV debit register;

CATV credit register.

CATV balance register;

Memory bank 494 may also be accessed by CPU 486 via memory controller 492.

Reference is now made to Fig. 21 which illustrates transmission apparatus 66 of Fig. 3. The transmission apparatus comprises a multiplexer 500 which receives access control data packets from the CATV network computer as well as control messages and shopping announcements from shopping control circuitry 62. The multiplexer also receives the following inputs from the accounting apparatus 64:

Statistical data and codes;

Accounting announcements;

CATV subscriber accounting data & codes;

Shopping subscriber accounting data & codes.

The output of multiplexer 500 is supplied via an encryptor 502 to a modulator 504, which operates on a video carrier signal received from a video carrier source and provides a modulated output to a combiner and amplifier unit 506 which receives shopping and video programming from appropriate sources and provides a video output to the subscriber units 52.

Reference is now made to Figs. 22A and 22B which illustrate the structure and functionality of apparatus for limiting gaming activity 100 which forms part of the apparatus of Fig. 5. A demodulator 600, receives and demodulates the following inputs from subscriber units 12 via interfaces 16:

Selection of payment option

Gaming credit amount requests

Selection of game

Selection of options in game

Selection of betting combinations

Subscriber identification

Gaming supplier code

Service type selection

Optionally, the gaming input receiving apparatus 20 may also receive CATV programming selections and other CATV related subscriber selections.

In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the inputs to demodulator 600 are received in encrypted form. In such a case, a suitable decrypter 602 is provided for receiving the output of demodulator 600.

The output of decrypter 602, or, in the absence of a decrypter, the output of demodulator 600 is preferably supplied to a demultiplexer 604, which supplies the various inputs to a CPU 606. The CPU 606 also receives inputs from gaining control circuitry 22 via a demultiplexer 608 and from accounting apparatus 24 via a demultiplexer 610.

CPU 606 communicates with a memory 612 via a memory controller 614 and provides limitations on gaming activity. Outputs from the CPU 606 are provided via a combiner 616 and a multiplexer 618 as follows:

To gaming input receiving apparatus 20:

Selection of payment option Gaming credit amount requests Selection of game Selection of options in game Selection of betting combinations Subscriber identification

Gaming supplier code Service type selection Status OK signal.

To transmission apparatus 26:

Subscriber identification

Service type selection

Limiting status announcement and code

To accounting apparatus 24

Subscriber identification

Service type selection Limiting status code

To gaming control circuitry 22:

Subscriber identification

Service type selection

Limiting status code

Reference is now made to Figs. 23 - 26 which together constitute an illustration of the configuration of typical codes for information utilized in the systems of the - present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention each identification code is arranged as a group of digits that are enciphered and transmitted, in either an analog or a compressed digital form, as part of a communication signal. At a receiving end the codes are stripped from the signal, decrypted, converted to analog form if necessary, and processed.

In Fig. 23 strings of credit identification codes are illustrated. In each of the credit identification codes, the first digit, representing an accounting code, has a value of 1 which identifies the accounting code as a credit code. The next digit is a service type code which identifies the service for which the credit is used. ”1 denotes credit for CATV, 2 denotes credit for gaining and 3 denotes credit for shopping.

Additional services may be added with other identifying digits.

The next two digits constitute the supplier identification code. A supplier is identified by a two-digit supplier number so that different suppliers can provide the same type of service (CATV, gaming, shopping, etc.) and even the same offers (programs, games, merchandise, etc.).

Credit for CATV and for gaming can be authorized per specific program and per specific game. Therefore, two additional digits are preserved for a program number identifier and game identification code respectively. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, credit for shopping is given without restriction to specific items.

The next six digits constitute a subscriber identification code which relates the credit to a specific subscriber.

Several payment options are possible, as indicated by a two-digit payment identification code which follows the subscriber identification code. The first digit identifies the possible choice of payment options which could be, for example, monthly payment or payment by installments.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second digit is used to enable selection of one of a number of different tariffs applicable to various types of activities and activity timings. Thus, for example, a high rate tariff could be used for data transmission shortly before a game or auction starts, a medium rate tariff for transmission of data an hour or more before the game starts, and low rate tariff for subscribers who have entered their selections a day or more before the beginning of the game or the auction. The opportunity to apply different tariffs in the context of the payment option code, enables the game or auction suppliers to regulate the flow of data and to improve service to the customers.

The next group of digits identifies the amount of credit. In a preferred embodiment of the invention various credit levels can be selected for various service types. Therefore, the number of digits available for the credit amount code can vary for different services. The last group of digits constitutes the credit destination. Thus crediting the smart card has a different code than crediting a credit card account.

Reference is now made to Fig. 24 which illustrates debit identification codes according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Here, the first four digits have the same purpose as in the credit identification codes illustrated in Fig. 23. 2 identifies the accounting signal as a debit signal. The next two digits are used to specify the program number, game identification number or item specification number in the CATV, gaming or shopping debit identification codes respectively.

In a shopping debit identification code additional digits are provided to specify the merchandise of interest. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two digits are allocated to item color, five digits are allocated to item size, and four additional digits are used to denote ancillary items which are related to an item ordered (for example colored ribbons that might come with a woman's dress).

The last four groups of digits may be identical to those appearing in the credit identification codes of Fig. 23.

Fig. 25 illustrates balance identification codes which form part of a monetary balance signal which may be communicated between transmission apparatus, such as transmission apparatus 26 (Fig. 1) and a subscriber unit, such as subscriber unit 12 (Fig. 1). The first four digits may have the same purpose as those of the credit and debit identification codes in Figs. 23 and 24 respectively.

in the first digit identifies the accounting signal as a balance signal. The last four groups of digits may have a similar structure and purpose as in the credit and debit identification codes, other than the amount code, which represents the amount of the balance.

Fig. 26 illustrates a statistics identification code. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the statistics code forms part of a statistics signal that is transmitted by transmission apparatus, such as transmission apparatus 26 (Fig. 1) to a subscriber unit, such as subscriber unit 12 (Fig. 1) in order to assist subscribers in the selection of possible winning numbers or as an inducement to encourage them to purchase specific merchandise.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the first digit of the statistics code, which has the value of 4, identifies the signal as a statistics signal. The next digit identifies the service for which statistics are given. The following two digits form the supplier identification code. Two additional digits are used to specify the program, the game, or the item according to the service type. Four additional digits are used to specify either the option in a game or certain shopping specifications such as item color, item size or ancillary items that are added to the main item.

The next six digits are used for the subscriber identification number and the following two digits are used for the payment option code as described hereinabove in connection with the credit identification codes.

The last group of ten digits constitutes the subscriber personal data code. In a preferred embodiment of the invention this code comprises three digits for the residence code, one digit for the age group code, one digit each for sex, family status and number of children respectively, and three last digits for specific additional information such as personal preferences.

Reference is now made to Figs. 27A - 27C which together constitute a flowchart that describes operations in a gaming system in accordance with Fig. 1.

To start, a subscriber who wishes to participate in a game is requested to make the following sequential selections:

The gaming CATV channel;

A game from a menu;

A supplier from a menu;

The sum of money to be gambled.

If the sum of money is under an allowed credit limit, the system checks if the number of gambling activities is under a maximum limit.

The credit limit and number of gambling activities limit may be carried out by the apparatus of Figs. 22A and 22B and is intended to prevent gambling addiction by limiting available credit and the number of times a subscriber is allowed to play per unit of time, such as per day or per month.

If the subscriber lacks sufficient credit to cover the amount he chooses to gamble, the system delivers a lack of credit message. Then the subscriber is asked if he desires more credit. If the answer is No the system exits the gaming program. If the answer is Yes the system checks if he is entitled to more credit. If he is not allowed to have more credit the system delivers a no additional credit allowed message and exits the gaming program.

If the subscriber is authorized to obtain additional credit he is requested to select the required credit amount. The menu does not allow the subscriber to request credits above his entitlements. After the selection of required credit the subscriber approves the credit selection and a request for credit is transmitted. The subscriber then accepts the credit and verifies the reception of the transmitted credit.

Once the subscriber has additional credit to cover his gambling request, he is transferred back to the menu in which he is requested to enter the amount of money he wishes to gamble in this game.

It is noted however that the request of credit can be effected by various means such as a phone call to the gaming credit administrator, which may be a person or an interactive computer system. In such a case the subscriber only receives a message on the screen urging him to make a phone call to the credit administrator and only the credit signal will be sent via the CATV network. Another possibility is that the credit will be updated automatically when it approaches a minimum sum. In that case, the above described limiting procedure may be omitted.

Returning now to the test of number of entries, if the number of times the subscriber has gambled is less than the limit, the subscriber is permitted to select a game option. If the limit is exceeded, the system provides a message to the subscriber announcing that he has exceeded the permitted number of gambling activities and exists the gaming program.

After selection of the game option the subscriber is presented with a screen, such as the screen appearing in Fig. 33 and is requested to select his betting combinations. At the end of each sequence of selections the subscriber is asked if he wishes to make more selections. If the answer is Yes the costs of the successive gambling activities are accumulated and subtracted from the remaining credit. The system then returns to the test in which it checks if the sum is under the available credit and proceeds accordingly.

It is noted that the screen of Fig. 33 includes a display of Time to Lottery or the equivalent, which continuously indicates to the subscriber, the amount of time remaining for betting before the game begins.

When the subscriber completes his gambling selections he is asked whether he wishes to transmit the data. If the answer is ״No the subscriber is further asked if he wishes to cancel his previous selection. If the answer is No the subscriber is transferred back to the selection of betting combinations menu. If the answer is Yes the system cancels the last selection and subtracts the cost of the last selection. Then, it again transfers the subscriber back to the selection of betting combinations menu.

The possibility of elimination of previous selections enables corrections of data entered by the subscriber in case he either changes his mind or makes errors during the data entry.

If the subscriber approves the transmission of data he is then requested to select the payment option. Available payment options are described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 28.

After selection of the payment option the data entered by the subscriber is transmitted to gaming input receiving apparatus 20.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the same data is transmitted to the subscriber smart card or to the internal memory of the CATV interface unit 16.

The system then checks if the transmissions were successfully completed. If not, the system repeats the transmissions until all data is successfully transferred. Then, the system delivers an O.K. message to inform the subscriber of the communication result, and displays the transmitted data on the television screen for reference, after which the subscriber ״ is asked if he wishes to continue gambling.

At this point, if the subscriber wishes to proceed with more gambling, the entire loop is repeated starting with the menu of selections of betting combinations. Otherwise, the system exits the gaming program or turns to other programs or channels.

At the end of the game, if there are no winnings to the subscriber, the system informs the subscriber of the game results on whatever channel he is currently watching. If the subscriber has won in the game, the system delivers a message of the winning to the subscriber on whatever channel he is currently watching, and checks if the winning is above an instant distribution limit. If the prize is under this limit, the amount is transmitted to the smart card or to the internal memory of the CATV interface unit 16. If the prize is above the limit the credit is transmitted to the subscriber bank account or credit card account.

Reference is now made to Fig. 28 which constitutes a flow chart that describes the available choices and operations in the selection of the payment option procedure.

When the subscriber enters the menu for selection of payment option, he is required to select one of the available payment modes, which are typically credit card, smart card and payment by installments. Then the subscriber is required to select one of the available data transmission options, typically immediate transmission, transmission within an hour, and transmission at off-peak hours.

If the subscriber chooses to transmit data immediately the subscriber is debited at the highest rate - tariff 1. If, however he prefers to transmit the data within an hour, the system sets a one-hour clock and then interrogates the gaming connection. When communication is established by the gaming input receiving apparatus, at a time convenient with respect to its workload, the data is transferred and the subscriber is debited at a medium rate - tariff 2.

If the gambling is to begin in a day or more, the subscriber may choose to transmit the data at off-peak hours. In that case the system calculates the time left to the beginning of the selected game, sets a 24 hour clock, and interrogates the gaming input receiving apparatus 20 at off-peak times which might be, for example, late at night or early in the morning. The subscriber is then billed ait the lowest rate - tariff 3.

Reference is now made to Fig. 29 which constitutes a flow chart that describes the operations related to the selection of payment option in the interactive gaming system of Figs. 4A and 4B.

When the subscriber enters the menu for selection of payment option, he is required to select one of the available payment modes, which are typically credit card, smart card and payment by installments. Since the game is interactive there is no potential selection of data transmission option and connection with the gaming input receiving apparatus is initiated immediately after the subscriber has completed entry of the data.

Reference is now made to Figs. 30A - 30C which together constitute a flow chart that describes the operations in a shopping system according to Fig. 3.

To start, a subscriber who wishes to purchase goods or to participate in an auction is presented with a screen, such as the screen shown in Fig. 34 and is requested to make the following sequential selections:

A shopping CATV channel;

A shopping menu;

An item code;

A supplier.

The subscriber is then asked whether he wants to watch a product commercial.

A continuous indication of the time remaining until termination of sale pricing or an auction may be provided on the screen, as shown in Fig. 34.

If the answer is Yes the commercial is shown on the TV screen. At the end of the commercial, the system displays a purchase menu and presents a display of the subscriber available credit.

If the answer is No, the system immediately turns to the purchase menu and presents the available credit to the subscriber.

If the available credit is above a minimum threshold, typically of the order of $20, the subscriber is asked if he prefers to increase his credit. If the answer is No the subscriber is passed to an item selection menu in which he selects the item size, color, ancillary items and other specifications if available.

If the subscriber wishes to increase his credit, the system checks if he is entitled to more credit. If the increased credit is approved, the subscriber is requested to select the required credit amount. The menu does not allow the subscriber to request credits above his entitlement. After the selection of required credit the subscriber approves the credit selection and a request for credit is transmitted. The subscriber then accepts the credit and verifies the reception of the transmitted credit. Afterwards, he is transferred to the item selection menu.

If the subscriber is not entitled to more credit but he still has credit above the threshold the system delivers a No additional credit allowed message, and the subscriber is asked if he wishes to exit the shopping program. If he does, the system exits the shopping program. If the subscriber prefers to continue shopping he is passed to the item selection menu.

If subscriber initial credit is less than the threshold the subscriber is asked if he wants more credit. If the answer is No the system exits the shopping program. If the answer is Yes the system checks whether the subscriber is entitled to more credit, and if he is not the system exits the shopping program. If the subscriber is entitled to obtain more credit he is requested to select the required credit amount. After his approval, a request for credit is transmitted. The subscriber then accepts the credit and verifies the reception of the transmitted credit.

Once the subscriber has additional credit to cover his future purchases he is passed to the item selection menu which was previously described.

After the selection of each different item the subscriber is asked if he wants to select more products. If he does the system accumulates the costs of the products and subtracts the accumulated sum from the remaining credit. Then, the system passes back to the test in which it checks if the subscriber credit is above the threshold.

When the subscriber has completed his purchases, he is asked if he wishes to transmit the data. If he chooses not to transmit the data then he is asked whether to cancel the previous selection. If he wishes to cancel the selection, its cost is credited to his account and the subscriber is passed back to the item selection menu. If the previous selection is not canceled the subscriber is passed directly to the item selection menu.

If the subscriber approves the transmission of data, he is requested to initiate selection of the payment option, as described above with reference to Fig. 28. The data is then transmitted to the shopping opportunities receiving apparatus 60.

The data is also transmitted to the subscriber smart card or to the internal memory of the CATV interface unit 56. The system then checks if the transmissions are successfully completed.

If they are not then the transmission sequence is again initiated until all transmissions are successfully completed. A status O.K. is delivered to the subscriber if the transmissions are successfully terminated and the data transmitted is displayed on the TV screen. Then the subscriber is asked if he wishes to continue purchasing, and if he does, he is transferred back to the item selection menu. If the subscriber prefers to stop purchasing the system returns to the shopping program.

Reference is now made to Figs. 31A - 31C which together constitute a flow chart that describes the operations of an interactive gaming system of the type illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B.

To start, a subscriber who wishes to participate in an interactive game is presented with a screen which may be of the type illustrated in Fig. 35 and is requested to make the following sequential selections:

An interactive gaming CATV channel;

A gaming menu;

A supplier from a menu.

The subscriber can then watch a selected interactive gaming program. If he chooses to participate in the game he may so indicate by pressing an appropriate button on a CATV remote control unit. He then receives acknowledgement of his participation in the game and is referred to a selection menu in which he is requested to select the amount of money to be gambled in the game. The system then checks if the sum is under the available credit limit.

If the sum is above the available credit the system delivers a ״lack of credit message. The subscriber is then asked whether he wants to increase his credit. If the answer is No the system exits the gaming program. If the answer is Yes the system checks if an increase in credit is authorized.

If the subscriber is not entitled to obtain more credit the system delivers a No more credit allowed message and exits the gaming program. If the subscriber is allowed to increase his credit he is passed to a menu in which he is requested to select the required credit amount. After his selection and approval, a request for credit is transmitted. The subscriber then accepts the credit and verifies the reception t f the transmitted credit.

Afterwards, the subscriber is transferred back to a menu in which he is requested to enter the amount of money to be gambled.

The subscriber enters the amount of money to be gambled and the system checks if the subscriber has not exceeded a permissible number of gaming activities. If the number of gaming activities is exceeded the system delivers a message indicating the exceedance of the permitted number gaming activities and exits the gaming program.

If the permitted number of gaming activities is not exceeded, the subscriber is requested to select an option in the game. Then he may start selecting betting inputs.

After each sequence of betting selections the subscriber is asked if he wants to select additional betting inputs.

If the answer is Yes the system accumulates the costs of the additional selections, subtracts them from the remaining credit, and returns to the procedure in which it checks if the gambled sums are under the available credit.

If the answer is No the subscriber is asked if he wants to transmit the data gathered.

If the subscriber does not want to transmit the data at this time, he is asked whether to cancel the previous selection. If the answer is Yes the cost of the last selection is credited to his account and the subscriber is transferred back to the selection of betting inputs menu. If the answer is No the subscriber is transferred directly to the selection of betting inputs menu.

If the subscriber approves the transmission of data he is requested to select the payment option according to the procedure described hereinabove with reference to Fig. 29. Then the system transmits the data to gaming input receiving apparatus 80 (Figs. 4A and 4B).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the same data is transmitted to the subscriber smart card or to the internal memory of the CATV interface unit 16. The system then checks if the transmissions were successfully completed. If not, the system repeats the transmissions until all data is successfully transferred. Subsequently, the system delivers an O.K. message to inform the subscriber of the communication result, and displays the transmitted data on the TV screen for reference, after which the subscriber is asked if he wishes to continue betting.

At this point, if the subscriber wishes to proceed with gambling, the entire procedure is repeated starting with the selection of betting combinations menu. Otherwise, the system returns to the program or turns to other programs or channels.

At the end of the game, if there are no winnings to be credited to the subscriber, the system informs the subscriber of the game results on whatever channel he is currently watching.

If the subscriber has won in the game, the system delivers a message reporting the winning to the subscriber on whatever channel he is currently watching, and checks if the prize is above an instant distribution limit. If the prize is under this limit, the amount is transmitted to the smart card or to the internal memory of the CATV interface unit 16. If the prize is above the limit the credit is transmitted to the subscriber bank account or credit card account.

Reference is now made to Fig. 32 which is a flow chart that describes the available choices and operations in the selection of a procedure for obtaining statistical data for each of the services available in the systems described hereinabove with reference to Figs. 1 - 4A and 4B.

A subscriber who wishes to receive statistics information is required to select a statistics program or channel and a service type.

If the statistical information is required for CATV, the subscriber is requested to select a supplier code and a program number.

To receive statistical information relating to the program the subscriber has to select several statistical parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention such parameters indicate the period for which the statistical data is required, the number of programs distributed by the supplier, the producers of the program, actors, etc.

Once the statistical data has been displayed and analyzed by the subscriber the subscriber is asked if he prefers to return to the program. If he d.oes the system exits to the program. Otherwise, the system enables the subscriber to return to the statistical parameters selection menu.

If the statistics are required for gaming, the subscriber is requested to select the supplier code, a game, and an option in the game.

To receive statistical information relating to a game the subscriber has to select several statistical parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention such parameters indicate the period for which the statistical data is required, gambling sums and winnings, number of participants, statistical distributions, etc. A typical statistics output display appears in Fig. 36.

Once the statistical data has been obtained and analyzed by the subscriber he is asked if he prefers to return to the program. If he does the system exits to the program. Otherwise, the system enables the subscriber to return to the statistical parameters selection menu.

If the statistics are required for shopping, the subscriber is requested to select the supplier code and the item for which the statistics are needed.

To receive statistical information relating to an item the subscriber has to select several statistical parameters. In a preferred embodiment of the invention such parameters indicate the period for which the statistical data is required, colors and sizes of the items, previous models, etc.

Once the statistical data has been obtained and analyzed by the subscriber he is asked if he prefers to return to the shopping ,program. If he does the system exits to the shopping program. Otherwise, the system enables the subscriber to return to the statistical parameters selection menu.