Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service Number:7,066,387 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) owispatent A service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service are implemented by various communication terminals. A plurality of game devices 1001 to 100n are connected to the Internet IN, and the Internet IN is connected to a data supply center DSC which issues service tickets. The data supply center DSC is connected to a plurality of service providers SSC1 to SSCm via a communication line. For example, a user of the game device 1001 brings a backup memory 1131 with data of the service ticket stored therein to any of service providers SSC1, and presents the data to the service provider SSC1.<H service, issuing, Service, ticket, , 7066387.html, Patent, pto, 7066387

Title: Service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service

Abstract: A service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service are implemented by various communication terminals. A plurality of game devices 1001 to 100n are connected to the Internet IN, and the Internet IN is connected to a data supply center DSC which issues service tickets. The data supply center DSC is connected to a plurality of service providers SSC1 to SSCm via a communication line. For example, a user of the game device 1001 brings a backup memory 1131 with data of the service ticket stored therein to any of service providers SSC1, and presents the data to the service provider SSC1.

Patent Number: 7,066,387 Issued on 06/27/2006 to Itoh, et al.

Inventors: Itoh; Yoshihiro (Tokyo, JP); Mashiko; Toshitake (Yokohama, JP); Yamada; Akihiko (Tokyo, JP); Ao; Masayuki (Tokyo, JP)
Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Sega (Tokyo, JP)

Appl. No.: 964754

Filed: September 28, 2001

Foreign Application Priority Data


Sep 30, 2000 [JP]			2000-338311
Mar 26, 2001 [JP]			2001-088865

Current U.S. Class: 235/382

Current International Class: G06K 5/00 (20060101)

Field of Search: 235/382,380-381,487,375,383 705/14,26,80 380/52,28,49,59 340/825 364/401,410

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Foreign Patent Documents


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Other References

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Primary Examiner: Le; Thien M.
Assistant Examiner: Labaze; Edwyn
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner, L.L.P.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A service providing system for providing a specified service by registering personal information of a user at a server by utilizing a portable terminal associated with the user, wherein the server comprises: a personal database for registering the personal information sent from the portable terminal; means for creating an electronic coupon bar code by presuming tastes of the user according to the personal information registered in the personal database, by preparing the electronic coupon content that suits the tastes and by encoding the prepared electronic coupon content; and means for delivering image data, including the electronic coupon bar code, to the portable terminal, wherein the portable terminal comprises a storage means for storing the delivered image data and a displaying means for displaying the image data, wherein an information processing terminal having a bar code reader reads, using its bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, recognizes the electronic coupon content according to the electronic coupon bar code that has been read, performs the necessary processing to provide a service according to the recognized electronic coupon content, and sends new personal information generated by the service to the server so that the new personal information is reflected in the electronic coupon content for the next delivery, and wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user.

2. The service providing system according to claim 1, wherein the server has a product information database for registering specified information according to a plurality of products, wherein the means for creating the electronic coupon bar code creates an electronic coupon bar code including a user ID code for the user, wherein the information processing terminal specifies the user by reading, using its bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, and specifies a product selected by the user by using the bar code reader, and sends information about the selected product according to the specified user and product, and wherein the server registers the received information about the selected product, and presumes the tastes according to the purchase history of the user so that said presumption of the tastes is reflected in the electronic coupon content for the next delivery.

3. A machine readable storage medium having a program stored therein for causing a computer to download data in the service providing system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The service providing system according to claim 2, wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for next delivery on the basis of the information, which is registered in the product information database, regarding products for which a seller wants to increase sales, and on the basis of the purchase history in the personal database.

5. The service providing system according to claim 2, wherein when the received bar code of the product purchased by the user corresponds to an identification of a previously determined discount product, the server notifies the information processing terminal of an electronic coupon bar code to allow application of the discount to the price of the product purchased by the user.

6. A server for sending a bar code representing a specified electronic coupon content to a portable terminal, wherein the server comprises: a personal database for registering personal information of a user sent from the portable terminal; means for creating an encoded electronic coupon bar code by presuming tastes of the user according to the personal information registered in the personal database, by preparing the electronic coupon content that suits the tastes, and by encoding the produced electronic coupon content; and means for delivering image data, including the electronic coupon bar code, to the portable terminal, wherein when an information processing terminal having a bar code reader reads, using the bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code contained in the image data displayed on a display means of the portable terminal, recognizes, according to the electronic coupon bar code, the electronic coupon content that suits the tastes, performs the necessary processing to provide a service according to the electronic coupon content that suits the tastes, and sends new personal information generated by the service to the server, the server updates the personal database based on the new personal information of the user and specifies the electronic coupon content for the next delivery according to the updated new personal information of the user, and wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user.

7. The server according to claim 6, comprising a product information database for registering specified information according to a plurality of products, wherein the means for creating the electronic coupon bar code creates the encoded electronic coupon bar code that specifies the user according to the personal information, wherein when the information processing terminal specifies the user according to the electronic coupon bar code displayed on the display means, and specifies a product selected by the user by reading, with the bar code reader, the bar code of the product selected by the user, and sends the information about the product purchased by the specified user to the server, the server registers the received information about the purchased product in the personal database, and presumes the tastes according to the purchase history so that such presumption of the tastes is reflected in the electronic coupon content for the next delivery.

8. The server according to claim 7, wherein the server specifies the electronic coupon content for a next delivery on the basis of the information, which is registered in the product information database, regarding products for which a seller wants to increase the sales, and on the basis of the purchase history registered in the personal database.

9. The server according to claim 7, wherein when the received bar code of the product purchased by the user corresponds to an ID code of a previously determined discount product, the server notifies the information processing terminal of the electronic coupon bar code to allow the discount on the price of the product purchased by the user.

10. A service providing method for providing a specified electronic coupon by registering personal information of a user at a server by utilizing a portable terminal, wherein the method comprises the steps of: registering the personal information sent from the portable terminal in a personal database; creating an encoded electronic coupon bar code by presuming tastes of the user according to the personal information registered in the personal database, by specifying specific electronic coupon content that suits the tastes, and then by encoding the specified electronic coupon content; and delivering image data, including the electronic coupon bar code, to the portable terminal, wherein delivering comprises storing the delivered image data in and displaying the image data on the portable terminal, wherein an information processing terminal having a bar code reader reads, with its bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code contained in the image data displayed on the portable terminal, recognizes, the electronic coupon bar code, performs the necessary processing to provide a service according to the recognized electronic coupon content, and sends new personal information generated by the service to the server so that the new personal information is reflected in the electronic coupon content for a next delivery, and wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user.

11. The service providing method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises the step of registering specified information according to a plurality of products in a product information database, and the step of creating an encoded electronic coupon bar code to specify the user according to the personal information, wherein the information processing terminal specifies the user according to the electronic coupon bar code displayed on the display means, and specifies a product selected by the user by reading, with the bar code reader, the bar code of the product selected by the user, and sends information about the product purchased by the specified user to the server, and wherein the server registers the received information about the purchased product, and presumes the tastes according to the purchase history so that such presumption of the tastes is reflected in the electronic coupon content for next delivery.

12. A service providing system for providing a specified service by registering personal information of a user at a server by utilizing a portable terminal of the user, wherein the server comprises: a personal database for registering the personal information sent from the portable terminal; means for creating an electronic coupon bar code by specifying specific electronic coupon content according to the personal information registered in the personal database; and by encoding the specified electronic coupon content; and means for delivering image data, including the electronic coupon bar code, to the portable terminal, wherein the portable terminal comprises storage means for storing the delivered image data and display means for displaying the image data, wherein an information processing terminal having a bar code reader reads, with its bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, recognizes the specified user and electronic coupon content according to the bar code, and performs the necessary processing to provide a service according to the electronic coupon content, and wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user.

13. A service providing system capable of conducting communication between a portable terminal of a user and a server through a communication line, wherein the server comprises means for creating an electronic coupon bar code by specifying specific electronic coupon content and means for delivering image data, including the electronic coupon bar code, to the portable terminal, and wherein the portable terminal comprises: means for receiving the delivered image data; means for storing the received image data; and means for displaying the image data, wherein an information processing terminal having a bar code reader reads, with its bar code reader, the electronic coupon bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, recognizes the electronic coupon content according to the electronic coupon bar code, and performs the necessary processing to provide a service according to the recognized electronic coupon content; wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user; and wherein the image data is automatically delivered based upon a history of the internet web pages accessed by the user or actively delivered to the user without waiting for the user to access the web pages.

14. A service providing system for providing a specified service at an information processing terminal by registering personal information of a user at the server by utilizing a portable terminal, wherein the server comprises: a first personal database for registering the personal information sent from the portable terminal; a second personal database for registering the purchase history information sent from the information processing terminal; a product information database for registering information about a product; means for creating a membership bar code by encoding the personal information registered in the first personal database; a delivery means for delivering image data including the membership bar code to the portable terminal; wherein the portable terminal comprises means for storing the delivered image data and means for displaying the image data, and wherein the information processing terminal having a bar code reader recognizes the personal information by reading, with the bar code reader, the membership bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, recognizes product information by reading, with the bar code reader, the bar code of the product selected by the user and sends the purchase history information including the personal information and the product information to the server, wherein the server registers the received purchase history information in the second personal database, specifies, among the product information database, the service content regarding the product contained in the purchase history information, and sends the specified service content to the information processing terminal, wherein the information processing terminal performs processing according to the received service content with regard to the product selected by the user, and wherein the server is configured to specify the electronic coupon content for the next delivery based upon a purchase history of the user or a data access history by the user registered in the personal database, so that a service of a different value will be provided with regard to a product having a high purchase frequency or with regard to a service having a high access associated with the user.

15. The server according to claim 14, wherein the server presumes the tastes according to the personal information registered in the first personal database and the purchase history information stored in the second personal database, specifies, among the product information database, the product that suits the presumed tastes, and delivers information about the specified product via e-mail to the portable terminal.

16. The server according to claim 14, wherein when the tastes are presumed according to the personal information registered in the first personal database and the purchase history information stored in the second personal database, and when the product contained in the received purchase history information is the product that suits the presumed tastes, the server changes the service content specified among the product information database to the content more advantageous to the user, and then sends such changed content to the information processing terminal.

17. A service providing system for providing a specified service via an information processing terminal by registering personal information of a user at a server by utilizing a portable terminal, wherein the server comprises: a personal database for registering the user's personal information sent from the portable terminal; means for creating a membership bar code by encoding the personal information registered in the personal database; and delivery means for delivering image data including the membership bar code to the portable terminal, wherein the portable terminal comprises means for storing the delivered image data and means for displaying the image data, and wherein the information processing terminal having a bar code reader recognizes the user by reading, with the bar code reader, the membership bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the portable terminal, performs the necessary processing to provide a service or a product selected by the user, and sends new personal information generated by the service to the server, and wherein the server is configured to specify a service content for the next delivery on the basis of a data access history of the service received by the user or a purchase history of the product purchased by the user which is registered in the personal database, so that a better service rate will be provided with regard to the service having a high access associated with the user or the product having a high purchase frequency.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a service ticket issuing system and a service ticket issuing service.

2. Description of the Related Art

As Internet use has become widespread, various new services have been developed. For example, in the service industry, for example, restaurants or leisure facilities offer services to treat printouts of web pages as service tickets. Such service tickets are issued on the precondition that there is a communication terminal to which a printer can be connected. Accordingly, the applicability of such communication terminals is limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this backdrop, the present invention was devised. It is an object of this invention to provide a service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service to which communication terminals of a wider range can be applied.

Concerning the service ticket issuing system and service ticket issuing service of this invention, data which can be downloaded through a communication line by a user by using a communication terminal contains an identification indicator, and this data is treated as a service ticket. Accordingly, it is possible to use a variety of communication terminals.

Concerning this invention, the communication terminal may be specified in advance and prohibited from downloading the same data repeatedly. The communication terminal may generate the identification indicator. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the unfair use of service tickets and to contribute to sales promotion of the communication terminal.

Concerning this invention, the communication terminal may be a game device, and the data may be a game performed on this game device. Moreover, the value of the service ticket may be changed. For example, a data supplier may set the value of the service ticket at random and change it according to the registration conditions (sex, address, and the number of access times) of the user or to the results of a game. Accordingly, the user can enjoy the feeling of participating in a game or lottery and the benefits of the service ticket. Moreover, by setting an effective term for the service ticket, it is possible to prevent useless accumulation of coupons and to enhance the user's motivation to use the service tickets.

Concerning this invention, a carrier capable of retaining data as the service ticket may be specified. A service provider may be specified, who provides a service corresponding to the service ticket. The service provider may have equipment, such as a game device, to which the carrier can be connected. The equipment may be the type capable of identifying the identification indicator. This will guarantee the fair use of the service ticket and can contribute to attracting customers to the service provider. Furthermore, the carrier may display a bar code for indicating the coupon and the equipment may comprise a bar code reader. This makes it possible to make full use of a bar code system which is widely utilized.

A service method of this invention comprises: a server for a service provider to manage user information and to deliver contents requested by a user; an information processing terminal having storage means for storing the contents and display means for displaying an image on a screen by using image data contained in the contents; a service providing terminal having matching means for reading user data contained in the contents stored in the information processing terminal and for matching that user data with user data in the server, determining means for determining an appropriate user on the basis of the matching, means for providing a specified service to the user when the determining means identifies the user as an appropriate user, sending means for sending service completion information to the server at the time of confirmation of the completion of the service, and means for deleting the contents of the completed service in the information processing terminal; wherein the user brings the information processing terminal to a service facility where the service providing terminal is provided, and the service providing terminal provides the user with a service according to the contents stored in the information processing terminal. By this service method, the service is properly provided.

This invention is a service providing system for providing a specified service by registering personal information of a user at a server by utilizing a communication terminal. The server comprises means for creating an enciphered bar code by specifying a given service content from the user's personal information, and means for delivering image data including the bar code to the user. The communication terminal comprises storage means for storing the delivered image data and display means for displaying the image data. At a service providing facility where an information processing terminal having the bar code is provided, the user causes the information processing terminal by means of the bar code reader to read the bar code contained in the image data displayed on the display means of the communication terminal, and the information processing terminal recognizes the specified user and the service content according to the bar code, performs the processing to provide a service according to the service content, sends new personal information generated by the service to the server, and updates the personal information of the user so that the new personal information is reflected in the service content at the time of the next delivery. Accordingly, it is possible to make full use of the bar code and to provide optimum and original service for each user.

Concerning the service providing system of this invention, the server has specified information registered therein according to a plurality of products, wherein at the service providing facility comprising a plurality of products, each having a bar code displayed thereon, and a bar code reader capable of reading the bar code and sending it to the server, the user causes the bar code reader to read the bar code displayed on a product selected from the products and to send it to the server, and wherein on the basis of the received bar code, the server identifies the specified product among the registered products, creates a bar code enciphering a specified service content regarding this product, and sends image data containing the bar code to the user. Accordingly, it is possible to keep track of the user's purchasing state in real time and to provide optimum service.

Moreover, this invention is a machine readable storage medium having a program stored therein for causing a computer to download the service ticket. The term "storage medium" herein used means the medium which has information (mainly digital data or programs) stored therein by some kind of physical means and is capable of causing processing units such as computers or special purpose processors to perform specified functions. In other words, the storage medium may be the medium capable of downloading programs onto computers by whatever means and causing the computers to perform specified functions. Examples of the storage medium include flexible disks, fixed disks, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical disks, CDs, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVD-RAMs, DVD-ROMs, DVD-Rs, PDs, MDs, DCCs, ROM cartridges, RAM memory cartridges with battery back-up, flash memory cartridges, and nonvolatile RAM cartridges. The storage medium also includes the medium by which transferred data is received from a host computer through cable or wireless communication lines (such as public circuits, data leased circuits, or satellite circuits). So-called "Internet" is also included in this storage medium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication terminal according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an advertisement displayed on the communication terminal of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a backup memory.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the backup memory.

FIG. 3C is a bottom view of the backup memory.

FIG. 3D is a right side view of the backup memory.

FIG. 3E is a rear view of the backup memory.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the internal structure of the backup memory.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the internal structure of the backup memory.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the backup memory.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the entire structure of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a money changer of Embodiment 11.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of another money changer of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an identifying means of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another identifying means.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual drawing illustrative of a picture image on the communication terminal of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual drawing illustrative of another picture image.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual drawing illustrative of still another picture image.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual drawing illustrative of the entire flow of the service ticket issuing service.

FIG. 15A is a front view of a sample screen display of the backup memory.

FIG. 15B is a front view of another sample screen display of the backup memory.

FIG. 15C is a front view of still another sample screen display of the backup memory.

FIG. 15D is a front view of a cellular phone as a data carrier, and a sample screen display thereof.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrative of a relationship between the service ticket issuing system and a communication infrastructure.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrative of a relationship between the service ticket issuing system of Embodiment 2 and a communication infrastructure.

FIG. 18 is the first part of a flowchart which shows the processing required to acquire a coupon and user ID and the marketing technique based thereon.

FIG. 19 is the latter part of the flowchart shown in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrative of the method for using a product database for marketing.

FIG. 21 is a front view of a data carrier and equipment of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another data carrier and equipment of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of still another data carrier and equipment of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a further data carrier and equipment of Embodiment 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

An explanation is hereinafter given about preferred Embodiment 1 of this invention with reference to the attached drawings.

Communication Terminal

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a communication terminal of the service ticket issuing system and the service ticket issuing service. This communication terminal is constructed as a game device.

The service ticket herein used means tickets, coupons, discount tickets, complimentary tickets, stamps for indicating the number of times of use, and other concepts including any indicators that have an influence on the contents of the services.

A game device 100 comprises: a program data storage device or storage medium (including an optical disk and an optical disk drive) 101 which stores game programs and data (including graphic and music data); a CPU 102 for conducting, for example, coordinate calculation for the running of game programs, and the control of the entire system and the image display; a system memory 103 with programs and data stored therein necessary for the CPU 102 to perform processing; a BOOT ROM 104 with programs and data stored therein necessary for activating the game device 100; and a bus arbiter 105, for controlling the flow of programs and data among each block of the game device 100 and equipment connected externally. These components are connected to a bus (not shown in the drawing).

The bus is connected to a rendering processor 106. This rendering processor 106 causes graphic (movie) data read from the program data storage device or storage medium 101 or picture images to be generated in accordance with the player's operations or the progress of the game to be displayed on a display monitor 110. Graphic data or other data necessary for the rendering processor 106 to generate picture images is stored in a graphic memory 107.

The bus is connected to a sound processor 108. The sound processor 108 causes a speaker 111 to output music data read from the program data storage device or storage medium 101, and to output sound effects or sounds to be generated by the player's operations or in accordance with the progress of the game. Sound data and other data necessary for the sound processor 108 to generate sound effects or sounds are stored in a sound memory 109.

The game device 100 is connected to a modem 112 and thereby can conduct communications through telephone lines (not shown in the drawing) with other game devices 100 or network servers. The game device 100 is further connected to: a backup memory 113 (including a disk storage medium or storage device) for storing information about the game in progress as well, as program data which is input and output through the modem; and a controller 114 for inputting, into the game device 100, information for controlling the game device 100 and the equipment connected externally (not shown in the drawings) in accordance with the player's operations.

The backup memory 113 is capable of storing a variety of data captured by the game device 100 through the modem 112 and serves as a data carrier for the service ticket issuing system. With the game device 100, it is possible to prevent the unauthorized use of the service tickets, for example, by prohibiting duplicate downloading of data.

If the downloaded data is a small-sized game and the back-up memory 113 is structured so that it can perform the game, a user can enjoy the game while acquiring the service tickets, and it is also possible to establish a link between the value of the service tickets and the game results, thereby adding the entertaining aspects of games to the service ticket service.

Moreover, if it is specified into which equipment or carrier the service tickets can be downloaded, it is possible to contribute to the sales promotion of such equipment or the like.

Needless to say, as the communication terminal, personal computers, cellular phones, electronic notepads, mobile gear, or any other communication terminals can be used.

Since the distribution of the service tickets corresponds to the delivery of information, it is also possible to realize paperless advertisements.

Forced delivery of advertisements of time-limited services or products to the communication terminal such as a cellular phone makes the user, such as a game player, of the communication terminal feel "eager" to receive the services or to purchase the products, and strongly stimulates the user's appetite for buying. This will bring about the effect of great sales promotions.

If an effective term is set for the advertising data and the data is automatically deleted at the time of expiration of the effective term, useless data will not be accumulated, which is highly convenient for users. Needless to say, the setting similar to that described above may be applied to the service tickets.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of delivered data of an advertisement of, for example, a shop. The advertisement is displayed on a screen of a cellular phone:PDC. On the screen are provided a banner 210 which enables access to the indicated home page, and a banner 220 for making a phone call to the shop. When the banner 210 is selected by point pick, the home page of the shop will be opened. When the banner 220 is selected by point pick, the cellular phone PDC will be connected to a sales contact of the shop, thereby enabling a direct call. Accordingly, the user can immediately talk with a sales clerk and it is possible to promptly confirm the products and make arrangements for the purchase.

Backup Memory

FIGS. 3A through 3E, FIGS. 4A and 4B, and FIG. 5 illustrate an example of the backup memory. FIG. 3A is a top view of the backup memory, FIG. 3B is its front view, FIG. 3C is its bottom view, FIG. 3D is its right side view, FIG. 3E is its rear view, FIG. 4A is a front view of its internal structure, FIG. 4B is a side view of its internal structure, and FIG. 5 is its block diagram.

As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3E, the backup memory 113 has a small LCD (liquid crystal display) 14 in the upper part of the surface of a case 12, and there are operation buttons 16 below the LCD 14 (FIG. 3B). At the front-side lower end of the case 12 is provided an external connection terminal 18 for connecting to external equipment such as the game device, and at the back of the external connection terminal 18 there is a shutter 20 for protecting internal circuits from, for example, outside dust (FIG. 3C). In the back-side upper part of the case 12 is formed a battery receiving space 22, and buzzer sound holes 24 described later are made in the case at a position below the battery receiving space 22 (FIG. 3E).

The backup memory 113 has the internal structure as illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B. Within the case 12, a printed circuit board (PCB) 26 is provided for mounting various kinds of electronic components. On the front side of the PCB 26 are mounted a nonvolatile RAM 28 for storing information, and a CPU 30 for controlling the entire backup memory. On the right and left sides of the nonvolatile RAM 28 and the CPU 30 on the front side of the PCB 26, two pieces of conductive rubber 32 are mounted. The LCD 14 is mounted over the conductive rubber 32. At positions lower than the CPU 30 over the surface of the PCB 26, button contacts 34 of the operation buttons 16 are provided. At a position lower than the button contacts 34 over the surface of the PCB 26 is formed the external connection terminal 18.

On the back of the PCB 26, there is a battery 36, a power source of the backup memory 113. At a position lower than the battery 36 is provided a buzzer 38, and at a position lower than the buzzer 38 is provided a quartz resonator 39.

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of the backup memory 113. The operation buttons 16, the LCD 14, the external connection terminal 18, the nonvolatile RAM 28, the battery 36, and the buzzer 38 are connected to the CPU 30 which controls the entire backup memory 113. The CPU 30 contains ROM and RAM. The external connection terminal 18 is connected to external equipment (not shown in the drawing).

The CPU 30 controls the entire backup memory 113. The ROM contained in the CPU 30 stores basic control programs, and the RAM contained in the CPU 30 is used as a temporary memory for running the programs. The nonvolatile RAM 28 is a memory for storing backup data to be saved. However, programs for running, for example, games, are also stored in a part or all of the nonvolatile RAM 28 as necessary.

Entire Structure

FIG. 6 illustrates the state in which a plurality of game devices 1001 to 100n (a plurality of the same devices as the game device 100 exist) are connected to the Internet IN, to which a data supply center DSC for issuing service tickets is connected. A plurality of service providers SSC1 to SSCm are connected through communication lines to the data supply center DSC. For example, a user of the game device 1001 brings a backup memory 1131 with service ticket data stored therein to any of the service providers (for example, SSC1).

Regarding the service providers SSC1 to SSCm who offer services corresponding to the service ticket, they can benefit from the service tickets attraction of customers.

Details of the Services

The service providers SSC1 to SSCm can provide various services as indicated in the following examples: (a1) A service to allow free use of arcade games. (a2) A service to allow sample playing of arcade games. Specifically, a user can play a part of one game for free, but can only continue to play the game to the end by adding, for example, coins. (a3) A service to offer, for example, medals for winning arcade games. (a4) A service offering free or discount admission to amusement centers. (a5) With a money changer EX for converting paper money M into coins to be used for games, as shown in FIG. 7, when the backup memory 113 is connected to a slot SLE and paper money M is inserted into the money changer EX, coupons are registered in the backup memory 113 for the number of times more than (for example, by one time) that corresponding to the amount of the paper money M. Since no money exchange is conducted at this time, no coin is supplied. In the normal money exchange, coins are supplied to a coin tray CT. Then, the user can carry the backup memory 113 as a substitute for his/her change purse and enjoy games without carrying any small change with him/her. If the money changer EX is connected to a server (not shown in the drawing), it is possible to acquire information about the player from the backup memory 113 and to make full use of it for customer management. As shown in FIG. 8, instead of the backup memory 113, a communication terminal such as a cellular phone PDC may be connected through a cable CBL to the money changer EX. (a6) With the money changer EX for converting paper money M into coins to be used for games, when the backup memory 113 is connected to the slot SLE and paper money M is inserted into the money changer EX, coins (not shown in the drawing) are supplied to the coin tray CT and coupons for a specified number of times (for example, one time) are registered with the backup memory 113. By using the coupons, it is possible to perform a game for free or to perform a sample play of the game. In other words, it is possible to acquire the coupons through money exchange. If the money changer EX is connected to a server (not shown in the drawing), it is possible to acquire information about the player from the backup memory 113 and to make full use of it for customer management. Instead of the backup memory 113, a communication terminal such as a cellular phone PDC may be connected through a cable CBL (a wireless method is also possible). (a7) A service to sell products at a discount or to provide products at no charge. (a8) A service to allow the use of the service tickets as tickets. For example, a service to allow admission to various events with the service tickets, or a service to allow the user to ride various amusement park rides. (a9) A service to allow the use of the service tickets as money. (a10) A combination of the above-mentioned services. Value of Service Tickets

The value of the service tickets can be set in various ways as indicated in the following examples, depending on the situation when a user receives data or other conditions: (b1) The value of the service tickets is changed according to the number of times that data of a specified series is downloaded. (b2) The data supplied from the data supply center DSC is a game, and the value of the service tickets is changed according to the results of the game when the user plays the game. (b3) The value of the service tickets is changed according to, for example, a date and time of acquisition of the data. (b4) The value of the service tickets for the user who has made access is changed according to the total number of access times to the data supply center DSC. (b5) The value of the service tickets is changed according to the user's specific attributes such as the user's sex, age, zodiac sign of the year of his/her birth, constellation for fortune-telling, and initials of his/her name. (b6) A discount rate for the service tickets is changed according to, for example, the prices of products purchased by the user and the number of times of such purchase. For example, while a regular discount rate is 5%, a 10% discount rate is offered for the users who frequently purchase products. (b7) When the service tickets are downloaded, the value of the service tickets is changed on random conditions, for example, by awarding special incentives as lucky service tickets. (b8) A combination of the above settings. Moreover, it is possible to offer the following service on the communication terminal. (b9) A service to distribute special-purpose software capable of downloading more advantageous service tickets when the number of times of downloading the service tickets has reached a specified number. Effective Term of Coupons

The game device 100 and a portable terminal such as the cellular phone PDC generate the ticking of an internal clock and are capable of time management and, therefore, it is possible to set an effective term for coupons. This prevents useless data from being accumulated, for example, in the backup memory 13. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, when a coupon is downloaded from a home page, the effective term together with the date and time of downloading is displayed on an effective term display EXPD. The management of the effective term is conducted at the time the power is turned on by comparing the current time with effective term time data.

Concerning a coupon with its expiration time in the near future, a message is displayed as shown in FIG. 13 to inform the user that downloading should be conducted as necessary. There is a fear that the user may change the time of the cellular phone in order to extend the time of the coupon, but it is possible to prevent such unfair use by referring to the time of the server at the data supply center DSC. The service ticket with an effective term which will expire soon may be automatically displayed in order to capture the user's attention.

There is a fear with the service tickets made of paper that the users may lose the tickets or forget where they have left the tickets, but there is no such fear with the service tickets in a digital data form.

Identification Indicator of Service Ticket

The data to become the service tickets contains some kind of identification indicator, which makes it possible to identify whether the service provider can provide the service or not. Examples of the identification indicator include: ID supplied by the data supply center to the user; a serial number or other information held by the user's game device; characters, picture images, cipher, and other data contained in the data itself; and the data itself. The service provider SSC has the means for identifying such identification indicators.

Identification

As shown in FIG. 9, the service provider SSC is, for example, an amusement center having an arcade game device ACD. This arcade game device ACD has a slot SLT formed therein for inserting the backup memory 113. Since information about the service ticket is previously supplied to the service provider SSC, the arcade game device ACD can determine whether the data stored in the backup memory 113 is the service ticket or not. If the service ticket is consumed, for example, by playing games by using the service ticket, displays of the service ticket (such as 113X in FIG. 15A, 113Y in FIG. 15B, and 113Z in FIG. 15C) may be erased. When the service ticket is consumed, a message saying, for example, "Thank you" is displayed on the backup memory 113 and the backup memory 113 then loses its effect at that time. By downloading the data again, the effect of the service ticket is restored to the state in which the number of times that the backup memory 113 is used is increased by one. The number of times of use is added by repeating the above-described procedure, thereby enabling the user to receive more advantageous service.

Moreover, it is possible to make the setting so that the game results of the arcade game device ACD can be registered with the backup memory 113 to be reflected in the value of the service tickets, and that the game data, etc. can be uploaded onto the server through the Internet IN to be reflected in the user's information.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, a backup memory 113A and a backup memory 113B are made connectable to each other. The identification indicator is identified by connecting the user's backup memory 113A to the service provider's backup memory 113B.

Accordingly, it is possible to adopt various kinds of identification means for identifying the identification indicator. As a method of connecting the data carrier with the identification means, various kinds of methods can be adopted such as wireless, optical, or electromagnetic coupling.

Man-Machine Interface of the Communication Terminal

FIG. 11 is a screen image of the game device 100 as the communication terminal, and web pages for the game device 100 are displayed. A menu is displayed on this screen to access various web pages. The following buttons are displayed: button M1 for moving to a home page of entertainment information; button M2 for moving to a game-related home page; button M3 for moving to an Internet shopping location; button M4 for moving to electronic mail; button MS for moving to a chat page; button M6 for moving to options such as environment settings; button M7 for changing the communication settings or the user information; and button M8 for moving to accounting information.

The user selects the button M2, moves to the home page of shop information, and further reaches the home page shown in FIG. 12, thereby downloading the data for the service ticket. On this screen, the following messages are displayed, stating that: if the service ticket data is downloaded to a specified backup memory 113 and if the user brings the backup memory 113 to a specified service provider SSC, the user will receive a specified service (Message 1) and a message of cautions in downloading is displayed (Message 2). A downloading button DLB is also displayed to start downloading.

If the user is required to input his/her personal information upon downloading, it is possible to collect this personal information and marketing information.

The Entire Process

FIG. 14 is a conceptual drawing illustrative of the entire flow from the service ticket issuance to the receipt of the service by the user.

In the first Step 1, the user accesses a web page of the data supply center DSC from the game device 100. In Step 2, the user refers to, for example, regulations of utilization and then registers his/her personal information, such as his/her address and name, on a registration form. This personal information is registered in a database at the data supply center DSC. It is possible to contribute to the service provider's service improvement by acquiring the user's personal information. A password, software, or the like which will enable more advantageous downloading may be offered to the user according to the number of access times, thereby promoting the user's access to the web page.

This can promote the utilization of the web page by the user of the game device 100 and also produce the effect of, for example, expansion of the Internet shopping market.

As described above, by specifying the game device 100 and the backup memory 113, it is possible to enhance the name recognition of the game device and the backup memory, thereby leading