Amusement System Having Central Credit Card Transaction Terminal

Abstract

An amusement system includes at least one amusement device having a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using the video touchscreen. The amusement device is operable upon payment by a user. A credit card transaction terminal is operable to receive the payment by the user and is separate from the amusement device. A method of operating an amusement device, operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user, includes establishing a user account. The user account is configured to store money for a user for obtaining playable credits. Money is deposited into the player account. At least a portion of any deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time is withdrawn. The withdrawn money is unavailable to the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to electronic amusement devices and systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention are directed to an amusement system having a credit card transaction terminal separate from the amusement device.

Amusement devices having electronic games for computers and touchscreens or other types of amusement devices are generally well known in the art. Amusement devices, such as game machines, which allow a user to select games from a video display are well known in the art, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,856,787 (“Itkis”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,717 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), and U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,799 (“Houriet, Jr., et al.”), the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by reference herein, each of which shows a touchscreen for making a game selection from a menu of games. Such game machines or amusement devices typically operate upon input of currency (i.e., coin, token, paper money, credit/debit cards or the like) and are installed in locations such as bars, restaurants, airports, shopping malls, video arcades, casinos, or the like. The game choices may include card games, sports games, games of skill, games of chance, action games, trivia games, or the like.

As described above, amusement devices may include the ability to accept credit card transactions as a means of payment for operation. A player may purchase credits on the amusement device by swiping his or her credit card at the device. The ability to accept payment through credit cards is advantageous to both the player and the owner of the amusement device. For example, the player does not have to carry bills or change, which can be cumbersome, in order to use the amusement device. Similarly, the player is not limited by the amount of bills or coins carried, which can result in more revenue for the owner. However, it can be costly to install a credit card reader into each amusement device. Additionally, credit card readers mounted on portable amusement devices make the devices heavy and bulky.

It is therefore desirable to provide an amusement system having a credit card payment system that does not require a credit card reader to be installed on each amusement device. It is further desirable to provide additional revenue opportunities to operators, owners, and manufacturers of amusement devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, various embodiments of the present invention comprise an amusement system including at least one amusement device having a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the at least one amusement device using at least the video touchscreen. The amusement device is operable upon payment by a user. A credit card transaction terminal is operable to receive the payment by the user, and is separate from the amusement device.

Further embodiments of the present invention comprise an amusement system including at least one amusement device having a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video touchscreen. The plurality of games are playable by obtaining one or more credits upon payment by a user. A credit card transaction terminal is operable to receive the payment by the user to obtain one or more credits for the amusement device and payment by the user to rent the amusement device. The credit card transaction terminal is separate from the amusement device.

Still further embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of operating an amusement system having at least one amusement device. The amusement device includes a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video touchscreen. The amusement device is operable upon payment by a user. The method includes receiving, at a credit card transaction terminal separate from the amusement device, credit card information from the user. Authorization from the user to charge payment based on the credit card information is received at the credit card transaction terminal. The method further includes allowing the user to operate the amusement device.

Further embodiments of the present invention comprise a method of operating an amusement device. The amusement device includes a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the at least one amusement device using at least the video touchscreen. The amusement device is operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user. The method includes establishing a user account. The user account is configured to store money for a user for obtaining playable credits. Money is deposited into the player account. At least a portion of any deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time is withdrawn. The withdrawn money is unavailable to the user.

Still further embodiments of the present invention comprise an amusement system having at least one amusement device with a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory. The memory stores a plurality of electronic games playable on the amusement device using at least the video touchscreen. The amusement device is operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user. A server in communication with the amusement device manages a user account. The user account includes money deposited by the user for obtaining the one or more playable credits. The server is configured to withdraw from the user account at least a portion of any deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time. The withdrawn money is unavailable to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an amusement device in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of an amusement device in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a front elevational view of an amusement device in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an amusement system including a credit card transaction terminal in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a screenshot presenting a credit card transaction notification window in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a screenshot presenting a credit card transaction confirmation window in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a screenshot presenting a credit card information entry window in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a screenshot presenting a credit card transaction confirmation window based on previously stored credit card information in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of an amusement device cradled in a docking station in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a screenshot presenting a user account set-up form in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a screenshot presenting a user account history report in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of various configurations of an amusement system in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “lower,” and “upper” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the amusement device and designated parts thereof The terminology includes the above-listed words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “an,” as used in the claims and in the corresponding portions of the specification, mean “at least one.” Further, the terms “coin” or “currency” should not be construed as limiting and can be used herein to mean all forms of coin and paper currency from any country as well as proprietary tokens, game cards, credit cards, debit cards, chits, or other representative forms of credit and/or payment.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown in FIG. 1A a first preferred embodiment of an amusement device 10A. The amusement device 10A includes a controller U1 and a memory U2. The memory U2 can be any known or suitable memory device such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, hard disk, optical disk, or the like. The amusement device 10A further includes a video display 12A that is operatively connected to the controller U1. The amusement device 10A also includes at least one input component 14A that receives value in order to establish one or more playable credits. The value received may be at least one of currency, coins, tokens, chits, credits, credit cards/debit cards, or the like. Although only one input component 14A is shown, the amusement device 10A may include more than one input component 14A to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, the amusement device 10A is made operable upon payment by a user, for example, by actuation of the input component 14A. In other words, the user may not operate the amusement device 10A or select and play an electronic game until value is received at the input component 14A and/or one or more playable credits are issued to the user. However, free selections may be offered at the discretion of an operator of the amusement device 10A.

FIG. 1B shows another or second amusement device 10B in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. The second amusement device 10B also includes a controller U1, a memory U2, a display 12B, and an input component 14B. Preferably, the video displays 12A, 12B are touchscreen video displays configured to accept touch input. FIG. 1C shows a third amusement device 10C in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. The third amusement device 10C also includes a controller U1, a memory U2, and a display 12C. The third amusement device 10C is designed to be portable, and therefore preferably does not include an input component, as this may make the device 10C too bulky or heavy to carry. However, the third amusement device 10C may include an input component 14C (shown in phantom) as necessary.

The first amusement device 10A is a free-standing or floor-standing apparatus, whereas the second amusement device 10B is a table-top or counter-top apparatus, and the third amusement device 10C is a portable apparatus. However, the amusement devices 10A, 10B, 10C may be arranged in any configuration including table mount, wall mount, pole mount, portable, and the like without departing from the invention.

For convenience, the amusement devices 10A, 10B, 10C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “amusement device 10,” the displays 12A, 12B, 12C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “display 12,” and the input components 14A, 14B, 14C will be referred to hereinafter simply as “input component 14.”

Turning now to the operation of the amusement device 10, the memory U2 stores one or more application programs, such as electronic games, a music or video jukebox program, or the like, and a system control program. However, the one or more application programs may also be stored remotely. The controller U1 controls the touchscreen display 12 based upon the system control program retrieved from the memory U2 and based upon inputs from the touchscreen display 12. As used herein, the system control program refers to all of the software functions outside of the application program files including an operating system, display control, input control, sound drivers, and the like. Other input devices which may be connected to the amusement device 10 include a pushbutton(s), a trackball or touchpad, a mouse, a joy-stick, a foot-pedal, a voice recognition system, a keypad or keyboard, and the like. But, preferably, the input device is the touchscreen display 12.

The amusement device 10 includes an operating mode and a setup mode. When the operating mode is selected, a player or user is selectively permitted to access the application programs. When the setup mode is selected, the owner/operator is permitted to make system setup adjustments. To switch from the operating mode to the setup mode, a mode selector pushbutton (hardware not shown) is provided that is typically concealed from the users. The mode selector pushbutton may be implemented as a hidden software feature, but preferably the mode selector pushbutton is a simple pushbutton that is disposed inside a housing of the amusement device 10. In the setup mode, the owner/operator may also make adjustments to the game features as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

FIG. 2 includes a block diagram of the amusement device 10 described above. The touchscreen display 12 is coupled to the controller U1. Also coupled to the controller U1 is an optional currency input 14. Currency input 14 may accept at least one of coins (or tokens), currency (e.g., paper money or the like), credit cards/debit cards, and the like. Although only one currency input 14 is shown, the amusement device 10 may include more than one input component 14 to give a user an option for payment, for permitting multiple players, or the like. Preferably, the amusement device 10 is made operable upon payment by a user, which may optionally be received via the currency input 14.

The amusement device 10 also includes a communications component 18, such as an Ethernet port, a wireless transceiver, an infrared (IR) port, or the like. Using the communications component 18, the amusement device 10 may communicate with other devices or file servers, access the Internet, communicate over wide area networks (WANs) or local area networks (LANs), or the like. For example, the amusement device 10 may connect with a second amusement device 19 (connection not shown) using the communications component 18. The second amusement device 19 optionally includes all of the same components and features as amusement device 10.

The amusement device 10 may also be connected to a separate credit card transaction terminal 20 via the communications component 18. The credit card transaction terminal 20 includes a controller U3 and a memory U4. A communications component 28 of the credit card transaction terminal 20 connects with the communications component 18 of the amusement device 10. The credit card transaction terminal 20 may also be connected to a number of other amusement devices 19. The credit card transaction terminal is thus operable to receive payment from a user for operating one of the amusement devices 10, 19. The credit card transaction terminal 20 may additionally include other inputs, such as for coins, bills, or the like.

To receive the user payment, the credit card transaction terminal 20 may include a credit card reader 24. A user wishing to obtain credits for operating the amusement device 10 has his or her credit card swiped through the credit card reader 20. The credit card transaction terminal 20 then validates the credit card information and approves or declines the transaction. Notification of the transaction is preferably received by the user at the amusement device 10. For example, FIG. 3 is a screenshot 300 including transaction notification window 330 provided to the user on the touchscreen display 12. The notification window 330 may include the credit card number 331, a status line 332 showing “Approved” or “Declined,” the transaction amount 333, and the number of credits 334 available, as derived from the amount paid 333. The credit card number 331 is preferably masked or coded in some way to prevent identity theft from the display screen 12.

Alternatively, the user may be prompted at the amusement device 10 to confirm the transaction. For example, FIG. 4 is a screenshot 400 including transaction confirmation window 430. As before, the confirmation window 430 may include the credit card number 431, the transaction amount 433, and number of credits 434. However, the user must authorize the transaction before validation occurs. Therefore, the user is provided with an “OK” button 435 to allow the transaction to proceed and a “Cancel” button to cancel the transaction. In the present embodiment, the “OK” button 435 and the “Cancel” button 436 are implemented as software buttons. Once the “OK” button 435 is selected, authorization is sent to the credit card transaction terminal 20, which proceeds to validate the credit card. A notification as shown in FIG. 3 may optionally be presented by the amusement device 10 following validation.

According to certain preferred embodiments, it is also possible to enter credit card information to the credit card transaction terminal 20 without swiping a card in a card reader 24. For example, the credit card information may be manually entered by the user at the amusement device 10. FIG. 5 is a screenshot 500 of a credit card entry window 530 presented to a user on the amusement device 10. A card type entry field 538 may comprise a drop-down menu of accepted credit cards. The user may enter information into the credit card number field 531, expiration date field 539, validation code field 540, and transaction amount field 533 via an onscreen keypad 550. It should be recognized that any method for entering information into an electronic form may be utilized to complete the fields required by the credit card entry window 530. The user may select the “OK” button 535 to forward the entered information to the credit card transaction terminal 20 for validation. The user may select the “Cancel” button 536 if the user does not wish to proceed.

Regardless of the method for entering the credit card information into the credit card transaction terminal 20, the memory U4 of the credit card transaction terminal 20 preferably stores the credit card information at least until the user opts to discontinue operation of the amusement device 10. For example, once the user enters the credit card information, the memory U4 stores the information and may use the information to perform further transactions while the user is operating the amusement device 10. Once the user quits, the memory U4 of the credit card information terminal 20 may discard the credit card information. Alternatively, the memory U4 may permanently store the credit card information in the event the user returns to the amusement device 10 at some later time.

FIG. 6 is a screenshot 600 presenting a stored information confirmation window 630 to a user of the amusement device 10. For example, each time an additional charge is incurred by the user during play, or the memory U4 of the credit card transaction terminal 20 has previously stored credit card information for the user, the user may be presented with the confirmation window 630. As before, the confirmation window 630 may include the credit card number 631, transaction amount 633, number of credits 634, as well as an “OK” button 635 to confirm the credit card information is correct and a “Cancel” button 636 if the user wishes not to incur the charge or if the information is incorrect.

In addition to receiving payment at the credit card transaction terminal 20 for obtaining credits to operate the amusement device 10, payment may be received at the credit card transaction terminal 20 for other charges. For example, some establishments may require an additional rental fee for use of an amusement device 10. This may especially be true for amusement devices 10 which are portable. Under such circumstances, the credit card transaction terminal may be utilized to receive payment for both the rental charge and for purchasing credits on the amusement device 10.

In certain embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 7, a portable amusement device 10 may be locked in a docking station 60 and released only upon payment of the rental fee at the credit card transaction terminal 20. In FIG. 7, the docking station 60 is the credit card transaction terminal 20, which is one preferred configuration. The docking station 60 may also be separate from and in communication with the credit card transaction terminal 20. Additionally, the docking station 60 may be configured to receive multiple amusement devices 10 that may be locked and released individually or together (for group rentals or the like).

Certain amusement devices 10 may additionally permit ordering of products, food, drinks, or the like via the touchscreen display 12. Payment for such orders may be received by the credit card transaction terminal 20.

It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that the amusement system described above may include any number of credit card transaction terminals 20. For example, usage volume may require one credit card transaction terminal 20 per a specified number of amusement devices 10 in order to speed the validation process.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the amusement device 10 allows a user to set up a user account. For example, FIG. 8 is a screenshot 800 presenting the user with an option to set up an account wherein the user may deposit money to use for purchasing or obtaining playable credits. The account may be associated solely with the user via the user's name, which can be entered in the name field 860. However, the account may also be associated with the user via address, phone number, credit card number, social security number, driver's license number, or the like, including combinations. The user may also optionally protect the account through the use of an account name 861 and/or a password 862 of the user's choosing. When typing an account name 861 or password 862, the letters are preferably encrypted to prevent identity theft.

In preferred embodiments, a user is required to make an initial deposit in order to establish a user account. The account may optionally be set to also require a minimum deposit 863, such as $20, but in any event would not likely be set at less than the cost of at least one playable credit. Payment into the user account is preferably made by charging a credit card. A card type entry field 838 may comprise a drop-down menu of accepted credit cards. The user may enter information into the credit card number field 831, expiration date field 839, validation code field 840, and deposit amount field 833 via a keyboard, onscreen keypad, or the like. It should be recognized that any method for entering information into an electronic form may be utilized to complete the fields required. Similarly, payment into a user account may be made via any of the currency input devices described above or, alternatively, by electronic funds transfer (EFT), such as through PAYPAL (a registered trademark of Paypal Inc., San Jose, Calif.), through online banking, or the like.

Once a user has made a deposit, the money is held in the account to enable the user to obtain playable credits. However, deposited money not used to obtain playable credits after some predetermined amount of time is subject to a penalty of withdrawal of at least a portion of the deposited money. For example, in FIG. 8, a warning 864 is provided to the user indicating that money that has been in the account for longer than 30 days will be withdrawn and unavailable to the user. Not all of the money needs to be withdrawn at the end of the predetermined time period. For example, a percentage or set dollar amount may be deducted from the account on a regular basis until the deposited money is used. Money that has been in the account for less than the predetermined period (such as from a subsequent deposit) is preferably not penalized and remains in the user account until it is used or until it reaches the predetermined time period, whichever occurs first.

The user is preferably able to access account history data 965, shown in the screenshot 900 of FIG. 9. The account history data 965 may include fields such as date of a transaction 970, the type of transaction 971, the amount of the transaction 972, the balance following the transaction 973, and the like. For example, entry 974 indicates an initial deposit of $20 was made by the user. Entries 975, 976 indicate that $5 and $3 respectively were used to obtain playable credits for one or more amusement devices 10. Entry 977 indicates that the $12 balance had not been used within the thirty day limit and was thus withdrawn from the user account. Entry 978 indicates that the user made a subsequent $20 deposit. Entry 979 indicates that $9 was used to obtain playable credits.

The predetermined amount of time may be configured or set by an operator or owner of the amusement device 10, a manufacturer of the amusement device 10, a provider of the user account, or the like. For example, the predetermined amount of time could be set for a matter of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or the like. Similarly, the withdrawn money at the end of the predetermined amount of time may be transferred to any of the operator, owner, manufacturer, account provider, or the like, or may be split among several of those entities.

FIG. 10 illustrates schematically various embodiments of implementing an amusement system 1000 including one or more amusement devices 10. A gaming location 8 may, for example, house one or more amusement devices 10 that may each be individually in communication with a central server 21. The central server 21 manages the user accounts, including the money deposited by a user for obtaining the playable credits, and is configured to withdraw at least a portion of the deposited money not used to obtain playable credits after the predetermined amount of time. The central server 21 may route the withdrawn money to the appropriate receiving entity (e.g., operator, owner, or the like).

The gaming location 8 may also have a central communication hub 22, enabling the communication between all of the amusement devices 10 housed therein with the central server 21. In another alternative arrangement, the gaming location 8 may house its own local server 23, which performs all of the functions listed above with respect to the central server 21 for all of the locally housed amusement devices 10. Further, the central server 21 may be housed in a gaming location 8 and need not be remote to every amusement device 10.

The amusement devices 10 may be connected to their corresponding servers 21, 23 through conventional communication configurations, such as a LAN, WAN, or the like. In one preferred embodiment, an amusement device 10 may connect to the server via the Internet. It is thus understood by those skilled in the art that the amusement system 1000 is not limited to the arrangements described above, and may include any configuration wherein a user account for obtaining playable credits is maintained.

The amusement device 10 may also include other functionality and features such as music jukebox, video jukebox, multimedia player, Internet browsing, broadcast media viewing, time based rental mode, non-prize tournaments, prize-based tournaments, head-to-head competitions, prize-based lotteries, ticket dispensing, prize dispensing, debit/credit card charging, phone card dispensing, e-mail, photography, placing customer orders, communicating with other amusement devices, and the like.

The amusement device 10 may also provide for remote or local access for accounting and/or bookkeeping purposes. The amusement device 10 may include a local connector for uploading to a hand-held or portable computer or removable memory for receiving accounting or other data. The amusement device 10 may include accounting and bookkeeping screens accessible by an operator through set up screens and/or through password protection.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating an amusement device, the amusement device having a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory, the memory storing a plurality of electronic games playable on the at least one amusement device using at least the video touchscreen, the amusement device being operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user, the method comprising: (a) establishing a user account, the user account being configured to store money for a user for obtaining playable credits;(b) depositing money into the player account; and(c) withdrawing at least a portion of any deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time, the withdrawn money being unavailable to the user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the user authorizes the amusement device to withdraw money from the user account to obtain one or more playable credits.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein all of the deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time is withdrawn.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the money withdrawn in step (c) is transferred to one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of the user account.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user account is accessible over the Internet.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount of time is set by one of an operator of the amusement device, a manufacturer of the amusement device, and a provider of the user account.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a minimum deposit is required to establish a user account.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein money is deposited into the user account using the amusement device, the amusement device being configured to accept at least one of credit cards/debit cards, coins, bills, and electronic funds transfer (EFT).

9. The method of claim 1, wherein money is deposited into the user account through a credit card transaction terminal separate from the at least one amusement device, the credit card transaction terminal being configured to accept at least one of credit cards/debit cards, coins, bills, and electronic funds transfer (EFT).

10. An amusement system comprising: (a) at least one amusement device having a video touchscreen, a controller, and a memory, the memory storing a plurality of electronic games playable on the at least one amusement device using at least the video touchscreen, the at least one amusement device being operable once one or more playable credits are obtained by a user;(b) a server in communication with the at least one amusement device and managing a user account, the user account including money deposited by the user for obtaining the one or more playable credits, the server being configured to withdraw from the user account at least a portion of any deposited money that has not been used to obtain playable credits after a predetermined amount of time, the withdrawn money being unavailable to the user.

11. The amusement system of claim 10, wherein the at least one amusement device further includes a currency input configured to receive payment of money for deposit in the user account, the currency input being one of a credit card/debit card reader, a coin slot, a bill acceptor, and an interface for electronic funds transfer (EFT).

12. The amusement system of claim 10, further comprising a credit card transaction terminal, the credit card transaction terminal including a currency input configured to receive payment of money for deposit in the user account, the currency input being one of a credit card/debit card reader, a coin slot, a bill acceptor, and an interface for electronic funds transfer (EFT).

13. The amusement system of claim 10, wherein the at least one amusement device connects to the server via one of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and the Internet.

14. The amusement system of claim 10, wherein the predetermined amount of time is set by one of an operator of the at least one amusement device, a manufacturer of the at least one amusement device, and a provider of the user account.

15. The amusement system of claim 10, wherein the money withdrawn from the user account by the server is transferred to one of an operator of the at least one amusement device, a manufacturer of the at least one amusement device, and a provider of the user account.