Interactive promotional gaming system and method
A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system. A participant obtains access to an image of a game piece, captures an electronic image of the game piece and transmits the electronic image to a predetermined information collector. The information collector decodes the received image of the game piece and compares the decoded image to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant. The participant receives the transmitted results of the comparison.
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 60/890,938, filed Feb. 21, 2007, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELDThe present invention relates generally to gaming systems and methods, in particular to promotional gaming systems and methods employed by business establishments to increase their customer loyalty and market share, help promote and sell products and services, and provide for simplified product registration.
BACKGROUNDBusiness establishments constantly seek to increase their customer base and increase repeat business. One way of accomplishing this is to offer prizes and rewards as incentives to customers through games, contests and sweepstakes. For example, a free gift may be offered to each patron, to be awarded when the patron enters the establishment. Similarly, incentive schemes to induce the purchase of particular products or services ordinarily award the same gift to each purchaser. Other schemes utilize an element of random chance. For example, in a so-called “match-and-win” promotion, tokens bearing differing indicia, such as different pictures or combinations of alphanumeric characters, may be distributed to prospective patrons. Different prizes are associated with some or all of the different indicia, and the prize associated with each indicia is posted or otherwise made known within the establishment. Thus, the prospective patron must enter the establishment to determine what, if any, prize he or she has won. Often, the various indicia include one or more rare indicia that are applied to only a few of the tokens and are associated with prizes of significant value, while other more common indicia are applied to the remaining tokens and are associated with prizes of lesser value or with no prize at all. Since only a few patrons will win prizes of significant value, the total value of prizes distributed in the scheme will not pose a prohibitive cost to the sponsor of the scheme. Nonetheless, the possibility, albeit remote, of winning a prize of significant value provides a powerful incentive to both repeat and prospective patrons.
Although games of this nature can be a useful marketing tool, they suffer from significant drawbacks. For example, the manufacture and distribution of the tokens can be costly. In addition, security measures must be employed to prevent persons involved in distribution of the tokens from culling out tokens associated with valuable prizes and diverting them to their own use. Such security measures add to the cost of conducting the game. Moreover, these games usually provide only minimal entertainment to the patron. After the patron has determined what prize he or she has won, the game is over insofar as they are concerned. The game thus has little value in inducing the customer to remain in, or revisit, the establishment. Furthermore, games of this nature typically are not integrated with any mechanism for compiling information about patrons entering the establishment, rendering the games useless for future targeted promotional efforts.
Other promotional schemes have been conducted using identical tokens, such as identical coupons printed in newspaper advertisements and coupons incorporated as part of packages for goods. Ordinarily, all of the tokens or coupons used in such a scheme entitle the person holding the coupon to the same value. For example, coupons may be printed in a newspaper offering a discount on a specific item of merchandise in a store. Similarly, packaged goods often carry coupons which either entitle the customer to a discount on current or subsequent purchase of the goods, or which may be redeemed for other merchandise. Many of these promotions involve redemption by mail, such as rebate offers. In such promotions the coupon or token may be imprinted with a machine readable code, such as a bar code. Where packaged goods are involved, the bar code may be a universal product code (UPC) or two-dimensional dot code used to identify the goods for inventory and sale purposes. Promotions of this nature generally do not provide any element of randomness. Accordingly, each consumer may acquire the same item of relatively small value by presenting or redeeming the coupon or token. Under this arrangement the consumer understands there is little chance to acquire a highly valuable prize, and thus the promotion has little entertainment value.
Despite the considerable effort that has been applied heretofore towards promotional schemes, there is still a need for further improvement.
SUMMARYAn interactive promotional gaming system and method is disclosed according to several embodiments of the present invention. In one embodiment a player uses a camera-equipped mobile phone to capture an image of a game piece provided by a business establishment. The mobile phone is then used by the player to transmit the image to an operator of the gaming system. The operator decodes the image, determines whether the player has won a prize, and then sends a return text message conveying the results to the player. The text message is sent to the same mobile phone used by the player to transmit the image to the operator.
An object of the present invention is a method of operating an interactive promotional gaming system. A participant obtains access to an image of a game piece, captures an electronic image of the game piece and transmits the electronic image to a predetermined information collector. The information collector decodes the received image of the game piece and compares the decoded image to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant. The participant receives the transmitted results of the comparison.
Another object of the present invention is an alternate embodiment of the method of operating an interactive promotional gaming system. A participant obtains access to an image of a game piece and obtains with a game piece converter a data string corresponding to an electronic image of the game piece. The participant then transmits the data string to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received data string and comparing the decoded data string to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant. The participant receives the transmitted results of the comparison.
Yet another object of the invention is an interactive promotional gaming system. The system comprises a tangible image of a game piece, a camera-equipped mobile phone, a predetermined information collector configured to receive an image of the game piece that has been captured and transmitted from the mobile phone, a decoder to decode the received image of the game piece, and a comparator to compare the decoded image to a predetermined list. A transmitter transmits the results of the comparison to the mobile phone.
Further features of the inventive embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from reading the specification and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the discussion that follows, like reference numerals are used in the various figures to represent like structures and functions.
The general arrangement of an interactive promotional gaming system and method 10 (hereafter generally “system 10”) is shown in
The received image is then decoded at 26 with image-recognition equipment and/or a computer executing one or more associated computer programs to generate a corresponding output data string, such as a string of numeric or alpha-numeric digits having a predetermined length and sequence. The output data string is compared with a predetermined list of data strings at 28 to determine what action to be taken, if any, such as awarding a prize or some other premium to user 12. The comparison may be simply a check for matching data strings. Alternatively, the comparison may involve executing an equation or algorithm in which the data string is one of a plurality of factors, other factors including, without limitation, previous winners, date, time, geographic locations, player 12 demographic information, available prize/premium inventory, sales volume, and business establishment 15 information. The comparison of 28 may be accomplished using any known type of comparator, such as a computer executing one or more associated computer programs.
If no prize was won, as at 30, a text message indicating this condition is transmitted to, and received by, the mobile phone used by player 12 via network 20. If a prize was won, as at 32, a text message displaying redemption information is transmitted to, and received by, the mobile phone used by player 12 via network 20 and/or to the player's alternate electronic address of record. Player 12 may then redeem their prize at 34 by following instructions provided in the text message at 32. Redemption of the prize at 34 may be accomplished in any conventional manner including, without limitation, in-person at business 15, via postal/package services, and via electronic networks such as the internet.
The general arrangement of an interactive promotional gaming system and method 100 (hereafter generally “system 100”) is shown in
Player 12 then utilizes a network 20 to transmit the source data string of 40 to one or more repositories, such as remote server 22 of the operator 23 of system 10 using the touch-tone pad of the telephone. Alternatively, player 12 may access a network address, such as an internet web page. Predetermined data is captured and stored at 24. Such data may include, without limitation, a telephone number or internet protocol (IP) address, demographic information and account information relating to player 12, such information being transmitted to operator 23 automatically and/or manually by the mobile phone and/or the player. Data transmitted to operator 23 may be linked to or matched with other data previously stored at 24 by the operator. Accordingly, data storage at 24 may include a conventional database or data warehouse.
The received source data string 40 is then decoded at 26 to generate a corresponding output data string, such as a string of numeric or alpha-numeric digits having a predetermined length and sequence. The output data string is compared with a predetermined list of data strings at 28 to determine what action to take next, if any, such as awarding a premium or prize to user 12. Alternatively, the received source data string may be compared with a predetermined list of data strings at 28 to determine what, if any, premium or prize user 12 has won. The comparison may be simply a check for matching data strings. Alternatively, the comparison may involve executing an equation or algorithm in which the data string is one of a plurality of factors, other factors including, without limitation, previous winners, date, time, geographic locations, player 12 demographic information, available prize/premium inventory, sales volume, and business establishment 15 information. The comparison of 28 may be accomplished using any known type of comparator, such as a computer executing one or more associated computer programs.
If no prize was won, as at 30, a text or voice message indicating this condition is sent to player 12 via network 20. If a prize was won, as at 32, a text or voice message containing redemption information is sent to player 12 via network 20. If the source data string of 40 is submitted to operator 23 by means of a computer, results 30, 32 may be conveyed to player 12 using conventional computer-based communications means, including e-mail, web page displays, pop-up boxes, and text messages sent to a predetermined mobile phone. Player 12 then redeems their prize at 34 by following instructions provided at 32. Redemption of the prize at 34 may be accomplished in any conventional manner including, without limitation, in-person at business 15, via postal/package services, and via electronic networks such as the internet. With the exception of the foregoing, system 100 operates in the same manner as system 10. Accordingly, details of the structure and operation of system 100 will not be reiterated here.
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Image data capture, as at 18 in
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As previously noted, the determination of a winner, as at 28 in
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In some embodiments of the present invention partnerships and alliances may be formed between operator 23 and one or more mobile phone manufacturers. Such manufacturers may increase their sales by providing phones having features that are desirable to players 12 such as, for example, high-resolution cameras. Similarly, operator 23 may recommend particular mobile phones produced by partner manufacturers to players 12, further driving demand for the mobile phones.
In some embodiments of the present invention partnerships and alliances may be formed with broadcast-to-internet equipment and service providers, such as SLINGBOX provided by SLING MEDIA of Foster City, Calif. Players 12 may utilize such equipment and services to obtain game pieces 14 generated through broadcast television media. Of course, this capability is expected to drive demand for the equipment and services. Operator 23 may recommend the equipment and services to players 12, further driving demand for the equipment and services.
In some embodiments of the present invention partnerships and alliances may also be formed with any or all of production studios, broadcast networks and advertisers. For example, the present invention may be utilized during sponsored programs and events in order to promote the programs, events and/or products and services offered or advertised by business establishments in connection with the programs and events. Examples include, without limitation, situation comedies, dramas, serial programs, sporting events and concerts.
Player data collected, associated and stored at 24 (
It should be noted that a plurality of either or both of gaming systems 10, 100 of
The invention disclosed herein may be utilized in various aspects of commerce, within the scope of the invention. Several examples are provided below. These examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting.
In some embodiments of the present invention gaming system 100, shown in
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In still other embodiments floor stickers 60 may be placed in certain predetermined areas of a business establishment 15 and system 10 (
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It should be noted that, in some embodiments, game piece 14 may be overtly displayed, along with instructions on how to play the interactive gaming system and method. Alternatively, game pieces 14 may be covertly hidden in visually perceptible media, thereby challenging players to seek them out. For example, with general reference to
Similarly, game piece 14 may be covertly hidden as an element of a non-game piece image, such as an element of a photo or drawing. In this embodiment a player 12 uses a polarized light filter in conjunction with a mobile phone at 16 in order to discern the game piece of the photo or drawing and capture an image of the game piece at 18 (
The general arrangement of an interactive translation system and method 200 (hereafter generally “system 200”) is shown in
The received image is then decoded at 216 with image-recognition equipment and/or a computer executing one or more associated computer programs, such as optical character recognition computer programs, to generate a corresponding output data string, such as a string of numeric or alpha-numeric digits. The output data string is then translated in any conventional manner such as, for example, with a computer executing one or more associated computer programs, to a select language familiar to user 202. The select language may be determined by operator 212 by reviewing the user 202 data stored at 214. Alternatively, user 202 may communicate the desired select language to operator 212 via text message using the mobile phone of 206 and network 208.
At 220 a text message containing the translation of information 204 is transmitted to, and received by, the mobile phone used by user 202 via network 208. User 202 may then review the translation, as at 222.
Although system 200 is described above in terms of a discrete image captured at 206, it will be appreciated that the system may also be configured to operate in a mode wherein a continuous stream of information 204 is provided to operator 212 by a user 202 in the manner previously described, and wherein a continuous stream of translated information is provided to the user at 222. For example, a user 202 may operate a mobile phone in a video mode, capturing a video stream of information 204, forwarding the video stream to operator 312 in the manner previously described, and receiving on the mobile phone at 222 a corresponding continuous video stream of a translation of information 204.
With the exception of the foregoing, system 200 operates in the same manner as system 10. For example, information 204 is otherwise similar to game piece 14. Likewise, image capture 206, 18 are otherwise similar, as are networks 208, 20, servers 210, 22, capture/storage 214, 24 and image decoding 216, 26. Accordingly, details of the structure and operation of system 200 will not be reiterated here.
The general arrangement of an interactive response system and method 300 (hereinafter generally “system 300”) is shown in
In operation of system 300 a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 is associated with an object or vendor for which additional information may be requested by a user 302. For example, a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 may be associated with a particular vendor or goods on display, such as at a trade show. When a user 302 encounters a vendor or goods for which additional information is desired the user captures at 306 an electronic image of the MOBIGLYPH™ 304 associated with the vendor or goods, using a camera-equipped mobile phone. User 302 utilizes a network 308 to transmit the image to one or more predetermined information collectors, such as a remote server 310 of an operator 312 of system 300. Predetermined data relating to the mobile phone used at 306 may be captured and stored at 314. Such data may include, without limitation, the mobile phone number, demographic information and account information relating to user 302, such information being transmitted to operator 312 automatically and/or manually by the mobile phone and/or the user. Data transmitted to operator 312 by the mobile phone and/or user 302 at 306 may be linked to or matched with other data previously stored at 314 by the operator. Accordingly, data storage at 314 may include a conventional database or data warehouse.
The received image is decoded at 316 with image-recognition equipment and/or a computer executing one or more associated computer programs, such as optical character recognition computer programs, to generate a corresponding output data string, such as a string of numeric or alpha-numeric digits. At 318 the output data string is then matched with predetermined response information relating to the vendor or goods. Example response information may include, without limitation, technical data, specifications, prices, details of services, company information, contact information and so on.
At 320 the response information prepared at 318 is transmitted to, and received by, the mobile phone used by user 302 via network 308. User 302 may then review the response information, as at 322. Alternatively, the information of 318 may at 320 be transmitted to user 302 in other forms, including one or more of emailing the user and mailing printed information to the user via a conventional postal or package carrier service.
With the exception of the foregoing, system 300 operates in the same manner as system 10. For example, image capture 306, 18 are otherwise similar, as are networks 308, 20, servers 310, 22, capture/storage 314, 24 and image decoding 316, 26. Furthermore, MOBIGLYPH™ 304 and game piece 14 are substantially similar in structure, arrangement and operation, as discussed above. Accordingly, details of the structure and operation of system 300 will not be reiterated here.
With minor adaptation system 300 may function as an approval system. For example, a user 302, such as a teenager shopping in a store, may desire to purchase an item. User 302 captures at 306 an image of a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 associated with the item. The MOBIGLYPH™ 304 may be imprinted upon a tag attached to the article, displayed on a sign proximate the article or listed in sales literature. The captured image of 306 is forwarded to operator 312, who in this example may be a parent, via network 308 for processing. Information associated with the decoded image of 316 is presented to operator 312, such as a description and/or image of the article and its purchase price, which may be presented to the operator on a mobile phone or computer screen. Operator 312 may approve the purchase at 318 with an affirmative response, which includes a generated approval code. The approval code is transmitted to user 302 at 320 via network 308. The approval code, which is associated with user 302 and/or operator 312 at 314, is reviewed by user 302 at 322. User 302 supplies the approval code to the vendor of the article who utilizes the approval code to charge the purchase to operator 312.
In yet another adaptation system 300 may facilitate the operation of a game wherein a pool of players (i.e., users 302) each wear a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 on an article of clothing, a sign or a badge. During play each user 302 attempts to capture at 306 an image of the MOBIGLYPH™ displayed by the other users, the images being forwarded to operator 312 for processing in the manner previously described for system 300. Each user 302 whose MOBIGLYPH™ 304 is captured at 306 is eliminated and may receive a confirming indication at 322. The last non-eliminated user 302 is judged the winner.
In still another adaptation of system 300 a user 302 may utilize a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 in association with a customer rewards program. For example, a user 302 may be issued a MOBIGLYPH™ 304, which is associated with the user at 314. When user 302 makes a qualified purchase under the rewards program the user captures an image of the user's assigned MOBIGLYPH™ 304 and forwards it to operator 312 for processing in the manner previously discussed for system 300. Operator 312 matches decoded MOBIGLYPH™ 304 with a transaction record stored in 314 for the qualified purchase and awards points, discounts, credits and other customer incentives to user 302 in a predetermined manner.
In yet another adaptation of system 300 a user 302 may capture at 306 an image of a MOBIGLYPH™ 304 associated with a rewards program offered by a business establishment in order to join the program. Operator 312 matches up the decoded MOBIGLYPH™ 304 information at 316 with user 302 information stored at 314 and, in response, sends at 318, 320 rewards membership information to the user via network 308. User 302 may review the membership information at 322.
In still another adaptation of system 300 a group of users 302 may participate in a “scavenger hunt” game, locating a MOBIGLYPH™ 304, capturing an image thereof at 306 and forwarding an image to operator 312 using network 308 in the manner previously discussed for system 300 to obtain information or clues pertaining to the location of the next MOBIGLYPH™ in a predetermined series. The first user 302 to complete the series may be awarded any or all of prizes, incentives and rewards.
In some embodiments of the present invention an electronic image of MOBIGLYPH™ 304 may be shared among users 302, allowing plural users to utilize system 300 to obtain benefits and incentives. Furthermore, operator 312 may provide plural users 302 with additional incentives and rewards if the users shop together as a group, as indicated by each of the users capturing an image of a common MOBIGLYPH™ in a business establishment 15, such as a floor-mounted MOBIGLYPH™ similar to game piece 14 (see
System 300 of
Game piece 14 and MOBIGLYPH™ 304 have been thus far described as being imprinted or displayed. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that game piece 14 and MOBIGLYPH™ 304 may be presented in any tangible or visually perceivable form within the scope of the invention. For example, game piece 14 and MOBIGLYPH™ 304 may be variously formed by, without limitation, imprinting, stamping, photography, printing by any automatic, manual or mechanical means, silk screening, hand-forming, stenciling, engraving, etching, carving, casting, molding and embossing.
While this invention has been shown and described with respect to detailed embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention. For example, certain portions of the disclosed invention may be interchangeably described in terms of their function and/or structure within the scope of the invention. In addition, the method of the present invention may be operated manually, automatically, or any combination of manually and automatically, within the scope of the invention.
Claims
1. A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining access to an image of a game piece;
- capturing an electronic image of the game piece;
- transmitting the image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the game piece and comparing the decoded image to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant; and
- receiving the transmitted results of the comparison.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein a mobile phone is used to capture an electronic image of the game piece, transmit the image to the information collector, and receive the results of the comparison.
3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the steps of capturing and storing, at the information collector, predetermined data relating to at least one of the mobile phone and a user thereof.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the comparison relates to at least one prize.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the comparison relates to information associated with the game piece.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a beverage cup.
7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon printed media.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of imprinting the game piece upon an interior surface of a label and affixing the label to a generally transparent container.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a floor sticker.
10. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of displaying the game piece upon a computer monitor screen.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon an article of clothing.
12. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of placing security markings proximate the game piece.
13. A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining access to an image of a game piece;
- obtaining, with a game piece converter, a data string corresponding to an electronic image of the game piece;
- transmitting the data string to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received data string and comparing the decoded data string to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant; and
- receiving the transmitted results of the comparison.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the comparison relates to at least one prize.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the comparison relates to information associated with the game piece.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of incorporating the game piece converter into a vending machine, and imprinting the game piece upon items to be vended by the vending machine.
17. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a beverage cup.
18. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon printed media.
19. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of placing security markings proximate the game piece.
20. An interactive promotional gaming system, comprising:
- a tangible image of a game piece;
- a camera-equipped mobile phone;
- a predetermined information collector configured to receive an image of the game piece that has been captured and transmitted from the mobile phone;
- a decoder to decode the received image of the game piece;
- a comparator to compare the decoded image to a predetermined list; and
- a transmitter to transmit the results of the comparison to the mobile phone.
21. A method of participating in an interactive translation system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining access to an image of information to be translated;
- capturing an electronic image of the information;
- transmitting the electronic image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the information, translating the decoded image, and transmittal of the translation to the participant; and
- receiving the transmitted translation.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the image of information is at least one of a discrete image and a continuous stream of images.
23. A method of participating in an interactive response system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
- obtaining access to an image of a glyph;
- capturing an electronic image of the glyph;
- transmitting the image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the glyph;
- preparing a response corresponding to the decoded image of the glyph for transmittal of the response to the participant; and
- receiving the transmitted response.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein the glyph and the response relate to at least one of an information request, a purchase approval, a game, a product registration and a rewards program.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 20, 2008
Publication Date: Aug 21, 2008
Inventor: Aram Kovach (Lewis Center, OH)
Application Number: 12/034,643
International Classification: A63F 9/24 (20060101);