U.S. patent application number 10/173385 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for method of using a hidden image game piece.
Invention is credited to Brooks, Joel M., Causey, Donnie, Montesi, Matthew.
Application Number | 20020153661 10/173385 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27374072 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020153661 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Brooks, Joel M. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2002 |
Method of using a hidden image game piece
Abstract
A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image
game piece is produced and used. A first hidden image game piece is
formed on a transparent or translucent substrate. A second hidden
image game piece is formed electronically, and optionally printed
or, alternatively, saved and distributed in electronic format. The
hidden image game piece can be used to distributed either
physically or electronically, and it may be used to derive
demographic information from recipients, to drive them to web sites
or retail outlets, and to provide a means for distributing
advertising, either on the game pieces or at a game site, which may
be a physical site, such as a retail outlet, or an electronic site,
such as an Internet site. The methods of the present invention
include the method of producing a game piece, the method of
deriving demographic information from recipients of the game
pieces, and the method of providing advertising to recipients of
the game pieces.
Inventors: |
Brooks, Joel M.; (Conyers,
GA) ; Causey, Donnie; (Cumming, GA) ; Montesi,
Matthew; (Dunwoody, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Sanford J. Asman, Esq.
570 Vinington Court
Dunwoody
GA
30350
US
|
Family ID: |
27374072 |
Appl. No.: |
10/173385 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10173385 |
Jun 17, 2002 |
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09634111 |
Aug 8, 2000 |
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6406062 |
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09634111 |
Aug 8, 2000 |
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09437254 |
Nov 10, 1999 |
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6296900 |
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09437254 |
Nov 10, 1999 |
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09081795 |
May 20, 1998 |
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5984367 |
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60148226 |
Aug 9, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
273/288 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2003/00826
20130101; A63F 3/065 20130101; A63F 9/0613 20130101; Y10T 428/24975
20150115; G06Q 30/02 20130101; Y10T 428/24967 20150115; A63F
2009/0616 20130101; A63F 3/0685 20130101; A63F 2009/0618 20130101;
A63F 3/00697 20130101; B44F 1/10 20130101; A63F 2011/0079 20130101;
Y10T 428/2495 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/288 |
International
Class: |
A63F 003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 10, 1999 |
US |
PCT/US99/26464 |
Claims
1. A game piece with a hidden image comprising: (a) a first visible
layer comprising an image formed in a first color, said first layer
being formed in a manner which will assist in obfuscating an image
to be hidden; (b) a second visible layer containing an image to be
hidden, said second layer being formed in said first color; (c) a
third visible layer comprising an image formed in a second color,
said second color being distinct from said first color, said third
layer being formed in a manner which will assist in obfuscating
said image to be hidden which is on said second layer.
2. The game piece of claim 1 wherein said image on said first layer
is comprised of text.
3. The game piece of claim 2 wherein said image on said third layer
is comprised of text.
4. The game piece of claim 3 wherein said image on said first layer
and said image on said third layer are comprised of the same
text.
5. The game piece of claim 4 wherein said first color is selected
from the group consisting of cyan, yellow, and magenta, and said
second color is selected from said group consisting of cyan,
yellow, and magenta.
6. The game piece of claim 5 wherein said first color is yellow and
said second color is cyan.
7. The game piece of claim 4 wherein said text is formed in
lines.
8. The game piece of claim 7 wherein said text is formed in wavy
lines.
9. The game piece of claim 8 wherein said wavy lines of text on
said first layer are displaced, whereby columns of white space are
minimized.
10. The game piece of claim 9 wherein said wavy lines of text on
said third layer are displaced, whereby columns of white space are
minimized.
11. The game piece of claim 10 wherein said image on said first
layer is filtered.
12. The game piece of claim 10 wherein said image on said third
layer is filtered.
13. The game piece of claim 12 wherein said hidden image on said
second layer is text.
14. The game piece of claim 13 wherein said text on said first
layer is formed in a san serif font.
15. The game piece of claim 14 wherein said text on said second
layer is formed in a serif font.
16. The game piece of claim 15 wherein said font used on said
hidden text is larger in point size than said font used on said
text in said first layer.
17. The game piece of claim 16 wherein said font used on said
hidden text is formed in outline with a transparent interior.
18. The game piece of claim 10 wherein said first layer and said
third layer are identical but offset from one another.
19. The game piece of claim 18 wherein said offset is approximately
one-half character horizontally.
20. The game piece of claim 19 wherein said offset is approximately
one-half line vertically.
21. The game piece of claim 1 wherein said hidden image game piece
is formed as an electronic image.
22. The game piece of claim 21 wherein said image is saved as a
single layer.
23. The game piece of claim 22 wherein said image is saved in RGB
mode, whereby it can be displayed on a monitor.
24. The method of creating an electronic hidden image file which
can be displayed as an image on a computer monitor, comprising: (a)
forming a first line of text; (b) replicating said first line of
text to form an image which is sufficiently large that said image
of replicated lines of text can be used to hide form a concealing
image; (c) forming a first mask from said concealing image, such
that said replicated lines of text are transparent while the areas
around said replicated lines of text have a first color; (d)
replicating said first mask in a second color different from said
first color to produce a second mask; (e) forming a layer having a
hidden image in said first color; (f) combining said first mask as
a first layer, said hidden image as a second layer, and said second
mask as a third layer, with said first layer being below said
second layer and said third layer being above said second
layer.
25. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of
offsetting the text in adjacent lines in order to minimize flowing
"white spaces", prior to said step of forming a first mask.
26. The method of claim 25 further comprising the step of
offsetting said first layer from said third layer prior to said
step of combining.
27. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of forming a
wavy path which forms a text baseline, prior to said step of
forming a first line of text.
28. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of filtering
said first mask prior to said step of combining.
29. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of filtering
said second mask prior to said step of combining.
30. The method of claim 24 further comprising the step of placing
said third layer in multiply mode prior to said step of
combining.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein said first and second layer are
formed in a color selected from the group consisting of cyan,
yellow, and magenta and said third layer is formed in a color
selected from the group consisting of cyan, yellow, and
magenta.
32. The method of claim 31 further comprising the step of
flattening the image after said step of combining.
33. The method of claim 32 further comprising the step of changing
the mode of said image from cyan, yellow, magenta, black (CYMK) to
red, green, blue (RGB) whereby said flattened image can be saved in
a file which is an image file.
34. The method of claim 33 further comprising the step of reversing
the input and output of the RGB channels prior to saving said image
file.
35. A method of collecting demographic information comprising: (a)
creating a game site, said game site containing a first
electronically formed image; (b) distributing game pieces
containing an image printed on a transparent or translucent
substrate to recipients; (c) directing said recipients of said game
pieces to visit said game site; (d) collecting demographic
information from said recipients when they visit said game site;
and then (e) providing said recipients with access to said
electronically formed image upon collecting their demographic
information.
36. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 35
wherein said first electronically formed image is an additive light
source.
37. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 35
wherein said first electronically formed image is a hidden image
game piece.
38. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 35
wherein said game site is a web site on the Internet.
39. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 35
wherein game site is a web site and said step of collecting
demographic information is performed by using a form at a first web
page, and upon receiving said demographic information, said
recipient is permitted to gain access to a second web page
containing said electronically formed image.
40. The method of claim 35 wherein said game site is a retail
outlet and said step of collecting demographic information is
performed by having said recipient provide such information before
said recipient is given access to means for producing said
electronically formed image.
41. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 35
wherein said game site is a retail outlet, said game piece includes
a hidden image, and said step of providing said recipient with
access to said electronically formed image is accomplished by
giving said recipient access to a source of additive light of the
correct color to decode said hidden image on said game piece.
42. A method of providing promotional advertising comprising: (a)
creating a game site containing advertising, said game site
containing a first electronically formed image; (b) distributing
game pieces containing an image printed on a transparent or
translucent substrate to recipients; (c) directing said recipients
of said game pieces to visit said game site; (d) providing said
recipients with promotional advertising when said recipients visit
said game site; and then (e) providing said recipients with access
to said electronically formed image.
43. The method of providing promotional advertising of claim 42
wherein said first electronically formed image is an additive light
source.
44. The method of providing promotional advertising of claim 42
wherein said first electronically formed image is a hidden image
game piece.
45. The method of providing promotional advertising of claim 42
wherein said game site is a web site on the Internet.
46. The method of providing promotional advertising of claim 42
wherein game site is a web site and said step of collecting
demographic information is performed by using a form at a first web
page, and upon receiving said demographic information, said
recipient is permitted to gain access to a second web page
containing said electronically formed image.
47. The method of providing promotional advertising of claim 42
wherein said game site is a retail outlet and said step of
collecting providing promotional advertising is performed by
exposing said recipient to said promotional advertising by
exhibiting said promotional advertising in said retail outlet.
48. The method of collecting demographic information of claim 42
wherein said game site is a retail outlet, said game piece includes
a hidden image, and said step of providing said recipient with
access to said electronically formed image is accomplished by
giving said recipient access to a source of additive light of the
correct color to decode said hidden image on said game piece.
49. The method of distributing game pieces comprising the steps of:
(a) producing at least one template for a game piece, said template
including areas for filling in text for a hidden image and text to
be used for a concealing image; (b) providing a web site for users
to select a template from a collection including said at least one
template; (c) providing means for said users to enter text for said
hidden image and for said concealing image; (d) providing means for
said users to provide payment information; and (e) providing means
for said users to provide delivery information, whereby an image
file produced in accordance with the information received from said
user can be used to create an image file and said image file can be
delivered to said user either electronically, or physically in the
form of printed game pieces.
50. The method of distributing game pieces of claim 49 further
comprising the step of providing means for said users to upload a
file containing artwork to be included on said game piece.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/437,254 [Attorney Docket Nos.
170707-1011 and/or 56210.0000041], filed Nov. 10, 1999, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/081,795, filed
May 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,367 entitled HIDDEN IMAGE
GAME PIECE. It is also a continuing prosecution application of
provisional application Ser. No. 60/148,226, filed Aug. 9, 1999
entitled ORIGINAL NET DECODER. The present application further
claims priority from PCT application Ser. No. PCT/US99/26464, filed
Nov. 10, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to game pieces. In particular,
the present invention relates to game pieces which reveal concealed
information when exposed to an additive light source.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In numerous types of situations and environments it is
desirable or necessary to provide a substrate which carries a
hidden image. That hidden image might be a word, number, icon,
logo, drawing, picture, depiction, marking, message, pattern, or
some other indicia. For example, when a sheet with a hidden image
is used as a game piece, its hidden image, once revealed, may be
used to:
[0006] (a) communicate the name of a particular prize in a
sweepstakes;
[0007] (b) communicate a particular number which has to be matched
identically to a predetermined "winning" number in order to win a
prize;
[0008] (c) communicate a particular word which has to be matched
identically to a predetermined "winning" word in order to win a
prize; or (d) communicate a particular image, picture, logo, or
icon in order to win a prize.
[0009] Often, there is a predetermined "seeding" structure inherent
in a game piece-delivered sweepstakes in which only a certain
predetermined number of "winning" game pieces are printed and
distributed for each corresponding prize level. However, because
the game piece's potentially "winning" information is hidden, no
contest participant has a chance to win unless he or she interacts
with a game piece to reveal its concealed image.
[0010] There are numerous ways to create a substrate which carries
a hidden image. All of these techniques could theoretically be used
to create a game piece with a hidden image. For example, in some
merchandising schemes a hidden image is present on a substrate, and
it can be read only after a coating is removed, such as by
scratching the coating or otherwise removing all, or portions of,
the coating. Some types of hidden images on a substrate appear only
after a chemical solution is applied to the substrate. Some types
of hidden images which are carried by a substrate appear only after
a reaction occurs in the image when the substrate is subjected to
artificial or natural light. Some types of hidden images which are
carried by a substrate are made to appear only after the substrate
is subjected to a significant temperature change. Some types of
hidden images which are carried by a substrate are made visible
only when observed by special types of light. Some types of hidden
images which are carried upon a substrate are made visible for
reading only when viewed through special optics. Several other
methods for applying and reading hidden images have also been
created.
[0011] Devices have been created in which a hidden image carried on
a substrate only becomes visible when exposed to specific color(s)
of light in the visible spectrum. Typically, such devices are
created by using printing, or some other technique, to apply images
to the substrate. For example, the image which is to be hidden may
be applied to the substrate using one color. Then the marking,
pattern, or image which has been designed to conceal the hidden
image may be applied to the same portion of the substrate as the
hidden image, using a different color. Generally, the concealing
marking, pattern, or image is designed to cover, surround, or
otherwise camouflage the concealed image in a way that makes the
concealed image imperceptible in normal light. Often, a "mezzotint"
pattern is used for the concealing marking, pattern, or image
("mezzotint" refers to a computer-generated pattern which has red
and yellow elements; such a pattern is often used to disguise an
image printed in light blue). An image which has been hidden in
this manner may be revealed by exposing the substrate to light of a
color similar to the concealing marking, pattern, or image.
[0012] All of the previously known methods for creating a
light-activated hidden image game piece have proved to be
unsuitable for creating a hidden image game piece which is capable
of being activated by the low-intensity light emanated by a typical
computer monitor screen. In the past, light-activated hidden image
game pieces have typically: (1) employed a paper substrate; (2) not
required that the density of the inks applied to the substrate be
limited to a specific range; and (3) used a color filtering device
to provide the specific color of light required to activate the
game piece.
[0013] A number of game pieces have been created in which a
previously hidden image will be revealed when the game piece is
viewed through a color filtering device. As used herein, the term
"color filtering device" refers to a device which tends to prevent
the transmission of light rays of a substantially different color
than the color filtering device. For example, if the primary color
red is used for the color filtering device, it will absorb light of
the other primary colors, namely blue and green, while passing red
light. Accordingly, objects which are otherwise blue or green will
appear black (in the absence of light transmission); red objects
will remain red; white objects will also be seen as red, as the
blue and green components of the white light will be absorbed by
the color filtering device. Accordingly, on a white background, a
blue image may be surrounded and camouflaged by red markings so as
to appear substantially illegible when viewed with the naked eye.
When viewed through a red filter, however, the image can be seen as
a black image on a solid red background. U.S. Pat. No. 5,312,656
entitled TOY PICNIC SET HAVING A LATENT IMAGE PLACEMAT which issued
on May 17, 1994 to J. Michaels shows the use of red filter
(specifically, a transparent red plate in a toy picnic set) to
reveal a hidden image in this way. A similar use of a red filter to
reveal a hidden image is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,032
entitled MYSTERY PUZZLE GAME which issued on Mar. 28, 1995 to T. L.
Barnhart, et al.
[0014] An approach other than the color-filtering technique
described above is required when designing a hidden-image game
piece capable of being activated by a device such as a computer
monitor. While a color filter uses ambient natural or artificial
light, and screens out those colors of light which are undesired,
it is also possible to "add" light of a specific color to a game
piece, without filtering the ambient light. In the case of a
computer monitor, or similar device, the "additive" light needed
for activation of the game piece may be obtained by placing the
game piece on a specifically-colored area of the screen of an
operating monitor, or a device which otherwise gives off colored
light of the correct frequency. This action floods the game piece
with the specific type of colored light required for activation,
thereby revealing the hidden image.
[0015] By way of example, it is possible to make a paper game piece
which is designed to be activated by red light when placed on a
television screen. In such a game piece, a printed red and yellow
mezzotint pattern could be used to conceal a hidden image printed
in light blue. When such a game piece is flooded with the additive
red light supplied by a red square projected on the television
screen from the source of transmission, the game piece's hidden
message will be seen as a black image on a red background.
[0016] However, a paper game piece designed to be activated by a
relatively high-intensity light source, such as a television
screen, cannot be used with a relatively low-intensity light
source, such as a computer monitor. The intensity of the additive
light provided by a computer monitor is generally only 80-120
candlepower (the intensity of light a source is measured in
standard units known as "candlepower", wherein one candlepower is
equal to the light emitted by one standardized candle). A computer
monitor's low-intensity light cannot activate a hidden-image paper
game piece, because it cannot overcome the paper's opacity to
reveal the hidden image. Therefore, a traditional paper substrate
cannot be used to create an additive-light game piece designed to
be activated by a computer monitor.
[0017] In the past, the density of the ink application used in
printing an additive-light activated hidden image game piece has
been of relatively minor importance. However, when producing an
additive-light activated hidden image game piece which is designed
for use with computer monitors, or other devices which emanate
relatively low levels of additive light, the density of the ink
application must be controlled within a narrow range. If the
density is too high, it will serve to block the additive light
needed to reveal the hidden image. If the density is too low, the
hidden image and/or the concealing image will be illegible.
[0018] In the printing industry, "density" is a term of art. It
refers to the thickness of a coating (typically, ink) which is
applied to a substrate. One unit of density equals {fraction
(1/100,000)} of an inch (0.00001 inch) of coating thickness.
Therefore, a density of 100 equals {fraction (1/1000)} of an inch
(0.001 inch) of coating thickness, which is equal to one mil.
Printers typically use a tool known as a "densitometer" to measure
coating thickness.
[0019] The phrase "dull coating" is also a term of art in the
printing industry. It is often used interchangeably with the terms
"dull varnish" or "frost coating". A dull coating is a coating
which is traditionally used by printers to enhance the appearance
and durability of printed matter. Such a coating may be oil-based
or water-based. A water-based dull coating is commonly referred to
as an "aqueous" coating.
[0020] In the past, there has not been any method of providing an
electronic hidden image game piece of the type described, and such
game pieces were always produced on a substrate, such as a paper or
plastic substrate. Accordingly, it would be desirable to have a
method for producing "electronic game pieces" which could be
displayed on computer monitors, or served from Internet web
sites.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The present invention is a game piece with a hidden image,
and a method for producing such a game piece. To create the first
embodiment of the game piece of the present invention, a first
pattern of colored ink is deposited on a transparent or highly
translucent substrate at a density which is preferably in the range
of about 110-180 density in order to form an image. Then, a second
pattern of colored ink, having a different color than the first
pattern's ink, is deposited upon the substrate at a density which
is preferably in the range of from about 90-170 density. The second
pattern should cover at least a portion of the first pattern. When
the game piece is flooded with additive light of the same color as
the second pattern's ink, the previously concealed image, composed
of the first pattern's ink, becomes perceptible. As a transparent,
or highly translucent, substrate is preferably used for the game
piece, and because the density of the ink application is controlled
within certain ranges, the game piece thus created may be used with
a low intensity additive light source, such as a computer monitor,
or other, similar source of low-intensity additive light.
[0022] Among the advantages of the present invention are that it
provides an additive-light activated hidden image game piece which
will reveal its hidden image when exposed to relatively low levels
of additive light, such as those typically emanated by a computer
monitor. It provides a method for producing an additive-light
activated hidden image game piece which will reveal its hidden
image when exposed to relatively low levels of additive light, such
as those typically emanated by a computer monitor. Also, it
provides method for producing an additive-light activated hidden
image game piece which creates high quality products.
[0023] In accordance with the foregoing embodiment of the present
invention, each individual game piece may contain an a hidden
image. The number of such images is, of course, determined during
the printing step. Thus, if it is desired to have n different game
pieces for distribution, it is necessary to print n different
patterns on the game pieces. As will be obvious, the recipient of a
particular game piece can decode that game piece by placing it over
an additive light source of the correct frequency, but the image
will always remain the same. For some applications it may be
desirable to provide the ability to generate different hidden
images without the need to distribute additional game pieces,
something which cannot be done with the first embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] In accordance with another embodiment of the present
invention, a computer monitor, or similar device, can be used to
generate a pattern which includes a hidden image. A game piece can
be distributed which is a filter, allowing a single color of light
to pass therethrough. Thus, if the image displayed on the computer
monitor includes a hidden image having a color corresponding to the
color of the filter (i.e., the color of the game piece), surrounded
(or overlaid) by an obscuring pattern in other colors, the hidden
image will pass through the game piece, while other areas will
appear black.
[0025] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, an
electronic game piece is provided which can be displayed on
computer monitors, or served from Internet web sites. This
electronic game piece can be the basis of several businesses
including traditional advertising to drive users to a physical or
electronic location, or even the business of creating electronic
game pieces to be served from a web site or physically or
electronically produced for distribution.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0026] In the Drawing:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a substrate on which a hidden image
has been applied in accordance with the first embodiment of the
invention, with the hidden image shown concealed;
[0028] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the substrate of FIG. 1, on which a
hidden image has been applied in accordance with the first
embodiment of the invention, with the hidden image shown
revealed;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a section view of the substrate shown in FIG. 2,
taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 showing the manner of
manufacturing a game piece in accordance with a first embodiment of
the invention;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a hidden image game piece in
accordance with the first embodiment of the invention being held up
to a computer monitor to demonstrate the manner of revealing a
hidden image;
[0031] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the method of
manufacturing the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the present
invention, which may be produced either as a physical game piece or
as an electronic game piece;
[0033] FIGS. 7-13 are plan views illustrating the method of the
present invention which is used to produce the game piece of FIG.
6;
[0034] FIGS. 14-16 are flowcharts illustrating the steps used in
the production of the game piece of FIG. 6;
[0035] FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an inventive method of
using the game piece of FIG. 6;
[0036] FIG. 18 is a plan view of a game piece which contains a
filter used to view an electronically produced game piece made in
accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a pair of eyeglasses
containing filter lenses which may be used to view an
electronically produced game piece made in accordance with the
second embodiment of the present invention; and
[0038] FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating another inventive
business made possible by the game piece of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the hidden image
game piece 10, of the present invention, is shown. In the first
embodiment, the game piece 10 is comprised of a substrate 12, which
may be transparent or translucent. In the preferred embodiment, a
transparent substrate is employed, although the game piece 10 can
be made using a translucent substrate, with the opacity of the
substrate 12 dependent upon the intensity of the light available
from the light source used. Thus, if a very bright light source is
used, the substrate 12 can be less transparent, while if a low
level light source is used, the substrate should be more
transparent. It has been found that good results may be may be
obtained by using a transparent polyester substrate having a
thickness of about 4 mil, or greater (a "mil" is {fraction
(1/1000)} of an inch). While a typical game piece 10 is formed on a
rectangular, transparent piece of polyester, a suitable substrate
can comprise a transparent or highly translucent compact disc (CD)
which could be turned into a game piece in accordance with the
present invention by using the techniques described herein.
[0040] If a transparent or translucent CD is used as a substrate,
it should be noted that only discs which are not highly aluminized
(e.g., discs which have not been aluminized or which have been only
partially aluminized) are the most suitable for use as a game piece
in accordance with the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the game piece 10 may include visible
indicia 14 such as a company name or logo, the Uniform Resource
Locator ("URL" or "web site address") 16 of an Internet site,
and/or a serial number 18, which can be applied for security
reasons. The game piece 10 further includes a concealing image 20
which is used to obfuscate a concealed image, as will be described
hereinafter.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, a concealed image 22 is applied to the
surface of the substrate 12 by printing the concealed image 22
using a coating material, such as ink. In the preferred embodiment
of the invention, the concealed image 22 is applied in high density
fluorescent yellow ink at 120-140 density. A concealing image 20 is
applied to the substrate 12 over the concealed image 22 by printing
the concealing image 20 in a coating material, such as ink, after
the concealed image 22 has been printed. In the preferred
embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the concealing image 20 is
applied in high density fluorescent process cyan ink at 140-150
density. These elements have been combined to form an exemplary
game piece 10.
[0043] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the lines 3-3 are used
to represent the cross-section, through a portion of the substrate
12, the concealed image 22, and the concealing image 20, as shown
in FIG. 3. With reference to FIG. 3 a cross-sectional view of the
printed game piece 10 taken along the lines 3-3 of FIG. 2 is shown.
Thus, FIG. 3 shows the transparent or translucent substrate 12 with
the concealed image 22 printed thereon, and the concealing image 20
printed over the concealed image 22. FIG. 3 also shows the "dull"
coating 24, applied over the tops of the printed images 20, 22, and
preferably over the entire substrate 12. Although it the game piece
10 can be manufactured without applying the dull coating 24, far
better results are generally obtained if the dull coating 24 is
used. As recognized by those skilled in the printing arts, the dull
coating 24 enhances the game piece 10 by preventing the underlying
printed images 20, 22 from smudging. The dull coating 24 also gives
the printed game piece 10 a "finished" appearance. Another benefit
derived from the dull coating 24 is that it substantially reduces
the reflectivity of the substrate 12, thereby reducing the contrast
between the substrate 12 and the printed images 20, 22. Thus, the
application of the dull coating 24 to the game piece 10 makes it
virtually impossible to detect the concealed image 22 without
additive-light activation.
[0044] FIG. 4 shows a user 26 holding a game piece 10 up to a
portion of a screen 28 of a monitor 30 which acts as a source of
revealing light of the correct color (frequency). In accordance
with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the revealing light
emitted from the screen is blue additive light, and (at least a
portion of) the screen 28 acts as a source of the revealing light.
Consequently, when the user 26 holds the game piece 10 up to the
portion of the screen 28 which provides the revealing light,
typically as a blue rectangle, the concealed image 22 on the game
piece 10 is revealed. As shown, a typical manner of obtaining the
additive blue light needed to reveal the hidden image 22 on the
game piece 10 is to place the game piece 10 on a blue area of the
screen 28 of an operating computer monitor 30, thereby revealing
the concealed image 22.
[0045] While the concealed image 22 is visible when the game piece
10 is held up to the blue portion of the screen 28, as shown in
FIGS. 2 and 4, only the concealing image 20 is visible when the
same game piece 10 is not exposed to a blue additive-light source
(See, FIG. 1).
[0046] With continued reference to FIG. 4, the computer monitor 30
is typically connected to a microcomputer 32, which typically has a
keyboard 34 and mouse 36. The microcomputer 32 is preferably
connected to a network 34, such as the Internet. This connection
can be made in any number of ways, but is typically done using a
modem over a telephone line, a direct network connection, a cable
modem, or by a special purpose phone modem such as a digital
subscriber line ("DSL") modem. Other network connections can be
used, though, without departing from the spirit or scope of the
present invention. Thus, when connected to the Internet, for
example, the computer 32 may be running a "browser", such as
Netscape or Microsoft Internet Explorer, and the browser may be
directed to a URL, often called a "web site", such as the one
printed on the game piece 10, as shown in FIG. 1. When at that web
site, the user 26 can hold the game piece 10 up to a specific area
on the screen 29 of a computer monitor 30, as shown, in order to
decode the hidden image on the game piece 10.
[0047] With reference now to FIG. 5, a block diagram 36 illustrates
the method of manufacturing the game piece 10 of the first
embodiment of the present invention. In particular, block 38
illustrates the first step in manufacturing the game piece 10 which
is to print the concealed image 22 on the substrate 12. In this
step 38, the concealed image 22 is created by process printing
colored ink dots on a transparent or translucent substrate 12. For
best results, the concealed image 22 should be applied at 120-140
density, using high density fluorescent yellow ink.
[0048] Next, as illustrated in block 40, the second step in
manufacturing the game piece 10 involves process printing the
concealing image 20 over the surface of the concealed image 22. At
a minimum, the concealing image 20 should be applied as a second
layer in the area of the concealed image 22. However, the
concealing image 20 is preferably applied over as much of the
surface of the game piece 10 as desired. In printing the concealing
image 20, colored ink dots of a different color than the ink dots
which were used to create the concealed image 22 are used.
Preferably, the concealing image 20 is printed using an ink which
is of approximately the same color as the additive light source
which will be used to reveal the concealed image 22. As will be
obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, if the game piece 10
is to be printed on a transparent or translucent substrate, the ink
used should not be an opaque ink, as that would prevent additive
light from passing therethrough. Thus, in a preferred embodiment of
the invention the concealing image 20 is printed using high density
fluorescent cyan ink applied at 140-150 density. In addition, it
may be desirable during this step 40 to apply any other printed
matter (i.e., other than the concealed image 22 and concealing
image 20) which is to appear on the game piece 10. This other
indicia 14 (See FIGS. 1 and 2) can be printed in any desired color
or colors.
[0049] As illustrated in block 42, the third step in manufacturing
the game piece 10 is the application of a dull coating 24 to the
game piece 10. While it is not strictly necessary to employ this
step 42, the application of the dull coating 24, helps to produce
results which are superior to those obtained if the dull coating 24
is not used, as the dull coating 24 makes the hidden, concealed
image 22 of the game piece 10 virtually undetectable until the game
piece 10 is exposed to additive light of the correct color for
activation. For best results, an aqueous dull coating 24 should be
used.
[0050] Finally, block 44 contains the fourth step in manufacturing
the game piece, which involves allowing the printed substrate to
cure for a sufficient time, which is dependent upon the substrate,
the ink, and the ambient temperature and humidity. However, 72
hours is generally a sufficient time.
[0051] While the game piece 10 of the first preferred embodiment
has been described, other embodiments of the present invention have
been found to provide desirable results which cannot be obtained
using the game piece 10. Also, other methods of manufacturing
alternative "game pieces" have been developed. Thus, with reference
now to FIGS. 6-14, the design of, and a detailed description of the
method of making another embodiment of a game piece 50, in
accordance with the present invention, is described. The
description of making the game piece 50 which follows is based upon
the use of computer software to perform the layout and production
of the game piece 50. In the preferred method, a programmed
microcomputer, such as a PC (e.g., an "IBM compatible") or a MAC
(e.g., an "Apple Macintosh" compatible) uses software, such as
Adobe Illustrator and/or Adobe Photoshop to produce images which
make up "layers" containing the concealing and concealed images.
These layers are combined to produce the game piece 50. As will be
further explained hereinafter, the game piece 50 may be produced
and printed on a substrate 52, which may be either transparent,
translucent, or opaque. Thus, the game piece 50 may be printed on
plastic material, on paper, on cloth, or on other materials (e.g.,
advertising materials, mugs, or other promotional items).
Alternatively, the "game piece" 50 may exist solely as a computer
generated file, in a suitable format such as an Adobe Illustrator
file (e.g., an ".ai", or ".eps" file), an Adobe Photoshop file
(e.g., a ".psd" file), an Adobe Acrobat file (e.g., a ".pdf" file),
or some other graphics file (e.g., a ".jpg" file, a ".bmp" file, or
a ".tif" file) in which case it may be included in a web page (an
"HTML" file) to be "distributed" over a network, such as the
Internet, or on a diskette or CD-ROM, without departing from the
present invention. The description which follows describes specific
steps which are carried out on a computer using Adobe Illustrator
and/or Adobe Photoshop, both of which are produced and distributed
by Adobe Systems Incorporated, 345 Park Avenue, San Jose, Calif.
9510-2704. While Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop are used in
the preferred method of preparing electronic game pieces, other
software could be used without departing from the present
invention.
[0052] Starting with Adobe Illustrator, one begins to produce the
game piece 50 by creating a new document. In the new document, it
is desirable to set the resolution to be about 2540 dots per inch
("dpi") in order to permit printing at very high resolution. Once a
new document has been opened, one first creates a wavy line, such
as wavy line 60, shown in FIG. 7. The wavy line 60 is a Bezier
path, having endpoints 62, 64. While Bezier paths are produced in
Adobe Illustrator, other wavy line paths, such as sine waves, could
be used, as the only significance of the wavy line path is that it
will be used as a baseline for producing concealing text which
undulates, so as to have an appearance which is ultimately quite
effective at hiding the hidden text.
[0053] By selecting the end point 62 of the wavy line 60 using the
Reflect (Mirror) Tool and then copying the wavy line 60 about a
vertical axis, the wavy line 60 is replicated as a mirror image
adjacent to the original wavy line 60. The end point 64 of the
original wavy line 60, and the adjacent end point of the replicated
version of the wavy line (not shown) are joined using a smooth
join, so as to make a single new wavy line which is twice the
length of the original wavy line 60. In the preferred embodiment of
making the game piece 50, this process is repeated a number of
times so as to obtain an elongated, undulating wavy line 70, as
shown in FIG. 8. The purpose of producing the elongated, undulating
wavy line 70 is to use it as the "baseline" path for the concealing
image, which is typically a typed name, phrase, URL, or other
advertising indicia, as shown at 54 in FIG. 6.
[0054] Using the Path Type Tool, the text which will be used to
produce the concealing image 54 is next entered on the elongated,
undulating wavy line 70, thereby producing a line of wavy text 72,
as shown in FIG. 9. Those familiar with Adobe Illustrator will
recognize that the elongated, undulating wavy line 70 does not
appear in the ultimate image 54, but that it is used as the
"baseline" for text to be entered on the elongated wavy line 70.
Thus, while the elongated, undulating wavy line 70 is visible when
producing the Illustrator artwork, it is not visible on the
printout when the artwork is printed, as shown in FIGS. 6 and
9-11.
[0055] Referring next to FIG. 10, the line of wavy text 72 (FIG. 9)
is duplicated a number of times to produce an image 74 comprised of
multiple copies of the line of wavy text 72. As the purpose of the
concealing image 54 (See FIG. 6) is to obfuscate the concealed
image on the game piece 50, it has been found that it is best to
avoid having repeated, identical lines of wavy text 72, as that
produces flowing "rivers" of white space 76, or flowing white space
areas 78 with minimal text (e.g., lines of periods, as shown)
through which any discontinuity, such as the concealed text image,
would be relatively easy to perceive.
[0056] Accordingly, the next step in the preferred embodiment of
the invention, is illustrated in FIG. 11 in which each line of text
is preferably modified by adding and/or deleting characters, or
otherwise offsetting the text, such that adjacent lines are not
identical, thereby producing an offset wavy text pattern 80, in
which adjacent lines, i.e., lines 82, 84 are offset, such that the
white space "rivers" 76, and the other flowing white space areas 78
(See, FIG. 10) are substantially eliminated. Thus, the offset wavy
text pattern 80 of FIG. 11, appears to be far less uniform than the
repeated wavy text pattern 74 of FIG. 10. As will be recognized by
those skilled in the art, this offsetting of the concealing text
further serves to provide a concealing image 54 (FIG. 6) which will
obfuscate a hidden image.
[0057] Once the offset wavy text pattern 80 has been produced, it
is used to create one or more concealing image masks, such as the
mask 82 shown in FIG. 12. To create the mask 82 using Adobe
Illustrator, one starts with the offset wavy text pattern 80 of
FIG. 11. Then, using the Rectangle Tool, a rectangular box 84 is
drawn around the wavy text pattern 80. The rectangular box 84 is
sent to the back of the image, and it is hidden. Next, the text,
which has been formed using a suitable font, is converted into
outlines. It has been found that to be desirable to use a font,
such as Arial Black, or other relatively wide (or bold) san serif
font to produce the concealing text. Thus, in the preferred
embodiment, Arial Black, 12 pt. font is used.
[0058] The text in the wavy text pattern 80 must be converted to
"outlines" so that it can be integrated into the mask 82.
Accordingly, the next step in the inventive method involves
releasing the compound paths, selecting all of the objects, and
then making compound paths. This step is used, because a mask must
be a single "shape" defined by a compound path. Finally, the Select
Tool is clicked outside of the box 84 to yield the mask 82, as
shown in FIG. 12. While color has not been a factor thus far in the
development of the mask 82, which is typically produced in black
with white "text" (actually the paths defining the text, as the
text no longer exists once it has been converted into a compound
path), it is now necessary to invoke the color selection process to
produce at least one mask, but preferably two masks, which can be
saved as computer files, preferably in a format which can be
imported into Adobe Photoshop.
[0059] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the first
mask, called the lower mask, is colored yellow (where the mask 82
is black) by selecting the image 82 and then adjusting the color
palette to all yellow (setting yellow's value to 100) with no cyan,
magenta, or black (setting these values to 0). This mask, called
the "Yellow Mask", should be saved in a suitable format (e.g., as
an ".eps" file). After saving the Yellow Mask, the color palette
can be adjusted to provide a cyan image (by changing the value of
cyan to 100 and the value of yellow to 0, with the black and
magenta already set to 0), and the second, or upper mask, which may
be called the "Cyan Mask" is saved, again, preferably as an ".eps"
file.
[0060] Having created both the Yellow and Cyan Masks, which will be
used to conceal the hidden image, it is now necessary to create the
hidden text image. Referring to FIG. 13, the concealed or hidden
text 90 can be simply typed onto a blank document in a suitable
font. It has been found to be beneficial to use a relatively large
serif font, such as a 36 pt. Times font, and to form it in an
outlined stroke 92 with a white interior 94, with the stroke 92
having the same color as the lower mask, i.e., yellow in the
preferred embodiment of the invention. Thus, in the preferred
embodiment of the invention, the hidden text image 90 is formed
using a yellow stroke 92, having a thickness of between about 1 pts
and 4 pts, and a white fill 94, as shown. After completing the
hidden text image 90, it, too, is saved, preferably as an ".eps"
file.
[0061] Having created three separate files--one each for the Yellow
Mask, the Cyan Mask, and the Hidden Text, it is time to assemble
them into a single image. While the assembly can be accomplished in
Adobe Illustrator (in which case all of the foregoing could be
accomplished in a single document without intermediate file
saving), in the preferred method, the assembly is accomplished
using Adobe Photoshop, as there are several functions available in
Adobe Photoshop (e.g., filters, and color modifications) which make
it easy to create unique patterns, colors, and/or formats.
[0062] After starting Adobe Photoshop, the Yellow Mask, Cyan Mask,
and Hidden Text images are loaded, and a new file is created. The
Yellow Mask is selected, copied, and pasted into the new file
(alternatively, of course, the Yellow Mask file could be used as
the "new" file, and it could simply be renamed, so as to preserve
the original file's integrity, as it may be needed again). At this
point, the first layer of the new image has been placed into the
new file, where it is identified as Layer 1 (using Adobe Photoshop
nomenclature). Next, the Hidden Text image is selected, copied, and
pasted into the new file, where it becomes Layer 2. Finally, the
Cyan Mask is selected, copied, and pasted into the new file, where
it becomes Layer 3.
[0063] At this point, Adobe Photoshop will have a single file with
Layers 1, 2, and 3 overlaying each other. In order to help hide the
Hidden Image (Layer 2), Layer 3 should be offset vertically and
horizontally somewhat from Layer 1. This step is readily
accomplished using the Move Tool to move either Layer 1 or Layer 3.
Usually, an offset of about one-half a character horizontally, and
about one-half a line vertically is sufficient. In addition, or
alternatively, Layers 1 and/or 3 can be "distorted", such as by
using the "spherize" filter and/or the "twirl" filters. Note, that
Layer 2, which contains the hidden text should not be distorted in
any manner which will adversely affect one's ability to read the
hidden text. Layer 3 should be placed in "multiply" mode, whereby
the overall image will appear green from the blending of the cyan
in Layer 3 with the yellow in Layers 1 and 2.
[0064] At this point, the image thus formed can be cropped, so as
to eliminate the yellow and cyan edges which appeared when Layers 1
and 3 were offset. The Photoshop image should now be saved in
Photoshop (".psd") format to preserve the layers in the event that
additional game pieces, with different hidden messages (i.e.,
different Layer 2's) are to be produced with the same Layers 1 and
3. Then, depending upon the ultimate use for the game piece 50, the
present invention provides for a number of options and uses for the
game piece 50.
[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 14-16, the method of making the game
piece 50 of the present invention is explained. First, with
reference to FIG. 14, a flow chart 100 sets forth the steps used to
create mask image 82 (FIG. 12). The first step 102 is to create a
wavy line path (See, elongated wavy line path 70, FIG. 8). In the
next step 104, the concealing text is placed on the wavy line path
(See, wavy text 72, FIG. 9). The line of wavy text is then
replicated 106 to form adjacent, identical lines of wavy text (See,
74 in FIG. 10). Then, the text in the adjacent lines is offset 110
(See, 80 in FIG. 11), and a mask (See, 82 in FIG. 12) is produced
110. Copies of the mask are then colored and saved 112.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 15, the process of creating the image of
the hidden text 90 (FIG. 13) is shown in flow chart 114. This
process involves the steps of creating the hidden text message 116,
coloring the hidden text 118, and saving the hidden text file
120.
[0067] The process of using the mask and hidden image files to
create an electronic game piece is described in the flow chart 130
shown in FIG. 16, in which the first step 132 is to load the mask
and hidden image files into Adobe Photoshop. Next, as shown in
block 134, the Yellow Mask is placed as Layer 1 in a file. Then, as
shown in block 136, the hidden message file is placed into the
file, as Layer 2. In the following step 138, the Cyan Mask is
placed into the file as Layer 3. In the following step 140, Layers
1 and 3 are misaligned, and either, or both, of them can be
optionally filtered (e.g., spherized and/or twirled). At this point
the Photoshop (".psd") file should be saved, so that it may be
recalled as a three layer Photoshop (".psd") file thereby enabling
easy replacement of Layer 2 (the Hidden Message layer) for
different game pieces in the same game. This way several game
pieces can be made to appear virtually identical, even though they
have different hidden text messages. Finally, in step 144, the mode
of Layer 3 (the cyan layer) is changed to "multiply", the layers
are "flattened", the color mode is changed to RGB, and the file is
saved in a suitable format (e.g., as a ".jpg" file) for electronic
distribution and/or printing. Optionally, in this step 144 the RGB
curves can be adjusted to give the image a magenta (rather than
green) appearance in order to enhance the effect produced.
[0068] To make a game piece 50 substantially equivalent to the game
piece 10, the additional indicia 14, including the URL 16 and
serial number 18, can be added, the electronic game piece 50 can be
sized, and it can then be printed on paper or a suitable
transparent or translucent substrate. It can even be printed on a
transferable substrate for application to cloth (e.g., a T-shirt
transfer) or to a mug, for example. If printed on a polyethylene
substrate 52, the main difference between the present embodiment of
the invention and the embodiment 10 is that the present embodiment
50 includes the Yellow Layer under (or incorporated with) the
Hidden Text Layer, in addition to the Cyan Layer above the Hidden
Text layer. It would still be desirable, of course, to provide a
"dull finish" layer as an overcoat.
[0069] The present embodiment 50 of the invention, provides several
new areas for exploiting game pieces of the type described. In
particular, the game piece 50 can be made to exist solely as an
electronic image. In that regard, additional manipulation in
Photoshop can provide a unique file, having capabilities not
available with the game piece 10. In particular, the three layers
of the Photoshop image can be "flattened", the mode of the image
can be changed into RGB mode, and the flattened image can be sized
and saved as a "jpg" file. The RGB "jpg" file can then be displayed
directly on a computer monitor, as part of a piece of software, or
as an image served up by a web server. Thus, instead of having to
distribute unique game pieces, as is necessary with the game piece
10, instead, electronically produced unique game pieces 50
(differing from one another by their hidden text message, for
example) can be served up at a web site at different times, such
that a large prize "winner" will only be exposed (served) for a
limited amount of time, while other prizes, and non-winners can be
exposed at other times. Since the hidden message on the electronic
game piece 50 can be changed and displayed on Internet web sites,
as desired, it is even possible to use the game piece 50 as the
basis for sending coded messages over the Internet, or via e-mail.
In that regard, it may be desirable to have the top layer be
patterned, rather than all cyan. For example, if the top layer is
formed in stripes of cyan and magenta, a the decoder piece,
corresponding to a filter having cyan and magenta stripes would be
used to decode the image.
[0070] In order to view the hidden image on the electronic game
piece 50 of the present embodiment of the invention, a user would
hold up a colored filter, which could be distributed for use with
multiple games. Such a filter could be in the form of a colored
plastic sheet (See, FIG. 18), or a pair of eyeglasses (See, FIG.
19) having colored plastic lenses. In the preferred embodiment of
the game piece 50, the plastic sheet or the lenses in the
eyeglasses would be blue (cyan).
[0071] In converting images to RGB format in Photoshop, it has been
discovered that a very effective result can be obtained by
reversing the image curve for the RGB channel (using the menu
selections Image.vertline.Adjust.vertline.Curve), so that the input
is switched from 255 to 0, while the output is switched from 0 to
255. This adjustment of the RGB curve provides an electronic image
which looks like magenta over blue, and which is very effective at
further obfuscating the hidden image.
[0072] While the preferred method of making the present invention
has been described in detail, other variations can be employed
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus,
it may be desirable to include a logo on the game piece, and this
can readily be accomplished by setting the logo in cyan with a
white outline, and placing it on top of the normal wavy pattern in
the cyan layer. Then, above the yellow layer, the hidden copy can
be set in a san-serif format in yellow with a very wide white
outline (preferably on the order of from about 8 to 12 points), and
the hidden image would be set just under where the logo placement
would be. In this format, it has been found that the hidden copy
should not be formed in type more than 14 points high. No changes
to the bottom layer will be needed.
[0073] While the hidden image game piece of the preferred
embodiment of the invention, along with the manner in which it is
made have now been fully described, it has been found that other
variations of the present invention can be made. In particular, in
the preferred embodiment thus far described, the game piece is
formed with both a hidden image and a concealing image, and the
revealing light source (which is blue light in the preferred
embodiment of the invention) is generated on the screen of a
computer monitor. It has been found that hidden image game pieces
thus formed in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
invention are an ideal way to drive recipients of such game pieces
to a web site on the Internet, as the game pieces may include
indicia about contests, discounts, or other items of interest to a
recipient. As the recipient will not know whether the game piece
which they receive (e.g., in a mailing, in a box or other container
containing goods, in an advertising piece, etc.) is a "winner"
until subjected to the revealing light source, they are induced to
go to the provider's web site to hold the game piece up to a
specified location on a specified web page. In order to gain access
to the specified web page, it may first be necessary for the
recipient to enter demographic information on one or more preceding
web pages, or they may subjected to advertising by the operator of
the web page. Thus, one application of the game piece is to provide
a basis for driving recipients to a web page hosted by the game
piece supplier.
[0074] As the revealing light source which is generated on the
computer monitor is only a source of additive light having the
correct color, an alternative method of using the game piece 50 is
to have the recipient come to a retail outlet operated by the game
piece provider to check out whether or not they hold a "winning"
game piece which could be good for discounts in the store, or other
prizes. This can be accomplished in a number of ways. For example,
a retail store can have a computer set up, and holders of game
pieces can be asked to enter demographic information prior to a
revealing light source being made available on the computer
monitor. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for game piece
recipients to have access to the Internet, or to even own a
computer. Alternatively, a simple computer monitor-like display can
be in the store, and it need only have a source of revealing light
displayed thereon, and no computer or computer monitor need be
available in the store.
[0075] While a number of ways to use the game piece heretofore
described have been set forth, it has been discovered that the
image formed on the game piece 50, and printed on the substrate can
also be produced in the form of a computer generated image which
can be displayed on a computer monitor or printed on an opaque
substrate, such as a piece of paper, or on a post card, a box or
other container, or otherwise made available for distribution. If
the hidden image game piece 50 thus formed is displayed on a
computer monitor, for example, a user can receive a game piece (See
game piece 160, FIG. 18) which contains a filter of the correct
color, on a piece of plastic. Alternatively, the user can receive
of a pair of eyeglasses containing lenses of the correct color (See
FIG. 19). In this embodiment of the invention, it is not necessary
for the recipient to receive multiple game pieces to play a number
of times, as new images can be periodically placed on a web site,
and the player (i.e., the recipient of the revealing game piece or
eyeglasses) can repeatedly revisit the web site to see if a winning
image is being displayed at the time when they "visit". Advantages
of this latter embodiment are that the task of distribution of a
game decoding piece need occur only once, yet the recipient is
induced to repeatedly visit the game site in order to check on
whether they have "won" a prize. Thus, if the game piece 50 is
being used in connection with an advertising promotion, it is
possible to distribute a single game decoding piece once, while
inducing the recipient to "play" a number different games, or the
same game a number of different times.
[0076] The present game pieces 10, 50 provide for numerous of
business opportunities which can be exploited over a network, such
as the Internet. In particular, a first such business opportunity
can be expressed as a business model involving the steps 152, 154,
156, 158 illustrated in the flowchart 150 shown in FIG. 17. In this
business model, the first step 152 involves producing game pieces
by printing them on a transparent substrate. The game pieces 10, 50
can be produced by any of the methods heretofore described, and the
game pieces 10, 50 may include a hidden message, as do the game
pieces 10, 50, or they may simply be colored filters (See, FIG. 18)
or eyeglasses (See FIG. 19) for use with a computer generated
electronic game piece 50, as described above. In the next step 154,
the game pieces are distributed with directions to "visit" a game
site. As described above, a game site can be an Internet web site
("address" or "URL") on the World Wide Web, or it may be a physical
location, such as a retail outlet. The user, having the game piece
will then "go to" the game site. When the user "goes to" a physical
game site, such as a retail outlet, they will be in a position
where the game piece provider is able to collect demographic
information from the user, offer a credit card to the user, show
the user products available for sale, or simply have the user pass
through the retail outlet, prior to allowing the user to "play" by
availing the user of a source of additive light. As described
above, the source of additive light could be provided by a computer
monitor attached to a computer programmed to obtain the demographic
information from the user. Alternatively, the source of additive
light could be a computer monitor "mock up" which simply provides,
for example, a screen having a blue rectangular area.
[0077] Alternatively, the step 156 could be an information
gathering form on a page of a web site, into which a user must
insert demographic information, or some advertising or promotional
screen at a web site, which a user must go to prior to being able
to press a "button" which ultimately takes the user to the actual
game site page where the source of additive light is provided.
[0078] As a further alternative to the foregoing method of
providing advertising and/or obtaining demographic information from
a user, the game piece 160 provided to the user can contain a
filter 162 which may be a colored area of the game piece 160, as
shown in FIG. 18. The game piece 160 can also contain other
advertising 164 and address indicia 166. Alternatively, it could be
in the form of a pair of "eyeglasses", which may be simply plastic
or cardboard frames 170 having suitable filters 172 for lenses, and
which may contain advertising 174 thereon, as shown in FIG. 19.
[0079] Yet another business model made available by the game piece
of the present invention involves the creation of the game pieces
themselves. Thus, an Internet web site can be established which
contains a number of templates for game pieces, such as the game
pieces 50 of FIG. 6 or the game piece 160 of FIG. 18. At the web
site a user could be asked to "fill in" a selected template with
appropriate advertising indicia and/or enter one or more "hidden
messages", and the text for the concealing image (See 54, FIG. 6).
The user could then be asked to provide ordering information to
have game pieces provided (either by remote printing and
production) or in an electronic file format (such as one or more
".jpg" files). Payment could be solicited from the user via credit
card, or other form of billing, and delivery could be accomplished
either physically, or electronically (e-mail, etc.).
[0080] The steps set forth above, are illustrated in the flowchart
180 of FIG. 20 wherein the first step 182 is to create at least one
template for producing electronic game pieces. The template could
be similar to the game piece 50 shown in FIG. 6, except that
"fill-in fields" would be shown, instead of the information of a
specific user. The next step 182 is to make the template(s)
available at a particular web site on the Internet. A user who
"goes to" the web site will be presented with a form or other
method of filling in the fields with their own unique hidden
message, their own concealing message, and, optionally, such other
indicia (e.g., advertising, logos, their own art work which could
be uploaded, etc.) for inclusion into a game piece to be produced,
as shown in step 184. Once a user has selected a template, and
provided the appropriate information (or uploaded images, such as a
".jpg" file with photos, logos, etc.), an electronic file is
produced corresponding to the filled-in template and user provided
information and/or data, as shown at step 186. The user is then
presented with a form, whereby the user can provide delivery and
payment (e.g., credit card) information, as shown at step 188.
Finally, the game piece which is produced, either automatically or
manually, is "delivered" to the user, either in physical or
electronic form (or both), as represented by step 190.
[0081] Although the description above contains many specificities,
these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the
invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the
presently preferred embodiments of this invention. The scope of the
invention should be determined by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
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