U.S. patent application number 12/056758 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-06 for system and method for entering a customer in sweepstakes.
Invention is credited to DOUGLAS ANDREW MATHIESON.
Application Number | 20080274794 12/056758 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39808654 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080274794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MATHIESON; DOUGLAS ANDREW |
November 6, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENTERING A CUSTOMER IN SWEEPSTAKES
Abstract
A computerized method and system for providing an incentive for
participating in an activity, comprising: establishing an account
with the user; tracking usage of the account made by the user
during a period of time, the usage associated with a numerical
and/or character string; and transforming the numerical and/or
character string into at least two entries for a sweepstakes.
Inventors: |
MATHIESON; DOUGLAS ANDREW;
(Atlanta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DLA PIPER US LLP
P. O. BOX 9271
RESTON
VA
20195
US
|
Family ID: |
39808654 |
Appl. No.: |
12/056758 |
Filed: |
March 27, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60909092 |
Mar 30, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 ;
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 ;
463/29 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A computerized method for providing an incentive for
participating in an activity, comprising: establishing an account
with a user; tracking usage of the account made by the user during
a period of time, the usage associated with a numerical and/or
character string; and transforming the numerical and/or character
string into at least two entries for a sweepstakes.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: if the numerical
and/or character string is a winning string in the sweepstakes,
calculating the benefit based on rules of the sweepstakes;
distributing the benefit to the user.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the numerical and/or character
string is divided into buckets which are used as entries, each
bucket comprising at least a portion of the numerical and/or
character string.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein each bucket includes a set of
numbers and/or characters from the numerical and/or character
string.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the set of numbers and/or
characters is a consecutive set of numbers and/or characters from
the numerical and/or character string.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein each bucket has different odds
and payout amounts.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein each numerical and/or character
string can generate multiple entries in the sweepstakes based on
the number of digits and/or characters in the string.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein customized advertising can be
provided to the user based on user account activity.
9. A computerized system for providing an incentive for
participating in an activity, comprising: a network connecting a
user with a processor, the processor comprising an application
capable of: establishing an account with the user; tracking usage
of the account made by the user during a period of time, the usage
associated with a numerical and/or character string; transforming
the numerical and/or character string into at least two entries for
a sweepstakes.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the application is further
capable of: if the numerical and/or character string is a winning
numerical and/or character string in the sweepstakes, calculating
the benefit based on rules of the sweepstakes; distributing the
benefit to the user.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the numerical and/or character
string is divided into buckets which are used as entries, each
bucket comprising at least a portion of the numerical and/or
character string.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein each bucket includes a set of
numbers and/or characters from the numerical and/or character
string.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein the set of numbers is a
consecutive set of numbers and/or characters from the numerical
and/or character string.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein each bucket has different odds
and payout amounts.
15. The system of claim 9, wherein each numerical string can
generate multiple entries in the sweepstakes based on the number of
digits and/or characters in the string.
16. The system of claim 9, wherein customized advertising can be
provided to the user based on user account activity.
17. The method of claim 5, wherein the consecutive set of numbers
and/or characters is taken starting from the right of the numerical
and/or character string.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein the consecutive set of numbers
and/or characters is taken starting from the right of the numerical
and/or character string.
19. The method of claim 5, wherein the consecutive set of numbers
and/or characters is taken starting from the left of the numerical
and/or character string.
20. The system of claim 13, wherein the consecutive set of numbers
and/or characters is taken starting from the left of the numerical
and/or character string.
21. The method of claim 4, wherein the set of numbers and/or
characters is a permutation of a set of numbers and/or characters
taken from the numerical and/or character string.
22. The system of claim 12, wherein the set of numbers and/or
characters is a combination of a set of numbers and/or characters
taken from the numerical and/or character string.
23. The method of claim 4, wherein the set of numbers and/or
characters is a permutation of a set of numbers and/or characters
taken from the numerical and/or character string.
24. The system of claim 12, wherein the set of numbers and/or
characters is a combination of a set of numbers and/or characters
taken from the numerical and/or character string.
25. The method of claim 1, wherein the user is provided an
incentive to complete multiple transactions.
26. The method of claim 6, wherein the different odds and payout
amounts give the user an incentive to complete expensive
transactions.
27. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the at least two entries
is entered in a different sweepstakes.
28. The system of claim 9, wherein the user is provided an
incentive to complete multiple transactions.
29. The system of claim 14, wherein the different odds and payout
amounts give the user an incentive to complete expensive
transactions.
30. The system of claim 9, wherein each of the at least two entries
is entered in a different sweepstakes.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/909,092, filed Mar. 30, 2007, entitled "System
and Method for Entering a Customer in Sweepstakes" which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0002] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior, according to one
embodiment.
[0003] FIGS. 2, 3, and 21a-21f provide examples of various
operations that can be used to establish sweepstakes entries,
according to several embodiments.
[0004] FIG. 4 illustrates possible interception points in system
101, according to one embodiment.
[0005] FIGS. 5-8 illustrate methods for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior, according to
several embodiments.
[0006] FIGS. 9-20 are example screen shots illustrating a system
for entering a customer in a sweepstakes as a reward for a
particular behavior, according to several embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior. In one
embodiment, the system meets applicable federal, state and local
laws. The system 100 can include a sweepstakes system 110, a client
user interface 105, a customer user interface 115, and a prize
administration partner and/or a prize indemnity partner (referred
to throughout this document as a prize administration/indemnity
partner) user interface 120, all connected by a network 101. The
client user interface 105 can be utilized to send transactions to
the sweepstakes system 110 which will become entries for customers
in various sweepstakes. The transactions are based on any user
activity that creates a numerical and/or character string. In one
embodiment, sweepstakes drawing periods and times are pre-set, and
can be defined in the sweepstakes rules. However, those of ordinary
skill in the art will see that any drawing period and time can be
set. Examples of behavior that could be encouraged include: credit
card transactions, credit card balance transfers, home equity line
draws, student loan draws on credit, checks written against loans
or credit card accounts, online purchases, online credit card
payments, online balance inquiries, debit card transactions, ATM
card activities, checking account check transactions, co-brand card
transactions made with a partner, referrals, activities performed
within a certain timeframe, category transactions (e.g., April
travel transaction will receive double entries), utility bills
(price paid, kilowatt hours used), and/or cell phone minutes.
[0008] The client user interface 105 can be utilized by clients to
communicate with the sweepstakes system 110. (Note that, in one
embodiment, a client application can be used to process information
and communicate with the sweepstakes system 110.) A client can be
any entity which wishes to encourage behavior of a customer. The
client can be, for example, a credit card company, a bank, a
lending entity, a store (e.g., an online store, or a brick &
mortar store), a utility company, a phone company, or any other
entity that wants to encourage purchase and/or use of any item
and/or service, and or any combination of the above. The client can
also be an entity that facilitates shopping with other entities,
and can also be affiliated with the sweepstakes system (e.g., an
online shopping portal). In one embodiment, clients can also be
entities that wish to advertise on the sweepstake system's web
site, which can be accessed by the customer's user interface
115.
[0009] The customer user interface 115 can be utilized by customers
to communicate with the sweepstakes system 110. (Note that, in one
embodiment, a customer application can be used to process
information and communicate with the sweepstakes system 110.) A
customer can be any individual that is enrolled in the sweepstakes.
Customers can include an individual that performs the activity that
is being rewarded (e.g., a customer using a particular credit
card). In one embodiment, in order to comply with some sweepstakes
rules, the customers can also include individuals that wish to
write in and enter the sweepstakes. The sweepstakes system 110 can
communicate with the customer through a variety of methods,
including but not limited to email, written correspondence, text
messages and by allowing customers to log in to the sweepstakes
system 110 using the customer user interface 115.
[0010] In one embodiment, the sweepstakes system 110 can employ
different methodologies for the determination of sweepstakes
entries derived from the incoming transaction and based upon
program rules and applicable law. The sweepstakes system 110 can
take a transaction and generate one or more entries (e.g.,
mathematically based on the number of digits in the numerical
string or logically based upon the number of characters in the text
string equivalent) in a range of sweepstakes, each potentially with
different odds and payout amounts. In general, the processing
application 199 would interact with entry method logic database 148
to determine which set of pre-established rules should be utilized
to translate the incoming transaction into discrete sweepstakes
entries. The generation of entries could be based upon any
combination of mathematical algorithms, text operations and
statistical permutations and combinations. FIGS. 2, 3, and 21a-21f
provide examples of various mathematical algorithms, text
operations and statistical permutations and combinations that can
be used. Those of ordinary skill in the art will see that other
mathematical algorithms, text operations, and statistical
permutations and combinations can be used.
[0011] Thus, in one embodiment, as the customer spends more in
dollars, the associated numerical string of the transaction becomes
longer, creating more entries and therefore increasing the
customer's chance of winning. In one embodiment, a single
transaction could qualify for multiple drawings ("entry buckets")
depending on the number of digits of the numerical string and the
established program rules in the system. For example, if a client
wants to encourage use of a particular credit card, and in
particular encourage the use of the customer making large purchases
on the credit card, the administrator of the sweepstakes system 110
could set the system parameters so that several entry buckets were
used, each bucket having a different number of digits, and the
dollar amount for the winners by bucket. The customer would be
encouraged to use the credit card because he or she would be
entered into a sweepstakes each time a purchase was made with the
credit card. In addition, the customer would be encouraged to
charge large purchase amounts on the credit card because, as
explained in more detail below, this would cause the customer to be
entered in more sweepstakes, and for larger potential payout
amounts.
[0012] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide an example of a system for providing a
reward for encouraging certain behavior, according to one
embodiment. As displayed in FIG. 2, a series of five sweepstakes
buckets can be utilized for purchases using a credit card: A
2-digit bucket can have odds of 1:99, a payout of $5, and a
weighted payout per entry of $0.05. (Note that 1:99 designates that
for every 1 entry that wins, 99 entries will not win.) A 3-digit
bucket can have odds of 1:999, a payout of $100, and a weighted
payout per entry of $0.10. A 4-digit bucket can have odds of
1:9,999, a payout of $1,000, and a weighted payout per entry of
$0.10. A 5-digit bucket can have odds of 1:99,999, a payout of
$25,000, and a weighted payout per entry of $0.25. A 6-digit bucket
can have odds of 1:999,999, a payout of $250,000, and a weighted
payout per entry of $0.25. As illustrated on FIG. 3, when a
customer buys an item that costs $4567.89, as a reward for using
the particular credit card, the system and method could enter the
customer in five different drawings set up in the system. The
entries are based on the embedded numbers in the transaction
amount. In this example the entries would be:
[0013] 2-digit entry bucket: 89
[0014] 3-digit entry bucket: 789
[0015] 4-digit entry bucket: 6789
[0016] 5-digit entry bucket: 56789
[0017] 6-digit entry bucket: 456789
[0018] (Note that, in one embodiment, a 1-digit entry bucket could
also be used.) Say, for example, that the winning numbers were 88
for the 2-digit bucket, 789 for the 3-digit bucket, 5955 for the
4-digit bucket, and 99999 for the 5-digit bucket. The sweepstakes
can take place at any time (e.g., on particular dates, once a week,
once a day, etc.). If there is a daily prize of $10 for the 2-digit
bucket; $100 for the 3-digit bucket; $1000 for the 4-digit bucket,
and $25,000 for the five digit bucket, then the customer above
would win $100 because he won the 3-digit bucket. Multiple entries
in each category could win. (Note that, in one embodiment, prizes
other than money can be awarded, or a combination of prizes and
money can be awarded.) Thus, if there were 150 entries of the
winning number 789 in the 3-digit bucket category, 150 people would
win $100. In one embodiment, insurance could be used to insure for
an unknown number of winners. In another embodiment, if more than
one person chooses the winning number, the reward amount for that
sweepstakes could be split among all of the winners. Note that in
many cases, the customer will not win anything on certain
transactions, but as the customer completes more qualifying
transactions (e.g., by spending more money on a credit card) he is
entered in more sweepstakes, and has a greater overall chance of
winning. Note that winners can win more than one bucket in a
drawing period.
[0019] FIGS. 21a-21f provides additional examples of various
operations that can be used to derive sweepstakes entries. FIG. 21a
provides a logic statement for the example set forth in the above
paragraph. This is referred to as Mathematical Operation A. In this
embodiment, entries are generating by applying a mathematical
algorithm which divides a number by a series of divisors to yield
remainders that can be used as entries in the sweepstakes system
100. Referring to FIG. 21a, S is the numerical string of the
incoming transaction. In one embodiment, this string is utilized
regardless of the decimal point. Thus, for example, $2351.64 could
be treated as the string 235164. In another embodiment, the numbers
before or after the decimal point could be disregarded. Thus, for
example, $2351.64 could be treated as the string 64 or 2351. N is
the length of the numeric string. Thus $2351.64 has a length of 6.
X is the counter for the processing loop for evaluating the
mathematical operation. D is the divisor for the division
operation. In one embodiment, the divisor can be expressed as an
exponential function of a base unit B, which is set according to
the program rules. For example, if D is equal to B raised to the X
power and if B is set to 10, the divisors of 10, 100, and 1000
would result for X=1 to 3. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
see that other mathematical sub-routines can be used to achieve
different or analogous outcomes. Y is the minimum number of digits
in a qualifying transaction. Z is the maximum number of digits in a
qualifying transaction. Y and Z are determined by program rules.
Thus, if the program rules state that the minimum number of digits
is 2 and the maximum number of digits that can be used is 4, Y is
2, and Z is 4. Using the loop logic set forth in FIG. 21a, the
number 235164 would be broken up into 3 buckets: 64 (for the
2-digit bucket), 164 (for the 3-digit bucket), and 5164 (for the
4-digit bucket).
[0020] FIG. 21b provides a logic statement for an embodiment
similar to the example set forth in FIG. 21a, except that
sweepstakes entries are the whole number quotients resulting from
dividing a number by a series of divisors. This is referred to in
FIG. 21b as Mathematical Operation B. Referring to FIG. 21b, S is
the numerical string of the incoming transaction. In one
embodiment, this string is utilized regardless of the decimal
point. Thus, for example, $2351.64 could be treated as the string
235164. In another embodiment, the numbers before or after the
decimal point could be disregarded. Thus, for example, $2351.64
could be treated as the string 64 or 2351. N is the length of the
numeric string. Thus $2351.64 has a length of 6. X is the counter
for the processing loop for evaluating the mathematical operation.
D is the divisor for the division operation. In one embodiment, the
divisor can be expressed as an exponential function of a base unit
B, which is set according to the program rules. For example, if D
is equal to B raised to the power of the maximum of N minus X
versus zero and if B is set to 10, the divisors of 100000, 10000,
and 1000 would result for X=1 to 3. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will see that other mathematical sub-routines can be used to
achieve different or analogous outcomes. Y is the minimum number of
digits in a qualifying transaction. Z is the maximum number of
digits in a qualifying transaction. Y and Z are determined by
program rules. Thus, if the program rules state that the minimum
number of digits is 2 and the maximum number of digits that can be
used is 4, Y is 2, and Z is 4. Using the loop logic set forth in
FIG. 21a, the number 235164 would be broken up into 3 buckets: 23
(for the 2-digit bucket), 235 (for the 3-digit bucket), and 2351
(for the 4-digit bucket).
[0021] FIG. 21c provides a logic statement for an embodiment where
a number and/or character transaction can be broken down and used
as one or more entries. This is referred to in FIG. 21c as Text
Operation A. Referring to FIG. 21c, S is the text string of the
incoming transaction. In one embodiment, this string is utilized
regardless of the decimal point. Thus, LISA35 is S. N is the length
of the text string. Thus LISA35 has a length of 6. D is an array of
numbers that specify the number of characters in each sweepstakes
bucket, where d, is the first item in the array, and is set
according to the program rules. B is the number of items in the
array D. Thus, if three buckets are used in the sweepstakes, B
would be 3. X is the counter for the processing loop used to
determine which item in the array D is utilized and the stop point
when all items in D have been evaluated. Y is the minimum number of
characters in a qualifying transaction. Z is the maximum number of
characters in a qualifying transaction. Y and Z are determined by
program rules. Thus, if the program rules state that the minimum
number of characters is 2 and the maximum number of characters that
can be used is 4, Y is 2, and Z is 4. Using the loop logic set
forth in FIG. 21c, LISA35 would be broken up into 3 buckets: 35
(for the 2-character bucket), A35 (for the 3-character bucket), and
SA35 (for the 4-character bucket).
[0022] FIG. 21d provides a logic statement for an embodiment
similar to the example set forth in FIG. 21c, except that the
number and/or character string is split by starting with the digits
on the left side of the string, rather than the right side of the
string. This is referred to in FIG. 21d as Text Operation B.
Referring to FIG. 21d, S is the string of the incoming transaction.
Thus, if the string is LISA35, LISA35 is S. N is the length of the
numeric string. Thus N is 6 because LISA35 has a length of 6. D is
an array of numbers that specify the number of characters in each
sweepstakes bucket, where d.sub.1 is the first item in the array,
and is set according to the program rules. B is the number of items
in the array D. Thus, if three buckets are used in the sweepstakes,
B would be 3. X is the counter for the processing loop used to
determine which item in the array D is utilized and the stop point
when all items in D have been evaluated. Y is the minimum number of
characters in a qualifying transaction. Z is the maximum number of
characters in a qualifying transaction. Y and Z are determined by
program rules. Thus, if the program rules state that the minimum
number of characters is 2 and the maximum number of characters that
can be used is 4, Y is 2, and Z is 4. Using the loop logic set
forth in FIG. 21d, the string LISA35 would be broken up into 3
buckets: LI (for the 2-character bucket), LIS (for the 3-character
bucket), and LISA (for the 4-character bucket).
[0023] FIG. 21e provides a logic statement for an embodiment where
a number and/or character transaction can be broken down and
permutated and used as one or more entries. This is referred to in
FIG. 21e as Statistical Operation A. Referring to FIG. 21e, S is
the character string. Thus, if the string were LA5, S would be LA5.
N is the length of the character string. Thus N is 3 because LA5
has a length of 3. D is an array of numbers that specify the number
of characters to be selected out of "S" for each sweepstakes
bucket, where d.sub.1 is the first item in the array. B is the
number of items in the array D. Thus, if three buckets are used in
the sweepstakes, B would be 3. X is the counter for the processing
loop used to determine which item in the array D is utilized and
the stop point when all items in D have been evaluated. Y is the
minimum number of characters in a qualifying transaction. Z is the
maximum number of characters in a qualifying transaction. Y and Z
are determined by program rules. Thus, if the program rules state
that the minimum number of character is 2 and the maximum number of
character that can be used is 4, Y is 2, and Z is 4. Using the loop
logic set forth in FIG. 21e, LA5 would be broken up into multiple
entries in the following buckets: LA, L5, A5, AL, 5L, 5A (for the
2-character bucket), LA5, 5AL, A5L, 5LA, AL5, and L5A (for the
3-character bucket), and no entries (for the 4-character
bucket).
[0024] FIG. 21 f provides a logic statement for an embodiment where
a number and/or character transaction can be broken down and
combined and used as one or more entries. This is referred to in
FIG. 21f as Statistical Operation B. Referring to FIG. 21f, S is
the numerical string. Thus, if the string were LA5, S would be LA5.
N is the length of the numeric string. Thus N is 3 because LA5 has
a length of 3. D is an array of numbers that specify the number of
characters to be selected out of "S" for each sweepstakes bucket,
where d.sub.1 is the first item in the array. B is the number of
items in the array D. Thus, if three buckets are used in the
sweepstakes, B would be 3. X is the counter for the processing loop
used to determine which item in the array D is utilized and the
stop point when all items in D have been evaluated. Y is the
minimum number of characters in a qualifying transaction. Z is the
maximum number of characters in a qualifying transaction. Y and Z
are determined by program rules. Thus, if the program rules state
that the minimum number of characters is 2 and the maximum number
of characters that can be used is 4, Y is 2, and Z is 4. Using the
loop logic set forth in FIG. 21e, LA5 would be broken up into
multiple entries in the following buckets: LA, L5, A5 (for the
2-character bucket), LA5 (for the 3-character bucket), and no
entries (for the 4-character bucket).
[0025] The sweepstakes system 110 can comprise a user interface
197, a processing application 199, multiple databases 195, a
reporting application 198, and an advertising application 196. The
user interface 197 allows clients, customers (including potential
customers), and the prize administration/indemnity partners to
communicate with the sweepstakes system. The processing application
199 utilizes the multiple databases 195 in order to receive
transaction data, determine entry creation methodologies, apply
program rules to the transaction, translate this transaction data
into sweepstakes entries, determine winning entries, and provide
winning entry information to customers, client, and others. Note
that, in one embodiment, another entity, such as, but not limited
to, the prize administration/indemnity partner, can determine
winning entries, and communicate those back to the sweepstakes
system 110.
[0026] The multiple databases 195 in the sweepstakes system 110 can
include a customer database 140, a transaction database 141, a
bonus database 142, a client database 143, a coupon database 144, a
program rules database 145, a winner's database 146, an
advertiser's database 147, and an entry logic database 148. Those
of ordinary skill in the art will see that any combination of these
databases can be utilized, and that additional databases can also
be used. The customer database 140 can contain customer information
(e.g., name, address, account information). The transaction
database 141 can contain information on the various transactions,
such as the time, amount, date, type of transaction, and merchant
name. The bonus database 142 can contain information about bonuses
that are being offered (e.g., double entries for transactions in
the month of August). The client database 143 can contain client
information (e.g., name, address, account information). The coupon
database 144 can contain information about coupons that are used to
buy products. For example, when a user utilizes a coupon, one or
more entries could be entered in the sweepstakes when the coupon's
use is verified by the sweepstakes system. The program rules
database 145 can contain information on each client's program
parameters that are tied to the sweepstakes system. For example, a
credit card issuer can have information about their product, a
credit card, in this database. Sprint could have information about
their phone usage program in this database. The winners database
146 can contain information regarding the winners and the winning
amounts and dates. The advertiser's database 147 can contain
information on the advertisers (name, address, account
information). The entry logic database 148 can contain various
methodologies to determine how the transaction string will be
converted into sweepstakes entries to be tied with a client's
program rules.
[0027] The reporting application 198 in the sweepstakes system 110
can generate multiple types of reports. For example, a management
report 125 can detail information on the transactions, the types of
transaction, the winners, how many clients are using the
sweepstakes system, how many customers are using the sweepstakes
system, etc. A compliance report 130 can detail information
regarding legal requirements, fulfillment of prize obligations, and
other prize administration/indemnity partner information. The
client report 135 can detail information regarding customers that
used the client's product, winning customers, etc.
[0028] The advertising application 196 in the sweepstakes system
110 can utilize the databases 195 in order to find information
regarding a customer and his or her purchase information, and
utilize this information to create customized advertising. The
customized advertising can be shown, for example, on the customer
user interface 115, or it can be sent to the customer.
[0029] The system 100 can also include a prize
administration/indemnity partner user interface 120 which can allow
the prize administration/indemnity partner to access and
communicate information in the sweepstakes system 110. (Note that,
in one embodiment, the prize administration/indemnity partner role
can done by the sweepstakes system 110. In addition, note that, in
one embodiment, a prize administration/indemnity partner
application can be used to process information and communicate with
the sweepstakes system 110.) The prize administration/indemnity
partner user interface 120 can communicate with the sweepstakes
system 110 in order to receive the drawing entries, administer the
sweepstakes, and return the winning numbers. The winning numbers
can be randomly selected or selected on any other basis permitted
by applicable law. The prize administration/indemnity partner can
also communicate with the customers to process claimed winnings for
the sweepstakes system 110. In one embodiment, the prize
administration/indemnity partner can also provide or utilize prize
insurance. If there are multiple winners, either prize insurance
can cover the multiple winners, or the winnings can be divided
equally, and insurance may not be necessary.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates possible interception points in system
101, according to one embodiment of the invention using credit card
transaction data. The interception points are points where
transaction information is collected. Intercept 1 is the point
where a customer uses a card to buy something from a merchant
(e.g., Home Depot). Intercept 2 is the merchant's acquiring bank
(or acquirer) (e.g., the financial institution with whom Home Depot
settles to obtain funds against credit card receipts). Intercept 3
is the acquirer's data processor (e.g., companies that process
merchant credit card originated transactions). Intercept 4 is the
sponsoring card association (e.g., MasterCard, Visa) that generally
obtains data on all credit card transactions originating from the
use of a credit card bearing the sponsoring card association's
mark. Intercept 6 is the card issuing bank (e.g., the bank that
issues the MasterCard). Intercept 5 is the issuer's data processor
(e.g., company that processes incoming credit card transactions and
generates statements for the issuer). Intercept 7 is the customer
or cardholder that generated the transaction. In one embodiment,
the cardholder may have the option to upload their own transactions
from their personal financial software or allow the sweepstakes
system to pull the transactions on an automated basis. They will
set this feature on the system's user interface on the "My Account
Profile" page (FIG. 12). In one embodiment, the customer may choose
to use their Quicken software to collect transactions from their
MasterCard account. The Lucky Numbers system would be configured to
pull the transactions when the activity is initiated by the
customer, thus making the point of intercept direct to the customer
versus the card association, the data processor or any of the other
possible intercepts. The transactions would be pulled based on a
defined start and end date for the next drawing. Upon winning with
one of these transactions, the validation process would take place
based on the program rules and the prize administration/indemnity
partner validation process. All of these entities can be clients,
or can work with clients to get transaction information to the
sweepstakes system.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior, according to one
embodiment. In FIG. 5, the activity that is being rewarded is the
use of a MasterCard credit card. In 505, the customer makes a
purchase of ABC jewelry at Dillard's with the MasterCard credit
card. The transaction amount is $643.99. In 510, the transaction
data is sent to the sweepstakes system 110. In 515, the sweepstakes
system creates entries based on the purchase amount of $643.99.
Thus, in 520, the 2-digit entry is 99, the 3 digit entry is 399,
the 4-digit entry is 4399, and the 5-digit entry is 64399. In 540,
the entries are posted to the customer account on the sweepstakes
system. In optional 545, the customer can log on to the sweepstakes
system (using the customer user interface 115) to check to see if
any of their entries won. (Alternatively, or in addition, the
sweepstakes system can notify the customer when they have won, or
send them a list of their entries, and the winning numbers.) In
optional 555, the sweepstakes system creates customized advertising
to show to the customer when he or she logs in. The customized
advertising (e.g., banner ads) can be based on, for example, the
merchants the customer uses, categories of transactions, type of
entry triggers (e.g., was the entry a result of a transaction from
a credit card, a bonus, a coupon, etc.), Standard Industrialization
Codes (SICs), and/or purchase history from the advertiser. In
optional 560, the sweepstakes system displays the sweepstakes
information for the customer, along with the customized
advertising. For the above example, the sweepstakes system could
display advertising from Dillard's, ABC Jewelry Store, and
Mastercard. In optional 570, the customer logs off.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior, according to
another embodiment. In FIG. 6, the activity that is being rewarded
is the use of cell phone minutes. In 605, the customer utilizes 757
Sprint cell phone minutes during a particular billing cycle. In
610, the transaction data is sent to the sweepstakes system using
the client user interface 105. In 615, the sweepstakes system
creates entries based on the 757 used cell phone minutes. Thus, in
620, the 1-digit entry is 7, the 2-digit entry is 57, and the
3-digit entry is 757. In 635, the entries are posted to the
customer account on the sweepstakes system. In optional 640, the
customer can log on to the sweepstakes system to check to see if
any of his or her entries won. In optional 650, the sweepstakes
system creates customized advertising to show to the customer when
he or she logs on. The customized advertising (e.g., banner ads)
can be based on, for example, the merchants the customer uses, SIC
codes, and/or purchase history from the advertiser. In optional
655, the sweepstakes system displays the sweepstakes information
for the customer, along with the customized advertising. For the
above example, the sweepstakes system could display advertising
from Sprint, Circuit City, and local advertising based on the area
code of the cell phone. In optional 665, the customer logs off.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for entering a customer in a
sweepstakes as a reward for a particular behavior, according to
another embodiment. In FIG. 7, the activity that is being rewarded
is the use of an intermediary's web site (e.g., the sweepstake
system's website) for shopping. In 705, the customer logs onto the
sweepstake system's website. In 710, the customer clicks a shop
link on the website. In 715, the sweepstakes system reviews the
customer's shopping history to determine how links to other stores
should be displayed. In 720, the customer clicks on a particular
store link, such as OneStepAhead.com. In 725, the customer
purchases a stroller for $325.76 (using any type of payment--credit
card, PayPal, etc.). In 730, the client, OneStepAhead, sends the
transaction data to the sweepstakes system. (Note that the
sweepstakes system may receive the transaction information based on
an agreement which rewards referring parties with commissions on
consummated sale transactions. Thus, for example, the sweepstakes
system could receive a commission for the sale at OneStepAhead.) In
735, the sweepstakes system creates entries based on the purchase
amount of $325.76. Thus, in 740, the 2-digit entry is 76, the
3-digit entry is 576, the 4-digit entry is 2576, and the 5-digit
entry is 32576. In 760, the entries are posted to the customer
account on the sweepstakes system. In optional 765, the customer
can log on to the sweepstakes system to check to see if any of his
or her entries won. In optional 775, the sweepstakes system creates
customized advertising to show to the customer when he or she logs
on. The customized advertising (e.g., banner ads) can be based on,
for example, the merchants the customer uses, SIC codes, and/or
purchase history from the advertiser. In optional 780, the
sweepstakes system displays the sweepstakes information for the
customer, along with the customized advertising. For the above
example, the sweepstakes system could display advertising from
Babies R Us, Family Fun Magazine, Prenatal Yoga Video, etc. In
optional 790, the customer logs off.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a method for claiming a winning entry,
according to another embodiment. In optional 805, the customer logs
on to the sweepstakes system using the customer user interface and
checks his or her entry. In optional 810, the processing
application of the sweepstakes system creates customized
advertising based on the customer's history and information. In
optional 820, the customer user interface displays the sweepstakes
information (e.g., entries for each drawing, and a reveal icon) and
the customized advertising. In optional 825, the customer clicks
the reveal icon using the customer user interface. In optional 830,
the processing application makes the numbers spin on the screen and
the winning numbers (which, in one embodiment, can be pre-selected
by either the sweepstakes system or the prize
administration/indemnity partner) appear. In optional 835, the
customer clicks the show my matches icon using the customer user
interface. In optional 840, the processing application makes all
matching digits appear in red and winning entries flash and a
clover appears next to the entries. In optional 845, the customer
clicks on the clover using the customer user interface to claim the
winnings. In optional 850, the customer uses the customer user
interface to verify the purchase and identity information and
clicks the verify my prize icon. In 855, an email or other
notification is sent by the processing application (or accessed by
the customer user interface) to indicate the customer won, the
validation process, the prize amount, when and how the customer
will receive winnings, and other required information. In optional
860, the sweepstakes system sends all winning and claimed
transaction data to a prize administration/indemnity partner for
validation and fulfillment. In optional 865, the prize
administration/indemnity partner validates and fulfills the prizes.
The prize administration/indemnity partner can validate the
conduction of the random drawing and ensure that it conforms with
the official rules written for the program in accordance with
federal, state and local laws. All major prize winners can have
extensive background checks to ensure the entries are their own.
After all winners have been certified an official list of winners
can be provided at the conclusion of each drawing for state
certification. In optional 870, the prize administration/indemnity
partner sends confirmation data back to the sweepstakes system.
This confirmation data is proof that the transaction was validated
and can include the fulfillment details, including who will fulfill
the prizes and, when the prizes will be fulfilled. In optional 875,
the sweepstakes system sends final confirmation regarding winnings
to a winners page that the customers can access using the customer
user interface to download pictures and their winning story. In
optional 880, the sweepstakes system posts winnings to a customer
winnings page that the customers can access using the customer user
interface. In one embodiment, the winnings can be required to be
claimed within a certain time period, or the winnings are
forfeited. In addition, in one embodiment, prizewinners (or at
least major prizewinners) will have extensive background checks to
ensure the entries are their own.
[0035] FIGS. 9-19 are example screen shots illustrating a system
for entering a customer in a sweepstakes as a reward for a
particular behavior, according to one embodiment. FIG. 9
illustrates a home page for the sweepstakes system. This home page
can be accessed by the customer using the customer user interface.
The home page includes a tab (and icon) to a shop 905, and also a
"My Lucky Numbers" tab (and icon) 910 which displays the customers
sweepstakes entries. Sign in information 901 is requested for
winnings. In addition, options to view winners 925, coupons 930,
customer's winning record 935, account profile 940, and program
rules 945 are provided. Advertising 915 and bonus opportunities 920
are also displayed. Bonus opportunities 920 can inform customers
about opportunities for earning additional entries. For example, a
customer could earn double entries if the customer purchases
certain products through the merchant links on the system.
Information on the next drawing is also provided. The "My Lucky
Numbers" view option 910 of FIG. 9 takes the customer to the
example screen shot illustrated in FIG. 10a, which shows the
entries 1005 for a particular customer, the reveal icon 1010, and
customized advertising space 1015. If the customer chooses the
reveal icon 1010 of FIG. 10a, the winning numbers could be
revealed. As explained above in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the
reveal icon could make the numbers spin on the screen and display
the winning numbers (which, in one embodiment, can be pre-selected
by either the sweepstakes system or the prize
administration/indemnity partner). Once the winning numbers are
revealed a "Show My Matches" button appears as displayed in FIG.
10b. When the customer clicks this button, in one embodiment the
entry numbers that match the winning numbers are changed to red and
a green clover appears next to a winning bucket. When the customer
views his or her winning numbers (if any), the customer will be
able to click on an icon or tab such as a green clover, and will be
taken to the example screen shot of FIG. 16, which will allow
winners to verify their profile and purchase information. The
program rules option 945 of FIG. 9 takes the customer to the
example screen shot illustrated in FIG. 11, which can display
program rules, and can outline the program description and legal
disclosures related to the program in various states and countries.
The account profile option 940 of FIG. 9 takes the customer to the
example screen shot illustrated in FIG. 12, which can display
account profile information, such as name, address, phone, email
address, and date of birth. The customer can edit his or her
information. In addition, the customer can follow a "see my winning
history" link to view the customer's winning history and upload
pictures, videos and stories about the winning experience. The
account profile page is also the place in the system that allows
the customer to set up the cardholder intercept as shown in FIG. 4,
Intercept 7.
[0036] The winners option 925 of FIG. 9 takes the customer to the
example screen shot illustrated in FIG. 13, which can show
pictures, videos, and stories about previous winners. The coupon
option 930 of FIG. 9 takes the customer to the example screen shot
illustrated in FIG. 14, which can provide links to printable
coupons or coupon codes to be used on the Internet. Coupons can be
made available on the website prioritized by the customer's
shopping history. When the customer uses the coupon a transaction
can be sent to the sweepstakes system from the merchant or coupon
partner indicating use. The coupon will then be listed on the
website. This coupon information can provide a link which will
display entries entered as a result of coupons the customer
utilized (See FIG. 17). In one embodiment the customer can select
how they would like to create their 3-digit entry. The system will
then determine the 2-digit entry based on the 3-digit entry. The
products option 915 of FIG. 9 takes users to the screen shot of
FIG. 15, which illustrates links to information about other
products (e.g., Mastercard credit card, Sprint phone usage) that
are tied to the sweepstakes system. The my coupon entries icon of
FIG. 14 takes the customer to the example screen shot of FIG. 17,
which illustrates coupon entries in the sweepstakes system. The
shop option 905 of FIG. 9 takes customers to the example screen
shot of FIG. 18, which provides links to other stores' web sites so
the customers can shop on the sweepstakes system's website. When
the customer's purchase originates from the sweepstake system's
shop view, the purchase transaction can be sent to the sweepstakes
system from the merchant. The purchase transaction will then be
listed on the system (See FIG. 19). In one embodiment the customer
can select how they would like to create their 3-digit entry for
the purchase. The system will then determine the 2-digit entry
based on the 3-digit entry.
[0037] FIG. 20 is a screen shot illustrating key probability
information, according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 20
also presents the examples of expected payout costs per transaction
given the fact that some transaction amounts will generate multiple
entries across the 2-digit, 3-digit, etc. sweepstakes pools and the
expected dollar value of the transaction amount based upon consumer
spending patterns. For example, transactions valued between $10.00
and $99.99 will generate three distinct sweepstakes entries in the
2-digit, 3-digit and 4-digit sweepstakes pools. Furthermore,
typical credit card usage patterns would suggest that the average
dollar amount of a transaction in that range is likely to be near
$46.75. Given the expected cost per entry determined in FIG. 20,
the expected payout cost per dollar of transaction amount for a
transaction in the $10.00 and $99.99 range would be
$0.25/$46.75=0.53
[0038] While various embodiments have been described above, it
should be understood that they have been presented by way of
example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled
in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. In fact, after reading the above description, it
will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to
implement the invention in alternative embodiments. Thus, the
present invention should not be limited by any of the
above-described exemplary embodiments.
[0039] In addition, it should be understood that the figures, which
highlight the functionality and advantages of the present
invention, are presented for example purposes only. The
architecture of the present invention is sufficiently flexible and
configurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than that
shown in the accompanying figures. For example, the steps listed in
any flowchart may be re-ordered or only optionally used in some
embodiments.
[0040] Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to
enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public
generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and
practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal
terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory
inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of
the application. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to
be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way.
Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include
the express language "means for" or "step for" be interpreted under
35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6. Claims that do not expressly include
the phrase "means for" or "step for" are not to be interpreted
under 35 U.S.C. 112, paragraph 6.
* * * * *