U.S. patent application number 12/783791 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for game ticket with a related web site.
Invention is credited to Nancy Bettcher, Michael John Brickwood.
Application Number | 20100304828 12/783791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42341053 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100304828 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bettcher; Nancy ; et
al. |
December 2, 2010 |
GAME TICKET WITH A RELATED WEB SITE
Abstract
Lottery ticket games are enhanced by providing a web site
related to the lottery game and by causing a purchaser or potential
purchaser of a lottery ticket to take an image of a bar code
related to the lottery game using a camera module of a personal
communication device such as a cell phone for communication with
the web site. Thus the bar code is analyzed to determine the web
site and further data from the web site is communicated to the cell
phone. The data may relate to the winning or losing status of the
particular ticket, may include data for additional games or may be
of a promotional nature. The data can also be provided on other
material and may act as an incentive to the retailer rather than
the purchaser.
Inventors: |
Bettcher; Nancy; (Winnipeg,
CA) ; Brickwood; Michael John; (Winnipeg,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADE & COMPANY INC.
2157 Henderson Highway
WINNIPEG
MB
R2G1P9
CA
|
Family ID: |
42341053 |
Appl. No.: |
12/783791 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61180968 |
May 26, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/081 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for playing a game comprising; providing a series of
tickets for a game to be purchased and played by individual
purchasers of the tickets; establishing a site related to the game;
providing on each of the tickets an associated bar code which
contains data identifying the game and the site related thereto;
receiving from a purchaser or potential purchaser of a ticket an
image of a bar code related to the game taken by a camera module of
a personal communication device; analyzing the image of the bar
code to determine the site associated with the game; and enabling
communication between the personal communication device and the
site in order to communicate further data from the site to be
transmitted to the personal communication device.
2. The method according to claim 1 wherein bar codes relating to
the game are also provided on other materials related to the game
and the image received can be from a ticket or from the other
materials.
3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the bar code contains
data identifying the specific ticket.
4. The method according to claim 3 including providing for the
lottery tickets a data base of ticket validation information and
wherein the data communicated from the site relates to a winning or
losing status from the data base of the ticket in the game.
5. The method according to claim 3 including providing for the
tickets a data base of ticket validation information and wherein
the data communicated from the site relates to a prize amount of
the ticket in the game.
6. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to a second chance game to be played by the
purchaser.
7. The method according to claim 4 wherein, in the event that the
data communicated from the web site relates to a losing status of
the ticket in the game, the data communicated from the site
includes entry of the ticket with the losing status into the second
chance game.
8. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to a multiplier feature by which a prize won
on the ticket is increased.
9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to an option of the purchaser to register for
a second prize based on a sweepstake.
10. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
provides extra play symbols for use in the game on the ticket.
11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to a cross-promotion with another
product.
12. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the web site relates to an option to purchase another
ticket.
13. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to an option to purchase a partner
product.
14. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the web site relates to a coupon.
15. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site is arranged to provide an added entertainment value
to the player.
16. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to information concerning prize tickets still
remaining in the series of lottery tickets.
17. The method according to claim 16 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to locations that still have those
tickets.
18. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data communicated
from the site relates to a retailer promotion.
19. The method according to claim 1 wherein the site is a web site
and the data is communicated through the internet.
20. The method according to claim 1 wherein the data is
communicated through electronic communications using email or text
messaging.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of
Provisional Application 61/180,968 filed May 26 2009.
[0002] This invention relates to game ticket with a related site
and a bar code which is read by a personal communication device
such as a cell phone of the player to communicate with web site to
obtain from the site additional data relating to the lottery
game.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is one object of the invention to provide an improved
game including a game ticket which can be improved by communicating
features to the purchaser/player.
[0004] According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a
method for playing a game comprising;
[0005] providing a series of game tickets to be purchased and
played by individual purchasers of the lottery tickets;
[0006] establishing a web site related to the game;
[0007] providing on each of the tickets an associated bar code
which contains data identifying the game and the web site related
thereto;
[0008] receiving from a purchaser or potential purchaser of a
ticket an image of a bar code related to the game taken by a camera
module of a personal communication device;
[0009] analyzing the bar code to determine the web site associated
with the game;
[0010] and enabling communication through the Internet between the
personal communication device and the web site in order to
communicate further data from the web site to be transmitted to the
personal communication device.
[0011] The game provided on each ticket may be for prizes both
monetary and product related or may be merely for entertainment
where no gambling or prize is involved. The type and value of any
prizes can vary widely. The games may be predetermined, otherwise
known as "instant win" tickets or may include elements of skill or
chance. The games may include a scratch-off-coating which is
convenient and effective particularly for instant win type game
tickets, but other types of games which do not include scratch-off
may be used.
[0012] The games concerned are preferably instant win type games
where the result is entirely predetermined, since such games are
generally preferred in a lottery situation in order to ensure that
the total winnings is predetermined. However the present invention
is not limited to the type of game to be played and can include
probability or other games which include game indicia covered by a
scratch-off coating.
[0013] The construction may also be used in situations where the
main objective is for other purposes than gambling such as in
promotional games or games of fun for children or others where no
gambling or prizes are involved.
[0014] Many such tickets are used directly in a lottery situation
so that the tickets have no other relevance other than the playing
of the lottery or game by which the player may win monetary or
other prizes as part of the lottery or gaming situation.
[0015] However more attention has been recently given to the use of
such tickets as promotional items used by manufacturers of other
products to enhance the sale of the product.
[0016] The scan method could be used to win free merchandise
prizes, discount certificates for subsequent purchases, etc.
[0017] Preferably the personal communication device is a cell
phone, but other communication devices carried by and used by the
individual involved can be used such as small computers and the
like.
[0018] In one aspect it is the purchaser of a lottery ticket that
is caused to take an image of the bar code on the ticket using the
personal communication device.
[0019] In this case, the data communicated may relate to a winning
or losing status of the lottery ticket in the lottery game.
[0020] In this case, the data communicated may relate to a prize
amount of the lottery ticket in the lottery game.
[0021] In this case, the data communicated may relate to a second
chance game to be played by the purchaser.
[0022] In this case, the data communicated may relate to entry of a
losing ticket into a second chance game.
[0023] In this case, the data communicated may relate to a
multiplier feature by which a prize won on the lottery ticket can
be increased.
[0024] In this case, the data communicated may relate to an option
of the purchaser to register for a second prize based on a
sweepstake and can be used to facilitate communication regarding a
progressive-style of game/jackpot.
[0025] In this case, the data communicated may provide extra play
symbols for use in the game on the ticket.
[0026] In another case, the data communicated may relate to a
cross-promotion, such as an option to purchase a next ticket, an
option to purchase a partner product or a coupon.
[0027] In another arrangement, the purchaser or potential purchaser
of a lottery ticket may take an image of a bar code on point of
sales material at a point of sale location of a retailer to provide
an incentive to the retailer to provide the point of sale
material.
[0028] In yet another arrangement, the purchaser or potential
purchaser of a lottery ticket is to take an image of a bar code on
an empty supply bin at a point of sale location of a retailer to
provide an incentive to the retailer to maintain bins filled.
[0029] In yet another arrangement, the data communicated may relate
to information to help players locate tickets that are close to
sold out with top prizes still remaining in game and locations that
still have those tickets.
[0030] In yet another arrangement, the data communicated may relate
to a retailer promotion such as data which acts to extend a payment
date for the retailer.
[0031] The site may be a web site and the data communicated through
the internet or the site may be a separate server with the data
being communicated through electronic communications using email or
text messaging.
[0032] The bar code may be covered or uncovered. In the case of a
covered bar code the covering, either scratchoff or paper must be
removed prior to usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] One embodiment of the invention will now be described in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the components used in
the method according to the present invention.
[0035] In the drawings like characters of reference indicate
corresponding parts in the different figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The system described herein uses the internet 12 for
communication between a Personal communication device 10 such as a
cell phone of a purchaser or potential purchaser of lottery
tickets, a bar code analysis website 11 and a selected one of a
series of game web sites 12, 12A etc.
[0037] The cell phone 10 includes a display 10A, an input 10B and a
camera module 10C, as is well known to persons skilled in this art
and generally.
[0038] A lottery game includes a series of lottery tickets 14 for a
lottery game to be played by individual purchasers of the lottery
tickets with the game being managed by a program at the web site
12. The program has access to data related to the game including
data identifying winning and losing tickets from the bar codes
printed on those tickets.
[0039] Thus each lottery ticket has an associated bar code 14A
which contains data identifying the lottery game concerned and the
web site 12 related thereto and which contains data identifying the
specific lottery ticket.
[0040] The lottery game also includes promotional material 14B
which is transmitted to retailers for local promotions which
includes a bar code 14C and selling containers or bins 14D which
include a bottom bar code 14E which becomes exposed when the supply
of the tickets contained in the bin is depleted and requires
replenishment. The bins may be free standing or may be those used
in vending machines and may include any supply bin visible to the
customer which requires replenishment by the retailer.
[0041] In use of the system, the purchaser of a ticket or a
potential purchaser of a ticket operates the camera to take an
image of one or more of the bar codes related to the lottery game
using the camera module 10C of a personal communication device 10.
A program at the cell phone acts to transmit the image to the web
site 11 where it is analyzed to determine the data. This data
includes data defining the game and the web site associated with
the game together with the specific code number of a ticket where
the bar code scanned is on a specific ticket.
[0042] A program operates to control communication between the cell
phone 10 and the web site 12 to communicate further data from the
web site to the personal communication device.
[0043] The analysis of the bar code can be carried out at a
separate dedicated web site or can be carried out at the site 12 or
12A. The personal communication device in either system has a
program by which the scanned image of the bar code is communicated
to the required web site for analysis which is either site 11 or
site 12, 12A.
[0044] This data can be used in a number of arrangements as
follows:
Category 1 Use of mobile device bar code link for prize
verification.
[0045] The Player captures image of ticket's bar code on the ticket
with the camera on their mobile device (phone, blackberry, etc.).
The Player sends this image using the communication systems to the
lottery website for verification of the ticket. The Player receives
an email, web page or text message in response with the winning
status and optionally the specific prize amount. The system can be
used with printed instant tickets and also with displayed on-line
tickets. In this way the system acts as a ticket checker to
determine the win/lose status of the ticket. This acts as a
safeguard and convenience for consumers, and a tool for enhancing
retailer satisfaction and expanding the retailer base. The retailer
benefits in that one of the biggest obstacles to signing new
retailers is the retailers' belief that their staff will be tied up
checking tickets for lottery players rather than focusing on other,
more profitable tasks. Thus the amount of checking at the retailer
location can be reduced by this ability of the purchaser to check
on line using the bar code imaging system.
[0046] The web site 12 or 12A must link up to the lottery's
validation data base as shown at 15, 15A. It is necessary to
provide secure communication to the data base 15 to overcome
security issues/sensitivities. The complexity of the bar code is
selected so that it can be decoded by the site 11 on receipt of the
image. This may require less complex bar codes to be used in the
lottery ticket to meet the standards available.
Category 2: Use of mobile device bar code link to provide
additional play or value/game features for players.
[0047] Select games are arranged to offer players the opportunity
to send in the bar code image from non-winning tickets for entry
into second chance drawings. Lotteries can target specific games
for promotions. Examples include:
[0048] Cross promotions where the player sends the bar code to the
lottery website and gets a communication back worth $0.50 off next
ticket or partner product (for example free coffee, admission to
movie, etc.)
[0049] Core games (for example. Bingo, Crossword) where the bar
code is used to provide data defining extra play symbols, numbers,
a multiplier or doubler feature etc.
[0050] Progressive jackpots where the lottery game includes a
progressive prize component that grows as more tickets are sold.
The prize is awarded in a sweepstakes-style of draw. This can be
arranged to "roll over" to a future draw if that ticket was not
sold/claimed.
[0051] The entry into a second chance game, either for losers only
or for all tickets purchased represents an excellent value-added
feature for licensed games and other high margin products. This
feature can be tied into a player's club feature for collecting
points.
[0052] The concept of a prize multiplier which increases the prize
won on the physical ticket provides a value-added game feature. The
prize validation can be carried out in various ways, for players
only win the multiplied prize if they go through the process of
scanning the bar code and visiting the website. Another reason to
go through the process if imaging the bar code and entering the
site can be for added entertainment value.
[0053] The ability to enter a second prize sweepstake which is a
progressive style game provides a good, value-added game feature
for a progressive jackpot which will grow as more tickets are
entered, etc.
[0054] The use of the image to obtain extra play symbols to be used
on the physical ticket provides an added game feature for mature
core games like Bingo and Crossword. It also differentiates the
games using the invention from competitors' games.
[0055] Cross promotion allows ticket holder to obtain a ticket from
a different game, partner product or coupon is an opportunity for
lotteries to develop partnerships with retailers and/or other
consumer goods producers for cross-promotional opportunities and
traffic builders.
Category 3: Use of mobile device bar code link to provide incentive
for retailers to support lottery initiatives.
[0056] Potential retailer programs/promotions could include:
[0057] Providing the bar code on point of sale materials found in
the store where each customer that shoots it gets a different
message or code. This can be used as a traffic builder for
retailers.
[0058] The intent of this is to assist lotteries with the challenge
of getting POS placed at retail.
[0059] Providing the bar code on empty ticket bins acts to motivate
retailers to keep bins full. Thus, if a player shoots a bar code
exposed on an empty bin, they get a discount or other incentive.
This acts as an incentive for the retailer to maintain bins filled
as the lottery can track such retailer incidents.
[0060] The data can also be used to help players locate games
containing tickets that are close to sold out with top prizes still
remaining in game. That is the player can scan the bar code on
another ticket, point-of-sale item or lottery website and the
transmitted data supplied to the cell phone to be displayed on the
display screen can include locations that still have those tickets.
This serves as a valuable source of information for consumers, and
may help lotteries move inventory of older games.
[0061] Since various modifications can be made in my invention as
herein above described, and many apparently widely different
embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims
without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that
all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.
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