AU744336B2

AU744336B2 - Internet scratch-off game

Info

Publication number: AU744336B2
Application number: AU61745/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Auxier; Vivek Khera; Charles B Seidman
Original assignee: REALTIME MEDIA Inc
Current assignee: REALTIME MEDIA Inc
Priority date: 1997-02-24
Filing date: 1998-02-19
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Anticipated expiration: 2018-02-19
Also published as: PL335332A1; HUP0002191A3; CA2281803A1; BR9807736A; HUP0002191A2; AU6174598A; EP1011827A1; IL131469A; KR20000075643A; IL131469A0; US20020198054A1; EA001824B1; EP1011827A4; WO1998036809A1; CN1259880A; JP2001512352A; EA199900743A1

Description

Title Internet Scratch-Off Game Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet version of scratch-off games of the type wherein a player removes a portion of an image to expose gaming symbols, the matching of which determines a win.

Background of the Invention A multitude of scratch-off gaming cards are presently available through retail outlets such as convenience stores. Such games have met with great success and developed s following of dedicated players as well as casual players. However, to participate in the games, players have to travel to a retail source of game cards.

Objectives of the Invention It is a primary objective of the present invention to provide scratch-off gaming via an electronic media.

Another objective of the invention is to provide scratch-off game cards as electronically produced images transmitted over the Internet.

Summary of the Invention *The present invention may provide a method for providing an •interactive game via an electronic communications network implementing a 25 hypertext transfer protocol, including the steps of: receiving information identifying a set of gaming symbol images; displaying a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and replacing at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

The present invention may also provide a method for providing an interactive game via an electronic communications network, including the steps of: transmitting information identifying a set of gaming symbol images to a receiving terminal; and transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal for storage on a computer useable medium in said receiving terminal, said computer program logic including first means for enabling a processor in said receiving terminal to display a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and second means for enabling said processor in said receiving terminal to replace at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gamin symbol image.

The present invention may further provide a method for providing an 15 interactive game via an electronic communications network, including the steps of: generating information identifying a set of gaming symbols; transmitting information identifying a set of gaming symbols images to a receiving terminal; transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal for :storage on a computer useable medium in said receiving terminal, said computer program logic enabling a processor in said receiving terminal to implement the scratch-off game; displaying a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and replacing at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a correspohding portion of a gaming symbol image.

The present invention may yet further provide an Internet scratch-off game playing system comprising: at least one terminal at which at least one player plays a scratch-off game, the at least one terminal provides a terminal display and executes a browser that interacts with the Internet during the playing of a scratch-off game; and a program that reveals on the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game a game image comprising one or more game elements and permitting determination by the at least one player if the displayed one or more revealed game elements represent a win; and at least one scratch-off game source interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game from the scratch-off game source and in response to the requests from the browser of each terminal provides a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch-off game.

The present invention may yet also provide a scratch-off game source, each scratch-off game source comprising: at least one scratch-off game generator interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game and in response to the requests from the browser of each terminal providing a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or 15 more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch-off game.

The present invention may further provide a method of playing an Internet scratch-off game in an Internet game playing system including at least one terminal at which at least one player plays a scratch-off game, the at least one terminal provides a terminal display and executes a browser that interacts with the Internet during the playing of a scratch-off game; and a :program that reveals on the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game a game image comprising one or more game elements and permitting S"determination by the at least one player if the displayed one or more revealed *game elements represent a win; and at least one scratch-off game source 25 interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game from the scratch-off game source and in response to requests from the browser of each terminal provides a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch-off game comprising the steps: a player, located at one of the at least one terminal, initiating an Internet scratch-off game by communicating using the Internet from the one terminal to one of the at least one scratch-off game source a request to play a scratch-off game; in response to the request of the player to play a scratch-off game, transmitting via the Internet from the one scratch-off game card source the program to the one terminal the program; and playing the scratch-off game at the one terminal by the player causing the browser to execute the program to reveal the one or more game elements.

The image of a scratch-off game card displayed on an Internet Web page is created by generating a game image which includes one or more alphanumerics and/or symbols which comprise a classical scratch-off matching game. The areas containing the game elements are replaced or covered by a second image which obscures the gaming elements which may or may not be present as subliminal portions of the basic game card. A 0. 0.

*0: *i WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -2browser player determines if the scratch-off game card represents a win by dragging the cursor over the sections of the card image which hide the gaming areas. This action removes the screening image or initiates the image of the gamining symbols to give the player the impression that his or her action with the courser is removing a covering from the symbols. In the best mode of practicing the invention, the gaming alphanumerics and/or symbols are created by a random number generator mechanism. The foregoing and other objectives and features of the invention will become more readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred and best mode of practicing the invention which follows and is supported by the accompanying drawings, wherein: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a process flow chart illustrating the functional sequence used to implement a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a simulation of a typical preliminary game player registration internet Web page used in practicing the invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the interactive hyperlink structure bringing about the invention.

Figure 4 is an exemplary internet Web page containing a typical game card partially scratched off.

Figure 5 illustrates the progression of a typical scratch-off game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In the best mode of practicing the invention, an image of a scratch-off game card is derived from an internet source and displayed on a browser's terminal. The game card image contains gaining alphanumerics and/or symbols created by a random number generator mechanism. At the game provider source, a cover image is superimposed over SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26) WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -3at least the portions of the game card containing the randomly generated gaming elements and the merged images are supplied as an internet web page. When a game play is authorized, the pair of superimposed images in an appropriate image file are transmitted to a selected player on the internet. The randomly generated gaming elements are not generated until an internet browser elects to play the game and meets any predetermined prerequisites. When the game card is created, the win/no-win status of the card is known by the provider but the browser is not aware of the gaming elements. Movement of the browser's cursor across the browser's screen is read over the external link coupling the browser's web page display to the game card cover image file and creates a permanent window by deleting the portion of the cover image file as the cursor is moved around various coordinates of the file. Thus portions of the underlying superimposed image from the game card file are exposed. Alternately, the cursor movement paints the gaming images to create an identical effect for the player. The game provider has previously determined if the thus exposed portions of the image game card constitute a winning selection and the browser's cursor movements simply advise the game provider that the browser is playing. If the uncovered portions of the image game card represent a winning selection and the browser was certified as a bona fide contestant, the browser is advised and the browser's account is appropriately credited or if an actual prize rather than a credit is being awarded, an e-mail message identifying the winning browser is transmitted to the prize supplier so that the appropriate prize may be shipped to the browser.

The functional sequence used to implement a preferred embodiment of the best mode for practicing the invention is illustrated by Figure 1. An internet browser is lead to the advertising banner 10 as a normal browsing function on the internet or hyperlinked by a participating advertiser. Game identification and selected sponsor logos follow the advertising banner in a program box 11 which includes pointers 12 (hyperlinks) that SUBSTITUTE SHEET( rule 26) WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -4transport a browser and prospective game player to web pages which include game related information such as instructions for playing the game 14, a list of prizes 15, rules which govern play 16 and a list of participating sponsors 17.

Upon reaching the first group ofhyperlink pointers 12, a perspective player typically elects to jump to the "Prizes" Web page 15. The list entices the player to investigate further by using a browser to jump back to the Web page containing the program box 11 to check the "How to Play" Web page 14 and occasionally the "Rules Regulations" Web page 15, jumping back to the program box 11 after each Web page is investigated. If sufficiently motivated, a perspective player may select the demo game pointer 18 which hyperlinks the player to a demonstration game Web page 19. This Web page is identical in appearance to an actual game Web page 20. It automatically links the player to the demonstration scratch-off game card 21 which is identical to an actual game card 22.

In the preferred embodiment, the "How to Play" Web page 14 begins with an introduction such as "HOW DO SHOPPERS PLAY?", followed by the following instructions in a typical application: IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A WALLET: Visit any of the Participating CyberCash Merchant sites Make a transaction with your CyberCash Wallet using the Credit Card or Cybercoin service(s).

Go into your CyberCash Wallet and select the Transaction Log in your Wallet.

Make note of the "Order ID Number" to get your free game play. (Cut Paste) SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 Select the "CLICK HERE TO PLAY" button at the Point-of-Sale Web page! and Play! IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A WALLET: Select the CyberCash Wallet Button on the CyberCash site (www.cybercash.com) or the program Web page (www.cybercash.com/sweepstakes).

Download the CyberCash Wallet quickly install.

Create a User ID and bind a credit card and/or checking account, (You can download money from your credit card to use with Cybercoin Service.) (Bank verification for your checking account, may take up to 3 business days) Visit any of the Sweepstakes Participating CyberCash Merchant sites.

Use your Wallet to make a transaction using CyberCash Credit or Cybercoin service.

After successful transaction, go into your CyberCash Wallet and select the Transaction Log in your Wallet.

Make note of the "Order ID Number" to get your free game play or (Cut Past the number) Select the "CLICK HERE TO PLAY" button at the Point-of-Sale Web page! SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -6- HOW TO PLAY THE GAME? (NON Java Enabled Browsers) Enter your E-Mail Address, CyberCash ID and order ID Then, select "I Agree to Play".

A new window will appear displaying your prize amounts.

Match three like prizes, and win that prize! HOW TO PLAY THE GAME? (Java Enabled Browsers) Enter your E-Mail Address, CyberCash ID and Order ID Then, select "I Agree to Play".

A new window will appear displaying your game card.

Using your mouse and pointer, "scratch" the boxes on the game card to reveal the prizes.

Match three like prizes, and win that prize! HOW MANY TIMES CAN I PLAY? You can play one time per one successful CyberCash transaction.

HOW DO I GET MY PRIZE? Participant will be requested to complete an "Eligibility Release Form", upon receiving a winning game card.

Prizes will be mailed or shipped to information provided on Form.

Make sure the information you enter for your game play is accurate! If not, send an E-mail with your updated information to ccpromo(@prizes.com.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -7- SUMMARY OF RULES Players must be at least 18 years or older.

No Purchase Necessary (See Official Rules for alternative means of entry).

All federal, state and local laws apply. Void where prohibited by law.

Void in the state of Florida until November 10 1996 Game is void in Province of Quebec in Canada.

Participant information must be true and correct. False information may result in disqualification from game.

The following rules and regulations are presented by the "Rules and Regulations" Web page 16: 1. NO PURCHASE OR TRANSACTION NECESSARY TO PLAY: The CyberCash Instant win Game and Sweepstakes #CCSGOO1 begins at 12:01 am EST, November 1, 1996, and ends at 11:59 pm ET on December 31, 1996 or upon the play and completion of all 40,000 game tickets, whichever occurs first.

2. ELIGIBILITY: Game is only open to legal residents of the United States and Canada at least 18 years old, Employees and directors of RealTIME MEDIA (RTM), CyberCash, Yahoo, Softbank, First Union, Khera Communications, participating sponsors, participating merchant web sites, information providers, sysops, gameops, software developers, content providers, their affiliates subsidiaries, advertisers, advertising agencies, promotional and marketing agencies, and their' immediate families (and those living in their same households) are ineligible. By participating you agree to these official rules and to the SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -8decisions of the judges which are final and binding in all respects. The Instant Win Game Sweepstakes is void in the Province of Quebec in Canada, void in the state of Florida until November 25, 1996, and where prohibited by law.

3. HOW TO PLAY: You may play the instant win game by accessing sponsors Internet address at.http://www.cybercash.com for a list of participating Merchants URL's Web addresses. When you complete a transaction by using your CyberCash Wallet or Cybercoin you will be presented with a unique transaction number. Record this number as you will need to enter it into a Held to play the instant game. You will then be presented with an Instant Win Game Card containing representations of a total of 6 prize boxes, You will be instructed to enter your full name. E-mail address, CyberCash ID and unique transaction number in the fields provided and select "the I Agree to Play" switch. You will then scratch off (with mouse) the graphic image covering the 6 prize boxes to reveal the prizes. If you do not have the Java browser, software enabling you to view the Graphic covering, you will immediately be presented with the complete game card and the prizes. If you match exactly three of the same prizes you win that prize subject to verification.

4. SWEEPSTAKES and SECOND CHANCE DRAWING: For each game play you complete whether by Internet or by the alternate means of entry you will be automatically entered into a database for the $10,000 Cash Grand Prize and any other unclaimed prizes from the instant portion of the game. Winner(s) will be selected in an electronic randomized drawing on or about January 15, 1997. The Grand Prize sweepstakes winner and any other winners remaining from the instant SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -9portion of this game will be notified by electronic mail E-mail or postal mail.

Odds of winning cash grand prize depend on the number of eligible entries but can not exceed 1: 40,000. Odds of winning unclaimed instant win game prizes depend on the number of eligible entries and number 0 unclaimed remaining instant win prizes can not exceed 1: 40,000.

ALTERNATE MEANS OF ENTRY: To Enter without purchase or transaction legibly print your name, complete address, E-mail address (optional), zip code, and daytime telephone number on a 3 inch x 5 inch piece of paper and mail to: "Cybercoin Free Play Request", P.O. Box 4613 Philadelphia, PA 19127 USA.

Game play requests must be postmarked by December 31 1996 aid received by January 7, 1997. Limit one entry per person per day and each entry must be mailed in a separately stamped envelope. RTM official personnel will play one free instant win Game on your behalf per entry received. Only winners will be notified by electronic mail, or regular postal mail, No photocopies, reproductions or facsimiles allowed. Sponsor is not responsible for late lost, illegible, incomplete, stolen, misdirected, or postage due mail.

6. PRIZES AVAILABLE and ODDS OF WINNING: The overall odds of obtaining a winning game card are based on random selection of 40,000 game cards are: 1:123. Number of prizes and odds of winning prizes of different values are as follows: $500 are 1: 8000; (25) $100 are 11600; Sony TV's (approximate retail value $400) are 1: 20,000', Sony CD Discman (approximate retail value $200) are 1; 10,000; (10) Sony Walkman (approximate retail value $57) are 4000; (280) assorted Softbank, Yahoo CyberCash t-shirts (approximate retail value SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 are 1: 143. Prizes will only be awarded upon winner validation and verification by RTM.

7. PRIZE AWARDING: Sponsor reserves the right to substitute any non cash prize of equal or greater value for prizes that become unavailable. If any potential winner is a Canadian resident prior to the award of the prize, winner must correctly answer a mathematical skill question without either human or mechanical aid, By acceptance of a prizes, where lawful, winner consents 10 these of his/her name, likeness, voice, picture, and or sobriquet name without further consideration for advertising or promotional purposes. Prize winners may be required to execute and return an affidavit of eligibility and liability release and where lawful publicity release within 21 days of notification. Non-compliance, or if prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable may result in forfeiture of prize. By accepting prize, winner agrees that Sponsor, it's parents, affiliates, and related companies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents are not responsible and will be held harmless by winner against, for any loss or damage to person or property due in whole or in part directly or indirectly to possession, acceptance, use or misuse of any prize in this Game, or participation in this promotion.

8. WINNERS LIST: List of major prize winners in the instant Winner Game and Sweepstakes will be posted in the "Winners Circle" section located at: http://www.cybercash.com, winners names will appear for a minimum of 30 days after contest ends. Thereafter, a winners' list will only be available by sending an E-mail "Winners List Request" to ccpromo@prizes.com, or by sending a self SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -11address stamped envelope for receipt by Jan 7, 1997 to: "CyberCoin Winners List, Request", P.O. Box 4613 Philadelphia, PA 19127 USA. Please specify CyberCash game number, along with your E-mail address.

9. DISQUALIFICATION: Sponsor is not responsible for lost, interrupted or unavailable network server or other connections, miscommunications, failed phone or computer or telephone transmissions or technical failure, jumbled, scramble or misdirected transmission or other error of any kind, whether human, mechanical or electronic. Persons found tampering with the Game will be disqualified. If disqualified, Sponsor reserves the right to terminate players eligibility to play the game for any of the above abuses. In the event the game is compromised by virus, bugs, non-authorized human intervention or other causes beyond the control of Sponsor, which corrupts or impairs the administration, security, fairness or proper play of the Game, Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to suspend or terminate the Internet portion of the Game and sweepstakes but continue with the free alternate means of entry portion TAX INFORMATION: All taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the winners When an Internet browser becomes a player by making a purchase from a participating merchant and/or otherwise entering the contest, the browser is hyperlinked to the instant win sweepstakes Web page, 20 of Figure 1. Typically the Web page is similar to Figure 2. It may differ as required by advertiser needs but it must have provisions for obtaining player related data such as e-mail address 23 which enables the SUBSTITUTE SHEET( rule 26) WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -12game provider to forward prizes; CyberCash Wallet ID number 24 which enables the game provider to deposit a prize in a player's account, debit a player/purchaser's account for an order or debit a player's account if it is not a free or premium gift game; and if the game is a premium for purchasing from a participating advertiser, the browser/purchaser's order number 25 to verify the purchase before authorizing a game. The supporting structural organization behind the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated by Figure I is outlined by Figure 3 which demonstrates the underlying hyperlink structure bringing about the invention. Participating merchant home Web pages, 32, include a hyperlink pointer 33 which jumps browsers to the game details Web page, 34. This Web page includes program box 11 of Figure. I and the hyperlink pointers associated therewith. It may also include rotating or sequencing advertisements, 35 of Figure 3, for different participating merchants. The advertisement either part of a fixed or a sequencing list, are hyperlink pointers to participating merchants home Web pages which are hyperlinked to appropriate point of sales Web pages. A free game play hyperlink pointer 36 on participating merchant home Web pages or point of sales Web pages jumps the browser to the Instant Win Game Web page, 40, which is equivalent to the Instant Win Sweepstakes Web page 20 of Figure 1. The browser is instructed to enter his or her name, e-mail address, CyberCash ID number and Order/Transaction number generated when the sales leading to this jump was made. If the browser has no CyberCash Account, the "CyberCash" portion of the CyberCash ID number request serves as a hyperlink pointer to jump to the "How to Play" Web page which contains the following: SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26 WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -13- IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A WALLET: Select the CyberCash Wallet Button on the CyberCash site (www.cybercash.com) or the program Web page (www.cybercash.com/sweepstakes).

Download the CyberCash Wallet quickly install.

Make note of the "Order ID Number" to get your free game play (Cut Past the number) Select the "CLICK HERE TO PLAY" button at the Point-of-Sale Web page! In a similar manner, if the browser makes a purchase at a participating merchant's home Web page, the browser is asked how the purchase is to be paid for. If CyberCash is selected and the browser has no account, the "CyberCash" portion of the CyberCash ID number request serves as a hyperlink pointer to jump to the "How to Play" Web page at the section containing "IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A WALLET:" SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26) WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 -14- When the "Instant Win Game" questions are answered, the data are verified by the game RealTIME MEDIA Contest Management 41. If the data supports a legitimate player, a game card is randomly generated, registered as a win or no-win card as appropriate according to the game rules. The game card is overlaid by a primary or covering image which masks the game card in the areas containing the numbers or symbols which constitute the variables of the scratch-off game and this composite is provided to the playing browser as A automatic hyperlinked Web page, 42 which appears as a typical conventional scratch-off game card, Figure 4, with instructions to scratch off certain sections by dragging the pointing cursor thereover to determine if the card is a winner. Only one complete mask 51 remains in the game card 50 illustrated in Figure 4.

Four mask have been removed 52 and the cursor 53 is in the process of removing the fifth mask 54.

The scratch-off actions of the player triggers an E-mail message to the RealTIME MEDIA Contest Management 41 and the CyberCash Administrative Office 43. The ReaITIME MEDIA Contest Management 41 directs the shipping of prizes to winners and the collection of release forms. The CyberCash Administrative Office 43 debits the appropriate participating merchant for the prize and credits the player's CyberCash account if appropriate.

In the best mode of practicing the invention, when a player enters the personal data and activates the "I Agree to Play" hyper-link pointer of Figure 2, the player's data is transmitted to the contest management site, 61 of Figure 5. Contest management verifies the player is a bonafide player based on the data, 62, and randomly generates the gaming symbols of a scratch-off game card, 63. The gaming symbols may be a single symbol or a set of symbols. At this point, contest management determines if the symbols randomly generated for the player are a winning group, 64.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26) WO 98/36809 PCT/US98/03145 Contest management proceeds with the generation of the image file of the player's game card using any of a variety of well known image creation programs. In the preferred embodiment the image file is a GIF file (Compuserve Graphics Interchange Format) selected because it is optimized for electronic downloading and therefore faster than the higher quality JPEG files. The gaming symbols are merged into the basic game card static image and inserted into the Web page along with a GIF image file of the static game card with blank windows covering the areas of the game card which contain the gaming symbols. This is the cover image. The two game card images, gaming symbol image and cover image, are superimposed on the same area of the Web page and transmitted to the player, 66. also transmitted is a program which will enable a JAVA enabled terminal to selectively remove the cover image to expose the gaming symbols. If the receiving terminal is not JAVA enabled, the cover image will not be generated and the player will see only the gaming symbol image. If the receiving terminal is JAVA enabled, both images are displayed and the player cannot see the gaming symbols until the cursor is dragged over the areas of the cover image masking the symbols. As the cursor is dragged over these areas, 67, the cover image is deleted or erased to allow the player to see the underlying symbol image.

Contest management process the prize, 68, by crediting the players account or initiating the shipment of the won premium.

While preferred embodiments of this invention have been illustrated and described, variations and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art. The image files may differ and the gaming symbols may be any of a variety of images such as numbers, dollar amounts, premium images, etc. Therefore, we do not wish to be limited thereto and ask that the scope and breadth of this invention be determined from the claims which follow rather than the above description.

SUBSTITUTE SHEET rule 26)

Claims

1. A method for providing an interactive game via an electronic communications network implementing a hypertext transfer protocol, including the steps of: receiving information identifying a set of gaming symbol images; displaying a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and replacing at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving step includes the step of 15 receiving information identifying a set of images of randomly generated gaming symbols.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving step includes the step of receiving a set of gaming symbol images.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the receiving step includes the step of 20 receiving a set of gaming symbol images in a GIF format. The method of claim 1, wherein the displaying step includes the step of displaying a set of secondary images at assigned positions within an image of a game card.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the replacing step includes the step of 25 replacing only a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

7. A method for providing an interactive game via an electronic communications network, including the steps of: transmitting information identifying a set of gaming symbol images to a receiving terminal; and transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal for storage on a computer useable medium in said receiving terminal, said computer program logic including first means for enabling a processor in said receiving terminal to S S C 0O display a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and second means for enabling said processor in said receiving terminal to replace at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmitting information step includes the step of transmitting information identifying a set of images of randomly generated gaming symbols.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmitting information step includes the step of transmitting a set of gaming symbol images. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting information step includes the step of transmitting a set of gaming symbol images in a GIF format. i 11. The method of claim 7, wherein the transmitting computer program S logic step includes the step of transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal, wherein said computer program logic is a Java program.

12. The method of claim 7, wherein said first means enables said processor in said receiving terminal to display a set of secondary images at assigned 0 positions within an image of a game card.

13. The method of claim 7, said second means enables said processor in said receiving terminal to replace only a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

14. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of initiating the scratch-off game upon the receipt of a request from said receiving terminal using a hyperlink pointer. A method for providing an interactive game via an electronic communications network, including the steps of: generating information identifying a set of gaming symbols; transmitting information identifying a set of gaming symbols images to a receiving terminal; @0O5 C S 0 S 0. OS 0 transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal for storage on a computer usable medium in said receiving terminal, said computer program logic enabling a processor in said receiving terminal to implement the scratch-off game; displaying a set of secondary images on a display screen, each secondary image in said set of secondary images corresponding to one or more gaming symbol images in said set of gaming symbol images; and replacing at least a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image. OQ0

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the generation step includes the step 00 of generating information identifying a set of randomly generated gaming symbols. .e 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the transmitting information step includes the step of transmitting a set of gaming symbol images to said receiving terminal.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the transmitting information step •includes the step of transmitting a set of gaming symbol images to said receiving terminal in a GIF format.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the transmitting computer program logic includes the step of transmitting computer program logic to said receiving terminal, wherein said computer program logic is a Java program. The method of claim 15, wherein the displaying step includes the step of displaying a set of secondary images at assigned positions within an image of a game card.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the replacing step includes the step of replacing only a portion of a secondary image on said display screen that is identified by movement in a cursor position with a corresponding portion of a gaming symbol image.

22. An Internet scratch-off game playing system comprising: at least one terminal at which at least one player plays a scratch-off game, the at least one terminal provides a terminal display and executes a browser that interacts with the Internet during the playing of a scratch-off game; and a program that reveals on the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game a game image comprising one or more game elements and permitting determination by the at least one player if the displayed one or more revealed game elements represent a win; and at least one scratch-off game source interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game from the 15 scratch-off game source and in response to the requests from the browser of ".each terminal provides a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch-off game.

23. A system in accordance with claim 22 wherein: the program contains JAVA code.

24. A system in accordance with claim 22 comprising: a moveable element which is moved across the terminal display during playing of the game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements on the terminal display over which the movable element moves. A system in accordance with claim 23 comprising: a moveable element which is moved across the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements on the terminal display over which the movable element moves.

26. A system in accordance with claim 22 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

27. A system in accordance with claim 23 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

28. A system in accordance with claim 24 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

29. A system in accordance with claim 25 comprising: S. 15 at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

30. A system in accordance with claim 22 comprising: S• 20 at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game. 6)5555 .31. A system in accordance with claim 23 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

32. A system in accordance with claim 24 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

33. A system in accordance with claim 25 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

34. A system in accordance with claim 26 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game. A system in accordance with claim 27 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game. oo. 36. A system in accordance with claim 28 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming 15 elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

37. A system in accordance with claim 29 comprising: .ooooi at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming 20 elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the oooscratch-off game.

38. A system in accordance with any one of claims 22-37 comprising: at least one player account; and wherein after transmitting the program to be used to play a winning scratch-off game via the Internet to the browser of the at least one terminal, the player account of the at least one player at the one terminal receiving the program is credited with the winning of a prize as represented by the gaming elements revealed by the player.

39. A system according to claim 22 wherein: at least one image is transmitted via the Internet together with the program that reveals the one or more game elements. A system in accordance with claim 22 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one symbol.

41. A system in accordance with claim 22 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one alphanumeric character.

42. A system in accordance with claim 22 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one symbol and at least one alphanumeric character.

43. A system in accordance with any one of claims 22-37 wherein: each scratch-off game source, prior to transmission of the at least the program to the browser of the at least one terminal, verifies that a player requesting to play a scratch-off game is bona fide based upon data transmitted by the player at the one terminal via the Internet to the scratch- off game source, and wherein the scratch-off game source determines if the at least one game element of the scratch-off game represents a win.

44. In an Internet scratch-off game playing system including at least one 1 5terminal at which at least one player plays a scratch-off game, the at least one 15 terminal providing a terminal display and executing a browser that interacts with the Internet during the playing of a scratch-off game; and a program that reveals on the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game a game image comprising one or more game elements and permitting determination by the at least one player if the displayed one or more revealed game elements represent a win, and at least one scratch-off game source, each .scratch-off game source comprising: at least one scratch-off game generator interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game and in response to the requests from the browser of each terminal providing a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch-off game. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein: the program contains JAVA code.

46. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein the at least one terminal comprises: a moveable element which is moved across the terminal display during playing of the game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements on the terminal display over which the movable element moves. -O

47. A game source in accordance with claim 45 wherein the at least one terminal comprises: a moveable element which is moved across the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements on the terminal display over which the movable element moves.

48. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein the system comprises: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game generator to obtain at least the program.

49. A game source in accordance with claim 45 wherein the system 15 comprises: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game generator to obtain at least the program. 20 50. A game source in accordance with claim 46 wherein the system comprises: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is S* in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game generator to obtain at least the program.

51. A game source in accordance with claim 47 wherein the system comprises: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game generator to obtain at least the program.

52. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein 24 the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

53. A game source in accordance with claim 45 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

54. A game source in accordance with claim 46 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the game. 15 55. A game source in accordance with claim 47 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

56. A game source in accordance with claim 48 wherein the system S* comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

57. A game source in accordance with claim 49 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

58. A game source in accordance with claim 50 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

59. A game source in accordance with claim 51 wherein the system comprises: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game. A game source in accordance with any one of claims 44-59 wherein the system comprises: at least one player account; and wherein after transmitting the program to be used to play a winning scratch-off game via the Internet to the browser of the at least one terminal, the player account of the at least one player at the one terminal receiving the program is 15 credited with the winning of a prize as represented by the gaming elements revealed by the player.

61. A game source according to claim 44 wherein in the system: at least one image is transmitted via the Internet together with the program that reveals the one or more game elements. 20 62. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein in the system: the one or more game elements comprise at least one symbol. S• 63. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein in the system: the one or more game elements comprise at least one alphanumeric character.

64. A game source in accordance with claim 44 wherein: the at least one game element comprises at least one symbol and at least one alphanumeric character. A game source in accordance with any one of claims 44-59 wherein: each game generator, prior to transmission of the at least the program to the browser of the at least one terminal, verifies that a player requesting to play a scratch-off game is bona fide based upon data transmitted by the player at the one terminal via the Internet to the game generator, and wherein the game generator determines if the at least one game element of the scratch- off game represents a win.

66. A method of playing an Internet scratch-off game in an Internet game playing system including at least one terminal at which at least one player plays a scratch-off game, the at least one terminal provides a terminal display and executes a browser that interacts with the Internet during the playing of a scratch-off game; and a program that reveals on the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game a game image comprising one or more game elements and permitting determination by the at least one player if the displayed one or more revealed game elements represent a win; and at least one scratch-off game source interacting via the Internet with the browser of each terminal requesting at least one scratch-off game from the scratch-off game source and in response to requests from the browser of each terminal provides a program to the browser of each terminal that is executed to reveal the one or more game elements when the at least one player plays the scratch- off game comprising the steps: a player, located at one of the at least one terminal, initiating an Internet scratch-off game by communicating using the Internet from the one 15 terminal to one of the at least one scratch-off game source a request to play a S. f scratch-off game; in response to the request of the player to play a scratch-off game, transmitting via the Internet from the one scratch-off game card source the 2 program to the one terminal the program; and .t 20 playing the scratch-off game at the one terminal by the player causing the browser to execute the program to reveal the one or more game elements. S* 67. A method in accordance with claim 66 wherein: the program contains JAVA code.

68. A method in accordance with claim 66 comprising: moving a moveable element across the terminal display during playing of the game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements at a location on the terminal display over which the movable element moves.

69. A method in accordance with claim 67 comprising: moving a moveable element across the terminal display during playing of the scratch-off game; and wherein moving the moveable element across the terminal display causes the revealing of the one or more game elements at a location on the terminal display over which the movable element moves. A method in accordance with claim 66 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

71. A method in accordance with claim 67 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program.

72. A method in accordance with claim 68 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and thereafter to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program. 15 73. A method in accordance with claim 69 comprising: at least one web page in communication with the Internet; and wherein the at least one player at the at least one terminal using the browser is in communication via the Internet to one of the at least one web pages and to one scratch-off game source to obtain at least the program. 20 74. A method in accordance with claim 66 comprising: "at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming S* elements; and wherein S• the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the o*o$ scratch-off game.

75. A method in accordance with claim 67 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

76. A method in accordance with claim 68 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

77. A method in accordance with claim 69 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

78. A method in accordance with claim 70 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

79. A method in accordance with claim 71 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein o the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game. 15 80. A method in accordance with claim 72 comprising: at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the 2 scratch-off game. 20 81. A method in accordance with claim 73 comprising: *at least one generator that produces at least one set of random gaming elements; and wherein *o*the at least one set of random gaming elements is generated for the scratch-off game.

82. A method in accordance with any one of claims 66-81 comprising: at least one player account; and wherein after transmitting the program to be used to play a winning scratch-off game via the Internet to the browser of the at least one terminal, the player account of the at least one player at the one terminal receiving the program is credited with the winning of a prize as represented by the gaming elements revealed by the player.

83. A method according to claim 66 wherein: at least one image is transmitted via the Internet together with the program that reveals the one or more game elements.

84. A method in accordance with claim 66 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one symbol. A system in accordance with claim 66 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one alphanumeric character.

86. A method in accordance with claim 66 wherein: the one or more game elements comprise at least one symbol and at least one alphanumeric character.

87. A method in accordance with any one of claims 66-81 wherein: each scratch-off game source, prior to transmission of the at least the program to the browser of the at least one terminal, verifies that a player requesting to play a scratch-off game is bona fide based upon data transmitted by the player at the one terminal via the Internet to the scratch- off game source, and wherein the scratch-off game source determines if the at least one game element of the scratch-off game represents a win.

88. A method for providing an interactive game via an electronic i 15 communications network implementing a hypertext transfer protocol S"substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

89. A method for providing an interactive game via an electronic communications network substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings. 20 90. An Internet scratch-off game playing system substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings. oo*91. A scratch-off game source substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings.

92. A method of playing an Internet scratch-off game substantially as described herein with reference to the drawings. Dated this seventh day of December 2001 RealTIME MEDIA, Inc. Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: F B RICE CO