EP1979880A2 - Systeme et procede permettant de jouer a un jeu - Google Patents

Systeme et procede permettant de jouer a un jeu

Info

Publication number
EP1979880A2
EP1979880A2 EP07705519A EP07705519A EP1979880A2 EP 1979880 A2 EP1979880 A2 EP 1979880A2 EP 07705519 A EP07705519 A EP 07705519A EP 07705519 A EP07705519 A EP 07705519A EP 1979880 A2 EP1979880 A2 EP 1979880A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
consumer
game
computer
computer network
information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP07705519A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Jacob Ranis Stokholm Andersen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Home Focus Development Ltd
Original Assignee
Home Focus Development Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Home Focus Development Ltd filed Critical Home Focus Development Ltd
Publication of EP1979880A2 publication Critical patent/EP1979880A2/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q30/00—Commerce
    • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • G07F17/3255—Incentive, loyalty and/or promotion schemes, e.g. comps, gaming associated with a purchase, gaming funded by advertisements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for playing a game by capturing and transmitting information, and more particularly to a computerized system implementing a game for use by consumers.
  • Games offered to consumers have taken increasingly sophisticated forms. With ttte development of the internet, games and contests can be accessed by a wider range of consumers, and the manner and speed in which information can be transmitted to and from consumers has changed. Typical internet-based games required the consumer to acquire certain information by purchasing an item, which information can then be entered into a computer via a keyboard and transmitted to the retailer over the internet. The consumer was informed relatively instantaneously whether they had advanced in or won the game. Also, the consumer was exposed to additional products or product advertising from the retailer, which could increase product sales.
  • the present invention provides a system, for playing a game, comprising a product comprising an imaging device for capturing and transmitting game information to a computer network, and a computer network capable of receiving the transmitted game information and providing a result fo the consumer regarding the consumer's status in the game.
  • the system can optionally distribute information related to a product to the consumer.
  • the computer network can comprise the Internet
  • the system of the invention also facilitates the collection, storage and use of demographic- and product-related sales information or other industry-related data by a retailer. Such industry-related data can be used by the retailer to inform and facilitate marketing or other business-related decisions.
  • the system can also act as a repository for industry data which may be of interest to members of the industry,
  • the system of the invention cart be used for remote purchase of products by consumers.
  • the invention further provides a computer program product comprising computer readable code for capturing and transmitting game information to a computer network.
  • the invention still further provides a computer program product comprising computer readable code for receiving game inf ⁇ xmatio ⁇ * and providing a result to the consumer regarding the consumer's status in. the game.
  • the invention also provides a method of playing a game with the system of the invention, comprising providing to a consumer an imaging device for capturing and transmitting game information to a computer network, and allowing the consumer to access a computer network which receives the game information and provides a result to the consumer regarding the consumer's status in the game.
  • the method optionally comprises the step of distributing information related to a product to a consumer over the present system, or allowing the consumer to remotely purchase products using the present system.
  • the computer network can comprise the Internet
  • the invention yet further provides a method of gathering, storing and optionally distributing industry-related data using the present system.
  • FIGURE l is a simplified exemplary system of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention
  • a system for playing a game is provided, This system allows a consumer of retail products to acquire information relevant to playing the game and transmit that information into a computer network.
  • the computer network processes that information and informs the consumer of their status with regard to the game.
  • the consumer participates in the game by purchasing a product from a retailer which comprises or contains an imaging device for capturing game information and transmitting it to the computer network.
  • the game information can be contained in the product, or it can. be separately provided to the consumer.
  • a "game” includes any competition which involves the acquisition and transmission of information over a computer network in exchange for the chance to win a prize, in which, a consumer participates without direct contact with or interference from other consumers or in direct competition to at least one other consumer or against a computer system.
  • a game can be a lottery or drawing in which one or a few consumers who transmit particular game information will win a prize regardless of the actions of other consumers participating in the game,
  • a game can also be a direct competition hi which the first (or first, second and third, etc.) consumer who acquires and transmits the relevant information wins a prize,
  • a game can also be a computerized faatasy role-playing game war game or other computerized video game in which a consumer can participate to earn points for completing tasks or advancing through game levels.
  • a "prize" can be anything provided to a consumer in exchange for the acquisition and transmission of game information.
  • a prize can. be of lesser, equal or greater value than the product purchased by the consumer to acquire the game or contest information or imaging device.
  • the prize can also comprise further game or contest information, such, as information needed to complete a task or complete a game level, or can comprise "points" or some other form of measure which can be tallied or accumulated with repeated play,
  • a prize can be a monetary or other concrete reward can be given to consumers who accumulate a certain number of points after repeated game play
  • a prize can be one or more special "powers” or other abilities, weapons, extra “lives” or some other measure of increased ability to survive, or anything else that is relevant or of value in the game milieu which confers an advantage to the player.
  • the prize for transmitting given game information according to the invention can confer a shield, a magic sword, the ability to fly, limited or unlimited invincibility, or the like to a consumer who is playing a computerized video game according to the invention.
  • game information can comprise a code or cipher that, when captured and transmitted according to the invention, allows the consumer to acquire a prize as discussed above.
  • the imaging device provided with a product can comprise any device which is capable of capturing and transmitting information, to a computer network in a form that the network can receive, optionally decode, and process. It is contemplated that both digital and analog images can be transmitted by the imaging device. Suitable imaging devices include digital cameras adapted for connection to personal computers ⁇ e.g., through a USB or similar data transmission port or by wireless communication), such as are commonly called "webcams.” Typically, the computer and/ox webcam comprises software which periodically or continually acquires video images (e.g., still frames) from the webcam and converts the images into a JPG, TIFF or other similar type image file.
  • Suitable software for acquiring and transmitting images from a webcam to a computer are known in the art, and can generally be found on the Internet
  • software called "Webcam32” is available online from Surveyor Corporation at www.webcam32.com.
  • webcams and other suitable imaging devices can be connected to a computer by a cable, such as through a USB or other data transmission port, or by a wireless connection such as a radio frequency link, infra-red, "blue-tooth,” and the like.
  • Suitable webcams include Intel PC Camera Pro Pack (USB) available from Intel Corp., the CAM-330L Cute Mini Web Camera with 32MB RAM available from Comix International Co. Ltd. (Taipei, Taiwan), and the KS-60& Compact Web Camera with Image Sensors available from Techmakers Electronics Ltd. (Kow ⁇ oon, Hong Kong),
  • Webcams for use with the present method can have any suitable memory, resolution, optics, video format, focus range, power supply, connectivity and the like to allow the webcam to capture and transmit images to a computer.
  • a suitable webcam can have a 300-35Ok pixel CMOS sensor, a USB interface connection with PC/notebook host, video mode up to 30fps at C ⁇ F, and an adjustable plastic lens to control the clarity of the image.
  • the webcam can also be any size, but is generally dimensioned to easily fit within a typical retail food, candy or toy package.
  • the webcam can be about 50mm wide, about 70mm in height and about 60mm in depth, and may include a stand. Webcams of greater and lesser dimensions can also be used.
  • the imaging device for use in the invention can also comprise stand-alone digital still or video cameras, or digital still or video cameras contained in cellular telephones or other electronic devices.
  • game information can be captured by a digital camera in a cellular telephone, and transmitted to a computer via wireless communication from the telephone (such as by e-mail).
  • the imaging device can also comprise an apparatus, component or other means for reading game information which is not necessarily visible to the unaided human eye.
  • the imaging device can be equipped to read infra-red or ultraviolet light, or the like, which is emitted or reflected from a substrate holding the game information.
  • the substrate holding the game information can contain an apparatus, component or other means for emitting signals such as infra-red or ultraviolet light, or the like so that Alternatively, the imaging device can comprise an apparatus, component or other means for emitting signals such as infra-red or ultraviolet light, or the like so that such signals are reflected from the game information in a manner which can be detected by the imaging device.
  • the imaging device can emit ultra-violet or "black" light, which is reflected from certain material comprising the game information. The reflected ultraviolet light can then be recorded and transmitted by the imaging device according to the invention,
  • the webcam of other imaging device is provided with an apparatus for holding the game information at the optimal distance and in the correct orientation for capturing the image for transmission to a computer.
  • the imaging device can be provided with a frame which is adapted to fit onto the imaging device and is configured hold the game information in front of the imaging device lens at a fixed, predetermined distance that is optimal for that imaging device to capture the game information.
  • This apparatus can be fabricated from any suitable material, such as plastic, cardboard, metal, wood and the like, using techniques within the skill in the art.
  • the game information provided to the consumer for capture by the imaging device can be alphanumeric or numeric (including binary) information, graphic information, or any combination of these.
  • the game information can comprise fanciful pictures or drawings with labels or text.
  • the game information can also comprise colors, or can comprise reflective material which can only be seen under certain conditions (such as when irradiated by infra-red or ultraviolet light),
  • the game information can also comprise material which is transmissive to signals such as infra-red or ultraviolet light.
  • the game information comprises alphanumeric information, graphic information, or any combination of these which form a code or cipher which can be interpreted after transmission. Those consumers acquiring and transmitting certain codes or ciphers can win certain prizes.
  • the game information can be provided on any suitable substrate, such as paper, foil, cardstock, cardboard, metal, wood, plastic and the like.
  • the game information is provided on a piece of cardstock approximately the size of a playing card.
  • the substrate on which the game information is provided can comprise some means for generating and transmitting a signal such as infrared or ultraviolet light, for example through some or all of the material comprising the game information.
  • the product with which the imaging device is provided can be any consumer product, for example toys, candy or combinations thereof. Alternatively, the imaging device can be provided without another consumer product. It is understood that game information may or may not be included with the imaging device, but can also be provided separately to the consumer. If the game information is provided separately, it may be provided with or without additional consumer products,
  • the system of the invention also includes a computer network which can comprise one or more client computers connected through the network to at least one server, and the associated software (file transfer protocols, etc.) and hardware (cables, modems, monitors, speakers, etc.) which are known in the art.
  • the system can comprise a personal computer comprising an Internet browser or other appropriate software and a telephone or cable modem connected through the Internet to an Internet server, which allows the personal computer to establish and maintain a connection to the Internet server, and locate and display a given "webpage.”
  • the client computer is used by the consumer to accept game information from the imaging device, and transmit that information to a server maintained by the retailer who provided the imaging device to the consumer.
  • the consumer is typically able to view their connection to the Internet server as a webpage from the retailer.
  • This webpage can comprise interactive prompts which allow the consumer to request certain services or enter ioformatio ⁇ relevant to the retailer's business or products, the game which the consumer is playing, and the like.
  • exemplary system 100 comprises server 120 and at least one client computer 130 which are connected to the Internet.
  • Imaging device 140 is connected to client computer 130 to transmit game information to the client computer 130.
  • Server 120 and client computer 130 can be general purpose computers which included or comprise computer program products comprising computer readable code for accomplishing the desired functions.
  • server 120 can be a standard server or workstation running the Windows NTTM operating system and including HTTP server software such as ApacheTM or other suitable HTTP server software.
  • Server 120 can also have a unique Internet Protocol ("IP") address to which, the game information from the client computer 130 can be routed.
  • Client computer 130 can be a personal computer running the WindowsTM operating system and an HTTP compliant browser, such as Microsoft Internet ExplorerTM or Netscape NavigatorTM.
  • Client computer 130 includes or comprises a computer program product comprising computer-readable code for receiving images of game information transmitted from the imaging device 140 and sending them to server 120 over the internet
  • the game information transmitted from client computer 130 is routed through the Internet via routers 150, using standard routing protocols, to the IP address of server 120,
  • Server 120 is adapted to process the game information (for example, decode any game information which comprises a code or cipher) received from client 130 and compare these images to a database containing prize information. If server 120 determines that a prize should or should not be awarded to the consumer who acquired and transmitted the game information, then server 120 so informs the consumer by transmitting a statement or other indication to client computer 130 via the Internet identifying the consumer's status in the game and the prize or prizes they have won. For example, the consumer could be informed that his game status is "Winner” and that his prize is $100, Likewise, server 120 could transmit the statement "Sorry, you are not a winner. No prize will be awarded - please try again! to the consumer. Alternatively, the consumer could be informed of whether he has acquired a new "power” or weapon or the like, and be given the ability to use the new power or weapon during game play on the computer.
  • game information for example, decode any game information which comprises a code or cipher
  • (0038J Server 120 can also be adapted to provide additional product information to the consumer during the time they are connected to server 120 via the Internet, for example while the consumer is transmitting the game information to server 120, waiting for a reply from server 120 regarding their game status, or viewing the reply from server 120,
  • additional product information can comprise, for example, advertising designed to entice the consumer to purchase additional products or introduce them to products yet to be marketed.
  • the server 120 can also transmit additional product information to the consumer from other sources, such as from third party retailers or service provides who have paid the retailer to display advertising material. It is understood that "product.” as used herein, includes both consumer goods and services.
  • the server 120 can also offer products for sale to the consumer over the Internet
  • the invention also provides a method of playing a game with the present system.
  • a consumer is informed of the game (e.g., through advertising) in which they can win prizes by obtaining and transmitting information to a server maintained by the retailer.
  • the consumer purchases or is given an imaging device* and must then acquire game information which is input into the imaging device for transmission to a client computer.
  • the consumer transmits the game information from the client computer to the retailer's server via a computer network such as the Internet, where the game information is processed by the server and the consumer is informed of his game states based on the game information which was transmitted.
  • the imaging device can be provided to the consumer along with another product, such as a consumer good or service.
  • the imaging device is provided to the consumer along with a novelty item such as a toy or candy.
  • the game information can be provided with the imaging device, or can be provided separately to the consumer.
  • the game information may be provided along with another product
  • the method can also optionally include the steps of displaying additional product information to the consumer or offering products to the consumer for purchase over the Internet.
  • the invention also provides a method of gathering and storing distributing industry-related data using the present system with the system of the inventioB.
  • a consumer is induced to play a game as described above.
  • the consumer is then invited to input and transmit relevant data such as date and time of purchase, type and number of products purchased, demographic data such as age, gender, race and the like, and any other data which might be considered valuable for business or marketing purposes, to the retailer's server.
  • the consumer can be invited to enter such data at any point during the process of transmitting game information or receiving and viewing their game status from the retailer's server.
  • Industry-related data can also be gathered and stored without being expressly input by the consumer; for example, data regarding the number of consumers acquiring and transmitting game information can be obtained.
  • the method optionally included the step of distributing the industry-related data to other entities.
  • the invention also provides a computer program product for performing some or all of the computer network functions according to the invention.
  • a "computer program product" can comprise any available computer readable media that can be accessed Tjy an electronic device such as an imaging device or client and server computers.
  • computer readable media can comprise computer storage media or communication media which contains computer-readable code for directing a computer to perform a given function.
  • Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data.
  • Computer storage media includes RAM 5 ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM 5 digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by an electronic device.
  • a computer program product according to the invention can also comprise the electronic device which accesses the computer-readable code.
  • imaging device or client or server computers can be considered a computer program product.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Strategic Management (AREA)
  • Accounting & Taxation (AREA)
  • Development Economics (AREA)
  • Finance (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Entrepreneurship & Innovation (AREA)
  • Game Theory and Decision Science (AREA)
  • Economics (AREA)
  • Marketing (AREA)
  • General Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Management, Administration, Business Operations System, And Electronic Commerce (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système et un procédé qui permettent de jouer à un jeu en utilisant le système. Le système permet à un consommateur de produits vendus au détail d'acquérir des informations se rapportant à la conduite du jeu, et de transmettre ces informations à un réseau d'ordinateurs qui les traite et informe le consommateur de leur statut par rapport au jeu. Les informations sur le jeu sont captées et transmises au réseau d'ordinateurs à l'aide d'un dispositif d'imagerie fourni au consommateur par le détaillant qui assure le parrainage du jeu.
EP07705519A 2006-01-31 2007-01-31 Systeme et procede permettant de jouer a un jeu Withdrawn EP1979880A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US76363006P 2006-01-31 2006-01-31
PCT/IB2007/000245 WO2007088470A2 (fr) 2006-01-31 2007-01-31 Systeme et procede permettant de jouer a un jeu

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1979880A2 true EP1979880A2 (fr) 2008-10-15

Family

ID=38262981

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07705519A Withdrawn EP1979880A2 (fr) 2006-01-31 2007-01-31 Systeme et procede permettant de jouer a un jeu

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20090036218A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP1979880A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP2009525112A (fr)
CN (1) CN101379533A (fr)
WO (1) WO2007088470A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140316869A1 (en) * 2013-03-26 2014-10-23 L4 Mobile Llc Method for Managing Customer Engagement
WO2016172506A1 (fr) 2015-04-23 2016-10-27 Hasbro, Inc. Jeu numérique sensible au contexte

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2002521755A (ja) * 1998-07-23 2002-07-16 ネオメディア テクノロジーズ，インク． ネットワーク化されたリソースを介して消費者報償と引き換えに消費者データを得るための方法および装置
US7502759B2 (en) * 1999-08-30 2009-03-10 Digimarc Corporation Digital watermarking methods and related toy and game applications
US6578735B1 (en) * 2000-02-02 2003-06-17 Ewald Mothwurf Method and an apparatus for promoting a product or brand
JP2005070866A (ja) * 2003-08-27 2005-03-17 Tetsuo Tanaka ゲーム利用ラベル、該ラベルを付した商品、ゲーム提供方法およびゲーム提供装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007088470A3 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20090036218A1 (en) 2009-02-05
JP2009525112A (ja) 2009-07-09
WO2007088470A2 (fr) 2007-08-09
WO2007088470A3 (fr) 2007-10-18
CN101379533A (zh) 2009-03-04

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