JP2012164312A - Commercial game system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a commercial game that poses questions to a user related to advertisements that the user views or listens to using a multimedia device such as a computer connected to the Internet.SOLUTION: Points may be awarded to a user based on the number of questions answered correctly, the number of advertisements viewed, the length of time advertisements are viewed, the number of attempts at answering each question before providing a correct answer, or other advertiser-selected criteria. Points earned by the user are immediately redeemable for services such as subscription services, movies downloads and Pay-Per-View credits, or for any other tangible or intangible goods, services, or rewards representing a monetary value. If the user provides an incorrect answer to a question, the user is permitted to watch the advertisement multiple times until the correct answer is provided and points are awarded.

Description

  This application claims priority from US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 464,740 filed on May 12, 2009. The contents of said patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates to an advertising method and system. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and system for advertising advertising games and interactive multimedia to consumers.

  Traditionally, advertising to consumers has been done in publications, bulletin boards, or on radio, television, hoping that consumers will read, watch, listen to or pay attention to such ads. And using passive means that are provided strategically via Internet media. These passive types of advertisements are generally ineffective in that advertisers usually do not have a means to know which consumers have seen or heard of the advertiser's advertisements. The inability to collect information about consumer identification and how closely consumers have reviewed or paid attention to advertisements limits the value of conventional advertising systems and methods. The possibility of data mining to collect consumer information about viewing habits is not fully exploited by conventional advertising.

  Because conventional advertisements are presented passively and cannot constrain consumers, the conventional advertisements may be ignored by consumers. Use interactive games and multimedia presentations to entertain consumers, and can be used for data mining to collect personally identifiable information that can be related to each individual consumer's shopping and advertising browsing habits What is needed is an interactive advertising system and method.

  The systems and methods described herein are based on an interactive design to promote repeat business and functionality as a means of data mining to enable targeted advertising targeted to specific consumers. The present invention relates to an interactive gift presenting system that makes consumers entertain and participate. The gift presenting system may utilize a website, a global communication system, a gift card, a remote server, funds data, and a means by which the gift card can be delivered from the gift giver to the recipient. The website may include an account management function that allows a gift giver to access via a global communication network and allows the gift giver to transfer money to a card issuer. The gift card may comprise a unique card identifier, for example a gift card number. The card issuer can use the unique card identifier to match the gift card against the money sent from the gift giver to the card issuer to fund the gift card.

  The gift card may be a virtual E card. This virtual E-card has a perforation for separating a card in a web browser accessed by clicking a web link, a printable e-mail card, and a removable gift card, greeting card and envelope. Pre-creased and / or pre-folded, such as a two-dimensional gift card form that can comprise a single sheet, and an Assembreeze® pop-up card manufactured by WILoPEN Products, LC of Deerfield Beach, Florida And a three-dimensional pop-up card. When the three-dimensional pop-up card is changed from a closed state to an open state, a part of the card is folded so as to “jump out” or stand up. The pop-up portion of the card may be, for example, a photograph of a gift etc., a work of art, a logo, alphanumeric text, or other desired information or image. The three-dimensional pop-up card can take the form of a greeting card or business card, and can also include a gift display that visually represents the gift item selected by the gift giver for the gift recipient. The gift card may be custom designed for or by the gift giver, or may be selected by the gift giver from one or more templates provided by the card issuer.

  The remote server is connected to the global communication network and can be used to store funds data associated with the gift card. The fund data relates to the amount sent by the gift giver to the card issuing company. The means for delivering or sending the gift card from the gift giver to the recipient is by mail or courier service, e-mail (e-mail), facsimile, package (eg at the top of a pizza box) or publication (eg a magazine). Attachment or insertion, or other suitable delivery means.

  The gift card system is highly customizable by the user or gift giver, and the gift giver can personally control the overall gift donation method. The gift gifting method includes, but is not limited to, selection of gift items that may be goods, services or money, personalization of actual physical or virtual gift cards, and the gift to the recipient. May include the timing of gift card delivery. Therefore, the gift giver can select and purchase the gift of course. In addition, when the gift recipient receives the gift card, it exchanges the gift card for a gift item selected by the gift giver, refuses the gift item selected by the gift giver, and another of the same or lower value. Selecting a gift item, selecting another gift item of higher value by paying additional funds to refuse the gift item selected by the giver and purchase another gift, or another Having multiple options that may include giving the recipient the gift card or its monetary value.

  The gift card system may also include a system and method for providing an advertising game that asks the user questions regarding advertisements that the user sees or listens to using multimedia devices such as computers connected to the Internet. Based on the number of questions answered correctly, the number of ads viewed, the length of time the ads were viewed, the number of attempts to answer each question before showing the correct answer, or other criteria chosen by the advertiser , Points can be given to the user. The points earned by the user can be immediately exchanged for services such as subscription services, movie downloads, pay-per-view credits, or other tangible or intangible goods, services, or monetary rewards. If the user gives an incorrect answer to the question, the user can view the advertisement multiple times until the correct answer is shown and points are awarded.

  The gift card system has several advantages over conventional plastic gift cards distributed and sold by retailers. Since the gift card of the gift card system can be manufactured as a paper gift card, the thinness of the paper gift card (relative to a conventional plastic card) allows the recipient to use the paper through an envelope into which the card is inserted. Unable to feel the card, the recipient's surprise increases. More importantly, however, the paper gift card is a safer way to send gifts by mail, because the paper gift card cannot be felt through the envelope that is mailed. Whether or not there is a paper gift card in the envelope is not immediately apparent to those who may take the mail to steal the gift card. On the other hand, conventional plastic gift cards are easily understood and therefore discoverable when placed in a standard paper envelope.

  Further, the gift card must be provided with some predetermined identification information about the recipient, so that the gift card is of no value to anyone other than the recipient intended by the giver. The system is effective. Once the recipient information is entered into the secure card issuer website, the recipient information can be stored on the card issuer's remote server. Also, the recipient must provide matching recipient information in order to validate the gift card, or when the user purchases the gift card for the recipient A password generated by the system and communicated by e-mail, mail or other delivery means must be entered into the website. Another advantage of the gift card system is that it can also be used for gifts other than gifts originally intended by the gift giver. The gift card system further has the advantage that the gift card can be distributed inexpensively and quickly in the form of a paper gift card or as an electronic or digital card.

  The method of the present invention also allows a gift card account website to advertise to gifters and recipients who access the website to fund and activate the gift card. It can be used advantageously. By advertising via game-style product questions, advertisers (eg, retailers and manufacturers) can entertain and educate users of the website with respect to the advertiser's products. . Also, users of the website and system benefit from being able to immediately exchange points earned by correctly answering product questions for items such as downloadable movies and songs or pay-per-view movie credits.

  Another advantage of the methods described herein is advertising to people who are visually impaired but who are deaf, people who cannot read and write, and people who do not speak the prevailing language of the card issuer or retail store The capacity of the system for. The system's avatar used with the text-to-speech software can play or “read” the description of the product for sale in the user's own language on the card issuer's or retailer's website.

  Unlike when a giftee purchases a gift item at a retail store and gives the recipient a real gift item, if the giftee decides to exchange the gift item for another gift item, The system and method of the present invention is also advantageous for the retailer because the retailer does not incur the costs associated with returning the replacement to inventory. By simply displaying the gift item in the form of a gift display as part of the gift card, the actual gift item selected for the recipient by the giver is physically removed from the retailer's inventory. Not so, retailers can avoid the cost of returning goods.

  In addition, another advantage of the system described herein is that the beneficiary can access the account created through the system website to check balances, purchases made, and other information about gift cards. It can be accessed. The giver may be provided with access to these account functions via an interactive voice response system (IVR).

  In addition, another advantage of the system and method of the present invention is that the gift card is printed in addition to being delivered electronically, for example by email, to increase the likelihood that the recipient will receive the gift card. And can be mailed to the recipient. The sender's name may be pre-printed on all components of the gift card package, such as printed electronic gift cards, greeting cards and instructions for a multi-component gift package. The gift giver can print or hand-write the recipient's name on the same component to further increase the likelihood that the recipient will read the greeting card and gift card. The printed gift as the recipient is directed to the card issuer's website to exchange the gift card for a gift item selected by the gift giver or other gift item selected by the recipient The card, like an electronic gift card, can be intrinsically easy to spread information.

  The system can also be used interactively by advertisers such as retailers, service providers and manufacturers. The advertiser is given access to the gift presenting system to automatically upload advertising product and service information to website users.

  That is, the present invention can communicate with a server connected to a communication network, an electronic medium connected to the server storing a recorded advertisement for playback to a user, and the server via the communication network. An advertising game system comprising: a media player device connected to the server; and a control device that has a control function for inputting an answer to a question transmitted from the server and is communicably connected to the media player device It is characterized by. The media player device may include a display screen for playing the recorded advertisement for viewing by a user. The advertising game system further includes software installed on the server to send questions regarding advertisements viewable on the media player device, and whether the answer entered by the user and sent to the server is correct. A plurality of software installed on the server to determine, and software installed on the server to calculate, record and display the number of points awarded to the user for answering questions correctly The software function of a single program or a single program. Finally, the advertising game system is characterized by a plurality of products and services that can be exchanged for points earned by a user by viewing advertisements and answering questions.

  In another aspect, the present invention provides the media player device is a computer, the communication network is the Internet, the advertisement is visible on a website stored in the server, and is visible on the display screen. It can be characterized as possible.

  In another aspect, the invention may be characterized in that the points can be exchanged immediately or in the future.

  The present invention also includes (a) reproducing on the display screen an advertisement containing information relating to the retail item and viewed by the user, and (b) presenting a series of questions regarding the retail item to the user on the display screen. And (c) electronically providing stored user points to a user account stored on a server communicatively connected to the display screen based on the number of questions correctly answered by the user And (d) providing the user with a plurality of reward items that can be exchanged for points earned by the user.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the plurality of reward items may include pay-per-view movie credit, cable TV service credit, satellite TV service credit, broadband service credit, premium TV channel service credit, satellite radio service credit, on-demand TV service. Credit, music download, movie download, video game play, video game download, gas credit, airline miles, downloadable publication, downloadable video, downloadable music file, downloadable audio file, downloadable audio Book, streaming video file, streaming audio file, downloadable image File, downloadable computer screen saver, can be characterized as having at least one item selected from among the downloadable video files, movie rental ticket, as well as other suitable retail goods and services.

  Another method of the invention may be characterized in that the retail item includes goods or services.

  Another method of the invention may feature the step of allowing the user to give the recipient a point earned by the user or a selected reward item.

  The present invention further includes (a) reproducing an advertisement for browsing by a user on a media player device having a display screen and connected to a server via a communication network, and (b) the advertisement. Displaying on the display screen at least an initial question regarding the advertisement after being played for viewing by a user; and (c) using the media player device, the first presented on the display screen Inputting an answer to the question; (d) transmitting an answer input by a user from the media player device to the server via the communication network; and (e) software installed on the server. Uses the user's answers stored in the software, programmed Comparing to the correct answer, (f) giving the user one or more points for the correct answer entered by the user, and (g) giving the user the number of points given to the user in the storage device of the server. Electronically recording in an associated user account; (h) transmitting the number of points awarded for a correct answer to the media player device and displaying the number of points awarded on the display screen; i) providing a virtual shopping mall that is accessible by the media player device via a communication network and that displays a point of sale or an item that can be exchanged for a user. Features another method.

  Another method of the invention may feature changing the number of points awarded for each correct answer based on the difficulty of the question being answered.

  Another method of the present invention is to provide a gift function that is communicatively connected to the server, so that a user can distribute points earned by viewing advertisements and answering questions as gifts. Can be characterized.

  Another method of the invention may feature the step of giving an incorrect answer to a question an amount less than the number of points given for a correct answer to the same question.

  Another method of the present invention provides a second method for answering a question when the software installed on the server determines that the answer to the particular question entered by the user is incorrect. A step of giving an opportunity to the user, the number of points when the correct answer is answered to the question at the second opportunity than the number of points when the correct answer is answered to the question at the first opportunity Featuring fewer steps.

  According to another method of the present invention, when the software installed on the server determines that the user inputs an incorrect answer to the first question, at least two to be answered are different from the first question. It may feature the step of providing an eye question to the user.

  Another method of the invention may feature the step of giving the user a point count for the correct answer to the at least second question that is less than the number of points given for the correct answer to the first question.

  Another method of the present invention may include the step of providing the user with a point number greater than or equal to the number of points given for the correct answer to the first question for the correct answer to the at least second question.

  Another method of the present invention includes the steps of registering each user by requesting each user to submit personal information input to the media player device to the server via the communication network; and Data collected from the media player device and stored in the database of the server, including personal information submitted by the user and website usage data regarding the user's shopping and browsing habits And selling the data to one or more buyers who are advertisers, retailers, distributors and manufacturers.

  Another method of the present invention is that the number of points awarded to a user for viewing an advertisement provided by a first advertiser is for viewing an advertisement provided by a second advertiser. It may be characterized by being different from the number of points given to the user.

  Another method of the present invention is that points earned by a user by viewing an advertisement provided by a first advertiser are earned by the user by viewing an advertisement provided by a second advertiser. It may be characterized by having an exchange value different from the exchange value of the points.

  Another method of the invention may feature the step of providing the user with a point number depending on the number of seconds that the advertisement has been viewed.

  Another method of the invention may be characterized in that the number of advertisements viewed by the user can be selected.

  In another method of the present invention, the media player device includes a computer, a notebook computer, a television, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a global positioning system (GPS) device, a portable game machine, and a display screen. It may be characterized in that it includes a device selected from one or more of other suitable portable electronic devices having and other suitable media player devices having a display screen.

  Another method of the present invention may be characterized in that the display screen is communicatively connected to a touch screen including a touch screen control function.

  Another method of the present invention may be characterized in that the media player device further includes a position pointing device communicatively connected.

  Another method of the invention may be characterized in that the media player device further comprises a control device communicatively connected.

  Another method of the present invention is that the items and services for which points can be exchanged are pay-per-view movie credits, cable TV service credits, satellite TV service credits, broadband service credits, premium TV channel service credits, satellite radio service credits, Demand TV Service Credit, Music Download, Movie Download, Video Game Play, Video Game Download, Gas Credit, Airline Miles, Downloadable Publication, Downloadable Video, Downloadable Music File, Downloadable Audio File, Download Audio book, streaming video file, streaming audio file, download Including at least one item or service selected from among loadable image files, downloadable computer screen savers, downloadable video files, movie rental tickets, and other suitable retail goods and services obtain.

  Unless defined otherwise, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating one method by which a gift giver can purchase a gift in the form of a gift card for delivery to a recipient. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating one method by which a gift giver can purchase a gift in the form of a gift card for delivery to a recipient. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating one method by which a gift giver can purchase a gift in the form of a gift card for delivery to a recipient. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating one method by which a gift giver can purchase a gift in the form of a gift card for delivery to a recipient. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one method by which a gift giver can purchase a gift in the form of a gift card for delivery to a recipient. FIG. 6A is a flowchart illustrating another method by which a gift giver or recipient can earn reward points by accessing a card issuer's website. FIG. 6B is a flowchart illustrating another method by which a gift giver or recipient can earn reward points by accessing a card issuer's website. FIG. 7 shows another way in which a giftee obtains a gift card that can deliver the gift card to a recipient and the recipient accesses the card issuer's website to exchange the gift card for a gift. It is a flowchart to show. FIG. 8 shows another way in which a giftee obtains a gift card that can deliver the gift card to a recipient and the recipient accesses the card issuer's website to exchange the gift card for a gift. It is a flowchart to show. FIG. 9A is a front plan view of a gift card combined with an envelope enclosing a separate separated booklet and the envelope. FIG. 9B is a front plan view of a gift card combined with an envelope enclosing a separate separated booklet and the envelope. FIG. 10 is an example screenshot of question and answer options for an advertising gaming system that can be accessed with a web browser software program installed on a computer connected to a communications network. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the advertising game system.

  The present invention provides an interactive gift presenting system and gift presenting method that may comprise multimedia components. The gift presenting system can be used by a gift card issuer and provides a method to promote and advertise retail products and services to users through gift presenting, entertainment, and games. The user can be a consumer, and the consumer can be a gifter or a gift recipient. The card issuer may be an advertiser, retailer, manufacturer or service provider.

  The present invention allows a gift giver to give a gift to a gift recipient and a gift card that serves as an advertising and marketing tool for goods and services manufactured, provided and sold by manufacturers and retailers A system can be provided. The gift card system may comprise a gift card. The gift card can be a physical gift card, an electronic gift card, or both. The system may include only a single gift card so that the gift giver can purchase his greeting card and an envelope into which the gift card can be inserted.

  In a typical embodiment, the gift card can be a combination gift card, greeting card, instructions and envelope. These components can form a gift card package that can be delivered to the recipient. The gift card package may comprise a catalog, booklet, brochure, or another suitable insert containing an image or description of the product that the gift giver can purchase for the gift recipient. These components of the exemplary embodiment can be manufactured by any suitable printing and folding means. Each gift card can be personalized with a unique card identifier, such as a hexadecimal number that can be accepted for payment at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal at a retail store, or a standard 16-digit gift card number, for example. The gift card can also be marked, printed or affixed with a product or retailer name or logo. The gift card can also include a description of the gift item selected by the gift giver, and the description is printed or affixed to the gift card. In other embodiments, either or both of the greeting card and the envelope may comprise a product or retailer name, logo, or a description printed or affixed thereto.

  In another embodiment, the system may comprise only the gift card, the greeting card, and the envelope. In yet another embodiment, the system may comprise only the gift card and the envelope. In still other embodiments, either or both of the greeting card and the description may be omitted. In one embodiment, the system can further include a receipt. In one embodiment, the gift card system is an envelope such that the gift card and other contents (eg, greeting cards, instructions, and catalog) are enclosed in the envelope at the same time that the envelope is manufactured. An envelope manufactured around the item.

  The physical gift card may be paper, plastic, or a gift card composed of another suitable material that can be printed, embossed, engraved, embossed or attached . The electronic gift card can be a downloadable file, web page, virtual card or email. These may include alphanumeric text and other types of characters, images, audio data, video data, or other types of data that are suitable for preparing or attaching to the electronic gift card. . The gift card can be exchanged for a gift item. The gift item may be a merchandise item that is a retail item such as a shirt or a television, or a service such as a nail service or a golf lesson. In another embodiment, the gift card can be exchanged for money.

  In embodiments where the gift card is a physical gift card, the gift card can be a printable email card, a two-dimensional gift card, or a three-dimensional card. In one embodiment, the two-dimensional gift card may include a format featuring a single sheet with perforations for separating separable gift cards, greeting cards, and envelopes. In another embodiment, the three-dimensional gift card can be pre-creased and / or pre-folded and when the card is changed from a closed state to an open state. It may include a pop-up portion that is partly “popped out” or folded to stand up. The pop-up portion of the card may include, for example, a photograph of a gift giver, artwork, logo, alphanumeric text, or various other information or images. A three-dimensional pop-up card can take the form of the greeting card or business card and can include a gift display that visually represents the gift item selected by the gift giver for the gift recipient. The gift card may be custom designed for or by the gift giver, or may be selected by the gift giver from one or more templates provided by the card issuer.

  The gift giver can personalize the gift card. The personalized gift card may be further customized using the gifter and / or recipient's personal information. Personal information may include name, address, location information, photos, email addresses, birthdays, anniversaries, or other personally important information regarding either or both of the giver and the recipient.

  The gift card system may comprise a gift display for at least one gift item. In an exemplary embodiment, the gift card system can include a plurality of gift displays, each of which represents a unique gift item. The gift display can be represented in the form of a picture or drawing of the gift item. In another embodiment, the gift display can write or type the name of a gift item and can further include a description of the gift item written or typed. The gift display may be displayed as part of the gift display list or other collection.

  The gift display can be displayed on printed matter or electronically. For example, the gift display can be printed on a magazine, catalog, booklet or other printed material. In another example, the gift display can be displayed on a website or email as an electronic image or text.

  A gift card or a plurality of gift cards, for example multipacks, is delivered to a gift giver who purchases for the gift recipient from a plurality of gift cards each with a different gift display. Gift items can be selected. The single gift card or the package including the plurality of gift cards can be delivered to the gift giver by direct mail or can be obtained at a retail store. The single gift card or the package of gift cards may be delivered to the gift giver based on the gift's request, or unilaterally mailed or delivered to the gift giver. The gift display on each gift card can be printed, embossed, engraved or embossed on each gift card. In another embodiment, the gift display may be printed on a stamp having an adhesive surface that can be affixed to the gift card. In embodiments in which a gift card package is provided to the gift giver, the package can include a catalog that can include a plurality of gift displays, each printed on a removable stamp. The gift giver separates the gift display stamp of the selected gift item and attaches one or more stamps to one or more gift cards to be delivered to the gift recipient. The above gift items can be selected.

  The gift card system may comprise a website having a graphical user interface (UI) and accessible via a communication network such as the Internet. In other embodiments, the communication network may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a global area network (GAN), an intranet, or another suitable communication network. The website's graphical user interface can receive information entered or uploaded by a user of the website (such as, for example, a giver or a gift recipient) and can send the information to a server. The server can be a remote server. The server may comprise a processor to electronically process data sent to the server via the website. The server may also include a data storage device, which stores information that is presented through the UI and that is sent to the server via the communication network by software on the website. Used to. The information presented via the UI and the website includes the personal information of the gift giver and the recipient, credit card or other account number information that allows the gift giver or recipient to purchase, and gifts by the gift giver. It may include photos, images, audio files and video files that allow customization of the card or greeting card.

  In one embodiment, the website may include an account management function that allows a gift giver to transfer money to the card issuer. A remote server connected to the global communication network can store fund data associated with the gift card. Fund data relates to funds sent by the gift giver to the card issuer.

  The website may include a dynamic button navigation system that allows a user to easily and quickly view a gift display representing gift items displayed on the website. The dynamic button navigation system may be used by a giver or beneficiary to search for a retailer where the gifter or beneficiary can purchase their products on the card issuer's website.

  In one method, the gift giver can send a physical or electronic gift card to the gift recipient by purchasing a gift item and ordering the gift card using a gift card system website.

  In other ways in which the gift giver receives or obtains a physical gift card by direct mail or other delivery means, the gift giver uses the purchase function of the gift card system website to display the gift there The gift card can be validated by funding the gift card to purchase the gift item represented by. The gift giver can then mail or deliver the gift card to the gift giver. Thereafter, the gift recipient accesses the system website, provides the identifying personal information or code provided by the gift giver, and what the gift gifter has chosen to exchange the gift card for a gift. The card can be activated by using the gift exchange function of the website to select different gift items. In this method, the gift giver first activates the gift card (or purchase stage) first, and the gift recipient exchanges the gift card for the gift item or another item selected by the gift recipient. In order to do so, a second (or exchange) activation of the gift card is performed.

  In an exemplary embodiment of the gift card system, the gift card may comprise a unique card identifier. The unique card identifier may be a unique account or identification number (e.g., a series of alphanumeric characters such as a series of 16-digit numbers), a unique barcode encoding the unique account or identification number, a unique account, or It can be a chip that stores and encodes an identification number, or another unique identifier that associates the gift card with the account of the user with whom the funds are deposited. The unique card identifier may be associated with the user and the user's personal information.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the unique card identifier can be a hexadecimal number known as a hexadecimal digit or hex number. The hexadecimal numbers can be standard because they are represented by a combination of numbers 0-9 and letters AF. The hexadecimal number may include a check digit that may be used to detect an error when entering the hexadecimal digit, for example, if one digit of the hexadecimal digit is mistyped.

  The hexadecimal number may be used to identify the gift card, its initial distribution method (eg, insertion into direct mail or publication), and the initial recipient (ie, the gift giver). The hexadecimal number may also be used by the gift giver to perform an initial activation for the gift giver to activate the gift card and fund the gift card. The gift card can then be delivered to the recipient in a gift card package. If the gift giver is a new user, the website will register to create a new account before enabling the gift giver to activate and fund the gift card. You can encourage the giver to do it.

  Upon receipt of the gift card package, the gift recipient accesses the system website and performs a second activation of the gift card to confirm that the gift card has been received by the correct intended recipient. The same hexadecimal number can be presented for this purpose. During this second activation, the website may also provide the recipient with an option to send a printed or electronic “thank you” message to the giver.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the hexadecimal number may be used for Internet-based transactions and gift exchanges conducted through the system website. In another embodiment of the system, the hexadecimal number may be presented via the website and converted by software into a printable document that can be used by a gift recipient at a store with a POS system. When printed, the printable document, i.e. the printed gift card, may comprise a barcode encoded with a standard 16-digit gift card number accepted by the POS terminal. In another embodiment, the printed gift card may comprise a printed standard gift card number but cannot include a bar code. The hexadecimal number may be further used by system software to identify a user accessing the website to customize the website based on available data associated with a particular user.

  The hexadecimal number may be printed or written on a source such as the gift card. The gift card may be a physical card such as a gift card made of paper or plastic, or a virtual gift card or an “e gift card”. Hexadecimal numbers can also be printed on catalogs, newspaper advertisements, catalogs and newspaper inserts, booklets, magazines, traditional greeting cards, and many other sources including virtual greeting cards or "e greeting cards". .

  Each hexadecimal number can be unique and can be used as a primary identification number (“primary ID”) for one or more information items. For example, the primary ID may be a name, address, email address, telephone number, facsimile number, publication name, publication date, publication volume, card issuer name, account number, or person, organization or publication It can be another information item for identifying. Publications can include, for example, booklets, catalogs, magazines, newspapers, and advertisement inserts.

  Each hexadecimal number can also be used as a secondary identification number (“secondary ID”) for one or more information items. For example, the secondary ID may include publisher or retailer name, effective date, in-house date, issue date, transaction date, email list source, recipient name, recipient address, recipient email. Address, specific product, gifter's name, gifter's address, gifter's email address, transaction type, or other information that can be used to identify the gifter, recipient, publisher or retailer can do.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the source may be an e-gift card that may be characterized as including the name and address of a direct mail recipient of the e-gift card as the primary ID. The secondary ID may be one or more of a publisher, a retailer, a specific product, a publication date, a transaction date, and a transaction type.

  In another embodiment, the source may be a virtual greeting card that may include the recipient's email address as the primary ID. The secondary ID may be one or more of a giver's email address, a specific product, a publisher, a retailer, a transaction date, and a transaction type.

  In another embodiment, the source may be a catalog such as a store catalog. The primary ID may be the name and address of the recipient of the catalog. The secondary ID may be one or more of a catalog publisher, retailer, organization date, effective date, email list source, specific product in the catalog, and recipient email address. .

  In another embodiment, the source may be a newspaper insert that may be characterized by including the issue date and publication volume as the primary ID. The secondary ID may be a specific product.

  In another embodiment, the source may be a newspaper advertisement that may include an issue date and a publication volume as the primary ID. The secondary ID may be a specific product.

  In another embodiment, the source may be a booklet and the primary ID may include a publication date and a publication volume. The secondary ID may be one or more of a specific product, publisher, retailer of the specific product, issue date, effective date, booklet recipient name and address, and recipient email address. .

  In yet another embodiment, the source can be a magazine and the primary ID can be the name and address of the recipient of the magazine. The secondary ID may be one or more of a magazine publisher, an in-house date, an effective date, a mail list source, a specific product, and a recipient email address.

  In yet another embodiment, the source can be a conventional gift card or a conventional greeting card. The primary ID may be a card issuing company and an account number. The secondary ID may be one or more of a recipient's email address, a specific product, a transaction date, and a transaction type.

  The hexadecimal numbers can be used with one or more computer databases to track the purchasing habits of consumers, including both gift givers and recipients. Information obtained by the retailer, publisher or advertiser using the tracking function can be used for predictive advertisements that the related product offers to the giver or recipient after the initial product is purchased. For example, the system may use data about a gifter's purchase of a previous year birthday gift to a recipient to recommend a product or service that the giftee purchases for the recipient's birthday this year. Can do. In one embodiment, the hexadecimal number is used to connect to a social networking website in order to obtain information and data about the user of the social networking website, such as Facebook® or MySpace®, for example. Can be used. The data and information obtained can be associated with advertisements viewed by the user within the social networking website. This user data and information can be collected in a computer database and linked to a product or service that appears in an advertisement customized to a particular individual or group of individuals.

  In another embodiment, the unique identifier may be an inventory item identification number (SKU) where each product is given a separate and unique SKU. The SKU is a universal that can be used to identify products by multiple retailers or manufacturers, rather than a traditional SKU that uses a number given by each retailer or manufacturer using a unique numbering system. It can be an SKU system. The hexadecimal number can be used in place of or in conjunction with the SKU.

  In one embodiment, once a hexadecimal number displayed in a catalog or other publication is entered into the system by a user using the system website, the hexadecimal number identifies the user and the publication. For example, it may be used to indicate that the publication is a subscription that is sent periodically to the user. The catalog may further comprise a unique SKU that identifies the unique retail item or service or gift item displayed in the catalog. The user can select a gift item or retail item or service to purchase by entering the SKU associated with the item into the UI of the website. The system then directs the user to a web page of a website that provides purchase options as well as information about the selected item.

  Hexadecimal numbers associated with gift items present in the publication can be entered by the user into the UI of the website and identified by the system to display a gift item image and a description of the gift item or a card issuer To a specific web page location or IP address of the web site. The system may track a user's history of other data read by the user, products viewed by the user on the system website, and products purchased by the user through the system website. The hexadecimal number is associated with the user so that it can.

  The gift card can be used by a gift giver to give a financial gift to the gift recipient. In this case, the gift card is for purchasing goods or services from a particular retailer, manufacturer or service provider, or in one exemplary embodiment, by a particular manufacturer or retailer. It can be used to give a recipient a gift that is a specific product sold or manufactured or a specific service provided by a specific service provider specified in advance.

  For example, the gift card may be for a specific magazine subscription, a specific perfume, or a specific set of golf clubs. The gift card can also be exchanged for services such as a nail service or a trip to a day spa. The gift card may comprise a photo or other image of a gift that the gift giver chooses for the recipient. The gift card may further comprise a web address for a card issuer's website where recipients can exchange the gift card. The gift card may also include the purchase price or amount of the card so that the recipient can know the amount of money that can be used for purchases made when exchanging the card. The gift giver can obtain the gift card from a card issuer, for example, a retailer, manufacturer, advertiser, or a third party working for the retailer, manufacturer, or advertiser.

  The gift card system may comprise means for delivering the gift card to a recipient used for the gift giver. The delivery means may be a separate envelope into which the gift card can be inserted, a combination of the gift card and envelope, or an electronic mail or other electronic or digital delivery means. This other electronic or digital distribution means can be displayed on a display monitor and / or printed by a printer connected to a computer.

  The gift card may be a stored-value card with a magnetic strip to encode the card number and funds data. In an exemplary embodiment, the fund data is the amount sent by the gift giver to the card issuer to fund the card. The funds data can be physically stored as encoded data on a gift card magnetic strip, but in an exemplary embodiment, the funds data is stored on a remote server accessible by a global communications network. Stored. The remote server can be managed by a card issuing company.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the gift card can be a paper card. The paper gift card may be a closed-end envelope that includes an integral envelope to which the card is coupled for mailing by the gift giver to the recipient. The integrated gift card and envelope can be a single integral piece and can include a separate booklet as shown in FIG. The envelope may have a bar code that allows the card issuer to track the individual destination of each gift card, and in particular the bar code is unilaterally distributed with the gift card. It becomes effective when inserted into a magazine, attached to a package, or sent by mass mass mail or electronic mail. The booklet can be used to teach a gifter how to fund the gift card, or to teach a recipient how to exchange the card. In another embodiment, the booklet may include advertising information regarding other products or services sold or provided by a card issuer, retailer or manufacturer.

  In another embodiment, the gift card may include a portion that acts as a greeting card. Or, in another alternative embodiment, the gift card may be a greeting card with a unique card identifier, eg, a hexadecimal or gift card number, which is the card It is securely funded by the gift giver and can be safely activated and exchanged by the intended recipient.

  Paper gift cards can take the form of coupons or part of a package of envelopes, cards and advertising information, which can be sent in bulk by targeted or random mailing to a specific individual or household. The coupon version of the gift card comprises a card number to allow the gift giver to fund the card and the recipient to activate the card at the store or online through the card issuer's website obtain. The gift card is used as a separate booklet, package insert, or part of direct mail and delivered to the gift giver. In another embodiment, the paper gift card can be inserted without or attached to a magazine, catalog, newspaper, or other publication purchased or viewed by an unidentified individual. In yet another embodiment, the card issuer obtains information from retailers or other contact information and other sources of shopping preferences to distribute the cards to the targeted collection of individuals. In the meantime, the gift card is substantially predicted.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the paper gift card may be coupled to an envelope tongue that can be delivered by mail or other delivery means. For example, the envelope can be open so that the recipient can access the contents of the envelope, such as the gift card, gift card instructions, catalog, booklet, or greeting card. The envelope may be in a closed state in order to enclose or seal the contents in the envelope. The gift card may be detachably coupled to the inner surface of the tongue portion of the envelope with an adhesive. The gift card may comprise a sticking portion that is attached to the tongue of the envelope by an adhesive or other attachment means. The gift card and the sticking part may be separated by a perforation that allows the gift card to be separated from the sticking part by tearing. The gift card has a predetermined size so that an upper end portion of the gift card further extends from a lower end portion of the tongue portion of the envelope and hangs under the lower end portion, and is attached to an inner surface of the tongue portion of the envelope. obtain. When the envelope is in a closed state, the gift card can be inserted into a small bag (or internal space) of the envelope. When the tongue of the envelope is grasped and opened by a gift giver, the gift card is pulled out of the envelope pouch so that it can be seen by the user.

  The gift card may further comprise a space for writing or printing the name of the recipient. When the gift giver removes the gift card from the affixing portion, the gift card inserts the gift card into the envelope sachet and then seals the envelope in a closed state for delivery to the recipient Can do.

  In another embodiment, the gift card may be detachably coupled to the envelope via a perforation. The gift card can be entirely or partially exposed to the outside of the envelope sachet with the envelope closed so that the gift card can be viewed. Even when the tongue portion of the envelope is closed, the gift card protrudes from the lower end portion of the tongue portion of the envelope and hangs under it, so that it can still be visible by the user. Once the gift card is activated and funded, the gift giver removes the gift card from the lower end of the envelope tongue and is sealed in a closed state for delivery to the recipient. The card can be inserted into the resulting envelope.

  In another embodiment, the tongue portion of the envelope may further comprise a separable portion or cutout portion coupled to the lower end portion of the tongue portion. The separable portion may comprise an image or description of a gift item that is purchased by a gift giver and exchangeable by the gift giver using the gift card enclosed in the envelope. The gift giver can separate and dispose of the separable part, or the separable part can be separated and stored as a record of gift items purchased for the gift recipient.

  In one embodiment, the paper gift card may be attached to a box, for example on top of a pizza box, or other package in which the product is delivered to the consumer. The paper gift card can be attached to the box or other package by a magna-strip or other resin or adhesive, but any suitable attachment means can be used for that purpose. Magna strips can also be used to attach the gift card to magazines and other publications.

  In another embodiment, the gift presenting system can use multipacks. The multipack can be a package or envelope containing multiple gift cards for multiple products or services, or from multiple retailers or manufacturers. The multi-pack can be delivered to a consumer, for example, by direct mail, and the consumer browses the gift card and selects one or more gift cards to present a gift to the recipient Validate and fund. Selecting and validating one or more gift cards from a plurality of gift cards included in the multi-pack and giving the giver an opportunity to give them to the gift recipient is delivered directly to the gift recipient's home. A kind of “gift card mall” experience will be provided. The gift giver can select a gift from the gift display provided in the multipack, activate the gift card via the website from a location and computer convenient to the gift giver, and the gift card Can be funded. The multi-pack can be mailed to the consumer based on the consumer's request or the contact information is obtained from a mailing list collected or obtained by the card issuer or advertiser. Can be mailed to the group.

  The multi-pack and the multiple unique gift cards contained therein can be manually or other suitable printing and by sheet-fed operation using a single flow inline process. It can be manufactured by folding means. In order to efficiently create the multipack, the variable printing press can be used to continuously print unique cards by means of inkjet printing means. The printer's continuous printing feature eliminates the need to verify after printing different and unique cards, such as gift cards for different gifts or gift cards from different retailers and manufacturers, Allows printing as a series of sets that can be packaged together. The plurality of gift cards can be variably printed so that the name of the consumer, gift display, retailer or manufacturer printed on each of the plurality of gift cards in the set to be packaged is different. In this way, each consumer is a multi-pack that is individually personalized for a particular user and can contain the same or different gift cards compared to the gift cards contained in other multi-packs. Can receive. Multi-pack personalization for each particular user may be performed using personal information contained in a database for each user. The printing press can automatically verify the cards without printing each individual set of gift cards by manual or mechanical means and verifying them individually and subsequently. In one embodiment, the multipack may include one or more mailable greeting cards and envelopes in addition to a plurality of gift cards. In another embodiment, the multipack may be made available for pickup by a gift giver at a store. Each gift card of the multi-pack may have a unique hexadecimal number printed on it, a standard gift card number and / or a barcode. For example, the gifter's name and address, product name or product image, and other information, such as product information, can be printed on each of the multi-pack individual gift cards to further personalize the gift card. . Similar personalized data may be printed on the greeting card in embodiments where the multipack includes one or more greeting cards.

  In another exemplary embodiment, the gift card can be digital or electronic. For example, the gift card can take the form of an email with a unique card identifier. The email may be printable so that when the email is sent by a gift giver to a recipient, the recipient can receive, print, and use the gift card. The gift giver can design an electronic gift card using the design features available on the website. For example, the website allows a gift giver to include a picture of the gift giver on the gift card.

  As shown in FIGS. 1-5, 6A-6C and 7-8, the present invention further provides that the gift giver creates an account on the card issuer website and logs in and is personalized on the website. It features a method of accessing an account function that allows you to order, personalize, deposit, fill in a destination and send to a recipient. When the gift card is purchased, the website will provide a receipt, which may be an animation, to notify the giftee that the purchase transaction has been completed and that the gift card will be delivered to the recipient. Can be generated. The receipt can be delivered to the gift giver via email. Upon receipt of the gift card, which may be a printed paper gift card that is mailed or delivered, or an electronic gift card (or e-gift card or e-card) that is sent or electronically sent to the recipient In order to validate the card, the recipient can exchange the gift card by accessing the card issuer's website and following the instructions provided there. In another embodiment, the payee can activate the card through the card issuer's telephone system.

  In embodiments utilizing an e-gift card, the e-gift card may include links to advertisements for gift items or other products or services sold by gift item retailers. In another embodiment, the advertisement can be attached to the eGift card as a separate file, which can be a multimedia file.

  The gift giver can register for access to the website, and after registration, he / she receives not only a login or user name but also a PIN or password for accessing the website. it can. Personal information entered by the gift giver during registration can be stored on a remote server managed or controlled by the card issuer. The gift giver can select a gift and purchase it as a gift card that can be exchanged online or at a retail store and give it to the recipient. The gift giver must enter certain personal information about the recipient in order to send the gift card to the recipient, which can be stored on the remote server. The website may generate a password that can be provided to a recipient to exchange the gift card for a gift, online, by phone, or to activate the gift card at a retail store. In another embodiment, a user can access the website without having to use a password.

  In another embodiment, the method includes a step in which a recipient must register for access to the website and provide predetermined personal information to activate the gift card. Can be provided. Once the recipient has registered and logged into the website, the card can be activated to redeem for a gift. If the recipient receives the gift, a confirmation of receipt may be provided. If the gift is to be sent to the recipient instead of being received at the retail store, a shipping confirmation may be provided by the website, email or mail.

  The website describes the product advertised by voice, provides instructions, greets individuals accessing the website, provides delivery status of the gift card, or issues the card An avatar created from software that generates human speech may be provided to provide information about points or rewards gained through the use of a company website. The avatar and its associated software can provide dynamic personalization to a user count accessible via the website by communicatively linking the avatar software to a database stored on a server. . The database may include user information such as, for example, the user's name, address, birthday, anniversary, and other personal information specifically relevant to the user. The system may comprise software that utters sentences, which software converts the text entered into the system and preselected personal information obtained from the database by the avatar software into a human voice. Convert to an audio file that resembles or mimics it. The avatar speech may include reading or playing the name of the user of the website as part of a greeting message to the user. In another example, an audio file that sounds as if spoken by the avatar may include the user's birthday or a birthday greeting message at that time.

  In one embodiment, the system may use data about the user's shopping interests and previous purchases to suggest gifts through information that is “read” by the avatar. For example, if the user / gifter is shopping on or around Mother's Day, the system with speech from the avatar will give the gift to the gift that is similar to the gift that the giftor has purchased for the giftee in the previous year. Can be recommended. In another embodiment, the avatar of the system can recommend various gifts suitable for the occasion for the gift giver to purchase. For example, if the giver is shopping on the website for a female gift giver's birthday gift, the avatar “reads” a description of one or more gift items, such as jewelry or women's perfume, for example. be able to. As such, the content of the web page and content of the website may be predicted and customized based on the user's history and customs recorded by the system when the user previously visited the website. it can.

  If the giftee chooses a specific gift for the recipient that can be shown in the information on the gift card, and if the recipient wants a gift that is different from the gift selected by the giftee, the recipient By accessing the card issuer's website and following the instructions provided there to change the gift selection, another gift of the same or lower value can be selected.

  In another embodiment where the card issuer is a retail store, a recipient can exchange the card to receive the gift by visiting one of a plurality of retail stores.

  The invention further relates to a method for gift presentation and advertising. In one step of the method, when the recipient accesses the card issuer's website to activate the gift card, the recipient has the option of sending a thank-you message to the gift giver that can be delivered by email. obtain.

  In one embodiment of the method, the website may be customized to include different screens, or different content, eg, advertising content, for each gift giver and recipient accessing the website. . Advertisements can be linked or provided on the website.

  The present invention may also include the use of a unique card identifier, which may be an alphanumeric identifier such as a hexadecimal number, a stock item identification number (SKU) or a standard gift card number (eg, a standard 16 digit gift card number). It relates to a gift presentation method. The unique card identifier may be a bar code having any of the aforementioned identifiers encoded. The method may comprise providing a printed matter comprising a plurality of gift displays each representing an actual gift item. A unique printed alphanumeric identifier stored on the server may be provided for each of the plurality of gift items represented by the plurality of gift displays. The method can be used to associate tracking data with each alphanumeric identifier. The method can also provide a website connected to a server via a communication network. The communication network allows the user to purchase at least one gift item selected from a plurality of gift displays on the printed material. The user may be required to enter an alphanumeric identifier given to the selected gift item into the graphical user interface of the website. The method may also require the user to provide personal information through the graphical user interface of the website. The alphanumeric identifier may be associated with a user, for example in a database in which each alphanumeric identifier is associated with one of a plurality of users.

  If hexadecimal or SKU is used, the method may comprise converting the alphanumeric identifier into a standard 16-digit gift card number that is acceptable at a retail store POS terminal.

  The method also analyzes user tracking data, personal information, browsing habits and shopping habits collected when the user accesses the website to determine a user's predicted shopping preferences. Steps may be included. An advertisement may be presented to the user based on the user's predicted shopping preferences.

  The method may include purchasing a gift item via the website that is to be gifted to a recipient by a user. In this case, this user is a gift giver. Another step of the method may include delivering the gift card to a recipient. The gift card may include a gift display of actual gift items selected and purchased by the gift giver. The gift card can be exchanged for an actual gift item by a recipient who provides his personal information through the graphical user interface of the website.

  The method may be used to record data relating to shopping and purchasing activities of gift givers and recipients accessing websites. Using the recorded data, based on shopping and purchase activity data when the giftee previously visited the website, a gift for purchases by the giftor when the giftor subsequently visited the website Items can be proposed to the gift giver. The gift recipient can exchange the gift card for a gift item selected and purchased by the gift giver for the gift recipient. Alternatively, the gift recipient can decline the gift item selected and purchased by the gift giver and select a different gift item chosen by the gift recipient.

  The present invention further relates to a method that can be used to advertise and promote retail goods and services through gift presentation. For example, when a user who is a consumer, gifter, or beneficiary accesses a system website, the user may choose to play and view an advertisement characterized by including information about the retail item. The retail item may be a product or service. Thereafter, the user may be asked or displayed through the website for a series of questions related to the retail item. A user may be awarded points based on the number of questions that the user has correctly answered. The user can exchange the points awarded by the system for reward items. The reward item may be a downloadable movie, a downloadable song file, a downloadable audio book, a pay-per-view movie, a downloadable image file, a downloadable computer screen saver, a downloadable video file, or a movie rental ticket. be able to. The method may allow the gift giver to give the gift item or reward item to select to the gift giver.

  In another step of the method, advertisements and other marketing information provided by the card issuer, retailer and / or manufacturer are presented when the gift giver and recipient access the card issuer website. Can be done. Advertising information can be provided as video and / or audio displays, still images, and / or text advertisements. The advertisement information may be provided through a game in which a gifter or a recipient answers a question to obtain points that can be exchanged for a reward. If the website is managed by a third party rather than one or more retailers or manufacturers, the retailer and / or the manufacturer may be configured to pay for the users of the website. obtain. The questions on the website may relate to information about the retailer and / or the manufacturer's products. Consumers can be rewarded or paid for watching advertisements. Consumers can also earn reward points by looking at the advertisements on the website and answering questions about each advertisement correctly. The consumer can also be awarded points for purchases through the website, including gift card purchases. Also, the number of points awarded may depend on other variables such as the number of seconds that an ad is viewed while the giver or recipient is accessing the website. Examples of rewards that can be obtained through advertising such as games on the website include streaming and downloadable movies that can be viewed online, pay-per-view movie credits, music downloads, gas credits, or other suitable Product or service. In one embodiment, the interactive gift presenting system allows a consumer to select an advertisement that he / she sees.

  The method may comprise using the system to record the number of correct and incorrect answers indicated by the consumer. Other information may also be recorded, such as information regarding a particular question that the consumer answered correctly or incorrectly. In this way, consumers can be given more points for correctly answering a particular question than for other questions. Because the method incorporates these data mining functions that are recorded in relation to a particular consumer's identity and personal information, the advertiser is more practical with respect to the individual that the advertiser should target the advertisement and promotion. Receive valuable information.

  The method and system for gift presenting is contagious in that one consumer can have another consumer refer to a website for the system. In one example, this reference is made by the giver who sends the gift card to the recipient, in which case the recipient is directed to the website by instructions included in the gift card to exchange gifts. The When the recipient accesses the website, in addition to exchanging the gift card for a gift item, the recipient sees an advertisement on the website, for example, to obtain reward points that can be exchanged for retail goods or services. Thus, the game play of the advertisement game that answers the question about the advertisement can be performed. The method also allows one person to generate an email, direct mail or other communication having information related to the game and reward points system for another consumer. A consumer emails a link to the website to the other consumer, verbally or through the website of the other consumer's email address or other contact information. It may comprise the step of referring to the website by presenting.

  Advertising games

  An advertising game system may be used to encourage consumers to view one or more advertisements as part of an advertising game. After viewing the advertisement, the consumer is presented with one or more questions regarding the content of the advertisement as shown in FIG. The consumer is instructed to answer the question. In an exemplary embodiment, a consumer can select an answer to a question from a number of answer options, eg, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more answer options. In another embodiment, the consumer can be instructed to answer the question by picking letters or numbers from the alphanumeric virtual keyboard that can be displayed on a computer or television and spelling the answer. The advertising game may be provided and displayed via a cable or satellite TV, a computer connected to a communication network such as the Internet, or a web-enabled TV. The advertising game is further characterized by a selection control function that allows a consumer to select an answer to the presented question. The selection control function includes a position pointing device for selecting an advertisement to browse, for selecting an answer to a question, and for selecting a reward desired by a consumer after browsing one or more advertisements. Web control icons and “buttons” that can be pointed and clicked by (eg, a computer mouse). In an embodiment where the advertising game is provided via a television, a reward desired by the consumer to select an advertisement to view, to select an answer to a question, and after viewing one or more advertisements To select the remote control device direction and selection buttons can be used.

  In an exemplary embodiment of the advertising game system, the advertising game is a question answering game. The advertising game prompts the consumer to pay close attention to the advertisement, since the consumer can be rewarded for answering questions regarding the advertisement or commercial that the consumer views. In one embodiment, the advertising game uses a virtual crossword puzzle, a scrambled word game in which characters are deciphered by the consumer to spell the answer, and uses a location pointing device to select the answer to the question A word search game, a word, one or more numbers, one or more characters, or a character arranged in a box, square, or other border or pattern, or by the system It can be presented as another suitable game where the consumer can select a word that spells out the answer to an advertisement-related question presented to the consumer.

  By letting consumers play a game that allows consumers to answer questions about the advertisements they see (eg, multimedia commercials), consumers can watch the advertisements, pay more attention to the advertisements, You will be offered an opportunity to compare products advertised with other products. For example, the advertising game may allow a consumer to compare a number of products sold by a retailer, or a product manufactured by one manufacturer to another similar product manufactured by the manufacturer's competitors. Includes content that facilitates or enables comparison. In this way, the advertising game system educates consumers about products being advertised in a manner that can be monitored by a system administrator who collects data for the advertiser. Advertisers can be retailers or manufacturers.

  Rewards that can be monetized or selected from a group of readily available and viewable services for interacting with the system by viewing advertisements and answering questions about the advertisements that have been viewed Give items to consumers. Services or service-related reward items include pay-per-view movie credits, cable TV service credits, satellite TV service credits, online TV service credits, telephone service credits, online game play credits, concert tickets, broadband service credits, premium TV channels Service credit, satellite radio service credit, on-demand TV service credit, music download, movie download, video game play, video game download, gas credit, airline miles, downloadable publications, downloadable videos, Downloadable music files, downloadable audio files, Unload possible audio book, streaming video files, streaming audio files, downloadable image files, downloadable computer screen saver, may include downloadable video files, movie rental tickets, as well as other appropriate retail goods and services. Since many of these reward items can be downloaded for immediate use or are readily accessible via the Internet, many of these reward items seek to provide consumers with immediate satisfaction. Unlike other loyalty systems that allow consumers to spend points over time and allow them to exchange their accumulated points only after collecting a predetermined amount, the advertising game It aims to provide available rewards, thereby providing immediate satisfaction to consumers.

  In an exemplary embodiment (eg, as shown in FIG. 11), the reward may be a reward point that can be exchanged for any of the aforementioned services or service-related items. In addition to providing consumers with reward items or reward points for viewing and answering questions about advertisements, the advertising game system is a product or service that is advertised and sold on the system's website. The consumer can also be given additional points for purchasing.

  FIG. 11 shows an exemplary embodiment of the advertising game system. First, a consumer chooses to play an advertising game with access through a computer. Next, the advertising game system displays the video commercial on a web page in a web browser program or a media player software program that is displayed on a display screen connected to the computer so that the consumer views the commercial. After the commercial is over, the system presents one or more questions to the consumer and instructs the consumer to present or select an answer to each presented question. If the consumer presents an incorrect answer to the question, until the consumer correctly answers the question, or until the system provides the consumer with additional questions or opportunities for answers, Allow the consumer to watch the video commercial again (ie, loop). On the other hand, if the consumer answers the question correctly, the data (eg, data about the consumer, data about the consumer's answer as well as the presented question, and data about the rewards earned by the consumer) is transmitted by the communication network. Recorded in a database on a remote server that is communicatively connected to the computer. The system provides a consumer with a predetermined amount of reward points for one or more correctly answered questions. This reward point may be exchangeable for a reward item provided by a retailer, manufacturer, advertiser or advertising game administrator.

  In an exemplary embodiment, a consumer views an advertisement on a website. The website may be operated by an advertiser or by a system administrator on behalf of the advertiser. When a consumer visits a website using a software browser program installed on a computer, the consumer can be prompted to register an account by the system if the consumer is a new user. If the consumer is an existing user of the system, the advertising game system can prompt the consumer to log in to the consumer's account. Once logged into the system, the consumer can exit the advertising game and proceed with shopping for products sold through the website. If the consumer exits the advertising game, the advertisement may or may not be shown to the consumer. However, no reward will be given to consumers who leave the game.

  When a consumer views advertisements and answers questions about the products advertised in those advertisements, the system is on at least one server remote from the computer from which the consumer sees the advertisement and sends the answer. Collect and store data in other databases. The system provides a plurality of multimedia advertisements or commercials that consumers can select for viewing using the system's selection control function. The system may allow consumers to view advertisements related to products that the consumer is interested in. In another embodiment, the system can select some or all of the advertisements that a consumer must see to participate in an advertising game to earn rewards.

  Data collected by consumer use of the advertising game can be used by advertisers for appropriate purposes. This purpose includes, but is not limited to, testing the effectiveness of specific advertisements, measuring consumer interest in advertising products, individual specific consumer interest in shopping, customs And development of targeted advertising campaigns that are individualized with respect to history.

  The system may allow an advertiser to create questions about as many advertisements as desired. In an exemplary embodiment, questions may be created by an advertiser or a person acting on behalf of the advertiser and entered into the system along with the uploaded advertisement. Question provisioning and advertisement uploading may be controlled by an advertiser (eg, retailer or manufacturer) using an automated upload software module that is part of the advertising gaming system.

  Using the system, advertisers can provide consumers with one or more commercials for viewing. Alternatively, the advertiser can repeat the same advertisement to the consumer (e.g. once, twice, three times or more than four times) with a new question about the advertisement presented to the consumer for answer after viewing each advertisement. ) You can choose to display.

  From the consumer's perspective, consumers will enjoy participating in advertising games because they are paid or earned for viewing advertisements.

  In an exemplary embodiment, the advertising gaming system will give the consumer rewards or points that can be exchanged for rewards for correct answers to questions presented regarding the advertisements being viewed. In other embodiments, points or rewards may be awarded to consumers based on one or more of the following conditions. That is, the criteria were browsed against the number of correctly answered questions, the amount of time consumers spend viewing the advertisement, and browsing a predetermined number of advertisements (eg, one or more advertisements). To purchase a particular product or service featured in one of the advertisements, or to purchase a featured brand product that appears in one of the viewed ads On the other hand.

  The value of reward points can be set by a system administrator or by each advertiser using a system for advertising and selling products and services. Reward points can be used as a kind of online currency or virtual currency to be exchanged for goods or services by consumers or to purchase goods or services. In one embodiment, points are awarded at a rate of 1 point per second for viewing advertisements. In another embodiment, one point may be awarded for each amount spent by a consumer to purchase a product or service on a website. Both of these embodiments can be implemented in the advertising game system to provide consumers with two ways to earn points. The ratio of the value of points to money can be different for earning points and for spending exchanging points for reward items.

  Using the above example, if a consumer sees a 30 second advertisement and correctly answers the subsequent questions, the consumer will earn 30 points. Thereafter, if the consumer purchases a product sold on the website for $ 100.00, the consumer will earn an additional 100 points for a total of 130 reward points. The spending value for these points can vary. For example, if the point spending value is equal to half a cent per point, 130 points equals the spending value of 65 cents. If the advertiser sets the point value equal to a quarter cent per point, the spending value of 130 points would be 32.5 cents. Advertisers can earn points by viewing commercials, answering questions correctly, re-answering questions that were initially answered incorrectly, or purchasing products advertised and sold on the website Depending on it, different values can be set for each point.

  If the consumer selects or presents an incorrect answer to a question that is presented regarding the commercial viewed by the consumer, the advertising gaming system may allow the consumer to view the commercial twice. The system may present the user with one or a series of questions that are different from the one or more questions presented to the consumer for answer after the consumer first sees the commercial. If the consumer does not answer one or more questions correctly again, the system may allow the consumer to re-view the commercial three, four, five, or more times. Each time the same commercial is viewed again by the consumer, the system may repeat the same question presented to the consumer for an answer after the first viewing, or each time the commercial is viewed again after the first viewing The system may present a completely new question.

  If the consumer selects or indicates the correct answer to the question presented for the initial commercial, the advertising gaming system can also present another different commercial for consumer viewing. After viewing the other commercial, the system may present the same question to the consumer for answering that is presented to the consumer after viewing the first commercial.

  The advertising game system can store a question and an answer to the question in a database of the server. Advertisers can give both questions and answers. The questions and answers can be uploaded electronically to the system via a communication network. In other embodiments, questions and answers can be created and stored and stored in a database located on the server by a system administrator or another person on behalf of the advertiser.

  The advertising game system can store commercials or advertisements, questions and answers in any combination, and can present commercials, questions, and answers corresponding to each question in any order. . In some embodiments, if the question is not answered correctly, the system can indicate the correct answer to the consumer. In other embodiments, if the question is not answered correctly, the system may not indicate the correct answer to the consumer.

  In one embodiment, the advertising game system may be a moving image game that may include an animation such as a manga.

  The advertising game system can present question answer options in the same format, or the system can present a combination of answer selection formats. For example, the answer selection format may be filled in so that the user is prompted or required to enter an answer in the answer presentation field. In other examples, the answers to each question may be presented in a multiple choice format, as the user is required to select the correct answer using the location pointing device.

  The advertising game system may be programmed to allow an advertiser to rate a consumer for reward points earned by the consumer. For example, if a consumer purchases a product on a website that costs $ 100.00 as in the example above, the consumer must earn multiple points to be able to exchange reward points for reward items The advertiser can set the value of the reward points to encourage more purchases by the consumer, or alternatively, to increase the value ratio of points to money.

  The advertising game system may include links to web pages provided on a system administrator's website or on a different website operated by an advertiser. If the consumer wants to read more information about the advertising product or service, the link can be linked to the linked web page by pointing to the consumer's web browser. The advertising game system can also be used to encourage consumers to read printed advertisements created by advertisers. The multi-channel distribution method may also use printed material to bring consumers to the advertising gaming system website. These prints may include multipacks placed in shopping bags that are given to customers at retail stores. Prints can also be distributed at kiosks. The printed material can be a booklet. The booklet explains that the advertising game system allows consumers to earn reward points by browsing advertisements and purchasing goods or services on a website.

  Special reward points may be awarded to consumers for viewing advertisements for specific products or for participating in special promotional campaigns offered by advertisers. For example, a retailer may provide twice as many points as the normal reward points for viewing an advertisement for a particular product.

  Reward points can also be transferred or gifted to another person by the consumer. The recipient of the reward points awarded can then create and register an account on the website and can participate in an advertising game or exchange reward points for reward items.

  After the consumer plays the advertising game, the consumer can visit the reward section of the website to select a reward that can be exchanged for the reward points earned. Also, when viewing an advertisement on a website, a consumer may choose to purchase goods or services on the website according to information known to the consumer. Data mining techniques can be used to personalize the offer from the advertiser to the consumer. If the consumer uses any of the forms described herein, the information obtained using the data mining function of the advertising game system is additional advertising information that is of interest to the consumer. Can be used for printing in the form.

[Another embodiment]
Although the invention has been described with reference to a detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (25)

A server connected to a communication network;
An electronic medium connected to the server in which recorded advertisements are stored for playback to the user;
A media player device communicably connected to the server via the communication network and having a display screen for playing the recorded advertisement for viewing by a user;
Software for sending questions about the advertisement installed on the server and viewable on the media player device;
A control device having a control function for inputting an answer to a question transmitted from the server, and connected to the media player device in a communicable manner;
Software for determining whether an answer installed on the server, entered by a user and sent to the server is correct;
Software installed on the server for calculating, recording and displaying the number of points awarded to the user for answering questions correctly;
An advertising game system comprising a plurality of products and services that can be exchanged for points earned by a user by viewing an advertisement and answering a question.   The media player device includes a computer, the communication network includes the Internet, and the advertisement is visible on a website stored in the server and is visible on the display screen. 2. The advertising game system according to 1.   The method of claim 1, wherein the points are exchangeable immediately or in the future. (A) replaying an advertisement containing information about the retail item and viewed by the user on the display screen;
(B) presenting a series of questions regarding the retail item to the user on the display screen;
(C) electronically providing saved user points to a user account stored on a server communicatively connected to the display screen based on the number of questions correctly answered by the user;
(D) providing the user with a plurality of reward items from which points earned by the user can be exchanged.   The plurality of reward items include pay-per-view movie credit, cable TV service credit, satellite TV service credit, broadband service credit, premium TV channel service credit, satellite radio service credit, on-demand TV service credit, music download, movie download, Video game play, video game download, gas credit, airline miles, downloadable publications, downloadable video, downloadable music files, downloadable audio files, downloadable audiobooks, streaming video files, streaming audio File, downloadable image file, download 5. The computer of claim 4, comprising at least one item selected from the group consisting of: a recordable computer screen saver, a downloadable video file, a movie rental ticket, and other suitable retail goods and services. Method.   The method of claim 4, wherein the retail item includes goods or services.   5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of: (e) allowing the user to present points awarded by the user or selected reward items to a recipient. (A) playing an advertisement for browsing by a user on a media player device having a display screen and connected to a server via a communication network so as to be able to communicate;
(B) displaying at least a first question regarding the advertisement on the display screen after the advertisement is played for viewing by a user;
(C) using the media player device to input an answer to the first question presented on the display screen;
(D) transmitting an answer input by a user from the media player device to the server via the communication network;
(E) using the software installed on the server to compare the user's answer with the stored correct answer programmed into the software;
(F) giving the user one or more points for the correct answer entered by the user;
(G) electronically recording the number of points awarded to the user in a user account associated with the user on the storage device of the server;
(H) transmitting the number of points given for the correct answer to the media player device and displaying the given number of points on the display screen;
(I) providing a virtual shopping mall that is accessible by the media player device via a communication network, and displays a shopping item or service that can be exchanged for points given to a user. Method.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: (j) changing the number of points awarded for each correct answer based on the difficulty level of the question to be answered.   (K) A gift function connected to the server in a communicable manner is provided so that points acquired by a user viewing an advertisement and answering a question can be distributed as gifts to another person. Item 9. The method according to Item 8.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of: (l) providing an incorrect answer to a question with an amount of points less than the number of points given for a correct answer to the same question.   (M) If the software installed on the server determines that the answer to a particular question entered by the user is incorrect, the user is given a second opportunity to answer the question. A step wherein the number of points when the correct answer is answered to the question at the second opportunity is less than the number of points when the correct answer is answered to the question at the first opportunity The method of claim 8, further comprising:   (N) If the software installed on the server determines that the user has entered an incorrect answer to the first question, the user must provide at least a second question to be answered, which is different from the first question. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of:   (O) The method further comprises the step of giving the user a number of points less than the number of points given to the correct answer to the first question for the correct answer to the at least second question. Item 14. The method according to Item 13.   And (p) providing the user with a number of points equal to or greater than the number of points given for the correct answer to the first question with respect to the correct answer to the at least second question. Item 14. The method according to Item 13. (Q) registering each user by requesting each user to submit personal information input to the media player device to the server via a communication network;
(R) Use of data transmitted from the media player device via the communication network and stored in a database of the server, including personal information submitted by the user, and websites related to the user's shopping and browsing habits Collecting data including data; and
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: (s) selling the data to one or more buyers who are advertisers, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.   The number of points awarded to the user for viewing the advertisement provided by the first advertiser is different from the number of points awarded to the user for viewing the advertisement provided by the second advertiser. The method according to claim 8, wherein:   The points earned by the user by viewing the advertisement provided by the first advertiser are different from the exchange value of the points earned by the user by viewing the advertisement provided by the second advertiser. 9. A method according to claim 8, characterized in that it has an exchange value.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: (q) providing the user with a point count depending on the number of seconds that the advertisement has been viewed.   The method of claim 8, wherein the number of advertisements viewed by a user can be selected.   The media player device may be a computer, a notebook computer, a television, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a global positioning system (GPS) device, a portable game machine, or other suitable portable electronic device having a display screen. 9. The method of claim 8, comprising a device selected from the group consisting of a device and other suitable media player devices having a display screen.   The method of claim 8, wherein the display screen comprises a communicatively connected touch screen including a touch screen control function.   The method of claim 8, wherein the media player device further comprises a communicably connected position indicating device.   The method of claim 8, wherein the media player device further comprises a control device communicatively connected.   Items and services for which points can be redeemed include pay-per-view movie credits, cable TV service credits, satellite TV service credits, broadband service credits, premium TV channel service credits, satellite radio service credits, on-demand TV service credits, music downloads, Movie download, video game play, video game download, gas credit, airline miles, downloadable publications, downloadable videos, downloadable music files, downloadable audio files, downloadable audiobooks, streaming video files , Streaming audio files, downloadable images Claims including at least one item or service selected from the group consisting of files, downloadable computer screen savers, downloadable video files, movie rental tickets, and other suitable retail goods and services. 9. The method according to 8.

Images