CA1267977A - Automated sweepstakes-type game - Google Patents
Automated sweepstakes-type gameInfo
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- CA1267977A CA1267977A CA000521985A CA521985A CA1267977A CA 1267977 A CA1267977 A CA 1267977A CA 000521985 A CA000521985 A CA 000521985A CA 521985 A CA521985 A CA 521985A CA 1267977 A CA1267977 A CA 1267977A
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- indicia
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Abstract
AUTOMATED SWEEPSTAKES-TYPE GAME
Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus and method for playing a sweepstakes-type game wherein a player inserts an identification card into an automated remote computer terminal and accesses an account at a subject financial institution. The user identifier provides access to the financial account, and a user indicia is compared to a game indicia. A sweepstakes processor compares the user and game indicia to determine whether a selected winning correlation is present between the game indicia and user indicia. The sweepstakes processor communicates with the remote computer terminal to notify the user of the presence or absence of a selected winning correlation, and upon the presence of the winning correlation, the user is notified of the prize awarded to him. The game apparatus is adapted to be used with a network of data processing machines and a transmission facilities device, which provides data processing communication among the data processing machines. A
plurality of the remote computer terminals communicate with the network of data processing machines such that a user can access the sweepstakes data processor from any of the plurality of remote computer terminals.
Abstract of the Disclosure An apparatus and method for playing a sweepstakes-type game wherein a player inserts an identification card into an automated remote computer terminal and accesses an account at a subject financial institution. The user identifier provides access to the financial account, and a user indicia is compared to a game indicia. A sweepstakes processor compares the user and game indicia to determine whether a selected winning correlation is present between the game indicia and user indicia. The sweepstakes processor communicates with the remote computer terminal to notify the user of the presence or absence of a selected winning correlation, and upon the presence of the winning correlation, the user is notified of the prize awarded to him. The game apparatus is adapted to be used with a network of data processing machines and a transmission facilities device, which provides data processing communication among the data processing machines. A
plurality of the remote computer terminals communicate with the network of data processing machines such that a user can access the sweepstakes data processor from any of the plurality of remote computer terminals.
Description
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3 Background of the Invention This invention relates to a game apparatus and, more 6 particularly, to game devices which require the use of a 7 remote computer terminal and data processor for matching 8 certain user indicia with corresponding game indicia.
9 Sweepstakes-type games are well known, and typically involve the selection of a series of numbers by a player and 11 the comparison of same to a random pre-selected number 12 determined by the sweepstakes operator. If the numbers 13 match, the player or user is typically awarded a prize, 14 either as pre-determined by the operator or through an alternative random selection process. Previous sweepstakes-16 type games have required active participation by the user.
17 In recent decades, significant advancements have been 18 made in the development of computer technology. Such 19 elements have influenced the operation of financial institutions, such as banks and savings and loans 21 associations. It is now commonplace for a financial 22 institution to issue its customers a debit card with a 23 magnetically encoded stripe on the back thereof. The debit 24 card is designed for insertion into a remote computer terminal, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or 26 point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The remote terminal is in 27 electronic communication with a data processor associated 28 with the financial institution. Upon entry of proper user 29 identif~ers, such as a personal identification number (PIN), the user has electronic access to his or her account so that '~
~Z67~77 1 various transactions can be undertaken.
3 Background of the Invention This invention relates to a game apparatus and, more 6 particularly, to game devices which require the use of a 7 remote computer terminal and data processor for matching 8 certain user indicia with corresponding game indicia.
9 Sweepstakes-type games are well known, and typically involve the selection of a series of numbers by a player and 11 the comparison of same to a random pre-selected number 12 determined by the sweepstakes operator. If the numbers 13 match, the player or user is typically awarded a prize, 14 either as pre-determined by the operator or through an alternative random selection process. Previous sweepstakes-16 type games have required active participation by the user.
17 In recent decades, significant advancements have been 18 made in the development of computer technology. Such 19 elements have influenced the operation of financial institutions, such as banks and savings and loans 21 associations. It is now commonplace for a financial 22 institution to issue its customers a debit card with a 23 magnetically encoded stripe on the back thereof. The debit 24 card is designed for insertion into a remote computer terminal, such as an automated teller machine (ATM) or 26 point-of-sale (POS) terminal. The remote terminal is in 27 electronic communication with a data processor associated 28 with the financial institution. Upon entry of proper user 29 identif~ers, such as a personal identification number (PIN), the user has electronic access to his or her account so that '~
~Z67~77 1 various transactions can be undertaken.
2 One significant development in the computer field
3 enables a network of participating financial institutions -to
4 communicate among themselves such that the customer of one institution can use his or her debit card -to execute certain 6 transactions at another participating institution's 7 automated teller machine. These networks are typically 8 known as electronic funds transfer systems. To accomplish 9 the routing of a particular customer's transaction to his account with his financial institution, sophisticated data 11 processing machines known as transmission facilities 12 devices, or switches, are u-tilized. The switch is 13 comparable to a traffic controller in that it routes a 14 specific transaction to its appropriate destination. It is envisioned that with proper computer hardware and software, 16 a user will be able to access his financial account from 17 practically anywhere in the world.
18 The advantage to the financial institution is that the 19 amount of paperwork is drastically reduced in that no checks or the like are involved. In the case of the POS terminal, 21 the user's financial account is immediately debited in the 22 amount of the user's purchase. Such a system is 23 advantageous to the merchant because the funds are 24 immediately transferred to the merchant's account from the user's account; thus, there is no float time or chance of 26 non-collection of a check. Again, the financial institution 27 saves time and money through the reduction of its paper 28 processing.
29 Notwithstanding the convenience to the user, the use of debit cards at ATMs and POS terminals has not been as high ~ ~\
~6~7 1 as the financial institutions require to achieve substantial 2 economic benefit from the machines. Thus, there exists a 3 need for a manner in which to promote the use of the 4 machines, both for the benefit of a financial institution and the associated merchants. Preferabl~, the promotional 6 scheme should promo-te the use of the debit cards in addition 7 to promoting the goods and services of the merchants by 8 rewarding the user of the A~M or POS terminal. There 9 further exists a need for a device to promote the debit card use on a broad geographic basis without resorting to active 11 involvement of the user or employees of the financial 12 institution.
14 Objects of the Invention 16 The principal objects of the present invention are: to 17 provide a game apparatus for encouraging the use of remote 18 financial institution computer terminals; to provide such a lg game apparatus which utilizes a sweepstakes-type game scheme; to provide such a game apparatus which utilizes a 21 sweepstakes game computer in conjunction with a financial 22 institution data processor and a remote computer terminal;
23 to provide such a game apparatus which can be used in 24 conjunction with a network of financial institution data processors having electronic communication means thereamong;
26 to provide such a game apparatus having means to identify a 27 user of a remote computer terminal and asslgn a user-28 specific indicia thereto for matching to a randomly selected 29 game indicia to determine whether the user wins a prize; to provide such a game apparatus wherein the user indicia is ~ --\
1 the user's account number with his or her financial 2 insti-tution; to provide such a game apparatus which is 3 relatively simple to use, economical to manufacture, 4 requires relatively low labor input, min:imal computer time, and user active participation and is particularly adapted 6 for the proposed usage thereof.
7 Other objects and advantages of this invention will 8 become apparent from the following description taken in 9 conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain 11 embodiments of thi.s invention.
13 Summary of the Invention A game apparatus for participation of a user in a 16 sweepstakes-type game promotes the use of a remote computer 17 terminal adapted to be in electronic communication with a 18 financial institution. A user interacts with an interface 19 device, such as a remote computer terminal, and more particularly an automated teller machine ( ATM) or point-of-21 sale (POS) terminal. Preferably, magnetically encoded debit 22 card is inserted into the ATM or POS terminal and the user 23 is required to identify his account through the use of a 24 personal identification number (PIN).
Upon validation of the user's access to the financial 26 institution account, the account number is relayed to a 27 sweepstakes processor. The sweepstakes processor has means 28 for generating a random game indicia, e.g. a game number.
29 The processor is further adapted to compare the account number and -the game number and determine whether the two ~IL2~7~7~
1 numbers match.
2 The present invention is designed -to be used in 3 conjunction with a network of financial institutions having 4 interconnected data processing facilities. Typically, each separate financial institution has a plurality of ATM and/or 6 POS terminals. In recent years networ~ systems have been 7 developed to allow electronic communications among the 8 various ATMs and POS terminals and the financial 9 institutions sueh that a user o:E any of the ATMs can access his personal financial aeeount. A transmission faeilities 11 device, eommonly known as a switch, is a soph:isticated 12 computer faeility having the means to route a particular 13 transaction from any of the ATMs or POS terminals to the 14 appropriate financial institution and then relay information baek to the ATM or POS terminal. In this way, a user ean 16 access his financial aceount in one city even though the 17 user is i.n a city located many hundreds or thousands of 18 miles away, so long as the ATM or POS terminal and the 19 individual user's financial institution are on the network.
In order to limit fraudulent aceess, in addition to the 21 magnetically eneoded debit card, each user is assigned a 22 pèrsonal identifieation number, i.e. PI~, which is designed 23 to be kept seeret. Typically, only a central holding 24 company has access to the PINs, although the PI~s are recorded in each financial institution's eomputer data 26 banks. Appropriate security limits are placed on access to 27 these eomputer data banks.
28 A sophisticated eommunications network such as the one 29 described is an expensive endeavor. In order to justify the expense, it is vital that -the finaneial insti-tutions ~Z67977 1 customers utilize the system. The financial institutions 2 benefit from the use of the system in that the transactions 3 are essentially paperless and are not labor intensive, 4 resulting in cost savings sufficient to justify the capital outlay. In addition, some financial institutions charge a 6 nominal fee to the user for each transaction using the debit ; 7 card, in much the same way that check fees are imposed.
8 It is the purpose of the present invention to stimulate 9 use of the ATMs and POS terminals by providing a sweepstakes-type game which utilizes a network apparatus.
11 Upon insertion oE the debit card to an ATM or POS terminal, 12 the user is required to enter the PIN, which validates the 13 user's access to the particular financial insti-tution 14 account. The sweepstaXes processor reads the account number or other selected user indicia and compares the account 16 number to a computer-generated prize number. The prize 17 number may be randomly generated instantaneously with the 18 reading of the account number, or one or more winning 19 account numbers can be pre-selected, but preferably on a random basis. In either case, the prize number is compared 21 to the account number and a determination is made as to 22 whether a winning correlation exists between the two 23 numbers. Preferably, an identical match is re~uired between 24 the prize number and account number. Typically, the account numbers are about ten digits in length; thus, a great deal 26 of flexibility is available in terms of the required winning 27 correlation. It is possible that a particular prize could 28 be awarded for matching, for example, five numbers out of 29 ten numbers, whereas a different selected prize could be given for an identical match.
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1 If the account number does not match the prize number, 2 this information is relayed back to the ATM or POS terminal 3 (throuyh the switch if present) and preferably, the user is 4 so notified on a transaction receipt, which is delivered ~o the user upon completion of the other financial 6 transactions.
7 If a winning correlation exists, the sweepstakes 8 computer is programmed to determine the prize to be awarded 9 the user. As with the generation of the prize number, it is possible to randomly select a prize each time a winning 11 correlation is encountered. Alternatively, if the winning 12 numbers are pre-selected, it is possible to assign a prize 13 to that number upon generation of same. As a third 14 alternative, the prizes can be awarded in a pre-selected order, thereby ensuring that, for example, the "grand" prize 16 is awarded at an appropriate time during the sweepstakes.
17 ~lichever alternative is selected, it is essential to 18 program the sweepstakes processor to include a sweepstakes 19 account, which keeps track of each prize so that only a pre-determined number of prizes are awarded. The sweepstakes 21 account can be programmed to track both cash awards and 22 material awards.
23 It is envisioned that if cash awards are given, the 24 operator of the sweepstakes may elect to instantaneously credit the winner's financial institution account, or if the 26 ATM is being utilized, to immediately deliver the cash prize 27 to the user at the ATM. If the award is not given 28 immediately at the ATM, the transaction receipt is printed 29 -to indicate the award to the user.
When the game apparatus is used in conjunction with a ,'7917~
1 network system, it is possible to arrange the components 2 such that each financial institution is in control of its 3 own separate sweepstakes-type game. It is also envisioned 4 that a network-wide sweepstakes-type game could be conducted.
6 In areas where lottery games are permitted, the 7 apparatus is designed to be utili~ed as a lottery machine.
8 The components are substantially similar, although the user 9 would be required to pay consideration for the chance to enter the lottery sweepstakes. Preferably, a separate 11 function key would be provided on the ATM or POS terminal 12 whereby the user could designate an amount of money to be 13 withdrawn from the user's flnancial institution account and 14 applied toward the lottery. This separate sweepstakes key could also be used on the standard sweepstakes-type game to 16 increase user awareness. The sweepstakes computer is then 17 programmed to accommodate either an instantaneous lottery 18 determination or to enter the user's account number or other 19 user indicia into a longer term lottery, as is well known in the art.
21 An alternative participation system is provided for 22 non-account holders to participate in the game. In certain 23 states, the charges associated with using a debit card could 24 be considered to constitute a lottery-type situation. In that event, an alternate non-customer access means is 26 provided whereby the presumption of consideration is 27 defeated, so long as no charge is made for the alternative 28 participation means. For example, a special sweepstakes 29 card can be produced, which allows access only to the sweepstakes processor. Alternatively, the non-customer can . 20149-546 ~;2679~'7 be allowed to participate by requesting a playing card having special game indicia thereon for game playO
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: an automated teller machine for communicating with the user wherein said automated teller machine is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said automated teller machine; means generating user indicia specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user onee said user has obtained aeeess to said automated teller maehine; means gener-ating game indieia; and proeessor means eommunieating with said automated teller machine, reeeiving said user indieia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning eorrelation exists between same, said proeessor means eompleting the eomparison of said user game indieia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said automated teller machine, whereby there is no appreciable extra time required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaetion.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a sweepstake-type game by a : user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality oE remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic eommunication with.a financial institution data processing machine; each of sald computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale termi.nal wherein said automated teller machine and point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; a user identificati.on card having means for iden-tifying a ~267977 financial accoun-t associated with a user at said financial institution; said identification card being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals;
each of said remote computer terminals being adapted to allow said user to access electronically the financial institution account of said user; a personal identiEication number being associated with said user identification card and specific thereto; said personal identification number being adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; a sweepstakes data processor having means for passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without input from the user and means for generating a random number and comparing said account : number to said random number while the user effects a trans-action at said remote computer terl~inal, said comparing of said account number and said random number being effected to deter-mine whether said account number and random number match, whereby there is no appreciable additional time required to complete said game in addition to said transaction; said sweep-stakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number determined to ' match said random number.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user ln a sweep-stakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a network of data processing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with said financial institution; a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; a plurality of remote interface devices; wherein said interface devices are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
each of said interface devices being in data processing - 9a -~2~i7977 communication with a selected financial institution data pro-cessing machine through said transmission facilities device;
user identification means for providing user access to a selected one of said interface devices; means passively generatlng user indicia adapted to be speclfic to a user, said user indicia being generated without active input from the user once the user has obtained access to said interface device; means gener-ating game indicia; and processor means reading said game indicia and reading said user indicia from said interface device, comparing said user indicia to said game indicia, and deter-mining whether a selected winning correlation exists therebetween.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation o:E a user in sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a network oE data pro-cessing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with a selected financial institution; a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; a plurality of remote computer terminals; wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
each of said computer terminals being in data processing ; communication with a selected financial institution data pro-cessing machine through said transmission facilities device;
a plurality of user identification cards having means for identifying a respective user's financial account at said user's financial institution; each of said identification cards being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals; each of said remote computer terminals and said transmission facilities device adapted to allow said user to access the financial institution account of said u~er; a personal identifi.cation number being associated with each of said user iclentificati.on cards and specific -thereto, and being - 9b -:~LZ6~9~7 adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; a sweepstakes data processor having means passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without active input from the user and means generating a random number and comparing said account number to said random number and deter-mining whether said account number and random number match;
said sweepstakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number deter-mined to match said random number; means for awarding saidprize to said user of said account number determined to match said random numher; and recording means for notifying said user oE one oE the occurrence and non-occurrence of a corre-lative match between said account number and random number and of one of the associated awarding and non-awarding of a - prize.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a sweepstakes-type game including the steps of: entering a user identifier into a computerized 20 interface device; said interface device being one of an auto-mated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
accessing a financial account at a financial institution electronically through the interface device upon entry of said user identifier; passively assigning user indicia specific to said user without prompting from said user; selecting a random game indicia; reading said user indicia and said game indicia; comparing said user indicia to said game indicia;
determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia; awarding a selected prize to sai.d user upon determining that said selected winning corre---9c--7~177 lation exists; and notifying said user of whether a selected winning correlation exists at genera]ly the same time that said user completes an unrelated transaction with the financial institution.
According to ano-ther aspect of the i.nvention there is provided a method of participating in a sweepstakes-type game comprising the steps of: providing a network of data processing machines associated with selected financial institutions; pro-viding means for electronic communication among said data pro-cessing machines and between said data processing machines and said selected financial institutions; providing a plurality of remote computer terminals in electronic eommunication with said network of data processing machines wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial servi.ees-type institution; assigning an account number to said financial `; institution account; accessing a selected financial institution account -through a selected remote computer terminal, said communication means and a data processor specific to a financial institution associated with said financial institution account;
relaying said account number to a sweepstakes processor means without active input from a user of a selected remote computer terminal; generating a random game number; comparing said account number to said game number to determine whether said account number matches said game number; determining a prize to be associated with said account number upon matehing of said ~ aeeount number to said game number; awarding said prize to : said matehing aceount number in a preselected manner; and - notifying said user of one of the occurrence and non-occurrence of matching said account number and said game number and determining and awarding of a prize, with the user being so notified at a time generally contemporaneous with the completion oE unrelated transaetions by the user.
- 9d -~ 20149-546 ~Z679~77 According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus Eor participation of a user in a sweep-stakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a point-of-sale terminal for communicating with the user wherein said point-of-sale terminal is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said point-of-sale terminal; means generating user indicia adapted to be specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user once said user has obtained access to said point-of-sale terminal;
means generating game indicia; and processor means for communi-cating with said point-of-sale terminal, receiving said user indicia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning correlation exists between same, said processor means completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting unrelated transactionsby means of said point-of-sale terminal.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said remote computer terminal;
said remote computer terminal having means for allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be withdrawn from the user's financial account and transferred to an account associated - 9e -1267~ 20149-546 with a lottery-type game; a data processor having means Eor reading an account number associated with sald user's financial account to effect the transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery account; and, said data processor having means passively generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game without fur-ther input from said user, and determining whether said user indicia matches with lottery indicia to result in a winning correlation therebetween.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a lottery-type game including the steps of: entering a user identifier into a computerized inter-face device; said interface device being one oE an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; accessing " a user's financial account at a financial institution electronically through said interface device upon entry of said user identifier; designating an amount of money to be trans-ferred from said user's financial account to a lottery account associated with a lottery-type game; assigning user indicia specific to said user for purposes of participation in said lottery-type game with no active involvement by said user in the assignment of said user indicia; operating said lottery-type game in a substantially instantaneous manner by comparing said user indicia to game indicia associated with said lottery-type game; determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia by comparison of said game indicia and said user indicia; completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said com-puterized interface device, whereby there is no appreciable _ 9f _ - ' 20149-546 g77 extra time required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaction; and providing means for notifying said user of the existence or absence of a winning correlation between said game indicia and said user indicia.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal of the type used by financial ; services-type institutions; user identification means; said remote computer terminals being responsive to said user ident-ification means to provide user access to said remote computer terminals; said remote computer terminals each having means allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be with-^ drawn from a financial account associated with said user and transferred to an account associated with a lottery-type game;
a data processor having means for reading an account number associated with said user's financial account to effect the :: transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery-type game account; means associated with said data processor for generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game; said means for generating user indicia in-cluding means for allowing the user to select one or more ; lottery numbers for participation in the lottery-type game; and means associated with said data processor for transmitting said user indicia to processing means associated with the lottery-type game, such that user indicia is entered into said lottery-type game.
According to another aspect o:E the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-_ gg _ ~ ~ 20149-546 ~2E;7~77 type game, said apparatus comprising: a remote interface device Eor communicating with the user, wherein said remote interface device is generally of the type used by a Einancial services-`~ type institution and is used to effect transactions with said institution; user identification means for providing user access to said interface device; user indicia specific to the user; game indicia; sweepstakes processor means communicating with said interface device, said processor means including means automatically selecting said user indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; said processormeans automatically selecting said game indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; means comparing said user indicia to said game indicia and automatically deter-mining whether a selected winning correlation exists between said user indicia and said game indicia; and whereby said game is played without input by the user upon the user obtaining access to said interface device.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification ~ and include exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention and ; 20 illustrate various objects and features thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of the principal components employed for practicing an automated sweepstakes game according to the present invention, and showing an auto~
mated teller machine.
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 and illustrates a point-of-sale terminal in lieu of an automated teller machine.
Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of the principal components of the automated sweepstakes game further showing a network system.
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a first alternative arrangement of the principal componen-ts and network - 9h -` " 20149-546 ~Z679~77 system.
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a ~ second alternative arrangement of the principal components and ; network system.
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a third alternative arrangement oft~ne principal components and network system.
Figure 7 is a flow chart representing the principal steps employed in practicing the automated sweepstakes game.
r ~ ~ 9 i ~267~
1 Detailed Description of the Invention ; 3 As required, detailed embodiments of the present 4 .invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely 6 exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various 7 forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional ~: 8 details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as 9 limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to 11 variously employ the present invention in vir-tually any 12 appropriately detailed structure.
13 Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference 14 numeral 1 generally indicates an automated sweepstakes game apparatus. An interface device, for exarnple, an automated 16 remote computer terminal such as an automated teller machine 17 (ATM) 2 electronically communicates with a subject financial 18 institution data processor or computer 4. A sweepstakes 19 processor or computer 5 is in elec*ronic comrnunication with the subject financial institution computer 4 and the ATM 2~
21 Typically, a user or player (not shown) gains access to the 22 ATM 2 by inserting an identification card (not shown) and in 23 addition (or instead of), by entering a personal 24 identification number (PI~) 7.
Processor means such as the sweepstakes processor 5 26 reads a user indicia (not shown) such as a user's financial 27 institution account number. The sweepstakes processor 5 28 generates a game indicia, such as a random prize number (not 29 shown), and compares the user indicia and game indicia to determine whether a selected winning correlation exists ii797~
1 between them.
2 The sweepstakes processor 5 relays the correlation 3 information to the ATM and a printed receipt is given to the 4 user, which indicates the absence or presence of the winning ! 5 correlation. If a winning correlatlon exists, the 6 sweepstakes processor 5 determines a prize (not shown) to be 7 awarded a user as well as a manner of awardlng the prize to 8 the user.
9 As shown in Fig. 2, the remote computer terminal may be what is commonly known as a point-of-sale (POS) terminal 12 11 of the type located in a retail establishment for direct 12 debiting of a user's financial institution account. The ATM
13 2 and POS terminal 12 are analogous machines, although not 14 interchangeable. The functions of these machines are well known in the art and they will be discussed together, except 16 where significant differences between them affect the 17 present invention. Thus, in Figs. 3 through 6, the POS
18 terminal 12 could be substituted for the ATM 2.
19 Furthermore, it is noted that a plurality of such ATM's 2 and POS terminals 12 are generally associated with a subject 21 financial institution computer 4.
22 Typically, the user is provided a debit card (not 23 shown) having a magnetically encoded stripe thereon. The 24 debit card is adapted to be inserted into the ATM 2 and identifies the user to the subject financial institution 26 computer 4. The PIN 7 is also used as an identification 27 means for further validating the user's access to the 28 subject financial computer 4. The user has an account 29 number with the subject financial institution 4 that is specific to the user, and preferably comprises the user ~ `~
~Z67~7'7 1 indicia for the present invention.
2 It is envisioned that the type of card lcnown as a bank 3 credit card could be used in lieu of the debit card, with no 4 effec-t on the present invention. Further, the user indicia, in addition to comprising the user's financial institution 6 account number (such as a checking account number), the user 7 indicia could take the form of a number specifically 8 assigned to the debit or credit card. It is also envisioned 9 that the user indicia can comprise the transaction number or other number that identifies the user suf-ficiently to 11 properly credit the user should he or she win the 12 sweepstakes.
13 The user indicia, such as the financial instltution 14 account number, typically comprises approxima-tely 10 digits, although the identifier can comprise alphanumeric 16 characters. In any event, the sweepstakes processor 5 17 generates the game indicia such that the game indicia 18 generally corresponds to the format of the user indicia.
19 That is, if the user indicia comprises an account number having ten digits, the game indicia generated by the 21 sweepstakes processor 5 would typically have ten digits.
22 Figs. 3 through 6 disclose alternative configurations 23 o~ the present invention, which configurations include a 24 network of financial institutions 15 and a transmission facilities device, such as a switch 16. As illustrated in 26 Fig. 3, the switch 16 receives an electronic communication 27 from the ATM 2 and routes the financial institution 28 instructions to the subject financial institution computer 29 4. The sweepstakes information, i.e. the user indicia, :is routed to the sweepstakes processor 5 for comparison to a ~267977 1 game indicia. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the financial 2 institution information and the user indicia are routed to 3 the subject financial instition computer 4. The user 4 indicia is then routed to the sweepstakes computer 5 for further activity.
6 Upon completion of the data processing associated with 7 the present invention, the information is relayed back to ~ the switch 16. The results are routed by the switch 16 to 9 the ATM 2 and the subject financial institution 4 for notification of the user, as seen in Fig. 3. As illustrated 11 in Fig. 4, the results are first routed to the subject 12 financial institution 4 and subsequently to the switch 16 13 for routing to the ATM 2.
14 As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the subject financial institution may place what is commonly known as an intercept 16 computer 24 between the ATMs 2 associated with the financial 17 institutlon and the switch 16. This positioning of the 18 intercept computer 24 is commonly known as "operating in 19 front of the switch", whereas the configurations disclosed in Figs. 3 and 4 are known as operating by "behind the 21 switch". The intercept computer 24 "intercepts"
22 communications from its associated ATMs 2 which are specific 23 to the subject financial institution, while routing 24 communications related to other network financial institu-tions 15 through the switch 16.
26 As shown in Fig. 5, the sweepstakes processor 5 is in 27 direct communication with the intercept computer 24 and 2~ receives the user indicia information from the ATM 2 through 29 the intercept computer 24 without routing to the switch 16.
~s illustrated in Fig. 6, the sweepstakes processor 5 ~267~177 1 is in communication with the switch 16. Accordingly, user 2 indieia relating to a customer of the subject financial 3 insti-tution is routed through the intercept computer 24 and 4 switch 16 to the sweepstakes processor 5 and back again.
It is envisioned that the present invention can take a 6 plurality of different configurations. As discussed in the 7 Background of the Invention, the number of institutions 8 comprising the network financial institutions 15 is very 9 large. At present, network systems comprising in excess of 400 financial institution members are known, which together 11 utilize in excess of a thousand automated teller machines.
12 The sweepstakes processor S as illustrated in Figs. 3 13 through 6 can accommodate a number of diferent sweepstake 14 alternatives. For example, the sweepstakes processor 5 can be adapted to accommodate an individual sweepstakes 16 configuration for the subject financial institution alone.
17 Alternatively, the sweepstakes processor 5 can be adapted to 18 allow any user of any of the ATMs 2 in eommunication with 19 the network of financial institutions 15 to participate in a single eollective sweepstakes. It is further envlsioned 21 that a sweepstakes processor 5 could accommodate a plurality 22 of individual financial institution sweepstakes.
23 A preferred method of playing the sweepstakes-type game 24 is disclosed in the flow chart of Fig. 7. Step 31 requires the insertion of an idenfication card, such as the 26 previously described debit card into an ATM 2.
27 Alternatively, the user may insert the debit card or the 28 like into a POS terminal 12, as shown at step 32. In either 29 event, the debit card begins the activation process and identifies the proposed user to the system. At step 33, the 1~
9~77 1 ~inancial institution computer requires that the PIN 7 be 2 entered on a keyboard (not shown) of the ATM 2 or POS
3 terminal 12. The financial institution computer receives 4 the information directly, or through the switch 16, as the case may be, and validates the PIN 7, provided the PIN 7 is 6 in fact valid, as shown at step 35. Once validated, the 7 user has access to his financial institu-tion account and 8 proceeds to conduct his financial institution transactions 9 at step 36. As the user transacts his affairs with the financial institution at step 36, the sweepstakes computer 11 reads the user's account number at step 40.
12 When the user has completed his transactions with the 13 financial institution, at step 37 the card is returned to 14 the user. At step 38, the financial transactions are completed (such as the delivery of withdrawn money) and the 16 printing of a receipt. The receipt is delivered to the user 17 at step 39.
18 The account number is sent to the sweepstakes computer 19 at step 41. The sweepstakes computer 5 generates, or has previously generated, a prize number or numbers as shown at 21 step 42. The account number is compared to the prize number 22 at step 45. The numbers are compared to determine whether a 23 predetermined winning correlation exists between the 24 numbers, that is whether they match. If no match exists, the game branches to step 38, and the negative results are 26 printed on a receipt which is delivered to the user at step 27 39.
28 If the account and prize numbers match at step 45, the 29 game branches to step 48, which determines the prize to be awarded to the user. The manner of awarding the prizes is ';
~Z6~977 1 determined at step 49. Steps 48 and 49 are discussed in 2 greater detail below. From step 49, the game is directed to 3 step 38 where the receipt is printed with the winning 4 information, including the prize and manner of awarding same, and the receipt is delivered at step 39.
6 It is envisioned that numerous variations o~ the 7 playing game method can be accommodated by the present 8 invention. For example, the user indicia can be any 9 appropriate number that is specific to the user, and it is not required that the user be a customer of the financial 11 institution. In order to accommodate certain existing laws 12 concerning lotteries, it is possible that non-customers 13 would be allowed to enter the game.
14 The prize number generated at step 42 can be generated randomly prior to step 40, such that winning prize number is 16 determined perodically, as at the start of a business day or 17 week. Alternatively, the prize number can be determined 18 each time the game is played.
19 When a switch 16 is employed, with a collective sweepstakes among the network of financial institutions, a 21 plurality of winning prize numbers can be generated and 22 stored in the sweepstakes computer 5 to ensure that the 23 prizes are distributed in an equitable manner. It is also 24 envisioned that the prize to be awarded can be assigned to a pre-selected prize number, thus reducing the amount of 26 computer time involved with each playing of the game.
27 The sweepstakes processor 5 has a prize account which 28 records prizes as they are awarded and ensures that each 29 prize is awarded only once. If the prize is to be cash, the prize account must have a cash balance therein which can be ~;~67977 1 depleted as the prizes are awarded.
; 2 In awarding the cash prizes, the cash may be given out 3 from -the ~TM at step 38, or simply credited to the user's 4 financial institution account for later withdrawal. In the event the prize is a material good or service, an 6 appropriate manner of awarding same is determined at step 7 49, such as instructing the user to go to his or her 8 financial institution to receive the prize. The game may be 9 played such that each participant receives some sort of pri~e, such as a discount coupon for use at a local store.
11 In addition to notifying the user of the results of the 12 sweepstakes by means of a printed receipt, it is also 13 envisioned that the ATM 2 can be programmed to visually or 14 vocally notify the user. That is, a special subroutine program could be provided to graphically demontrate the 1~ results on the ATM display screen, or to program a voice :
17 transmitter to so notify the user.
18 Present federal income tax laws require that a federal 19 income tax withholding be effected on sweepstakes or gambling winnin~s in excess of $600. Thus, the sweepstakes 21 processor 5 can be programmed to calculate and deduct the 22 amount of such withholdingfi before awarding a cash prize.
23 It is to be understood that while certain forms of the 24 present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or 26 arrangement of parts described and shown.
18 The advantage to the financial institution is that the 19 amount of paperwork is drastically reduced in that no checks or the like are involved. In the case of the POS terminal, 21 the user's financial account is immediately debited in the 22 amount of the user's purchase. Such a system is 23 advantageous to the merchant because the funds are 24 immediately transferred to the merchant's account from the user's account; thus, there is no float time or chance of 26 non-collection of a check. Again, the financial institution 27 saves time and money through the reduction of its paper 28 processing.
29 Notwithstanding the convenience to the user, the use of debit cards at ATMs and POS terminals has not been as high ~ ~\
~6~7 1 as the financial institutions require to achieve substantial 2 economic benefit from the machines. Thus, there exists a 3 need for a manner in which to promote the use of the 4 machines, both for the benefit of a financial institution and the associated merchants. Preferabl~, the promotional 6 scheme should promo-te the use of the debit cards in addition 7 to promoting the goods and services of the merchants by 8 rewarding the user of the A~M or POS terminal. There 9 further exists a need for a device to promote the debit card use on a broad geographic basis without resorting to active 11 involvement of the user or employees of the financial 12 institution.
14 Objects of the Invention 16 The principal objects of the present invention are: to 17 provide a game apparatus for encouraging the use of remote 18 financial institution computer terminals; to provide such a lg game apparatus which utilizes a sweepstakes-type game scheme; to provide such a game apparatus which utilizes a 21 sweepstakes game computer in conjunction with a financial 22 institution data processor and a remote computer terminal;
23 to provide such a game apparatus which can be used in 24 conjunction with a network of financial institution data processors having electronic communication means thereamong;
26 to provide such a game apparatus having means to identify a 27 user of a remote computer terminal and asslgn a user-28 specific indicia thereto for matching to a randomly selected 29 game indicia to determine whether the user wins a prize; to provide such a game apparatus wherein the user indicia is ~ --\
1 the user's account number with his or her financial 2 insti-tution; to provide such a game apparatus which is 3 relatively simple to use, economical to manufacture, 4 requires relatively low labor input, min:imal computer time, and user active participation and is particularly adapted 6 for the proposed usage thereof.
7 Other objects and advantages of this invention will 8 become apparent from the following description taken in 9 conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain 11 embodiments of thi.s invention.
13 Summary of the Invention A game apparatus for participation of a user in a 16 sweepstakes-type game promotes the use of a remote computer 17 terminal adapted to be in electronic communication with a 18 financial institution. A user interacts with an interface 19 device, such as a remote computer terminal, and more particularly an automated teller machine ( ATM) or point-of-21 sale (POS) terminal. Preferably, magnetically encoded debit 22 card is inserted into the ATM or POS terminal and the user 23 is required to identify his account through the use of a 24 personal identification number (PIN).
Upon validation of the user's access to the financial 26 institution account, the account number is relayed to a 27 sweepstakes processor. The sweepstakes processor has means 28 for generating a random game indicia, e.g. a game number.
29 The processor is further adapted to compare the account number and -the game number and determine whether the two ~IL2~7~7~
1 numbers match.
2 The present invention is designed -to be used in 3 conjunction with a network of financial institutions having 4 interconnected data processing facilities. Typically, each separate financial institution has a plurality of ATM and/or 6 POS terminals. In recent years networ~ systems have been 7 developed to allow electronic communications among the 8 various ATMs and POS terminals and the financial 9 institutions sueh that a user o:E any of the ATMs can access his personal financial aeeount. A transmission faeilities 11 device, eommonly known as a switch, is a soph:isticated 12 computer faeility having the means to route a particular 13 transaction from any of the ATMs or POS terminals to the 14 appropriate financial institution and then relay information baek to the ATM or POS terminal. In this way, a user ean 16 access his financial aceount in one city even though the 17 user is i.n a city located many hundreds or thousands of 18 miles away, so long as the ATM or POS terminal and the 19 individual user's financial institution are on the network.
In order to limit fraudulent aceess, in addition to the 21 magnetically eneoded debit card, each user is assigned a 22 pèrsonal identifieation number, i.e. PI~, which is designed 23 to be kept seeret. Typically, only a central holding 24 company has access to the PINs, although the PI~s are recorded in each financial institution's eomputer data 26 banks. Appropriate security limits are placed on access to 27 these eomputer data banks.
28 A sophisticated eommunications network such as the one 29 described is an expensive endeavor. In order to justify the expense, it is vital that -the finaneial insti-tutions ~Z67977 1 customers utilize the system. The financial institutions 2 benefit from the use of the system in that the transactions 3 are essentially paperless and are not labor intensive, 4 resulting in cost savings sufficient to justify the capital outlay. In addition, some financial institutions charge a 6 nominal fee to the user for each transaction using the debit ; 7 card, in much the same way that check fees are imposed.
8 It is the purpose of the present invention to stimulate 9 use of the ATMs and POS terminals by providing a sweepstakes-type game which utilizes a network apparatus.
11 Upon insertion oE the debit card to an ATM or POS terminal, 12 the user is required to enter the PIN, which validates the 13 user's access to the particular financial insti-tution 14 account. The sweepstaXes processor reads the account number or other selected user indicia and compares the account 16 number to a computer-generated prize number. The prize 17 number may be randomly generated instantaneously with the 18 reading of the account number, or one or more winning 19 account numbers can be pre-selected, but preferably on a random basis. In either case, the prize number is compared 21 to the account number and a determination is made as to 22 whether a winning correlation exists between the two 23 numbers. Preferably, an identical match is re~uired between 24 the prize number and account number. Typically, the account numbers are about ten digits in length; thus, a great deal 26 of flexibility is available in terms of the required winning 27 correlation. It is possible that a particular prize could 28 be awarded for matching, for example, five numbers out of 29 ten numbers, whereas a different selected prize could be given for an identical match.
~67~7~
1 If the account number does not match the prize number, 2 this information is relayed back to the ATM or POS terminal 3 (throuyh the switch if present) and preferably, the user is 4 so notified on a transaction receipt, which is delivered ~o the user upon completion of the other financial 6 transactions.
7 If a winning correlation exists, the sweepstakes 8 computer is programmed to determine the prize to be awarded 9 the user. As with the generation of the prize number, it is possible to randomly select a prize each time a winning 11 correlation is encountered. Alternatively, if the winning 12 numbers are pre-selected, it is possible to assign a prize 13 to that number upon generation of same. As a third 14 alternative, the prizes can be awarded in a pre-selected order, thereby ensuring that, for example, the "grand" prize 16 is awarded at an appropriate time during the sweepstakes.
17 ~lichever alternative is selected, it is essential to 18 program the sweepstakes processor to include a sweepstakes 19 account, which keeps track of each prize so that only a pre-determined number of prizes are awarded. The sweepstakes 21 account can be programmed to track both cash awards and 22 material awards.
23 It is envisioned that if cash awards are given, the 24 operator of the sweepstakes may elect to instantaneously credit the winner's financial institution account, or if the 26 ATM is being utilized, to immediately deliver the cash prize 27 to the user at the ATM. If the award is not given 28 immediately at the ATM, the transaction receipt is printed 29 -to indicate the award to the user.
When the game apparatus is used in conjunction with a ,'7917~
1 network system, it is possible to arrange the components 2 such that each financial institution is in control of its 3 own separate sweepstakes-type game. It is also envisioned 4 that a network-wide sweepstakes-type game could be conducted.
6 In areas where lottery games are permitted, the 7 apparatus is designed to be utili~ed as a lottery machine.
8 The components are substantially similar, although the user 9 would be required to pay consideration for the chance to enter the lottery sweepstakes. Preferably, a separate 11 function key would be provided on the ATM or POS terminal 12 whereby the user could designate an amount of money to be 13 withdrawn from the user's flnancial institution account and 14 applied toward the lottery. This separate sweepstakes key could also be used on the standard sweepstakes-type game to 16 increase user awareness. The sweepstakes computer is then 17 programmed to accommodate either an instantaneous lottery 18 determination or to enter the user's account number or other 19 user indicia into a longer term lottery, as is well known in the art.
21 An alternative participation system is provided for 22 non-account holders to participate in the game. In certain 23 states, the charges associated with using a debit card could 24 be considered to constitute a lottery-type situation. In that event, an alternate non-customer access means is 26 provided whereby the presumption of consideration is 27 defeated, so long as no charge is made for the alternative 28 participation means. For example, a special sweepstakes 29 card can be produced, which allows access only to the sweepstakes processor. Alternatively, the non-customer can . 20149-546 ~;2679~'7 be allowed to participate by requesting a playing card having special game indicia thereon for game playO
According to one aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: an automated teller machine for communicating with the user wherein said automated teller machine is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said automated teller machine; means generating user indicia specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user onee said user has obtained aeeess to said automated teller maehine; means gener-ating game indieia; and proeessor means eommunieating with said automated teller machine, reeeiving said user indieia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning eorrelation exists between same, said proeessor means eompleting the eomparison of said user game indieia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said automated teller machine, whereby there is no appreciable extra time required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaetion.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a sweepstake-type game by a : user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality oE remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic eommunication with.a financial institution data processing machine; each of sald computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale termi.nal wherein said automated teller machine and point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; a user identificati.on card having means for iden-tifying a ~267977 financial accoun-t associated with a user at said financial institution; said identification card being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals;
each of said remote computer terminals being adapted to allow said user to access electronically the financial institution account of said user; a personal identiEication number being associated with said user identification card and specific thereto; said personal identification number being adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; a sweepstakes data processor having means for passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without input from the user and means for generating a random number and comparing said account : number to said random number while the user effects a trans-action at said remote computer terl~inal, said comparing of said account number and said random number being effected to deter-mine whether said account number and random number match, whereby there is no appreciable additional time required to complete said game in addition to said transaction; said sweep-stakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number determined to ' match said random number.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user ln a sweep-stakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a network of data processing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with said financial institution; a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; a plurality of remote interface devices; wherein said interface devices are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
each of said interface devices being in data processing - 9a -~2~i7977 communication with a selected financial institution data pro-cessing machine through said transmission facilities device;
user identification means for providing user access to a selected one of said interface devices; means passively generatlng user indicia adapted to be speclfic to a user, said user indicia being generated without active input from the user once the user has obtained access to said interface device; means gener-ating game indicia; and processor means reading said game indicia and reading said user indicia from said interface device, comparing said user indicia to said game indicia, and deter-mining whether a selected winning correlation exists therebetween.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for participation o:E a user in sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a network oE data pro-cessing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with a selected financial institution; a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; a plurality of remote computer terminals; wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
each of said computer terminals being in data processing ; communication with a selected financial institution data pro-cessing machine through said transmission facilities device;
a plurality of user identification cards having means for identifying a respective user's financial account at said user's financial institution; each of said identification cards being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals; each of said remote computer terminals and said transmission facilities device adapted to allow said user to access the financial institution account of said u~er; a personal identifi.cation number being associated with each of said user iclentificati.on cards and specific -thereto, and being - 9b -:~LZ6~9~7 adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; a sweepstakes data processor having means passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without active input from the user and means generating a random number and comparing said account number to said random number and deter-mining whether said account number and random number match;
said sweepstakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number deter-mined to match said random number; means for awarding saidprize to said user of said account number determined to match said random numher; and recording means for notifying said user oE one oE the occurrence and non-occurrence of a corre-lative match between said account number and random number and of one of the associated awarding and non-awarding of a - prize.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a sweepstakes-type game including the steps of: entering a user identifier into a computerized 20 interface device; said interface device being one of an auto-mated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution;
accessing a financial account at a financial institution electronically through the interface device upon entry of said user identifier; passively assigning user indicia specific to said user without prompting from said user; selecting a random game indicia; reading said user indicia and said game indicia; comparing said user indicia to said game indicia;
determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia; awarding a selected prize to sai.d user upon determining that said selected winning corre---9c--7~177 lation exists; and notifying said user of whether a selected winning correlation exists at genera]ly the same time that said user completes an unrelated transaction with the financial institution.
According to ano-ther aspect of the i.nvention there is provided a method of participating in a sweepstakes-type game comprising the steps of: providing a network of data processing machines associated with selected financial institutions; pro-viding means for electronic communication among said data pro-cessing machines and between said data processing machines and said selected financial institutions; providing a plurality of remote computer terminals in electronic eommunication with said network of data processing machines wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial servi.ees-type institution; assigning an account number to said financial `; institution account; accessing a selected financial institution account -through a selected remote computer terminal, said communication means and a data processor specific to a financial institution associated with said financial institution account;
relaying said account number to a sweepstakes processor means without active input from a user of a selected remote computer terminal; generating a random game number; comparing said account number to said game number to determine whether said account number matches said game number; determining a prize to be associated with said account number upon matehing of said ~ aeeount number to said game number; awarding said prize to : said matehing aceount number in a preselected manner; and - notifying said user of one of the occurrence and non-occurrence of matching said account number and said game number and determining and awarding of a prize, with the user being so notified at a time generally contemporaneous with the completion oE unrelated transaetions by the user.
- 9d -~ 20149-546 ~Z679~77 According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus Eor participation of a user in a sweep-stakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: a point-of-sale terminal for communicating with the user wherein said point-of-sale terminal is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said point-of-sale terminal; means generating user indicia adapted to be specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user once said user has obtained access to said point-of-sale terminal;
means generating game indicia; and processor means for communi-cating with said point-of-sale terminal, receiving said user indicia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning correlation exists between same, said processor means completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting unrelated transactionsby means of said point-of-sale terminal.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; user identification means for providing user access to said remote computer terminal;
said remote computer terminal having means for allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be withdrawn from the user's financial account and transferred to an account associated - 9e -1267~ 20149-546 with a lottery-type game; a data processor having means Eor reading an account number associated with sald user's financial account to effect the transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery account; and, said data processor having means passively generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game without fur-ther input from said user, and determining whether said user indicia matches with lottery indicia to result in a winning correlation therebetween.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of playing a lottery-type game including the steps of: entering a user identifier into a computerized inter-face device; said interface device being one oE an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; accessing " a user's financial account at a financial institution electronically through said interface device upon entry of said user identifier; designating an amount of money to be trans-ferred from said user's financial account to a lottery account associated with a lottery-type game; assigning user indicia specific to said user for purposes of participation in said lottery-type game with no active involvement by said user in the assignment of said user indicia; operating said lottery-type game in a substantially instantaneous manner by comparing said user indicia to game indicia associated with said lottery-type game; determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia by comparison of said game indicia and said user indicia; completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said com-puterized interface device, whereby there is no appreciable _ 9f _ - ' 20149-546 g77 extra time required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaction; and providing means for notifying said user of the existence or absence of a winning correlation between said game indicia and said user indicia.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal of the type used by financial ; services-type institutions; user identification means; said remote computer terminals being responsive to said user ident-ification means to provide user access to said remote computer terminals; said remote computer terminals each having means allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be with-^ drawn from a financial account associated with said user and transferred to an account associated with a lottery-type game;
a data processor having means for reading an account number associated with said user's financial account to effect the :: transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery-type game account; means associated with said data processor for generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game; said means for generating user indicia in-cluding means for allowing the user to select one or more ; lottery numbers for participation in the lottery-type game; and means associated with said data processor for transmitting said user indicia to processing means associated with the lottery-type game, such that user indicia is entered into said lottery-type game.
According to another aspect o:E the invention there is provided apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-_ gg _ ~ ~ 20149-546 ~2E;7~77 type game, said apparatus comprising: a remote interface device Eor communicating with the user, wherein said remote interface device is generally of the type used by a Einancial services-`~ type institution and is used to effect transactions with said institution; user identification means for providing user access to said interface device; user indicia specific to the user; game indicia; sweepstakes processor means communicating with said interface device, said processor means including means automatically selecting said user indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; said processormeans automatically selecting said game indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; means comparing said user indicia to said game indicia and automatically deter-mining whether a selected winning correlation exists between said user indicia and said game indicia; and whereby said game is played without input by the user upon the user obtaining access to said interface device.
The drawings constitute a part of this specification ~ and include exemplary embodiments ofthe present invention and ; 20 illustrate various objects and features thereof.
Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of the principal components employed for practicing an automated sweepstakes game according to the present invention, and showing an auto~
mated teller machine.
Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1 and illustrates a point-of-sale terminal in lieu of an automated teller machine.
Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram of the principal components of the automated sweepstakes game further showing a network system.
Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a first alternative arrangement of the principal componen-ts and network - 9h -` " 20149-546 ~Z679~77 system.
Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a ~ second alternative arrangement of the principal components and ; network system.
Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing a third alternative arrangement oft~ne principal components and network system.
Figure 7 is a flow chart representing the principal steps employed in practicing the automated sweepstakes game.
r ~ ~ 9 i ~267~
1 Detailed Description of the Invention ; 3 As required, detailed embodiments of the present 4 .invention are disclosed herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely 6 exemplary of the invention which may be embodied in various 7 forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional ~: 8 details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as 9 limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to 11 variously employ the present invention in vir-tually any 12 appropriately detailed structure.
13 Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference 14 numeral 1 generally indicates an automated sweepstakes game apparatus. An interface device, for exarnple, an automated 16 remote computer terminal such as an automated teller machine 17 (ATM) 2 electronically communicates with a subject financial 18 institution data processor or computer 4. A sweepstakes 19 processor or computer 5 is in elec*ronic comrnunication with the subject financial institution computer 4 and the ATM 2~
21 Typically, a user or player (not shown) gains access to the 22 ATM 2 by inserting an identification card (not shown) and in 23 addition (or instead of), by entering a personal 24 identification number (PI~) 7.
Processor means such as the sweepstakes processor 5 26 reads a user indicia (not shown) such as a user's financial 27 institution account number. The sweepstakes processor 5 28 generates a game indicia, such as a random prize number (not 29 shown), and compares the user indicia and game indicia to determine whether a selected winning correlation exists ii797~
1 between them.
2 The sweepstakes processor 5 relays the correlation 3 information to the ATM and a printed receipt is given to the 4 user, which indicates the absence or presence of the winning ! 5 correlation. If a winning correlatlon exists, the 6 sweepstakes processor 5 determines a prize (not shown) to be 7 awarded a user as well as a manner of awardlng the prize to 8 the user.
9 As shown in Fig. 2, the remote computer terminal may be what is commonly known as a point-of-sale (POS) terminal 12 11 of the type located in a retail establishment for direct 12 debiting of a user's financial institution account. The ATM
13 2 and POS terminal 12 are analogous machines, although not 14 interchangeable. The functions of these machines are well known in the art and they will be discussed together, except 16 where significant differences between them affect the 17 present invention. Thus, in Figs. 3 through 6, the POS
18 terminal 12 could be substituted for the ATM 2.
19 Furthermore, it is noted that a plurality of such ATM's 2 and POS terminals 12 are generally associated with a subject 21 financial institution computer 4.
22 Typically, the user is provided a debit card (not 23 shown) having a magnetically encoded stripe thereon. The 24 debit card is adapted to be inserted into the ATM 2 and identifies the user to the subject financial institution 26 computer 4. The PIN 7 is also used as an identification 27 means for further validating the user's access to the 28 subject financial computer 4. The user has an account 29 number with the subject financial institution 4 that is specific to the user, and preferably comprises the user ~ `~
~Z67~7'7 1 indicia for the present invention.
2 It is envisioned that the type of card lcnown as a bank 3 credit card could be used in lieu of the debit card, with no 4 effec-t on the present invention. Further, the user indicia, in addition to comprising the user's financial institution 6 account number (such as a checking account number), the user 7 indicia could take the form of a number specifically 8 assigned to the debit or credit card. It is also envisioned 9 that the user indicia can comprise the transaction number or other number that identifies the user suf-ficiently to 11 properly credit the user should he or she win the 12 sweepstakes.
13 The user indicia, such as the financial instltution 14 account number, typically comprises approxima-tely 10 digits, although the identifier can comprise alphanumeric 16 characters. In any event, the sweepstakes processor 5 17 generates the game indicia such that the game indicia 18 generally corresponds to the format of the user indicia.
19 That is, if the user indicia comprises an account number having ten digits, the game indicia generated by the 21 sweepstakes processor 5 would typically have ten digits.
22 Figs. 3 through 6 disclose alternative configurations 23 o~ the present invention, which configurations include a 24 network of financial institutions 15 and a transmission facilities device, such as a switch 16. As illustrated in 26 Fig. 3, the switch 16 receives an electronic communication 27 from the ATM 2 and routes the financial institution 28 instructions to the subject financial institution computer 29 4. The sweepstakes information, i.e. the user indicia, :is routed to the sweepstakes processor 5 for comparison to a ~267977 1 game indicia. As illustrated in Fig. 4, the financial 2 institution information and the user indicia are routed to 3 the subject financial instition computer 4. The user 4 indicia is then routed to the sweepstakes computer 5 for further activity.
6 Upon completion of the data processing associated with 7 the present invention, the information is relayed back to ~ the switch 16. The results are routed by the switch 16 to 9 the ATM 2 and the subject financial institution 4 for notification of the user, as seen in Fig. 3. As illustrated 11 in Fig. 4, the results are first routed to the subject 12 financial institution 4 and subsequently to the switch 16 13 for routing to the ATM 2.
14 As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the subject financial institution may place what is commonly known as an intercept 16 computer 24 between the ATMs 2 associated with the financial 17 institutlon and the switch 16. This positioning of the 18 intercept computer 24 is commonly known as "operating in 19 front of the switch", whereas the configurations disclosed in Figs. 3 and 4 are known as operating by "behind the 21 switch". The intercept computer 24 "intercepts"
22 communications from its associated ATMs 2 which are specific 23 to the subject financial institution, while routing 24 communications related to other network financial institu-tions 15 through the switch 16.
26 As shown in Fig. 5, the sweepstakes processor 5 is in 27 direct communication with the intercept computer 24 and 2~ receives the user indicia information from the ATM 2 through 29 the intercept computer 24 without routing to the switch 16.
~s illustrated in Fig. 6, the sweepstakes processor 5 ~267~177 1 is in communication with the switch 16. Accordingly, user 2 indieia relating to a customer of the subject financial 3 insti-tution is routed through the intercept computer 24 and 4 switch 16 to the sweepstakes processor 5 and back again.
It is envisioned that the present invention can take a 6 plurality of different configurations. As discussed in the 7 Background of the Invention, the number of institutions 8 comprising the network financial institutions 15 is very 9 large. At present, network systems comprising in excess of 400 financial institution members are known, which together 11 utilize in excess of a thousand automated teller machines.
12 The sweepstakes processor S as illustrated in Figs. 3 13 through 6 can accommodate a number of diferent sweepstake 14 alternatives. For example, the sweepstakes processor 5 can be adapted to accommodate an individual sweepstakes 16 configuration for the subject financial institution alone.
17 Alternatively, the sweepstakes processor 5 can be adapted to 18 allow any user of any of the ATMs 2 in eommunication with 19 the network of financial institutions 15 to participate in a single eollective sweepstakes. It is further envlsioned 21 that a sweepstakes processor 5 could accommodate a plurality 22 of individual financial institution sweepstakes.
23 A preferred method of playing the sweepstakes-type game 24 is disclosed in the flow chart of Fig. 7. Step 31 requires the insertion of an idenfication card, such as the 26 previously described debit card into an ATM 2.
27 Alternatively, the user may insert the debit card or the 28 like into a POS terminal 12, as shown at step 32. In either 29 event, the debit card begins the activation process and identifies the proposed user to the system. At step 33, the 1~
9~77 1 ~inancial institution computer requires that the PIN 7 be 2 entered on a keyboard (not shown) of the ATM 2 or POS
3 terminal 12. The financial institution computer receives 4 the information directly, or through the switch 16, as the case may be, and validates the PIN 7, provided the PIN 7 is 6 in fact valid, as shown at step 35. Once validated, the 7 user has access to his financial institu-tion account and 8 proceeds to conduct his financial institution transactions 9 at step 36. As the user transacts his affairs with the financial institution at step 36, the sweepstakes computer 11 reads the user's account number at step 40.
12 When the user has completed his transactions with the 13 financial institution, at step 37 the card is returned to 14 the user. At step 38, the financial transactions are completed (such as the delivery of withdrawn money) and the 16 printing of a receipt. The receipt is delivered to the user 17 at step 39.
18 The account number is sent to the sweepstakes computer 19 at step 41. The sweepstakes computer 5 generates, or has previously generated, a prize number or numbers as shown at 21 step 42. The account number is compared to the prize number 22 at step 45. The numbers are compared to determine whether a 23 predetermined winning correlation exists between the 24 numbers, that is whether they match. If no match exists, the game branches to step 38, and the negative results are 26 printed on a receipt which is delivered to the user at step 27 39.
28 If the account and prize numbers match at step 45, the 29 game branches to step 48, which determines the prize to be awarded to the user. The manner of awarding the prizes is ';
~Z6~977 1 determined at step 49. Steps 48 and 49 are discussed in 2 greater detail below. From step 49, the game is directed to 3 step 38 where the receipt is printed with the winning 4 information, including the prize and manner of awarding same, and the receipt is delivered at step 39.
6 It is envisioned that numerous variations o~ the 7 playing game method can be accommodated by the present 8 invention. For example, the user indicia can be any 9 appropriate number that is specific to the user, and it is not required that the user be a customer of the financial 11 institution. In order to accommodate certain existing laws 12 concerning lotteries, it is possible that non-customers 13 would be allowed to enter the game.
14 The prize number generated at step 42 can be generated randomly prior to step 40, such that winning prize number is 16 determined perodically, as at the start of a business day or 17 week. Alternatively, the prize number can be determined 18 each time the game is played.
19 When a switch 16 is employed, with a collective sweepstakes among the network of financial institutions, a 21 plurality of winning prize numbers can be generated and 22 stored in the sweepstakes computer 5 to ensure that the 23 prizes are distributed in an equitable manner. It is also 24 envisioned that the prize to be awarded can be assigned to a pre-selected prize number, thus reducing the amount of 26 computer time involved with each playing of the game.
27 The sweepstakes processor 5 has a prize account which 28 records prizes as they are awarded and ensures that each 29 prize is awarded only once. If the prize is to be cash, the prize account must have a cash balance therein which can be ~;~67977 1 depleted as the prizes are awarded.
; 2 In awarding the cash prizes, the cash may be given out 3 from -the ~TM at step 38, or simply credited to the user's 4 financial institution account for later withdrawal. In the event the prize is a material good or service, an 6 appropriate manner of awarding same is determined at step 7 49, such as instructing the user to go to his or her 8 financial institution to receive the prize. The game may be 9 played such that each participant receives some sort of pri~e, such as a discount coupon for use at a local store.
11 In addition to notifying the user of the results of the 12 sweepstakes by means of a printed receipt, it is also 13 envisioned that the ATM 2 can be programmed to visually or 14 vocally notify the user. That is, a special subroutine program could be provided to graphically demontrate the 1~ results on the ATM display screen, or to program a voice :
17 transmitter to so notify the user.
18 Present federal income tax laws require that a federal 19 income tax withholding be effected on sweepstakes or gambling winnin~s in excess of $600. Thus, the sweepstakes 21 processor 5 can be programmed to calculate and deduct the 22 amount of such withholdingfi before awarding a cash prize.
23 It is to be understood that while certain forms of the 24 present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or 26 arrangement of parts described and shown.
Claims (17)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: (a) an automated teller machine for communicating with the user wherein said automated teller machine is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) user identificatin means for providing user access to said automated teller machine; (c) means generating user indicia specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user once said user has obtained access to said automated teller machine; (d) means generating game indicia; and (e) processor means communicating with said automated teller machine, receiving said user indicia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning correlation exists between same, said processor means completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said automated teller machine, whereby there is no appreciable extra time required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaction.
2. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 1 wherein: (a) said game indicia is randomly generated by said processor means.
3. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 1 further including: (a) means for notifying said user of one of the existence and non-existence of the winning correlation.
4. Apparatus for playing a sweepstake-type game by a user, said apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) a user identification card having means for identifying a financial account associated with a user at said financial institution; said identification card being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals; each of said remote computer terminals being adapted to allow said user to access electronically the financial institution account of said user; (c) a personal identification number being associated with said user identification card and specific thereto; said personal identification number being adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; (d) a sweepstakes data processor having means for passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without input from the user and means for generating a random number and comparing said account number to said random number while the user effects a transaction at said remote computer terminal, said comparing of said account number and said random number being effected to determine whether said account number and random number match, whereby there is no appreciable additional time required to complete said game in addition to said transaction; (e) said sweepstakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number determined to match said random number.
5. Apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: (a) a network of data processing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with said financial institution; (b) a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; (c) a plurality of remote interface devices; wherein said interface devices are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; each of said interface devices being in data processing communication with a selected financial institution data processing machine through said transmission facilities device; (d) user identification means for providing user access to a selected one of said interface devices; (e) means passively generating user indicia adapted to be specific to a user, said user indicia being generated without active input from the user once the user has obtained access to said interface device; (f) means generating game indicia;
and (g) processor means reading said game indicia and reading said user indicia from said interface device, comparing said user indicia to said game indicia, and determining whether a selected winning correlation exists therebetween.
and (g) processor means reading said game indicia and reading said user indicia from said interface device, comparing said user indicia to said game indicia, and determining whether a selected winning correlation exists therebetween.
6. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said remote interface device is an automated teller machine.
7. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said remote interface device is a point-of-sale terminal.
'
'
8. Apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: (a) a network of data processing machines, each of said data processing machines adapted to be associated with a selected financial institution; (b) a transmission facilities device for providing data processing communication among said data processing machines; (c) a plurality of remote computer terminals; wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial services type institution, each of said computer terminals being in data processing communication with a selected financial institution data processing machine through said transmission facilities device; (d) a plurality of user identification cards having means for identifying a respective user's financial account at said user's financial institution; each of said identification cards being adapted to be inserted into a selected one of said remote computer terminals; each of said remote computer terminals and said transmission facilities device adapted to allow said user to access the financial institution account of said user; (e) a personal identification number being associated with each of said user identification cards and specific thereto, and being adapted to validate user access to the financial account associated with said identification card; (f) a sweepstakes data processor having means passively reading an account number associated with said user's financial account without active input from the user and means generating a random number and comparing said account number to said random number and determining whether said account number and random number match; (g) said sweepstakes data processor including means for determining a prize to be awarded to the user of an account number determined to match said random number, (h) means for awarding said prize to said user of said account number determined to match said random number; and (i) recording means for notifying said user of one of the occurrence and non-occurrence of a correlative match between said account number and random number and of one of the associated awarding and non-awarding of a prize.
9. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 8 further including: (a) means for calculating an amount of a cash prize to be deducted from said prize for federal withholding taxes; and (b) means for deducting said amount of said prize to be withheld for federal withholding taxes from said cash prize amount.
10. A method of playing a sweepstakes-type game including the steps of: (a) entering a user identifier into a computerized interface device; said interface device being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) accessing a financial account at a financial institution electronically through the interface device upon entry of said user identifier; (c) passively assigning user indicia specific to said user without prompting from said user; (d) selecting a random game indicia; (e) reading said user indicia and said game indicia; (f) comparing said user indicia to said game indicia; (g) determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia; (h) awarding a selected prize to said user upon determining that said selected winning correlation exists; and (i) notifying said user of whether a selected winning correlation exists at generally the sme time that said user completes an unrelated transaction with the financial institution.
11. A method of participating in a sweepstakes-type game comprising the steps of: (a) providing a network of data processing machines associated with selected financial institutions; (b) providing means for electronic communication among said data processing machines and between said data processing machines and said selected financial institutions; (c) providing a plurality of remote computer terminals in electronic communication with said network of data processing machines wherein said computer terminals are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (d) assigning an account number to said financial institution account; (e) accessing a selected financial institution account through a selected remote computer terminal, said communication means and a data processor specific to a financial institution associated with said financial institution account; (f) relaying said account number to a sweepstakes processor means without active input from a user of a selected remote computer terminal; (g) generating a random game number; (h) comparing said account number to said game number to determine whether said account number matches said game number; (i) determining a prize to be associated with said account number upon matching of said account number to said game number; (j) awarding said prize to said matching account number in a preselected manner;
and (k) notifying said user of one of the occurrence and non-occurrence of matching said account number and said game number and determining and awarding of a prize, with the user being so notified at a time generally contemporaneous with the completion of unrelated transactions by the user.
and (k) notifying said user of one of the occurrence and non-occurrence of matching said account number and said game number and determining and awarding of a prize, with the user being so notified at a time generally contemporaneous with the completion of unrelated transactions by the user.
12. Apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: (a) a point-of-sale terminal for communicating with the user wherein said point-of-sale terminal is of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) user identification means for providing user access to said point-of-sale terminal; (c) means generating user indicia adapted to be specific to the user; said user indicia being passively generated without input from said user once said user has obtained access to said point-of-sale terminal; (d) means generating game indicia; and (e) processor means for communicating with said point-of-sale terminal, receiving said user indicia and receiving said game indicia; said processor means being adapted to compare said user indicia to said game indicia and determine whether a selected winning correlation exists between same, said processor means completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting unrelated transactions by means of said point-of-sale terminal.
13. Apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) user identification means for providing user access to said remote computer terminal; (c) said remote computer terminal having means for allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be withdrawn from the user's financial account and transferred to an account associated with a lottery-type game; (d) a data processor having means for reading an account number associated with said user's financial account to effect the transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery account; and, (e) said data processor having means passively generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game without further input from said user, and determining whether said user indicia matches with lottery indicia to result in a winning correlation therebetween.
14. A method of playing a lottery-type game including the steps of: (a) entering a user identifier into a computerized interface device; said interface device being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal wherein said automated teller machine and said point-of-sale terminal are of the type used by a financial services-type institution; (b) accessing a user's financial account at a financial institution electronically through said interface device upon entry of said user identifier; (c) designating an amount of money to be transferred from said user's financial account to a lottery account associated with a lottery-type game; (d) assigning user indicia specific to said user for purposes of participation in said lottery-type game with no active involvement by said user in the assignment of said user indicia; (e) operating said lottery-type game in a substantially instantaneous manner by comparing said user indicia to game indicia associated with said lottery-type game; (f) determining whether a winning correlation exists between said game indicia and said user indicia by comparison of said game indicia and said user indicia; completing the comparison of said user game indicia generally contemporaneously with the user effecting an unrelated transaction by means of said computerized interface device, whereby there is no appreciable extra time .
required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaction; and (g) providing means for notifying said user of the existence or absence of a winning correlation between said game indicia and said user indicia.
required to complete said game in addition to said unrelated transaction; and (g) providing means for notifying said user of the existence or absence of a winning correlation between said game indicia and said user indicia.
15. Apparatus for playing a game by a user, said apparatus comprising: (a) a plurality of remote computer terminals; each of said computer terminals being in electronic communication with a financial institution data processing machine; each of said computer terminals being one of an automated teller machine or a point-of-sale terminal of the type used by financial services-type institutions; (b) user identification means; said remote computer terminals being responsive to said user identification means to provide user access to said remote computer terminals; (c) said remote computer terminals each having means allowing the user to designate an amount of money to be withdrawn from a financial account associated with said user and transferred to an account associated with a lottery-type game; (d) a data processor having means for reading an account number associated with said user's financial account to effect the transfer of funds from said user's financial account to said lottery-type game account; (e) means associated with said data processor for generating user indicia for participation in the lottery-type game; said means for generating user indicia including means for allowing the user to select one or more lottery numbers for participation in the lottery-type game; and (f) means associated with said data processor for transmitting said user indicia to processing means associated with the lottery-type game, such that user indicia is entered into said lottery-type game.
16. The apparatus as set forth in Claim 15 wherein: (a) said data processor records said user indicia and the amount of money transferred from the user's financial account to said account associated with the lottery-type game; and (b) said data processor records the amount of money transferred and the user indicia on the transaction receipt issued to the user.
.
.
17. Apparatus for participation of a user in a sweepstakes-type game, said apparatus comprising: (a) a remote interface device for communicating with the user, wherein said remote interface device is generally of the type used by a financial service-type institution and is used to effect transactions with said institution; (b) user identification means for providing user access to said interface device; (c) user indicia specific to the user; (d) game indicia;
(e) sweepstakes processor means communicating with said interface device, said processor means including means automatically selecting said user indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device;
(f) said processor means automatically selecting said game indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; (g) means comparing said user indicia to said game indicia and automatically determining whether a selected winning correlation exists between said user indicia and said game indicia;
and (h) whereby said game is played without input by the user upon the user obtaining access to said interface device.
(e) sweepstakes processor means communicating with said interface device, said processor means including means automatically selecting said user indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device;
(f) said processor means automatically selecting said game indicia following said user obtaining access to said interface device; (g) means comparing said user indicia to said game indicia and automatically determining whether a selected winning correlation exists between said user indicia and said game indicia;
and (h) whereby said game is played without input by the user upon the user obtaining access to said interface device.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000521985A CA1267977A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1986-11-03 | Automated sweepstakes-type game |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000521985A CA1267977A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1986-11-03 | Automated sweepstakes-type game |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1267977A true CA1267977A (en) | 1990-04-17 |
Family
ID=4134271
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000521985A Expired CA1267977A (en) | 1986-11-03 | 1986-11-03 | Automated sweepstakes-type game |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1267977A (en) |
-
1986
- 1986-11-03 CA CA000521985A patent/CA1267977A/en not_active Expired
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