Amusement devices: games – Including means for processing electronic data – In a chance application
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-09
2001-04-10
Martin-Wallace, Valencia (Department: 3713)
Amusement devices: games
Including means for processing electronic data
In a chance application
C463S036000, C463S004000, C273S11800R
Reexamination Certificate
active
06213874
ABSTRACT:
APPLICATION FOR UNITED STATES LETTERS PATENT
Be it known that I, Keith Heflin, a citizen of United States, residing at 439 Naron Drive, Shelbyville, Tenn. 37160; have invented a new and useful “Collector Card/Phone Card Dispensing System with Promotional Free Spin/Free Draw Game Feature.”
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to collector's series card distribution, and, in particular, to a card dispensing machine and system that includes a promotional Free Spin/Free Draw game feature used to increase interest in purchasing such cards. A distinctive feature of this system is the unique manner in which the cards are dispensed in conjunction with an opportunity to play credits obtained with the purchase of a card on an instant win game.
Collecting special collector's series cards has become increasingly popular with the general public. Such cards are used for entertainment purposes in various ways, such as exchanging them with other collectors or saving them as a memento containing special significance to the collector. Collecting these cards has grown to such a great extent that it is reported that certain distributors of collector's series cards disburse over one billion cards each year. Therefore, distributors are continuously looking for new and unusual ways to distribute the cards and to increase interest in their particular brand of cards.
Most new collector's cards are purchased at retail stores and specialty shops from counter stock or display stock. The customer selects the card or card package and then pays a clerk or cashier. Promotions are often tied into the sale, such as bubble gum, three-dimensional cards, and stickers, to increase distribution. Therefore, it is advantageous to a distributor to provide a distinguishing promotion in order to encourage adults to purchase their collector's series cards. What is needed, however, is a method of distributing collector's cards to customers that is efficient and low cost and that adds promotional value to the transaction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an automated dispenser system and method for distributing collector's series cards that includes a promotional device that offers an opportunity to play an instant win game. In accordance with one object of the invention, a dollar bill valuator accepts a bill from a collector and then a computerized card dispenser delivers a collector card to the collector in response thereto. To increase the value to the collector, the card dispensing device includes a promotional feature which confers a credit to play, for amusement, a video game simultaneously with the purchase of a collector's card. The holder of the credit can then play an instant win game in order to try to win more credits. After playing the game, the holder then has the option to save any won credits for future use in an attempt accumulate more credits, which could eventually lead to a promotional prize. At any point during the game, after the holder accumulates more points than he received for promotional play, the holder has the option to obtain a prize in exchange for the credits.
The operation of the system is overseen by a licensee who is able to assist in the distribution of games. The licensee is needed to enter credits into the video game system for persons with vouchers for free games, and the licensee further provides for later continuance of the game by withdrawing credits and resetting the number of credits on the machine.
A preferred embodiment of the system combines a conventional microprocessor or computer and video display monitor, operatively connected to a promotional game subsystem that provides the method for operation of the game, and an interface card which allows the card dispenser to work in conjunction with the distribution of the collectible cards and credits after the insertion of the required amount of money.
When the card dispenser is depleted of cards, two things occur. An interrupt switch is activated by the interface card to disable the system from playing until the licensee of the system places more cards in the dispenser. Concurrently, an “Out of Service” light on the cabinet is illuminated and the licensee of the system is thereby notified to replenish the system with cards.
The game is played by programming the computer with a simple game algorithm of the licensor's choice. In one embodiment of the system, first, either money is inserted and a collector's card is distributed, or a licensee provides a free credit through the promotional play switch. The user then has the option of playing the game. If the user chooses not to play, then the free games are removed and the machine is reset through a credit removal switch. If the user chooses to play, a simple algorithm for the game allows the user to play his credits.
If the user loses, the game automatically removes his played credits and asks if he wishes to play again through the purchase of another collector's series card. If the user wins, he has the option to either take or double-up. If he takes, then he has the option to either play and go through the process again, or he can choose to receive the promotional prize awarded for the amount of credits that he has accumulated. If he doubles-up, the game is played and if he wins then he has the opportunity to take the winnings or play again. If he loses, then he returns to play the remainder of his credits.
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Hotaling, II John M
Martin-Wallace Valencia
Patterson Mark J.
Waddey & Patterson
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