Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
~2~797~
1 AUTOMATED SWEEPSTAKES-TYPE GAME
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
'~
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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
~ ~\
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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.
13
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
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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.
12
13 Summary of the Invention
14
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
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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
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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
20149-546
~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
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20149-546
~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
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20149-546
:~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-
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20149-546
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.
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~ 20149-546
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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
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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-
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~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
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` " 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
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~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
';
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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
16
~;~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.
27
28
29
17
