Lottery method and apparatus having a tiered prize scheme
US6016338A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jan 18, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F2003/086
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for rewarding communication service users can enter a call into a lottery, if the call is eligible. A party associated with the call for purposes of the lottery is identified; and if the call has won the lottery, the lottery winner is advised of the winning status. The odds of winning a lottery for the call can be adjusted based on a participation history for the associated party including a history of past lottery prizes won and refused. Thus, a lottery winner can be given the opportunity to refuse a lottery prize won in return for a chance to win a better prize in a future lottery. Prizes won by the lottery winner can also be matched to the lottery winner's preferences and/or the lottery winning call.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.