Method and apparatus for rewarding groups of communication service users
US6273816A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 22, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 22, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA63F3/081
- WIPO fieldFurniture, games
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus can enter a call into a lottery, if the call is eligible. A group of individuals or other entities associated with the call for purposes of the lottery is identified; and if the call has won the lottery, at least one member of group is advised of the group's winning status. The odds of winning a lottery for the call can be adjusted based on a participation history for at least one member of the group. The participation history can include a past number of calls made or total call time logged by the caller, etc. Thus, for example, groups of frequent users of a communication service can be rewarded with increased odds of winning a lottery each time a request for communication services is made and communication services are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.