US5791990A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lottery system
Assignee: Dittler Brothers Inc
•
Filing: 1996-12-03
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Granted: 1998-08-11
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Expires: 2016-12-03
Abstract
Abstract Interactive, computer-activated games or other activities are disclosed. Included among the disclosed embodiments are systems employing not only a computer program, but also a ticket that, if a "winner," must be modified prior to redemption to include information gleaned by executing the program. The ticket additionally may include an activation code for input into the computer program.
Inventors
- 👤 J. Michael Schroeder
- 👤 Mark Klingler
- 👤 Deborah G. Davidson
- 👤 Fred W. Finnerty
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 01:13
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/32; G07F17/3286; G07F17/329; A; A63; A63F; A63F3/00; A63F3/06; A63F3/065; A63F9/00; A63F9/24; A63F2009/2401; A63F2009/2411; A63F2009/2419; A63F2009/242; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S283/00; Y10S283/901; Y10S283/903
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 22
Claim 1
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket and an activation code; b. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; c. playing the computerized game; d. receiving a redemption code as a result of playing the computerized game; and e. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption code.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
61 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket and an activation code; b. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; c. playing the computerized game; d. receiving a redemption code as a result of playing the computerized game; and e. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption code.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
12 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising redeeming the modified ticket.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 2 in which the step of obtaining an activation code comprises examining the ticket and selecting the activation code from information contained thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises recording on the ticket a set of symbols constituting the redemption code.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket; b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation codes; c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; d. playing the computerized game; e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game; f. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption information; and g. if appropriate, redeeming the modified ticket.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket; b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation codes; c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; d. playing the computerized game; e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game; f. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption information; and g. if appropriate, redeeming the modified ticket.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 5 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises writing the redemption information on the ticket.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method according to claim 5 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises removing from the ticket at least one covering associated with the redemption information.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 5 in which the step of receiving redemption information comprises receiving a set of coded symbols.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 5 in which the step of receiving redemption information comprises receiving a prize winnings message.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
A game-playing system comprising: a. a ticket on which an activation code is printed; b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code; c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information algorithmically linked to the activation code; and d. means for validating the output information; and in which the ticket further comprises: i. a removable, opaque covering applied over the activation code to obscure it from view; and ii. an area adapted to reflect the output information.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
83 words
A game-playing system comprising: a. a ticket on which an activation code is printed; b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code; c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information algorithmically linked to the activation code; and d. means for validating the output information; and in which the ticket further comprises: i. a removable, opaque covering applied over the activation code to obscure it from view; and ii. an area adapted to reflect the output information.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system according to claim 10 in which the ticket comprises machine-readable information unique to it printed thereon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 11 in which the means for validating the output information comprises means for reading the machine-readable information printed on the ticket.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a blank space in which the output information is written.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a removable, opaque covering applied over the output information to obscure it from view.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a plurality of removable coverings, at least one of which corresponds to at least some of the output information.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket; b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation code; c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; d. playing the computerized game; and e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
60 words
A method of playing a computerized game comprising: a. obtaining a ticket; b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation code; c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game; d. playing the computerized game; and e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
52 words
A game-playing system comprising: a. means for providing an activation code; b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code; c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information including a redemption code algorithmically linked to the activation code; and d. means for validating the redemption code.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
52 words
A game-playing system comprising: a. means for providing an activation code; b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code; c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information including a redemption code algorithmically linked to the activation code; and d. means for validating the redemption code.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2001-08-10 | 2002-02-09 | 2002-08-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2005-08-10 | 2006-02-09 | 2006-08-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2009-08-10 | 2010-02-09 | 2010-08-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |