CA2372006A1 - Method and system for providing electronically placed wagers for another - Google Patents
Method and system for providing electronically placed wagers for another Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2372006A1 CA2372006A1 CA002372006A CA2372006A CA2372006A1 CA 2372006 A1 CA2372006 A1 CA 2372006A1 CA 002372006 A CA002372006 A CA 002372006A CA 2372006 A CA2372006 A CA 2372006A CA 2372006 A1 CA2372006 A1 CA 2372006A1
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- user
- wager
- gift
- outcome
- particular event
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q50/00—Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
- G06Q50/34—Betting or bookmaking, e.g. Internet betting
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3286—Type of games
- G07F17/3288—Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking
Abstract
A wager is placed by a first user for a second user, through a wager server. The wager is composed from a selection of events and associated odds. The wager is tracked by the wager server. Once an outcome of the wager is determined, the wager server notifies the second user. If the outcome is positive, the second user is provided the winnings of the wager, while the first user receives no monetary reward from the wager.
Description
MET1~OD AND SYSTEM FOR PRO'VmIrTG ELECTRONICALLY
PLACED WAGERS FOR ANOTHER
BACKGROUND OF THE IN~~NTIOI~i The present invention relates generally to electronic wagering systems and methods, and more particularly, to a system and metlwd of seating and placing wagers as a gift by a fast user using an electronic wager server such that any wrings arc received by a second user, the intended rcqpient of the gift.
The expansion of electronic devices, such as personal computers and celluiarphones, into the homes, o~ces, and thus "day to day" lives of the average consumers has also expanded nerd opened multiple and diverse avenues in entertainment and business. For instaacc, with the growing acceptance and maturing of the personal coatgutGr and along with it, communication media such as the satellite television and the Internet, electronic shopping has become commonplace and especially convenient for consumers. Hence, finding and ordering a gift has become even easier. However, providing a gift that is different and entertaining is not easily found.
Wagering, risking something, such as a sum of money, on as outcome of as uncertain event, is often entertaining. However, is traditional wagering environments, money is wagered by an individual on an outcome of a particular event and based on the wager and the outcome of the particular event, the individual is given or paid a particular amount of mosey or loses the money wagered. Therefore, the eatcrtainment or enjoyment of the wager is usually isolated to the individual wagerer sad any other parsons that happen to be around the wagerer at the time.
Therefore, even through the use of bloasomiag communication media pmvidiag a worldwide market for both consumers and retailers, the entertainment of the wager is usually shared by one individual, the wagerer.
Providing the individual to share the wagering experience to another individual may well benefit both the individual setting up the wager and the other individual.
U.S. Patent No. 5,442,567 filed on August 15, 1995 and issued to Small describes a greetiQg card dispensing apparatus in which a customer is able to personalize a greeting card and include an associated gift. (See column I, lines 9-11.) Gift possibilities include wagers oa the recipient's favorite sport's theme, gift certificates to department stores, etc., or even money is the forna of money orders. Virtually any gift which can be evidenced by an electronically generated personalized printout and be generated and combined with, or printed directly on, a ' personalized card from the ldosk. (See column 2, lines 12-20.) International Patent Application No. WO99/81188 by Walker, et al, filed on January 14, 1999 describes a system including a central conttolles providing a game of chance arid operated by a gauze provider and a user computer that communicates with the central controller via the Internet. (See page 10, lines 29-33.) The central comroller includes a game database in which each record coaesponds to one AMENDED SHEET
EMPFANG~L~i ~ cv. ~~n. ,: ~, RUJUI(UW~LtI i /f). JU14. a~ n7 i game played by ono player. (Sea page 15, Lines 6-10). Many of the features provided by the present invention arc not described by the documtats of Walks or Small.
SLfI~iARY OF THE INVfiNTION
The present invention provides an electronic wagering system in which a user or consumer, a gift giver, is able to create or select a bet or wager as a gift for another person, a gift recipient The gift r~ecipioat is then notified of the gift giver's gift, the wager, and provided any wimiings resulting from the wager.
Ia accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seethed that provides a gift wager by a first user to a second user and the method comprises composing a gift wager by a first user through a communication media, the ,gift wags including a particular event and a payoff associated to an outcome of the particular event. The method finth;~r comprises obtaining contact information regarding a second user, notifying the second user that a gift wager has been composed by the first user prior to the outcome of the particular event, and providing result data to the second user in response to the outcome of the particular event.
In another aspect ofthe invention, an electronic wager system is provided to provide a gift wager by a first user to a second user. The electronic wagering system includes communication mans providing a conduit to receive input from a first user concerning a gift wager for a second user, the gift wager pertaining tv a wager, a particular event, and contact data concerning a second user sad computer means storing the gift wager from the first user and tracking the particular event, the computer means sending result data to the second user prior in response to an outcome of the particular event.
In another aspect of the invention, an electronic wagon system includes a first user computerutilizedby a first user and coupled to a first communication medium, a second user computer utilized by a second user and coupled to a second communication medium, and a wager server coupled to the first communication medium and the second communication medium. The wager sc:ver~ncludes a memory storage is which at least one wager record is stored in the memory storage, the at least one wager record pertairdng to a predetermined event, and a wager engine configured to receive information fiom the fast user computer to compose the ax least one wager record, to determine an outcome of the predetermined event and to transmit information regarding the outcome of the predetermined event to the second user computer.
Many of the attendant features of this invention will be more readily appreeiaxed as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the electronic wagering system;
FIG. 2 illustzates a flow diagram of an operational oversriew of the olectroaic wagctiag AMENDED SHEET
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FIG. 3 ills a block diagram of one embodiment of a wager serves of the electronic wagering system of FIG.1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of creating a wager by a wager construction module of the wager serves of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of notifying a gift recipient and/or a gift giver concerning the outcome of the gi8 wager by an outcome tracing module of the wager server of FTG. 3; and FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of accessing win~uings provided for a gift wager by a gift recipient by the outcome tracking module of the wager server of FIG. 3.
DETAZZ.ED DESCRIPTION
FIG. I illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the electronic wagering system of the present invention. A user computer 11 is linked, telephonically including ISDN lines, ADSL lines and DSL lines, wireless connections, such as radio frequency transmissions and satellite transmissions, orvia anyother communication methods, to anumber of other computers.
These other computers include a wager server I3. The wager server 13, in one embodiment; is a web and database server providing administrative and other functions for the electronic wagering system. In a preferred embodiment, the wager server is a computing device having computer memory storage devices and network interface cards ~d operating under a UNIX
operating system. .
the user computer 1 I may comprise a personal computer (PC), an engineering workstation, apalm computer, a cellularphone, a large mainframe computer, or any other system capable ofsupporting Internet and/or othertypes vfcommunieationmedia and display functions.
Alternatively, a television equipped with a digital or analog set top box or a separate access terminal is used to connect to the Tnternet and/or the wager server.
The separate access tc~minal includes cellular phones, wireless modems and other phone modems providing connection to the Internet andlor the wager server over a telephone network.
Similarly, access to the Internet can be ttuough television cables or satellite delivery systems. Various other devices can be used to provide access to the Internet or send an E-mail to the wager server. In another embodiment, the gift giver uses a cellular, "lead-line", or wireless telephone which communicates with a telephone network or cellular network to access the wager server or a customer representative with access to the wager server. The description ofthe particular devices and access is exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any sense.
Ia a preferred embodiment, the user computer I I may be a Iow cost machine specially designed for Internet browsing. The user computer includes various application programs, AMENDED SHEET
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1 including a Web browsex. the Web browser retrieves information from Web servers, such as the anger server, for display on the user's coaxputer display terminal. The Web browser obtains a copy of the requested material from the wages server when a user, via the user computer, requests in~or~mation from a wager server. The Web browser uses hypertext transfer protocol (H'TT'P) as a protocol for communicating over the Interact with the wager server. Standard TCPIIP is utilized as a protocol to communicate between the user computer and the wager server, and generally according to the Simple Mail transfer Protocol (SMTP), SMTP
being a TCP/»' protocol that operates at layers 5-7 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Web brawsers are widely commercially available, and include Internet Explorer, available from Microsoft Corporation and Navigator, available from Netscape, and others. Both Internet Explorer and Navigator arc suitable web browsers for use in conjunction with the present invention, with Navigator Version 4.0 and Internet Explorer Version 4.0 being the preferred versions.
In one embodiment, the wager server 13 is coupled to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a redundant array of indepezrdent disks {'RAm) or a group of disks, also known as '5ust a bunch of disks" (3BOD). The mass storage device hosts at least one database, a gift wager database 15, that contours information about wagers placed for others.
The wagon saver is configured to access tire gift wager database to store and retrieve information far the gift wager database. The information contained in the gift wager database including informatioai about wagers placed for others is is the form of a series of rocords.
In one embodiment, the series of records include a gift giver racord, a gift wager record and a gift recipient record. The gift giver record includes, for example, a gift giver profile including his or her o-mail address, home and/or business addresses, home andlor business numbers, an unique identification number, a history of past gift wagers, and so on. The gift giver profile can contain preferences such as preferred styles of bets, particular themes of wagers, and other similar types of information. Likewise, the gift recipient record includes a gift recipient profile including, for example, his or her e-mail address, home and~or business addresses, and home and/or business numbers, an unique identification number, a history of past gift wagers received, and so on.
The gift wager record, in one embodiment, includes pointers or logical linkx to sn associated gift giver and gift recipient records, such as address to the records or unique idcatification numbers for each record. The gift wager record includes, for example, dates when the gift or bet was made, whoa the winnings were or ~an~ll be paid, when the outcome of the wager happened or will happen, how much and to which charity will some of the winnings will go to and so an. Other information included in the gift wager record can include what theme is related to the gift wager, haw much is or was the wager for, what are the odds of the wager and so on.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an operational overview of the electronic wagering system illustrated in FIG.1 _ In step 21., a gift giver thmugh the user computer 11 accesses wager AMENDED SHEET
CIACtnAicewtT ~n m~u ~.e~ ~mn~nrvo-rrtT ~n mu 1 savor 13. In stop 23, the gift giver selects a gift wager. In step 25, the gift giver provides information about him or hersol~ In one embodiment the infmmatioa provided about the gift giver includes the name, address, phone number and payment information, eg., a credit card number of the gift giver. In stop 27, the gift giver provides information about a gift recipient.
S With the gift wager prepared, the wager server, in step 29, notifies the gift recipient that a gift wager has been made. In step 30, the wager server periodically dexermines if the outcome of the gift wager has bees determined. Once the wager server in step 30 detezmines that the outcome of the gift wager has b cen determined then the wags server notifies the gift recipient and/or the gift giver regarding the outcome and winnings, if any, of the gift wager and then process ends.
FTG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the wager server in FIG. i . The wager server is configured to provide bi-directional coamztmication between the user computer of the gift giver and the wager server. The wager server includes a wages interface 201 for receiving wager requests from the gift giver to allow gift givers to inform the wager server that thcywish to compose a wager to be given away. The wager interface can be a Web page, an E-mail, a customer service representative or a customized or standard software interface with access to the wager server, or an automated or interactive attendant telephone switching system. In one exabodiment, the wager interface requests information from the gift giver through a series of displays, user-interface windows or screens, e-mails, text prompts, voice prompts, web pages, or various other forms of user interfaces. Tn a preferred embodiment, the gift giver accesses the wager interface through~a web page of the wager server utilizing an Internet connection.
When a gift giver accesses the wager scnrer, in one embodiment, the wager server greets the gift giver by providing an introduction web page to the user computer of the gift giver to direct the gift giver through the process of creating a gift wager. As shows in FTG. 3, the wager server includes a registration module 203. The registration module allows gift givers to enter specific personal information pertaining to the gift giver.
Tn one embodiment, when the gift giver supplies the appropriate information to the registration module 203, the wager server ca~eates a gift giver record. ?he registration module rcyuosts personal information from the gift giver regarding speci$c information about the gift giver, such as contact information and. other information to populate or develop some or all of 3 0 a gift giver record. In one embodiment, a form is provided by the registration module for the gift giver to provide personal information. The information is generally returned as part of a URL
string, although other methods are also possible. The creation of forws and the reception of information from areas by servers are well known methods to Web site developers.
In one embodiment, a gift giveacrecord is populated or developed by the gift giver "logging in", e.g., using a name or identification number andlor a password, to the wager server. As such, the registration module 203 is able to access an old record from the gift wager database about the gift giver and thereby develop the gift ,giver record. 1n ono ~nbod;ment, the registration module 203 downloads a "coolae" file to the user computer, such that personal contact information AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGSif i i nn .mN ~. ~,~ encnpnr~rc~G rT ~n mu 37554PIM688 ' pertaining to the user remains persistent and thus peamits the user to navigate between the wager server and the multitude of other web sites and/or web se~nrers without having to re-cater the user's personal or identification information.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the wager server further includes wager construction module 205 and outcome tracking module 207. The wager construction module 205 requests i~o~formation from the gift giver or provides the gift giver a series of prompts or questions to develop a gift wager. Ia one embodiment, the wager construction module 205 provides the gift give a predetermined selection of gift wagers. In one embodirnont, the wager construction module provides the gift giver a selection of topics or categories grouping a series of bets, such as bets on particular events such as Sports, weather reports, e.g., if it will rain in Los Angeles on a particular day, and so on. The wager construction module also provides selections of odds, bet amounts or stakes, sad other types of information to the gift giver to create the gift wager.
. Optionally, the wager construction module also provides a selection of messages to be attached to gift wager, such as an B-mail, a simple text message, or as electronic gr~eting~ card.
Additionally, the wager construction module, in one embodiment, further provides the option of attaching a tangible gift, such as ffowcrs or candy.
In one embodiment, the wager construction module accesses a gift and message server.
The gift and message server, in one embodiment, is a computing device, such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. In one embodiment, the gift sad message server and the wager server arc one in the same and/or the outcome database is included with the gift wager database. The gift and message server provides information tv the wager construction module to direct the gift giver through the process of selecting or creating a gift andlor message, and attaching the gift and/or message, such, as an electronic greeting card, E-mail or another type of communiquc.
The gift and message server prepares the message and gift for viewing by the gift giver and eventually the gift recipient, and stores the viewable message and gift in a gift and message viewing storage. In one embodiment, the gift and/or message are stored as records in the gift wager database and linked to or associated with the gift wager record for the gift wager created by the wager constsvction module.
In one eaabodimeat, the wager construction module of the wager server releases control to the gift and message server to direct the gift giver through the gift and/or message selection process. Once, the gift giver completes the gift andlor message selection process, the gift and message server releases control back to the wager server. Iri one embodiment, the gift andlor message selection process begins with the gift giver being provided a selection of topics of 3 5 different types of gifts andlor messages. In one embodiment, the series of topics provided relate to the gift wager, holidays or special occasions, or athar types of common interests.
The gift and message server provides a selection of gifts, such as candies, flowers, perfume or other types of retail items, and messages, such as electronic or conventional greeting _d.
AMENDED SHEET
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1 cards, postcards, voice mails, and otheor types of correspondence, based on the topic chosen. The gift giver is provided an option to customize the gift or message, such as adding or modifying the specific greeting on tho massage or color of the gift. The gift and message server also provides an option to preview the message or gift in which the gift and message seaver displays the message or gift. The gift giver is also provided the option to attach additional gifts and messages.
In one Gmbodimeat, the gift and message server provides a verification stage for the gift giver to veri#~r the previously provided information. If the gift giver wishes to change any information provided, gifts yr messages attaehed, the gift and/or message selxtion process is repeated. The gift and message saver then attaches the ,gifts and/or messages to the gift wager, by associating or adding the information about the gifts and/or messages to the gift wager record in the gift wager database. Once the gift andlormessage seIectioaprocess ends, the gift and message server releases wntrol back to the wager server, e.g., the wager const<vction module.
The wager construction module 205 also requests information about the gift recipient, such as contact information and other information to populate or develop some or all of a gift recipient record. In one embodiment, a gift recipient record is populated or developod by the giR
giver selecting, browsing or searching for a name, nickname, or another identifying mark for th;e gift rocipient as provided by the wager server in as address book or another type of contact list.
Therefore, the wager constnietion module 205 with the information gathered from the gift giver is able to populate or develop a gift wager record with Iiaks to the gift giver record, information identi fyag the gift ,giver, and the gift recipient record, information identifying the gift recipient.
FIG. 4 illnsttatcs a flow diagram of one embodiment of the wager constraction module 205 of FIG. 3, creating a gift wager. In step 31, the wager construction module provides a series of topics or categories of difFereat gift wagers along with a series of specific gift wagers. rn one embodiment, the series of topics provided relate to, sporting events, weather reports, or other similar outcomabased programming. In step 33, the gift giver selects a giR
wager topic. In step 35, the wager construction module in response to the gift wager topic being selected displays a selection of wagers and odds associated with the wagers displayed.
In step 37, if the gift giver wants specific information on a particular gift wager, then, if available, the wager construction aiodulc provides or displays a description of a specific gift wager to the user computer in stop 39. For example, a display, voice message, wd~ page and the like could provide a description of a specific gift wager including the odds and other specific infonaation. In another example, a display, voice message, web page and the like could provide _ a description of how to obtain information about a specific gift wager including the odds sad other sp eeific information. If the gift giver dots not want specific information on aparticular gift wager or ifno specific information is available, then the gift giver selects a wager in step 4i. The wager construction module then displays a range of gift wager amounts for selection by a gift giver in step 43. Yn one embodiment, the gift wager amounts range from ten dollars to a hundred dollars. Alternatively, m step 43 and ~5, the gift giver selects or inputs a specific gift wager _y_ AMENDED SHEET
~h~DGApIl:C7CtT ~I1 illu 9.C7 xnnnnnnvn~rrr nn mu , ", 37554PlM688 ' , _ _ _ _ . _ _ 1 amount In step 47, the gift giver is given a choice to 'attach a gift and/or a message to the gift wager to be sent to the gift recipient (optional). Also, optionally, in step 49, the giR giver is given a choice by the wager server to choose a charity and then the process ends. The charity chosen receives a portion of the gift wager amount selected by the gift gives in stop 45: Upon completion of the process, the wags construction module in one embodiment, or populates a wager record based on the information gathered through the process descn'bed and stores the wager record is the gi8 wager database.
In one embodiment, the wager server provides a verification stage for the ,gift giver to verify the previously provided or selected information by the gift giver or wage sewer concerning, for example, the gift giver, the gift wager andlor the gift recipient. If the gift giver wishes to change the information provided, the wager server provides the gift giver an option to re-input or modify the provided or selected information otherwise the process ends, Refe~ning back to FTG. 3, in one embodiment, the outcome tracking module 207 requests information from the gift giver about how the gift wager should be transmitted to the gift recipient xn another embodiment, the outcome tracking module 207 is configured to transmit the information about the gift wager to the gift recipient via a predetermined meaner. Ia one embodiment, notification information about the gift wager can be transmitted via E-mail. Thus, the outcome hacking module is able to notify the gift recipient that a wager, any attached messages and/or gifts for the gift rocipie~at has been made by a gift giver.
Similarly, in one embodiment, the outcome tracking module is configured to provide additional information, via E-mail, pertaining to details required to access additional information about the gift wager or winnings associated with the gift wager from the wager sewer.
In a preferred embodiment, the E-snail, provided to the gift rxipient by the outcome tra~ng module 207, includes aUniform Resource Lo cater (CTRL) designating a specific location of information on the Internet. The URL is a string expression representing a location identifier on the Internet or on a local'IYansmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCPIIP) computer system. The location identifier generally specifies the location of a server on the Internet, the directory on the server where specific files containing information are found, and the names of the specific files containing information. Certain default rules apply so that the specific file names, and even the directory containing the specific files, need not be spxified. Thus, the user may enter the URL on the user's computer in conjunction with exxution of the browser software to obtain the desired information from a particular Web server to view the gift wager created, attached gift's andlor messages.
Ia another embodiment, the gift wager notification and access information can be transmitted via a voice mail message or by a customer representative ova a telephone network.
In one embodiment, the outcome tracking module triggers an automated telephone system to place a telephone call to the gift recipient providing notification and access information about _g_ AMENDED SHEET
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~ m~~rrsnvoo 1 the gi8 wager, attached gifts and/or taessages or providing a Iirrk, such as a number to contact or an web address to access in order to obtain aotifxcation and access information about the gift wags, attached gifts en;dlor messages, through, for acample, an auidomated voice recording.
Tn other embodiments, the outcome ltaclang module 207 provides pager andlor cellular phone messaging or notifications, such as numeric and alphanumeric m, voice mails, Internet comiection messaging, such as instant messages and/or banner advertising, or specific propriety or public service prvvid~cr connections, such as elxtronic programing guide providers ' through, for example, a vcrrical btaak;ag interval in a television signal, or specific advertising by Internet service providers, and various other forays of electronic transmission and communications is utilized to providcnotification and/or access information about the gift wags, attached gifts andlor messages or providing apainter or link to access and obtain notification and access information about the guff wager, attached gigs and/ormessages.1n smother embodiment, the notification and/or access information about the gift wager, attached gifts andlor messages is provided via mail, delivery service, or another non-electronic method of transmission.
Furthcnmore, is most cases, the gift wager placed bythe gift giver for the gift recipient has not matured. In other wards, the outcome is yet to be detamiacd. In this case, reminder communications, such as E-mails, voice messages and the like and the other forms of communication described above for the notification and access information, are sent to the gift recipient by the outcome tracking module to periodically inform or to check the outcome of the gift wager. Using the name and password provided to the gift recipient as descn'bed above, the gift recipient at a later time, is able to periodically chock the status of the gift wager.
Additionally or in the alternative, an outcome coma~uaication, such as as E-mail, voice message, and the like and the other forms of communication described above for the notification and access information, is sent to the gift recipient andlor gift giver once the gift wager has matured.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, a receipt is sent, via the above-mentioned forms of communication described for the notification, access, reminder, and outcome information, to the gift giver containing information about the gift wager created bythe wager oonstruetion module 205. In one embodiment, the information provided includes the type of gift wager and the amount charged to the gift giver's credit card and/or other paym~t type information. Once, the gift recipient accesses andlor views the gift wager, a received notification is scat by the outcome tracking module 207 to the gift giver to notify the gift giver that the gift wager created has been accessed and/or viewed by the gift recipient.
In one embodinnent, the outcome tracking module 207 determines if the outcome of the gift wager has been established by checking an outcome database that includes status records.
The status records include information about aparticuIar event or events, such as a football game, total number of rushing yardage by a particular team in the football game, and so on; the outcomes) or final results) of the particular events) and the like. The status records could further include pointers or links or unique identification number to various gift wager rGCOtds AMENDED SHEET
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created in the gift wagerdatabase. In one embodiment, gild wagerracords include links or naique identification numbers to the various status records.
In one cmbodima~ the stains records are managed and updated manually by an authorized administrator of the outcome database. In another e~nbodimeut, the status records are managed by a status server. The status saver, in one embodiment, is a computing device, such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. The status server is coupled to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a RAB7 or afBOD. The mass storage device hosts the outcome database. In one embodiment, the status serves and the wager server are one is the same andlor the outcome database is included with the gift wager database. Also, the mass storage device coupled to the status server could be the same mass storage device coupled to the wager leaver.
Ia another embodiment, the status server is a sea'vice or contact provider containing a digital food of real-time andlor periodieahy updated information concoming events relevant to one or more gift wagers. The service provider could include a news service, a sports news service and the like. In another embodiment, the final results ofthe events for each status record could be updated manually as the information becomes available.
FIG. S illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of the outcome traeJdag module 207 of FIG. 3, notifying a gift recipient aadlor a gift giver concellaing the outcome of a gift wagon.
In step 71, the outcome tracking module receives information pertaining the outcome of a particular event, such as a final score of a football garner. In another embodim~t, the outcome haielaag module periodicallysearches the outcome database for the outcome of aparticular event.
In step 73, the outcome tracking module searches the gift wager database to locate the gift wager nerved or records that pertain to the particular event in which an outcome has been determined.
Ia step 75, if the outcome tracking module search finds the gift wager record or records, the outcome tracking module extracts the associated gift recipient information in step 77. Ia one embodiment, the gift wager record or records include Iiaks to associated gift recipient records containing giR rxipient information. Also, in step 77, the outcome tracking module notifies the associated gift recipient or gift recipients with result data pertaining to the outcome of the particular event and thus associate gift wagcr(s).
Optionally, in step 79, the outcome tracking module also extracts the associated gift giver information. In one embodiment, the gift wager record or records include links to associated gift giver records containing gift giver information. Thus, also, in step 79, the outcome tracking module notifies the associated gift giver or gift giver with result data pertaining to the outcome of the particular event and thus associate gift wager{s). If, is step 75, the outcome tracking module search does not find a gift wager record pertaining to the particular event in step 71, the process ends. Thus, once the outcome of the gift wager is determined, the gift recipient and/or the gift giver is notified of the outcome, whether the outcome is favorable or unfavorable.
If the determined outcome of the gift wager is favorable, e.g,, the bet is that team A will win game Y and team A door win game Y, then the wager server determines the wirmings or -10.
AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGS/F I I 'lll ,IlIN i ~'~ I RU51)HUGKS/t I I /li. JUN. 4: ~fi 37554P1M688 ' ' - . _ payo$'owed to the gift recipient The outcome tracking module 207 d~nina the winnings based on predetermiacd odds associated with the gift wager or other similarprod~mincd tables or calculations to assess the winnings. The gift recipient is provided the winnings of the gift wager in various ways. In one Embodiment, the gift mcipieaat is sent a chcxk or other similar types of payment via mail for the amount of winnings of the gift wager. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided informarion about how to obtain the winnings of the gift wager via mail, E-mail, voice message(s), similar forms of communication as described above for the notification and access information, or other similar foams of comaluaication.
In one embodiment, the wager server or the status server creates and sends an E.raail to the gift recipient notifying the gift recipient of hislher winnings and providing the gift recipient a unique winning identiScation number. In one embodiment, the unique winning identification number is linked or associated with ~e gift recipient record, the gift giver record and the gill wager record in the gift wager database. Using this unique winning identification number to identify the gift recipient and/or the gift wager to the wager server or states server, the gift recipient can pmvide further contact information in order for the gift recipient to receive hislher winnings.
In a preferred embodiment, the wager server creates and sends an E-mail to the gift rccipie~at notifying the gift rxipient ofhislher wirmings and providing the gift recipient avvianing URL identifying unique iaternet location and including a unique winning identification number.
Using the winning U:Rh~ the gi$ recipient is able to access the wager server that is configured to recognize the unique winning identification number included in the winning URIr. Upon recognition of the unique identification number, the wager server retrieves the gift wager record from the gift wager database that is associated with the unique ideatificatioa number to provide additional information or options in order for the gift recipient to receive hislhar winnings.
In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided a coupon, voucher, or certificate in which the gift recipient must redeem at a specified location and/or time to receive the winnings of the gift wagon, rn one aabodiment, the gift recipient is provided a certificate or credit in which the gift recipient can use to purchase various products or services at various business establishments. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided electronic cash or electronic credit in which the gift recipient can use to purchase various products or services at various on-line business establishments. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided credit with the electror>ic wagering system. Thus, the gift recipient may then use the credit to Create a gift wager, such that the gift reeipieat now becomes the gift giver.
Also, if a chazitywas previously selected bythc gift giver, all or a portion of the winnings, as previously indicated by the gift giver, are set aside for the selected charity. As with the gift recipient, all or a portion of the winnings for the charity arc similarly provided to the selected cbarity. In one embodiment, periodic paymeants such as monthly or bi-monthly payments are made to the selected eharity in which all winnings for all the gift wagers made during a AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGS/hl I lIl. ,IUN_ iWl AUSUHUl;KSLtI I lU. JUN. 4:0~
~ ~ ~~rmnoaa predetermined period are paid in ono lump sum. All the various ways described above to provide the winnings of the gift wager to the gift recipient and/or the selected charity, can be performed via mail, E-mail, voice messages, similar forms of communication as described above for the notification and access information, other types of electronic communication and so forth.
Fiuthermore, the des«ibed manners in which the winnings of the gift wager are provided are similarly used to provide the attached gifts andlor messages to the gift recipient FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a gift recipient obtaining the winnings of a gift wager. Ia step 51, tree gift recipient accesses the wager sewer or the status server. In one embodiment, the gift recipient accesses the wager or status server using the winning LTRL. In another embodiment, the gift rxipient accesses the wager or status server using a login procedure by providing the wager or status server a unique identification number or a name and password. As described above the unique identification number or name and password could be provided previously by the wager or status server upon notifying the gift recipient about the outcome and winnings of the gift wager bythe outcome tracking module 207.
Jn one embodiment, once the gift recipient accesses the wager or status server, the wager server searches the gift wager database to retrieve the gift wagez record pertaiaigg to the gii~
wager and the associated gift giver and gift recipient records. The wager server extracts the contact information of the gift giver from the gift giver record. Using the contact information of the gift giver, such as an 1~-mail address, the wager server notifies the gift giver, such as sending an access notifcatio>a &mail, that the gift recipient has accessed the gift wager for obtaining more information or to obtain winnings as a result of the gift wager.
In step 53, the gift recipient selects a way of obtaining the winnings, for instance, as a credit or certificate, a check mailed to the gift recipient and the like. Iu one embodiment, the form of the winnings, e.g., a credit or certificate, is predeternained. In step 55, the wager or status server determines if the gift recipient needs to provide information such as an address, phone number, and the like to receive the winnings. If the wager or status server determines that the gift recipient needs to provide information, then in step 57, the wager or status server requests and receives the required information from the gift recipient. However, if the wager or staxus server determines that the gift recipient does not need to provide say information or after the gift recipient provides the requested information, then the winnings ofthe gift wager are prepared and sent to the gift recipient, in step 59, sad then the process ends, Tn one embodiment, the wager interface, the registration module, the outcome traelang module end other functions of the wager server comprise programs in the C or C++proglramming language or scripts in the PERL (Version 5.0) pm,~ramming language. C and C++
compilers, PERL interpreters and the C, C++~ and PERL programming languages, and the uses ther~f, ,are well known and oflcn used by Web and software developers. Furthermor5 even thou~l the wager interface, the registration module, and the outwme tracking modules are described as separate items, all the modules could be combined as a single program or hardwired in the wager AMENDED SHEET
FMPFd~lf;~lE I I 7l1 .IIIN ~~ h I AII~IfKl1(:K1/E I I 111. .IIIN. d~ Ofi 37554P/M688 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 server, separately or as one. Also, although a gift giver, gift wager, gift recipient and wager server are described is a singular sense, one skilled is the art would recognize that two or more Sift givers, gift wagers, gift recipients, and wager sav~as and any combination thereof c.g., a ' single gift giver, a single gift wager, three gift racipieats and two wager servers, could be included in the present invention and likewise each could be provided separately, Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method of creating sad placing wagers as a gift by a first user using a wager server such that any winnings arc received by a second user, the intended recipient of the gift, Although this invention has been described is certain spocific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent I O to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in. all respects as illustrative and not rnstricted, the scope of the invention to be ' indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing desctiption.
AMENDED SHEET
C1~DCAAII?07f1T ~n III1I ~.~'7 W nnnnnVn7rrT nn W v ~ nr
PLACED WAGERS FOR ANOTHER
BACKGROUND OF THE IN~~NTIOI~i The present invention relates generally to electronic wagering systems and methods, and more particularly, to a system and metlwd of seating and placing wagers as a gift by a fast user using an electronic wager server such that any wrings arc received by a second user, the intended rcqpient of the gift.
The expansion of electronic devices, such as personal computers and celluiarphones, into the homes, o~ces, and thus "day to day" lives of the average consumers has also expanded nerd opened multiple and diverse avenues in entertainment and business. For instaacc, with the growing acceptance and maturing of the personal coatgutGr and along with it, communication media such as the satellite television and the Internet, electronic shopping has become commonplace and especially convenient for consumers. Hence, finding and ordering a gift has become even easier. However, providing a gift that is different and entertaining is not easily found.
Wagering, risking something, such as a sum of money, on as outcome of as uncertain event, is often entertaining. However, is traditional wagering environments, money is wagered by an individual on an outcome of a particular event and based on the wager and the outcome of the particular event, the individual is given or paid a particular amount of mosey or loses the money wagered. Therefore, the eatcrtainment or enjoyment of the wager is usually isolated to the individual wagerer sad any other parsons that happen to be around the wagerer at the time.
Therefore, even through the use of bloasomiag communication media pmvidiag a worldwide market for both consumers and retailers, the entertainment of the wager is usually shared by one individual, the wagerer.
Providing the individual to share the wagering experience to another individual may well benefit both the individual setting up the wager and the other individual.
U.S. Patent No. 5,442,567 filed on August 15, 1995 and issued to Small describes a greetiQg card dispensing apparatus in which a customer is able to personalize a greeting card and include an associated gift. (See column I, lines 9-11.) Gift possibilities include wagers oa the recipient's favorite sport's theme, gift certificates to department stores, etc., or even money is the forna of money orders. Virtually any gift which can be evidenced by an electronically generated personalized printout and be generated and combined with, or printed directly on, a ' personalized card from the ldosk. (See column 2, lines 12-20.) International Patent Application No. WO99/81188 by Walker, et al, filed on January 14, 1999 describes a system including a central conttolles providing a game of chance arid operated by a gauze provider and a user computer that communicates with the central controller via the Internet. (See page 10, lines 29-33.) The central comroller includes a game database in which each record coaesponds to one AMENDED SHEET
EMPFANG~L~i ~ cv. ~~n. ,: ~, RUJUI(UW~LtI i /f). JU14. a~ n7 i game played by ono player. (Sea page 15, Lines 6-10). Many of the features provided by the present invention arc not described by the documtats of Walks or Small.
SLfI~iARY OF THE INVfiNTION
The present invention provides an electronic wagering system in which a user or consumer, a gift giver, is able to create or select a bet or wager as a gift for another person, a gift recipient The gift r~ecipioat is then notified of the gift giver's gift, the wager, and provided any wimiings resulting from the wager.
Ia accordance with one aspect of the invention, a seethed that provides a gift wager by a first user to a second user and the method comprises composing a gift wager by a first user through a communication media, the ,gift wags including a particular event and a payoff associated to an outcome of the particular event. The method finth;~r comprises obtaining contact information regarding a second user, notifying the second user that a gift wager has been composed by the first user prior to the outcome of the particular event, and providing result data to the second user in response to the outcome of the particular event.
In another aspect ofthe invention, an electronic wager system is provided to provide a gift wager by a first user to a second user. The electronic wagering system includes communication mans providing a conduit to receive input from a first user concerning a gift wager for a second user, the gift wager pertaining tv a wager, a particular event, and contact data concerning a second user sad computer means storing the gift wager from the first user and tracking the particular event, the computer means sending result data to the second user prior in response to an outcome of the particular event.
In another aspect of the invention, an electronic wagon system includes a first user computerutilizedby a first user and coupled to a first communication medium, a second user computer utilized by a second user and coupled to a second communication medium, and a wager server coupled to the first communication medium and the second communication medium. The wager sc:ver~ncludes a memory storage is which at least one wager record is stored in the memory storage, the at least one wager record pertairdng to a predetermined event, and a wager engine configured to receive information fiom the fast user computer to compose the ax least one wager record, to determine an outcome of the predetermined event and to transmit information regarding the outcome of the predetermined event to the second user computer.
Many of the attendant features of this invention will be more readily appreeiaxed as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the electronic wagering system;
FIG. 2 illustzates a flow diagram of an operational oversriew of the olectroaic wagctiag AMENDED SHEET
CAADCAAI~p7CTT ~l1 IIIAI ~.C~ All('~DIII'YQ7CTT 7A IIIAI A.A7 m.rrrm~avoo _ ~- _ _ _ _ _ _ _ system of FIG. l;
FIG. 3 ills a block diagram of one embodiment of a wager serves of the electronic wagering system of FIG.1;
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of creating a wager by a wager construction module of the wager serves of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of notifying a gift recipient and/or a gift giver concerning the outcome of the gi8 wager by an outcome tracing module of the wager server of FTG. 3; and FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of a process of accessing win~uings provided for a gift wager by a gift recipient by the outcome tracking module of the wager server of FIG. 3.
DETAZZ.ED DESCRIPTION
FIG. I illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the electronic wagering system of the present invention. A user computer 11 is linked, telephonically including ISDN lines, ADSL lines and DSL lines, wireless connections, such as radio frequency transmissions and satellite transmissions, orvia anyother communication methods, to anumber of other computers.
These other computers include a wager server I3. The wager server 13, in one embodiment; is a web and database server providing administrative and other functions for the electronic wagering system. In a preferred embodiment, the wager server is a computing device having computer memory storage devices and network interface cards ~d operating under a UNIX
operating system. .
the user computer 1 I may comprise a personal computer (PC), an engineering workstation, apalm computer, a cellularphone, a large mainframe computer, or any other system capable ofsupporting Internet and/or othertypes vfcommunieationmedia and display functions.
Alternatively, a television equipped with a digital or analog set top box or a separate access terminal is used to connect to the Tnternet and/or the wager server.
The separate access tc~minal includes cellular phones, wireless modems and other phone modems providing connection to the Internet andlor the wager server over a telephone network.
Similarly, access to the Internet can be ttuough television cables or satellite delivery systems. Various other devices can be used to provide access to the Internet or send an E-mail to the wager server. In another embodiment, the gift giver uses a cellular, "lead-line", or wireless telephone which communicates with a telephone network or cellular network to access the wager server or a customer representative with access to the wager server. The description ofthe particular devices and access is exemplary and is not intended to be limiting in any sense.
Ia a preferred embodiment, the user computer I I may be a Iow cost machine specially designed for Internet browsing. The user computer includes various application programs, AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANG<iEi i ~n .iiiN a.~~ nncnanr~rc~Grz ~n m~ ~.n~
1 including a Web browsex. the Web browser retrieves information from Web servers, such as the anger server, for display on the user's coaxputer display terminal. The Web browser obtains a copy of the requested material from the wages server when a user, via the user computer, requests in~or~mation from a wager server. The Web browser uses hypertext transfer protocol (H'TT'P) as a protocol for communicating over the Interact with the wager server. Standard TCPIIP is utilized as a protocol to communicate between the user computer and the wager server, and generally according to the Simple Mail transfer Protocol (SMTP), SMTP
being a TCP/»' protocol that operates at layers 5-7 of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Web brawsers are widely commercially available, and include Internet Explorer, available from Microsoft Corporation and Navigator, available from Netscape, and others. Both Internet Explorer and Navigator arc suitable web browsers for use in conjunction with the present invention, with Navigator Version 4.0 and Internet Explorer Version 4.0 being the preferred versions.
In one embodiment, the wager server 13 is coupled to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a redundant array of indepezrdent disks {'RAm) or a group of disks, also known as '5ust a bunch of disks" (3BOD). The mass storage device hosts at least one database, a gift wager database 15, that contours information about wagers placed for others.
The wagon saver is configured to access tire gift wager database to store and retrieve information far the gift wager database. The information contained in the gift wager database including informatioai about wagers placed for others is is the form of a series of rocords.
In one embodiment, the series of records include a gift giver racord, a gift wager record and a gift recipient record. The gift giver record includes, for example, a gift giver profile including his or her o-mail address, home and/or business addresses, home andlor business numbers, an unique identification number, a history of past gift wagers, and so on. The gift giver profile can contain preferences such as preferred styles of bets, particular themes of wagers, and other similar types of information. Likewise, the gift recipient record includes a gift recipient profile including, for example, his or her e-mail address, home and~or business addresses, and home and/or business numbers, an unique identification number, a history of past gift wagers received, and so on.
The gift wager record, in one embodiment, includes pointers or logical linkx to sn associated gift giver and gift recipient records, such as address to the records or unique idcatification numbers for each record. The gift wager record includes, for example, dates when the gift or bet was made, whoa the winnings were or ~an~ll be paid, when the outcome of the wager happened or will happen, how much and to which charity will some of the winnings will go to and so an. Other information included in the gift wager record can include what theme is related to the gift wager, haw much is or was the wager for, what are the odds of the wager and so on.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow diagram of an operational overview of the electronic wagering system illustrated in FIG.1 _ In step 21., a gift giver thmugh the user computer 11 accesses wager AMENDED SHEET
CIACtnAicewtT ~n m~u ~.e~ ~mn~nrvo-rrtT ~n mu 1 savor 13. In stop 23, the gift giver selects a gift wager. In step 25, the gift giver provides information about him or hersol~ In one embodiment the infmmatioa provided about the gift giver includes the name, address, phone number and payment information, eg., a credit card number of the gift giver. In stop 27, the gift giver provides information about a gift recipient.
S With the gift wager prepared, the wager server, in step 29, notifies the gift recipient that a gift wager has been made. In step 30, the wager server periodically dexermines if the outcome of the gift wager has bees determined. Once the wager server in step 30 detezmines that the outcome of the gift wager has b cen determined then the wags server notifies the gift recipient and/or the gift giver regarding the outcome and winnings, if any, of the gift wager and then process ends.
FTG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of one embodiment of the wager server in FIG. i . The wager server is configured to provide bi-directional coamztmication between the user computer of the gift giver and the wager server. The wager server includes a wages interface 201 for receiving wager requests from the gift giver to allow gift givers to inform the wager server that thcywish to compose a wager to be given away. The wager interface can be a Web page, an E-mail, a customer service representative or a customized or standard software interface with access to the wager server, or an automated or interactive attendant telephone switching system. In one exabodiment, the wager interface requests information from the gift giver through a series of displays, user-interface windows or screens, e-mails, text prompts, voice prompts, web pages, or various other forms of user interfaces. Tn a preferred embodiment, the gift giver accesses the wager interface through~a web page of the wager server utilizing an Internet connection.
When a gift giver accesses the wager scnrer, in one embodiment, the wager server greets the gift giver by providing an introduction web page to the user computer of the gift giver to direct the gift giver through the process of creating a gift wager. As shows in FTG. 3, the wager server includes a registration module 203. The registration module allows gift givers to enter specific personal information pertaining to the gift giver.
Tn one embodiment, when the gift giver supplies the appropriate information to the registration module 203, the wager server ca~eates a gift giver record. ?he registration module rcyuosts personal information from the gift giver regarding speci$c information about the gift giver, such as contact information and. other information to populate or develop some or all of 3 0 a gift giver record. In one embodiment, a form is provided by the registration module for the gift giver to provide personal information. The information is generally returned as part of a URL
string, although other methods are also possible. The creation of forws and the reception of information from areas by servers are well known methods to Web site developers.
In one embodiment, a gift giveacrecord is populated or developed by the gift giver "logging in", e.g., using a name or identification number andlor a password, to the wager server. As such, the registration module 203 is able to access an old record from the gift wager database about the gift giver and thereby develop the gift ,giver record. 1n ono ~nbod;ment, the registration module 203 downloads a "coolae" file to the user computer, such that personal contact information AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGSif i i nn .mN ~. ~,~ encnpnr~rc~G rT ~n mu 37554PIM688 ' pertaining to the user remains persistent and thus peamits the user to navigate between the wager server and the multitude of other web sites and/or web se~nrers without having to re-cater the user's personal or identification information.
As further shown in FIG. 3, the wager server further includes wager construction module 205 and outcome tracking module 207. The wager construction module 205 requests i~o~formation from the gift giver or provides the gift giver a series of prompts or questions to develop a gift wager. Ia one embodiment, the wager construction module 205 provides the gift give a predetermined selection of gift wagers. In one embodirnont, the wager construction module provides the gift giver a selection of topics or categories grouping a series of bets, such as bets on particular events such as Sports, weather reports, e.g., if it will rain in Los Angeles on a particular day, and so on. The wager construction module also provides selections of odds, bet amounts or stakes, sad other types of information to the gift giver to create the gift wager.
. Optionally, the wager construction module also provides a selection of messages to be attached to gift wager, such as an B-mail, a simple text message, or as electronic gr~eting~ card.
Additionally, the wager construction module, in one embodiment, further provides the option of attaching a tangible gift, such as ffowcrs or candy.
In one embodiment, the wager construction module accesses a gift and message server.
The gift and message server, in one embodiment, is a computing device, such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. In one embodiment, the gift sad message server and the wager server arc one in the same and/or the outcome database is included with the gift wager database. The gift and message server provides information tv the wager construction module to direct the gift giver through the process of selecting or creating a gift andlor message, and attaching the gift and/or message, such, as an electronic greeting card, E-mail or another type of communiquc.
The gift and message server prepares the message and gift for viewing by the gift giver and eventually the gift recipient, and stores the viewable message and gift in a gift and message viewing storage. In one embodiment, the gift and/or message are stored as records in the gift wager database and linked to or associated with the gift wager record for the gift wager created by the wager constsvction module.
In one eaabodimeat, the wager construction module of the wager server releases control to the gift and message server to direct the gift giver through the gift and/or message selection process. Once, the gift giver completes the gift andlor message selection process, the gift and message server releases control back to the wager server. Iri one embodiment, the gift andlor message selection process begins with the gift giver being provided a selection of topics of 3 5 different types of gifts andlor messages. In one embodiment, the series of topics provided relate to the gift wager, holidays or special occasions, or athar types of common interests.
The gift and message server provides a selection of gifts, such as candies, flowers, perfume or other types of retail items, and messages, such as electronic or conventional greeting _d.
AMENDED SHEET
FMPGO~I(;C7GtT 7n lei a.G7 nnenonrve~rrT ~n iiiu ~.nc 37554P/M688 ' .'~ " . ""
1 cards, postcards, voice mails, and otheor types of correspondence, based on the topic chosen. The gift giver is provided an option to customize the gift or message, such as adding or modifying the specific greeting on tho massage or color of the gift. The gift and message server also provides an option to preview the message or gift in which the gift and message seaver displays the message or gift. The gift giver is also provided the option to attach additional gifts and messages.
In one Gmbodimeat, the gift and message server provides a verification stage for the gift giver to veri#~r the previously provided information. If the gift giver wishes to change any information provided, gifts yr messages attaehed, the gift and/or message selxtion process is repeated. The gift and message saver then attaches the ,gifts and/or messages to the gift wager, by associating or adding the information about the gifts and/or messages to the gift wager record in the gift wager database. Once the gift andlormessage seIectioaprocess ends, the gift and message server releases wntrol back to the wager server, e.g., the wager const<vction module.
The wager construction module 205 also requests information about the gift recipient, such as contact information and other information to populate or develop some or all of a gift recipient record. In one embodiment, a gift recipient record is populated or developod by the giR
giver selecting, browsing or searching for a name, nickname, or another identifying mark for th;e gift rocipient as provided by the wager server in as address book or another type of contact list.
Therefore, the wager constnietion module 205 with the information gathered from the gift giver is able to populate or develop a gift wager record with Iiaks to the gift giver record, information identi fyag the gift ,giver, and the gift recipient record, information identifying the gift recipient.
FIG. 4 illnsttatcs a flow diagram of one embodiment of the wager constraction module 205 of FIG. 3, creating a gift wager. In step 31, the wager construction module provides a series of topics or categories of difFereat gift wagers along with a series of specific gift wagers. rn one embodiment, the series of topics provided relate to, sporting events, weather reports, or other similar outcomabased programming. In step 33, the gift giver selects a giR
wager topic. In step 35, the wager construction module in response to the gift wager topic being selected displays a selection of wagers and odds associated with the wagers displayed.
In step 37, if the gift giver wants specific information on a particular gift wager, then, if available, the wager construction aiodulc provides or displays a description of a specific gift wager to the user computer in stop 39. For example, a display, voice message, wd~ page and the like could provide a description of a specific gift wager including the odds and other specific infonaation. In another example, a display, voice message, web page and the like could provide _ a description of how to obtain information about a specific gift wager including the odds sad other sp eeific information. If the gift giver dots not want specific information on aparticular gift wager or ifno specific information is available, then the gift giver selects a wager in step 4i. The wager construction module then displays a range of gift wager amounts for selection by a gift giver in step 43. Yn one embodiment, the gift wager amounts range from ten dollars to a hundred dollars. Alternatively, m step 43 and ~5, the gift giver selects or inputs a specific gift wager _y_ AMENDED SHEET
~h~DGApIl:C7CtT ~I1 illu 9.C7 xnnnnnnvn~rrr nn mu , ", 37554PlM688 ' , _ _ _ _ . _ _ 1 amount In step 47, the gift giver is given a choice to 'attach a gift and/or a message to the gift wager to be sent to the gift recipient (optional). Also, optionally, in step 49, the giR giver is given a choice by the wager server to choose a charity and then the process ends. The charity chosen receives a portion of the gift wager amount selected by the gift gives in stop 45: Upon completion of the process, the wags construction module in one embodiment, or populates a wager record based on the information gathered through the process descn'bed and stores the wager record is the gi8 wager database.
In one embodiment, the wager server provides a verification stage for the ,gift giver to verify the previously provided or selected information by the gift giver or wage sewer concerning, for example, the gift giver, the gift wager andlor the gift recipient. If the gift giver wishes to change the information provided, the wager server provides the gift giver an option to re-input or modify the provided or selected information otherwise the process ends, Refe~ning back to FTG. 3, in one embodiment, the outcome tracking module 207 requests information from the gift giver about how the gift wager should be transmitted to the gift recipient xn another embodiment, the outcome tracking module 207 is configured to transmit the information about the gift wager to the gift recipient via a predetermined meaner. Ia one embodiment, notification information about the gift wager can be transmitted via E-mail. Thus, the outcome hacking module is able to notify the gift recipient that a wager, any attached messages and/or gifts for the gift rocipie~at has been made by a gift giver.
Similarly, in one embodiment, the outcome tracking module is configured to provide additional information, via E-mail, pertaining to details required to access additional information about the gift wager or winnings associated with the gift wager from the wager sewer.
In a preferred embodiment, the E-snail, provided to the gift rxipient by the outcome tra~ng module 207, includes aUniform Resource Lo cater (CTRL) designating a specific location of information on the Internet. The URL is a string expression representing a location identifier on the Internet or on a local'IYansmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCPIIP) computer system. The location identifier generally specifies the location of a server on the Internet, the directory on the server where specific files containing information are found, and the names of the specific files containing information. Certain default rules apply so that the specific file names, and even the directory containing the specific files, need not be spxified. Thus, the user may enter the URL on the user's computer in conjunction with exxution of the browser software to obtain the desired information from a particular Web server to view the gift wager created, attached gift's andlor messages.
Ia another embodiment, the gift wager notification and access information can be transmitted via a voice mail message or by a customer representative ova a telephone network.
In one embodiment, the outcome tracking module triggers an automated telephone system to place a telephone call to the gift recipient providing notification and access information about _g_ AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANf;siEii ~n .iitN a,~~ enenpnr~remr ~n iiiwi ~.nc~
~ m~~rrsnvoo 1 the gi8 wager, attached gifts and/or taessages or providing a Iirrk, such as a number to contact or an web address to access in order to obtain aotifxcation and access information about the gift wags, attached gifts en;dlor messages, through, for acample, an auidomated voice recording.
Tn other embodiments, the outcome ltaclang module 207 provides pager andlor cellular phone messaging or notifications, such as numeric and alphanumeric m, voice mails, Internet comiection messaging, such as instant messages and/or banner advertising, or specific propriety or public service prvvid~cr connections, such as elxtronic programing guide providers ' through, for example, a vcrrical btaak;ag interval in a television signal, or specific advertising by Internet service providers, and various other forays of electronic transmission and communications is utilized to providcnotification and/or access information about the gift wags, attached gifts andlor messages or providing apainter or link to access and obtain notification and access information about the guff wager, attached gigs and/ormessages.1n smother embodiment, the notification and/or access information about the gift wager, attached gifts andlor messages is provided via mail, delivery service, or another non-electronic method of transmission.
Furthcnmore, is most cases, the gift wager placed bythe gift giver for the gift recipient has not matured. In other wards, the outcome is yet to be detamiacd. In this case, reminder communications, such as E-mails, voice messages and the like and the other forms of communication described above for the notification and access information, are sent to the gift recipient by the outcome tracking module to periodically inform or to check the outcome of the gift wager. Using the name and password provided to the gift recipient as descn'bed above, the gift recipient at a later time, is able to periodically chock the status of the gift wager.
Additionally or in the alternative, an outcome coma~uaication, such as as E-mail, voice message, and the like and the other forms of communication described above for the notification and access information, is sent to the gift recipient andlor gift giver once the gift wager has matured.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, a receipt is sent, via the above-mentioned forms of communication described for the notification, access, reminder, and outcome information, to the gift giver containing information about the gift wager created bythe wager oonstruetion module 205. In one embodiment, the information provided includes the type of gift wager and the amount charged to the gift giver's credit card and/or other paym~t type information. Once, the gift recipient accesses andlor views the gift wager, a received notification is scat by the outcome tracking module 207 to the gift giver to notify the gift giver that the gift wager created has been accessed and/or viewed by the gift recipient.
In one embodinnent, the outcome tracking module 207 determines if the outcome of the gift wager has been established by checking an outcome database that includes status records.
The status records include information about aparticuIar event or events, such as a football game, total number of rushing yardage by a particular team in the football game, and so on; the outcomes) or final results) of the particular events) and the like. The status records could further include pointers or links or unique identification number to various gift wager rGCOtds AMENDED SHEET
~uvGeurcmr ~n iiiu z.~~ encnanrKCmT ~n iiiu d.n~
~ r»~trr~noaa . . ..
created in the gift wagerdatabase. In one embodiment, gild wagerracords include links or naique identification numbers to the various status records.
In one cmbodima~ the stains records are managed and updated manually by an authorized administrator of the outcome database. In another e~nbodimeut, the status records are managed by a status server. The status saver, in one embodiment, is a computing device, such as a server, workstation, or personal computer. The status server is coupled to a mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a RAB7 or afBOD. The mass storage device hosts the outcome database. In one embodiment, the status serves and the wager server are one is the same andlor the outcome database is included with the gift wager database. Also, the mass storage device coupled to the status server could be the same mass storage device coupled to the wager leaver.
Ia another embodiment, the status server is a sea'vice or contact provider containing a digital food of real-time andlor periodieahy updated information concoming events relevant to one or more gift wagers. The service provider could include a news service, a sports news service and the like. In another embodiment, the final results ofthe events for each status record could be updated manually as the information becomes available.
FIG. S illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of the outcome traeJdag module 207 of FIG. 3, notifying a gift recipient aadlor a gift giver concellaing the outcome of a gift wagon.
In step 71, the outcome tracking module receives information pertaining the outcome of a particular event, such as a final score of a football garner. In another embodim~t, the outcome haielaag module periodicallysearches the outcome database for the outcome of aparticular event.
In step 73, the outcome tracking module searches the gift wager database to locate the gift wager nerved or records that pertain to the particular event in which an outcome has been determined.
Ia step 75, if the outcome tracking module search finds the gift wager record or records, the outcome tracking module extracts the associated gift recipient information in step 77. Ia one embodiment, the gift wager record or records include Iiaks to associated gift recipient records containing giR rxipient information. Also, in step 77, the outcome tracking module notifies the associated gift recipient or gift recipients with result data pertaining to the outcome of the particular event and thus associate gift wagcr(s).
Optionally, in step 79, the outcome tracking module also extracts the associated gift giver information. In one embodiment, the gift wager record or records include links to associated gift giver records containing gift giver information. Thus, also, in step 79, the outcome tracking module notifies the associated gift giver or gift giver with result data pertaining to the outcome of the particular event and thus associate gift wager{s). If, is step 75, the outcome tracking module search does not find a gift wager record pertaining to the particular event in step 71, the process ends. Thus, once the outcome of the gift wager is determined, the gift recipient and/or the gift giver is notified of the outcome, whether the outcome is favorable or unfavorable.
If the determined outcome of the gift wager is favorable, e.g,, the bet is that team A will win game Y and team A door win game Y, then the wager server determines the wirmings or -10.
AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGS/F I I 'lll ,IlIN i ~'~ I RU51)HUGKS/t I I /li. JUN. 4: ~fi 37554P1M688 ' ' - . _ payo$'owed to the gift recipient The outcome tracking module 207 d~nina the winnings based on predetermiacd odds associated with the gift wager or other similarprod~mincd tables or calculations to assess the winnings. The gift recipient is provided the winnings of the gift wager in various ways. In one Embodiment, the gift mcipieaat is sent a chcxk or other similar types of payment via mail for the amount of winnings of the gift wager. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided informarion about how to obtain the winnings of the gift wager via mail, E-mail, voice message(s), similar forms of communication as described above for the notification and access information, or other similar foams of comaluaication.
In one embodiment, the wager server or the status server creates and sends an E.raail to the gift recipient notifying the gift recipient of hislher winnings and providing the gift recipient a unique winning identiScation number. In one embodiment, the unique winning identification number is linked or associated with ~e gift recipient record, the gift giver record and the gill wager record in the gift wager database. Using this unique winning identification number to identify the gift recipient and/or the gift wager to the wager server or states server, the gift recipient can pmvide further contact information in order for the gift recipient to receive hislher winnings.
In a preferred embodiment, the wager server creates and sends an E-mail to the gift rccipie~at notifying the gift rxipient ofhislher wirmings and providing the gift recipient avvianing URL identifying unique iaternet location and including a unique winning identification number.
Using the winning U:Rh~ the gi$ recipient is able to access the wager server that is configured to recognize the unique winning identification number included in the winning URIr. Upon recognition of the unique identification number, the wager server retrieves the gift wager record from the gift wager database that is associated with the unique ideatificatioa number to provide additional information or options in order for the gift recipient to receive hislhar winnings.
In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided a coupon, voucher, or certificate in which the gift recipient must redeem at a specified location and/or time to receive the winnings of the gift wagon, rn one aabodiment, the gift recipient is provided a certificate or credit in which the gift recipient can use to purchase various products or services at various business establishments. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided electronic cash or electronic credit in which the gift recipient can use to purchase various products or services at various on-line business establishments. In one embodiment, the gift recipient is provided credit with the electror>ic wagering system. Thus, the gift recipient may then use the credit to Create a gift wager, such that the gift reeipieat now becomes the gift giver.
Also, if a chazitywas previously selected bythc gift giver, all or a portion of the winnings, as previously indicated by the gift giver, are set aside for the selected charity. As with the gift recipient, all or a portion of the winnings for the charity arc similarly provided to the selected cbarity. In one embodiment, periodic paymeants such as monthly or bi-monthly payments are made to the selected eharity in which all winnings for all the gift wagers made during a AMENDED SHEET
FMPFANGS/hl I lIl. ,IUN_ iWl AUSUHUl;KSLtI I lU. JUN. 4:0~
~ ~ ~~rmnoaa predetermined period are paid in ono lump sum. All the various ways described above to provide the winnings of the gift wager to the gift recipient and/or the selected charity, can be performed via mail, E-mail, voice messages, similar forms of communication as described above for the notification and access information, other types of electronic communication and so forth.
Fiuthermore, the des«ibed manners in which the winnings of the gift wager are provided are similarly used to provide the attached gifts andlor messages to the gift recipient FIG. 6 illustrates a flow diagram of one embodiment of a gift recipient obtaining the winnings of a gift wager. Ia step 51, tree gift recipient accesses the wager sewer or the status server. In one embodiment, the gift recipient accesses the wager or status server using the winning LTRL. In another embodiment, the gift rxipient accesses the wager or status server using a login procedure by providing the wager or status server a unique identification number or a name and password. As described above the unique identification number or name and password could be provided previously by the wager or status server upon notifying the gift recipient about the outcome and winnings of the gift wager bythe outcome tracking module 207.
Jn one embodiment, once the gift recipient accesses the wager or status server, the wager server searches the gift wager database to retrieve the gift wagez record pertaiaigg to the gii~
wager and the associated gift giver and gift recipient records. The wager server extracts the contact information of the gift giver from the gift giver record. Using the contact information of the gift giver, such as an 1~-mail address, the wager server notifies the gift giver, such as sending an access notifcatio>a &mail, that the gift recipient has accessed the gift wager for obtaining more information or to obtain winnings as a result of the gift wager.
In step 53, the gift recipient selects a way of obtaining the winnings, for instance, as a credit or certificate, a check mailed to the gift recipient and the like. Iu one embodiment, the form of the winnings, e.g., a credit or certificate, is predeternained. In step 55, the wager or status server determines if the gift recipient needs to provide information such as an address, phone number, and the like to receive the winnings. If the wager or status server determines that the gift recipient needs to provide information, then in step 57, the wager or status server requests and receives the required information from the gift recipient. However, if the wager or staxus server determines that the gift recipient does not need to provide say information or after the gift recipient provides the requested information, then the winnings ofthe gift wager are prepared and sent to the gift recipient, in step 59, sad then the process ends, Tn one embodiment, the wager interface, the registration module, the outcome traelang module end other functions of the wager server comprise programs in the C or C++proglramming language or scripts in the PERL (Version 5.0) pm,~ramming language. C and C++
compilers, PERL interpreters and the C, C++~ and PERL programming languages, and the uses ther~f, ,are well known and oflcn used by Web and software developers. Furthermor5 even thou~l the wager interface, the registration module, and the outwme tracking modules are described as separate items, all the modules could be combined as a single program or hardwired in the wager AMENDED SHEET
FMPFd~lf;~lE I I 7l1 .IIIN ~~ h I AII~IfKl1(:K1/E I I 111. .IIIN. d~ Ofi 37554P/M688 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 1 server, separately or as one. Also, although a gift giver, gift wager, gift recipient and wager server are described is a singular sense, one skilled is the art would recognize that two or more Sift givers, gift wagers, gift recipients, and wager sav~as and any combination thereof c.g., a ' single gift giver, a single gift wager, three gift racipieats and two wager servers, could be included in the present invention and likewise each could be provided separately, Accordingly, the present invention provides a system and method of creating sad placing wagers as a gift by a first user using a wager server such that any winnings arc received by a second user, the intended recipient of the gift, Although this invention has been described is certain spocific embodiments, many additional modifications and variations would be apparent I O to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described. Thus, the present embodiments of the invention should be considered in. all respects as illustrative and not rnstricted, the scope of the invention to be ' indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing desctiption.
AMENDED SHEET
C1~DCAAII?07f1T ~n III1I ~.~'7 W nnnnnVn7rrT nn W v ~ nr
Claims (45)
1. A method of providing a gift wager by a first user to a second user, the method comprising:
composing a gift wager by a first user through. a communication media, the gift wager including a particular event and a payoff associated to an outcome of the particular event;
obtaining contact information regarding a second user;
notifying the second user that a gift wager has been composed by the first user prior to the outcome of the particular event; and providing result data to the second user is response to the outcome of the particular event.
composing a gift wager by a first user through. a communication media, the gift wager including a particular event and a payoff associated to an outcome of the particular event;
obtaining contact information regarding a second user;
notifying the second user that a gift wager has been composed by the first user prior to the outcome of the particular event; and providing result data to the second user is response to the outcome of the particular event.
2. The method of china 1 further comprising identifying the first user through a first user computer 11 coupled to the communication media, the first user providing payment information for the gift wager composed.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein composing a gift wager by a first user further includes:
selecting a wager from a plurality of predetermined wagers, the plurality of predetermined wagers having a plurality of events associated with a plurality of odds; and storing information about the first user identified as a first user record, the second user identified as a second user record, and the wager selected as a wager record is a gift wager database 15 coupled to the communication media; and associating the first user record and the second user record with the wager record.
selecting a wager from a plurality of predetermined wagers, the plurality of predetermined wagers having a plurality of events associated with a plurality of odds; and storing information about the first user identified as a first user record, the second user identified as a second user record, and the wager selected as a wager record is a gift wager database 15 coupled to the communication media; and associating the first user record and the second user record with the wager record.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:
determining the outcome of the particular event by manual input and retrieving the wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
determining the outcome of the particular event by manual input and retrieving the wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
5. The method of claim 4 further comprising:
retrieving results pertaining to the outcome of the particular event from a digital feed having information concerning outcomes for a plurality of events including the particular event;
and retrieving the wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
retrieving results pertaining to the outcome of the particular event from a digital feed having information concerning outcomes for a plurality of events including the particular event;
and retrieving the wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
6. The method of claim 5 wherein providing result data includes extracting contact information of the second user from the second user record associated with the wager record.
retrieved and notifying the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
retrieved and notifying the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising providing result data to the first user in response to the outcome of the particular event.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein providing result data includes extracting contact information of the second user from the second user record associated with the wager record retrieved and notifying the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
9. The method of claim 8 further comprising calculating the payoff associated with the gift wager based on the outcome of the particular event, odds associated with the outcome of the particular event and the amount of money wagered.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising attaching a gift with the gift wager composed.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising providing a message with the gift wager composed.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein, the result data further includes providing access information to the second user to obtain winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising providing receipt information to the first user upon the second user obtaining the winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event.
14. The method of claim 12 wherein the access information provided further provides information to the second user to obtain gifts attached with the gift wager composed.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the message provided includes an electronic greeting card.
16. The method of claim 13 wherein the communication media is as internet connection.
17. An electronic wagering system to provide a gift wager by a first user to a second user comprising:
communication moans providing a conduit to receive input from a first user concerning a gift wager for a second user, the gift wager pertaining to a wager, a particular event, and contact data concerning a second user; and computer means storing the gift wager from the first user and tracking the particular event, the computer means sending result data to the second user prior acid in response to as outcome of the particular event.
communication moans providing a conduit to receive input from a first user concerning a gift wager for a second user, the gift wager pertaining to a wager, a particular event, and contact data concerning a second user; and computer means storing the gift wager from the first user and tracking the particular event, the computer means sending result data to the second user prior acid in response to as outcome of the particular event.
18. the electronic wagering system of claim 17 wherein the computer means includes:
gift wager database 15 configured to store information pertaining to the gift wager, the first user and the second user; and wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) configured to compose the gift wager from the input from the first user and storing the gift wager composed in the gift wager database 15.
gift wager database 15 configured to store information pertaining to the gift wager, the first user and the second user; and wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) configured to compose the gift wager from the input from the first user and storing the gift wager composed in the gift wager database 15.
19. The electronic wagering system of claim 18 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) is further configured to determine the outcome of the particular event by obtaining information from a digital feed having information concerning outcomes for a plurality of events including the particular event, and to calculate a payoff based on the outcome of the particular event, odds associated with the outcome of the particular event and as amount of money wagered.
20. The electronic wagering system of claim 19 wherein result data sent includes contact information of the second user from the gift wager and the computer means is configured to notify the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
21. The electronic wagering system of claim 20 wherein the computer means is further configured to notify the first user concerning the second user obtaining winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event providing upon the second user obtaining the winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event.
22. The electronic wagering system of claim 20 wherein the communication means is an internet connection.
23. An electronic wagering system to provide a gift wager by a first user to a second user comprising.
a first user (11) computer utilized by a first user and coupled to a first communication medium;
a second user computer utilized by a second user and coupled to a second communication medium; and a wager server (13) coupled to the first communication medium and the second communication medium, the wager server (13) including:
memory storage in which at least one wages record, at least one first user second, and at least one second user record are stored in the memory storage, the at least one wager record pertaining to a predetermined event, the at least one first user record pertaining to the first user, the at least one second user pertaining to the second user, and wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) configured to receive information from the first user computer (11) to compose the at least one wager record, to determine an outcome of the predetermined event and to transmit information regarding the at least one wager record to the second user computer.
a first user (11) computer utilized by a first user and coupled to a first communication medium;
a second user computer utilized by a second user and coupled to a second communication medium; and a wager server (13) coupled to the first communication medium and the second communication medium, the wager server (13) including:
memory storage in which at least one wages record, at least one first user second, and at least one second user record are stored in the memory storage, the at least one wager record pertaining to a predetermined event, the at least one first user record pertaining to the first user, the at least one second user pertaining to the second user, and wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) configured to receive information from the first user computer (11) to compose the at least one wager record, to determine an outcome of the predetermined event and to transmit information regarding the at least one wager record to the second user computer.
24. The electronic wagering system of claim 23 further comprising:
a status server coupled to a digital feed providing periodic results pertaining to a plurality of predetermined events, the status server coupled to the wager server (13) and providing the periodic results to the wager server (13) to determine the outcome of the predetermined event;
wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) searches the memory storage to retrieve the at least one wager record related to the periodic results.
a status server coupled to a digital feed providing periodic results pertaining to a plurality of predetermined events, the status server coupled to the wager server (13) and providing the periodic results to the wager server (13) to determine the outcome of the predetermined event;
wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) searches the memory storage to retrieve the at least one wager record related to the periodic results.
25. The electronic wagering system of claim 24 further comprising:
gift and message server configured to store and provide information and records pertaining to predetermined messages and gifts, the gift and message server coupled to the wager server (13) and providing the information and records to the wager server (13) to provide the first user computer (11) a selection of messages and gifts.
gift and message server configured to store and provide information and records pertaining to predetermined messages and gifts, the gift and message server coupled to the wager server (13) and providing the information and records to the wager server (13) to provide the first user computer (11) a selection of messages and gifts.
26. The electronic wagering system of claim 25 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) retrieves the at least one second user record from the memory storage to extract information about the second user to send the second user result data to the second user prior and in response to the outcome of the predetermined event.
27. The electronic wagering system of claim 26 wherein the result data further includes providing access information to the second user computer, such that the second user obtains winnings associated with the outcome of the predetermined event.
28. The electronic wagering system of claim 27 wherein the access information provided further provides information to the second uses computer, such that the second user obtains messages and gifts from the selection of messages and gifts.
29. The electronic wagering system of claim 28 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) is further configured to notify the first user computer (12) concerning the second user obtaining winnings associated with the outcome of the predetermined event.
30. The electronic wagering system of claim 28 wherein one of the messages includes an electronic greeting card.
31. The electronic wagering system of claim 29 wherein the first communication medium and the second communication medium is an internet connection.
32. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
inputting the outcome of the particular event; and retrieving a wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event inputted.
inputting the outcome of the particular event; and retrieving a wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event inputted.
33. The method of claim 1 further comprising:
retrieving results pertaining to the outcome of the particular event from a digital feed having information concerning outcomes for a plurality of events including the particular event;
and retrieving a wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
retrieving results pertaining to the outcome of the particular event from a digital feed having information concerning outcomes for a plurality of events including the particular event;
and retrieving a wager record that corresponds to the outcome of the particular event determined.
34. The method of claim 32 wherein providing result data includes extracting contact information of the second user from a second user record associated with the wager record retrieved and notifying the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
35. The method of claim 33 wherein providing result data includes extracting contact information of the second user from a second user record associated. with the wager record retrieved and notifying the second user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
36. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing result data to the first user in response to the outcome of the particular event.
37. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing result data to the first user by extracting contact information of the first user from a first user record associated with the wager record retrieved and notifying the first user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
38. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing receipt information to the first user upon the second user obtaining the winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event.
39. The electronic wagering system of claim 17 wherein result data sent includes contact information of the second user from the gift wager and the computer means is configured to notify the second user concerning the outcome of the particular great determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
40. The electronic wagering system of claim 17 wherein the computer means is further configured to notify the first user concerning the second user obtaining winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event upon the second user obtaining the winnings associated with the outcome of the particular event.
41. The electronic wagering system of claim 17 wherein result data sent includes contact information of the first user from the gift wager and the computer means is configured to notify the first user concerning the outcome of the particular event determined, utilizing the contact information extracted.
42. The electronic wagering system of claim 23 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) retrieves the at least one second user record from the memory storage to extract information about the second user to send result data to the second user in response to the outcome of the predetermined event.
43. The electronic wagering system of claim 23 wherein the result data further includes providing access information to the second user computer, such that the second user obtains winnings associated with the outcome of the predetermined event.
44. The electronic wagering system of claim 23 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) is further configured to notify the first user computer (11) concerning the second user obtaining winnings associated with the outcome of the predetermined event.
45. The electronic wagering system of claim 23 wherein the wager engine (13, 201, 202, 205, 207) retrieves the at least one first user record from the memory storage to extract information about the first user to send result data to the first user in response to the outcome of the predetermined event.
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
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| US60/130,856 | 1999-04-22 | ||
| US18307700P | 2000-02-16 | 2000-02-16 | |
| US60/183,077 | 2000-02-16 | ||
| PCT/IB2000/000700 WO2000063858A1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Method and system for providing electronically placed wagers for another |
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| CA2372006A1 true CA2372006A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
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| CA002372006A Abandoned CA2372006A1 (en) | 1999-04-20 | 2000-04-20 | Method and system for providing electronically placed wagers for another |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| US6464583B1 (en) * | 1999-04-20 | 2002-10-15 | Adam E. Kidron | Method and system for providing electronically placed wagers for another |
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2000
- 2000-04-20 US US09/553,701 patent/US6464583B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2000-04-20 AU AU46033/00A patent/AU766027B2/en not_active Ceased
- 2000-04-20 CA CA002372006A patent/CA2372006A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2000-04-20 WO PCT/IB2000/000700 patent/WO2000063858A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2000-04-20 EP EP00927644A patent/EP1171853A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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|---|---|
| US20020155886A1 (en) | 2002-10-24 |
| ZA200108614B (en) | 2002-06-13 |
| EP1171853A1 (en) | 2002-01-16 |
| AU4603300A (en) | 2000-11-02 |
| WO2000063858A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
| AU766027B2 (en) | 2003-10-09 |
| US6902480B2 (en) | 2005-06-07 |
| US6464583B1 (en) | 2002-10-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |