WO2001098964A2

WO2001098964A2 - Method and apparatus for providing interactive electronic greeting card promotions

Info

Publication number: WO2001098964A2
Application number: PCT/IB2001/001479
Authority: WO
Inventors: James L. Fahey; Masaki Mikami
Original assignee: Hakuhodo, Incorporated
Priority date: 2000-06-19
Filing date: 2001-06-14
Publication date: 2001-12-27
Also published as: AU7663901A

Description

Method and Apparatus For Providing Interactive Electronic Greeting

Card Promotions

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to software applications and, specifically, to a method and apparatus for providing promotions for sending and receiving interactive electronic cards that are then tied to a sweepstakes entry.

The growing popularity of the Internet and the "World Wide Web" has motivated companies to look for ways to profit from the Internet's popularity. For several years, Web sites have existed that allow people to send electronic "greeting cards" to others. Often, these electronic greeting cards have a picture and an appropriate message or greeting.

One problem experienced by companies that make such electronic greeting cards available on the Internet is that there is no real difference in motivation between someone sending an electronic greeting card via the company's Web site and simply sending regular e-mail. There is no strong motivation for a sender to send an electronic greeting card, since the sender can express the same sentiments and attach graphics in a regular e-mail message. The lack of a strong incentive for sending electronic greeting cards often results in lost sales, since a certain number of potential customers will simply send e-mail instead of an electronic greeting card.

Conventional electronic greeting cards also suffer from the fact that they can be somewhat impersonal. It is not always apparent to the recipient that a great deal of thought went into picking the message and/or graphics on the electronic greeting card, even when this is the case. In addition, once a conventional electronic greeting card has been received by the recipient, it is quickly read and forgotten. There is not always a strong incentive for the recipient to reread the electronic greeting card or to think of the card after it has been received. Advertisers tend to advertise on Web pages that cause people to return to them more than once, and since advertisers provide financial support for many "free" electronic greeting card sites, it is desirable to create Web sites and Web pages that provide users with an incentive to visit more than once.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The described embodiments of the present invention include a method and apparatus for providing promotions as an incentive for a person to send an electronic greeting card or electronic event card to one or more recipients. These promotions may take several forms. In one embodiment, a person is provided with a promotional gift or bonus points as an incentive for sending or responding to an electronic card. In another embodiment, a person is entered into a sweepstakes for a prize as an incentive for sending or responding to an electronic card. In yet another embodiment, a person is entered into a sweepstakes for a prize as an incentive for sending a predetermined number of cards within a specified time period. In still another embodiment, the electronic card may be associated with an event, and an event query may be included with the card. The sender and recipient are then entered into a sweepstakes for a prize as a reward for correctly responding to the event query. In all of the embodiments, a sweepstakes entry is created in a database when the electronic card is created and sent. The entry is linked to the sender and the recipient, both of whom are entered into a sweepstakes for the chosen prize. Alternatively, the recipient may choose a different prize than that selected by the sender. If the recipient of the card chooses to send a reply electronic card to the original sender, both the original sender and recipient are entered into at least one additional sweepstakes, and the recipient earns promotional gifts or points. If the electronic card includes an event query that is answered correctly by the recipient, the recipient and/or the sender may receive additional sweepstakes entries or promotional gifts. The sender may receive even more sweepstakes entries and/or promotional gifts for sending a predetermined number or electronic cards within a predetermined time period.

In the multi-level promotions embodiment, the sender may receive additional sweepstakes entries and/or promotional gifts when recipients send out electronic cards to other friends and acquaintances. The sender is automatically credited with these electronic cards, and can accumulate additional sweepstakes entries and/or promotional gifts in an exponential manner as electronic cards are sent to subsequent persons. This provides an incentive for advertisers to advertise on the electronic greeting card provider's Web page due to its broad exposure.

In accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention relates to a method performed by a data processing system, comprising: receiving input from a sender that selects an event from among a plurality of events; receiving input from the sender to create an electronic card associated with the event; receiving input from the sender that selects a prize from among a plurality of prizes; sending the electronic card to a recipient specified by the sender; receiving, by the sender, a promotional gift associated with sending the electronic card; and creating an entry in a sweepstakes for the prize, the entry associated with sending the electronic card.

In further accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention relates to a system stored on a computer readable medium, comprising: an event engine for receiving input from a sender that selects an event from among a plurality of events, and for creating a query for a recipient; a database, coupled to the event engine, for receiving input from the sender that creates an electronic event card associated with the event; a sweepstakes engine, coupled to the event engine, for receiving input from the sender that selects a prize from among a plurality of prizes, and for creating an entry in a sweepstakes for the prize, the entry being associated with the electronic event card; a promotional gift engine, coupled to the sweepstakes engine, for receiving input from the sender that selects a promotional gift from among a plurality of promotional gifts; and a communications engine, coupled to the database and the promotional gift engine, for sending the electronic event card to a recipient specified by the sender, and for sending the promotional gift to the sender.

In further accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the invention relates to method, comprising: providing electronic card data, event data, sweepstakes entry data, recipient data, sender data, and promotional gift data to a server computer system; enabling the server computer system to generate at least one electronic card from the electronic card data, to generate at least one event query from the event data, to generate at least one entry in a sweepstakes for a prize from the sweepstakes entry data, and to generate at least one promotional gift award from the promotional gift data; enabling the server computer system to send the at least one electronic card and the at least one event query to a recipient computer system identified by the recipient data; enabling the recipient computer system to send a reply receipt to the server computer system after the recipient computer system receives the at least one electronic card and the at least one event query; and enabling the server computer system to send the at least one promotional gift award to the sender computer system identified by the sender data. Advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Fig. 1 is an example of a data processing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of the server software of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3(a) shows an overview of a method of sending an electronic greeting card from a sender to a recipient; Fig. 3(b) shows an overview of a method of selecting a sweepstakes prize that can be won by the sender and the recipient of the electronic greeting card;

Fig. 3(c) shows an overview of a method of selecting promotional gifts or receiving information about promotional gifts for sending electronic greeting cards;

Figs. 4(a)-4(d) are flow charts showing the process to motivate the sender to create and send an electronic greeting card with sweepstakes entries;

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the process which allows the sender or the recipient to check whether they have won the selected prize associated with a sweepstakes;

Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) are flow charts showing the process which allows participants to send and reply to an electronic event card; Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are flow charts showing a process performed to allow the participants to earn multi-level promotions;

Fig. 8(a) shows an exemplary format of an entry in a sweepstakes database; Fig. 8(b) shows an exemplary format of a multi-level promotions database;

Fig. 9(a) shows an example starting Web page allowing potential users to view an overview of the service; Fig. 9(b) shows an example Web page allowing a user to sign on to the service;

Fig. 10 shows an example Web page allowing the signed-on user of Fig. 9(b) to begin the process of creating an electronic greeting card and choosing a prize; Fig. 1 1 (a) shows an example Web page allowing the signed-on sender to select an electronic greeting card and prize from a plurality of options;

Fig. 11 (b) shows an example Web page allowing the signed-on sender to select an event from a plurality of options; Fig. 12(a) shows an example Web page allowing the sender to personalize the electronic greeting card;

Fig. 12(b) shows an example preview of an electronic greeting card;

Fig. 13 shows an example Web page confirming that an electronic greeting card has been sent; Fig. 14(a) shows an example e-mail message sent to the recipient of an electronic greeting card;

Fig. 14(b) shows an example e-mail message sent to the sender of an electronic greeting card; Fig. 15 shows an example Web page summarizing the electronic greeting cards sent and received;

Fig. 16(a) shows an example e-mail message sent to the recipient of an electronic event card; Fig. 16(b) shows an example e-mail message sent to the sender of an electronic event card;

Fig. 17 shows an example Web page allowing a participant to check on the status of the sweepstakes; and

Fig. 18 shows an example Web page allowing a sender to select a promotional gift.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles, features and teachings disclosed herein.

I. General Discussion

Before discussing details of the present invention, an example of a data processing system implementing an embodiment of the present invention is discussed in the following section. Fig. 1 is an example of a data processing system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 includes a sender's system 102, a server system 104, a recipient's system 160, and a vendor's system 180. These systems can also be combined into one or two data processing systems, instead of four. Server 104, sender's system 102, recipient's system 160, and vendor's system 180 can be any appropriate data processing system, and may be coupled via an interconnected network 130. It will be appreciated that the interconnected network 130 may include the wide area network commonly referred to as the Internet, and may include one or more local area networks commonly referred to as intranets. Interconnected network 130 may further comprise any other system of networks including, but not limited to, wide area networks (WANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), wireless networks, home networking, X.25 networks, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks, and wireless application protocol (WAP) networks. Each system includes a processor 110, 122, 162, 182 and a memory 112, 124, 164, 184. Memory 112 of sender system 102 includes browser software 114, which can be any appropriate Web browser, and messaging software 115 such as e-mail software. Memory 112 also includes at least one Web page (e.g., Hypertext Markup Language, or HTML) 118 downloaded to be displayed by browser software 114 and electronic messages 119 sent and/or received by the sender. Memory 112 also includes data 116 used by the software. The steps of the described embodiment of the present invention are performed when instructions of a computer program are performed by a respective one of processors 110, 122, 162, 182. Memory 124 of server 104 includes server software 125 that enables the server to perform the functions described herein and messaging software 129, such as e-mail software. Memory 124 also includes one or more Web pages 126 (e.g., HTML) that allows a sender to design an electronic greeting card and to select a prize that can be won by the sender and recipient in a sweepstakes. Memory 124 also includes one or more Web pages 128 (e.g., HTML) that allows the recipient to view the electronic greeting card. Memory 124 also includes additional personalized Web pages (e.g., HTML, not shown) that allow senders and recipients to check whether they have won a sweepstakes prize and to view the electronic greeting cards they have sent and received. Memory 124 also includes database 127 used by the software. The data in database 127 can include sender/recipient pairs along with information for the pair, such as the prize selected by the sender and/or recipient of the pair.

Memory 164 of recipient system 160 includes browser software 172, which can be any appropriate Web browser, and messaging software 166, which can be any appropriate messaging software such as e-mail. Memory 164 also includes at least one Web page (e.g., HTML) 168 downloaded to be displayed by browser 172 and electronic mail messages sent and/or received by the sender (not shown). Memory 164 also includes data 170 used by the software.

Memory 184 of vendor's system 180 includes server software 186 that enables the vendor's system to perform the functions described herein and messaging software 188, such as e-mail software. Memory 184 also includes one or more Web pages 192 (e.g., HTML) that allows a sender to access server 104 for the purposes of designing an electronic greeting and/or event card and selecting a prize that can be won by the sender and recipient in a sweepstakes. Memory 184 also includes database 190 used by the software. The data in database 190 can include information on senders, recipients, electronic greeting cards, events and numbers of greeting/event cards sent and received for a given participant. Thus, database 190 may mirror database 127 of server 104 for data that is specific to the vendor.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the systems 102, 104, 160 and 180 may also include additional elements such as network connections, additional memory, additional processors, and input/output lines for transferring information across interconnected network 130. One skilled in the art will also recognize that the program code and data may be received and stored in the computer systems 102, 104, 160 and 180 in alternative ways. For example, a computer-readable storage medium 156 such as a magnetic disk drive, hard disk drive, magneto-optical reader, CPU, etc., may be coupled to the systems 102, 104, 160 and 180 via in input device 154 for reading the computer readable medium 156. The systems 102, 104, 160 and 180 may further include an input device 150 such as a keyboard or mouse, and a display device 152 such as a cathode ray tube display.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating details of the server software 125. The server software 125 includes a sweepstakes engine 200, a communications engine 202, an incentives award engine 204, a multi-level promotions engine 206 and an event engine 208. The sweepstakes engine 200 includes program code for receiving data on sweepstakes and prizes, and retrievably storing that data in memory 124. The communications engine 202 includes program code for establishing a communications channel between the sender's system 102, the recipient's system 160 and vendor's system_. 180. The communications engine 202 may include identification and password functions which identify and authenticate authorized users. The communications engine 202 may also use secure connection techniques such as SSL, encryption, private and public key cryptography, etc. The incentives award engine 204 includes program code for receiving data on incentive award details, promotional gifts and incentive bonus points accumulated by specific users, and for retrievably storing that data in memory 124. The multi-level promotions engine 206 includes program code for receiving data on multi-level promotion details, promotional gifts, and the number of electronic greeting/event cards sent and received by specific users, and for retrievably storing that data in memory 124 and/or 184. The event engine 208 includes program code for receiving data on event details, event dates, and the number of electronic greeting/event cards sent and received by specific users, and for retrievably storing that data in memory

124. It should be appreciated that many of these functions may also be performed by vendor's server software 186 and memory 184.

Each sender's system 102, server 104, recipient's system 160 and vendor's system 180 preferably also includes an operating system (not shown). A person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the memories also contain additional information, such as application programs, operating systems, data, etc., which are not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity. It also will be understood that data processing system 100 (or any other data processing system described herein) can include numerous elements not shown, such as additional data, software, and/or information in memory, disk drives, keyboards, display devices, network connections, additional memory, additional CPUs, LANs, input output lines, etc. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention may be implemented in any appropriate operating system using any appropriate programming language or programming techniques.

Some or all of the instructions and data structures in storage areas 112, 124, 164, 184 may be read into memory from computer-readable medium 156 (or similar computer readable media not shown). Execution of sequences of instructions contained in the storage areas 1 12, 124, 164, 184 causes processors 1 10, 122, 162, 182 to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software instructions to implement the invention. Thus, preferred embodiments of the invention are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term "computer-readable medium" as used herein refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Nonvolatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as a storage device. Volatile media includes dynamic memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications, or electrical signals transmitted over a computer network. Common forms of computer- readable media include, for example a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, any other optical medium, punchcards, papertapes, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. The instructions stored in storage areas 112, 124, 164,184 can also be transmitted as a carrier wave over a medium such as the Internet, a LAN, a WAN, an intranet, a cellular network, etc., and then stored in storage areas 112, 124, 164 or 184.

II. Creating an Electronic Greeting Card and Receiving Promotional

Gifts

Fig. 3(a) shows an overview of a method of sending an electronic greeting card from a sender to a recipient, and earning a promotional gift as an incentive to send electronic greeting cards. The overview shows three parts: creating an electronic greeting card 302, sending an electronic notification to the recipient 304 (for example, via e-mail), and allowing the recipient to look at the electronic greeting card 306 (for example, via a Web page). (Note that a confirmation e-mail is preferably also sent to the sender). It will be understood that some of the steps of Fig. 3(a) are performed by software in sender system 102, such as browser software 114 (which is used to allow the sender to create the electronic greeting card). In addition, some of the steps of Fig. 3(a) are performed by server system 104 (which sends Web pages 126 to sender system 102, creates the Web page of the electronic greeting card, sends e-mail to the recipient, and sends the Web pages 128 to the recipient browser). Alternatively, some of the steps of Fig. 3(a) may be performed by vendor's system 180 and memory 184. In addition, some of the steps of Fig. 3(a) are performed by e-mail or other messaging software 166 of recipient system 160 (which receives the electronic message notifying the recipient of the electronic greeting card) and by browser 172 of recipient system 160 (which allows the recipient to view the electronic greeting card). Fig. 3(a) shows a general overview of the process of sending an electronic greeting card, but does not show details involving the sweepstakes or promotional gifts, which are described below.

Fig 3(b) shows an overview of a method of selecting a sweepstakes prize that can be won by the sender and the recipient of the electronic greeting card. In the example of Fig. 3(b), a sender, Mr. A is in the process of sending an electronic greeting card 356 to a recipient Ms. B. The sender initially enters sender and recipient identification and address information 350. In addition to creating an electronic greeting card 356, the sender selects a prize from among a plurality of prizes 340 that he believes the recipient would like. The prize choosing process provides an instance of "acceptance advertising" of the items listed as possible prizes, since the sender wants to look at information about the possible prizes. The electronic greeting card 356 is then sent to the recipient as described above. In addition, the recipient receives a description of the prize and an explanation of how to determine if the recipient and/or sender have won the prize. (As shown in Fig. 3(b), the recipient can also decide to send an electronic greeting card in reply to the sender's electronic greeting card, or send an electronic greeting card to another third party, for example, Ms. C). It will be appreciated that the recipient has the opportunity to be entered into a different sweepstakes than that selected by the sender, and may win a different prize than the sender.

As shown in Fig. 3(b), when the sender sends the electronic greeting card 356, an entry is automatically made in the server database 127, recording the identity of the sender, receiver, promotional gift and chosen prize. As further shown, when either one of the sender or the recipient sends a query 352 (via a Web page, described below) as to whether they have won, server 104 queries the database 127 and tells the sender and/or receiver whether they have won 354. Alternatively, some of the steps of Fig. 3(b) may be performed by vendor's system 180 and memory 184. Fig. 8 shows an exemplary format 800 of an entry in sweepstakes database 127. The entry includes an identification number 802 associated with the entry, the e-mail address (or other identification such as paging number) 804 of the sender, the e-mail address (or other identification such as paging number) 806 of the recipient, identification 808 of the chosen or default prize, identification 810 of the chosen or default promotional gift which serves as an incentive award, and identification 812 of the recipient's answer(s) to an event query. It will be understood that the format shown is provided by way of example only and that other appropriate database organizations can be used.

Fig. 3(c) shows an overview of a method of providing a promotional gift as an incentive to a sender for sending electronic greeting cards to a recipient. In the example of Fig. 3(c), a sender, Mr. A is in the process of sending an electronic greeting card to a recipient, Ms. B. In addition to selecting a prize, the sender selects a reward, such as a promotional gift, as an incentive to send the electronic greeting card. The sender may select a promotional gift from a plurality of promotional gifts 360. Alternatively, the sender may simply be informed of a predetermined default promotional gift. In either case, when the electronic greeting card is sent to the recipient as described above, an entry is automatically made in the server database 127. The server system 104 then sends the sender notification of the promotional gift earned. It will be appreciated that in the overview of Figs. 3(a) through 3(c), the sender directly accesses the electronic card service provided by server 104. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, alternatively, the sender may utilize a portal (Web site) provided by the vendor's system 180 to access the electronic greeting card service provided by server 104.

Figs. 4(a) through 4(d) are flow charts 400 of a process that allows the sender to create and send an electronic greeting card, to select a prize which may be won by the sender and the recipient in the sweepstakes, and to earn promotional gifts. These steps are performed, for example, by browser software 114 in communication with server system 104. The steps are discussed below in connection with the exemplary Web pages of Figs. 9-18. Fig. 9(a) shows one embodiment of a beginning Web page which a potential user of the service would view on the Internet. In the example, Web page 900 preferably includes text, graphics and pictures describing the service and encourages potential users to utilize the service. Web page 900 preferably includes an icon 902 allowing a potential user to sign on to the service.

Fig. 9(b) shows one embodiment of a Web page which a user of the system would access to log on to the system. In the example, Web page 950 includes a text prompt 952 urging the prospective user to sign up and become a member of the service. For existing members, the Web page 950 preferably includes a prompt to enter the user's name 954 and password 956. The user then enters the information into the system by clicking on a "sign in" icon in a conventional manner.

Fig. 10 shows one embodiment of a Web page displayed after the user has signed on which allows the user to create an electronic greeting card, enter a sweepstakes in which the user may be awarded a prize selected by the user, and send the electronic greeting card to a recipient chosen by the user. In the example, Web page 1000 preferably includes a plurality of electronic greeting card categories 1002 such as holidays, birthdays, weddings, etc. Web page 1000 also preferably includes information and/or drawings of prizes which will be awarded to at least some of the senders and recipients of the service. In the example, prizes include an automobile 1004 and a camcorder 1006. The Web page 1000 preferably includes prompts and/or icons 1008 which urge potential users to pick a card, pick a prize associated with the card, and pick a friend to whom the card is to be sent. (Icon 1008 can also be used to select an event, which will be discussed below). Web page 1000 also preferably includes a calendar 1010 showing date and holiday information, and other occasions such as birthdays. Web page 1000 also preferably includes various function icons, for example, for prizes 1012, custom cards 1014, buy a gift 1016 and view mailbox 1018. Web page 1000 also preferably includes utility icons 1020 such as home, help, etc. Fig. 11 (a) shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information and selection icons for selecting electronic greeting cards and associated prizes. In the example, the "birthdays" category has been selected from card categories 1002 of Fig. 10. Web page 1100 preferably includes a sub-category 1102 of "birthdays" such as friend, humorous, romantic, etc., and further includes a plurality of card selections 1104 and prize selections 1106. When the sender has made his electronic greeting card and prize selections, an icon 1108 is clicked to access the next Web page.

Fig. 11 (b) shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information and selection icons for selecting an event as the subject of an event card, which can also include a personalized greeting and associated prizes. An event may be a recurring or periodic occasion such as a national sporting finals or an election, or may be a one-time occasion such as a concert or movie debut. In the example, an icon 1008 is clicked to access the Web page 1101. Web page 1101 preferably includes a plurality of event icons 1120 representing events from which the sender can choose. The sender can preferably click on one of the plurality of icons 1120 to view a description and/or picture of the particular event. The event description and/or picture (not shown) will preferably include an event query which the recipient must answer correctly in order to receive one or more entries into a bonus sweepstakes. The event will also preferably include time constraints within which the recipient must respond to the event query. For example, if the event was the National Football League Superbowl, the event query could be to name the teams that will play in the Superbowl, and the time constraint could be, for example, three weeks prior to the Superbowl. The recipients who correctly reply to the event query at least three weeks prior to the Superbowl would be entered, along with the sender, in a sweepstakes where the prize was, for example, two tickets to the Superbowl. Alternatively, recipients who correctly reply to the event query at least four weeks prior to the Superbowl would be entered twice, for example, in a sweepstakes for the tickets (along with the sender). Further variations of events, event queries, time constraints, and prizes that may be employed in the above described promotion will be known to those skilled in the art.

Fig. 12(a) shows one embodiment of a Web page which allows the sender to personalize the greeting card before sending it to a recipient. In the example, Web page 1200 includes information for the sender to enter, such as sender e-mail address 1202, recipient e-mail address 1204, e-mail subject heading 1206, and date to send the card 1208. A reminder of the selected prize 1210 which the sender and recipient may win may also be included. E-mail addresses may be accessed via an address book 1212, and a message may be entered into a screen 1214 which may be reset by clicking icon 1216 or previewed by clicking icon 1218. Fig. 12(b) shows one embodiment of a Web page after the sender has entered information and clicked the preview icon 1218. In the example, Web page 1220 includes a picture or drawing 1222, and preferably includes animation or sound which may be controlled by wish icon 1224, play icon 1226 and stop icon 1228. In the example, the electronic greeting card can be edited by clicking on the edit icon 1230, or can be sent to the recipient by clicking on the send icon 1232. Electronic event cards could be personalized in the same matter as described for electronic greeting cards. Fig. 13 shows one embodiment of a Web page which informs the sender that an electronic greeting card has been sent. In the example, Web page 1300 includes recipient information 1302 and may include an optional advertisement 1304, for example, promoting the prizes that the sender may win in the sweepstakes. Similarly, a Web page such as that shown in Fig. 13 could be used with electronic event cards to provide the same recipient, advertisement and prize information as described for electronic greeting cards.

Fig. 14(a) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which informs the recipient that an electronic greeting has been sent to the recipient. In the example, e-mail page 1400 preferably includes information 1402 identifying the subject, date, sender and recipient of the e-mail message. E-mail page 1400 also preferably includes text information 1404 informing the recipient of the electronic greeting card sender, the sweepstakes prize associated with the electronic greeting card, and the date the sweepstakes winner will be announced, as well as a Web site address 1406 where the electronic greeting card and other information may be viewed. Similarly, Fig. 14(b) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which confirms for the sender that the recipient has received the electronic greeting card sent by the sender. In the example, e-mail page 1410 preferably includes information 1412 informing the sender of the electronic greeting card recipient, the sweepstakes prize associated with the electronic greeting card, and the date the sweepstakes winner will be announced, as well as a Web site address from where additional electronic greeting cards may be created and sent. It will be appreciated that, alternatively, the electronic greeting card may be directly sent to the recipient as an attachment to the electronic message, or by other direct means known to those skilled in the art. It will be further appreciated that the recipient has the opportunity to change the recipient's selected prize. It will be still further appreciated that an electronic message could inform the recipient that an electronic event cards has been sent to the recipient in the same manner as described for electronic greeting cards.

Fig. 15 shows one embodiment of a Web page which allows a sender or receiver (hereafter, participant) in the electronic greeting card service to view an updated list of electronic greeting cards which have been sent and received. In the example, Web page 1500 includes a view 1502 of the participant's e-mail in box showing electronic greeting cards received, and a view 1504 of the participant's e-mail out box showing electronic greeting cards sent. Web page 1500 further preferably includes the current month's calendar 1506 and a view of the participant's e-mail address book 1508. A similar Web page could allow a participant to view an updated list of electronic event cards which have been sent and received. Fig. 16(a) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which informs the recipient that an electronic event card has been sent to the recipient. In the example, e-mail page 1600 preferably includes information 1602 identifying the subject, date, sender and recipient of the e-mail message. E-mail page 1600 also preferably includes text information 1604 informing the recipient of the question or query associated with the event, the sweepstakes prize associated with the query, and the time period 1606 in which the recipient must answer the question or query, as well as a Web site address 1608 where the electronic greeting card and other information may be viewed. Similarly, Fig. 16(b) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which confirms for the sender that the recipient has received the electronic event card sent by the sender. In the example, e-mail page 1650 preferably includes information 1652 informing the sender of the electronic event card recipient. E-mail page 1650 also preferably includes text information 1654 informing the sender of the sweepstakes which the sender will be entered into if a predetermined number of recipients reply to the sender's electronic event cards within a specified time period, the number of reply event cards received by the sender 1656, as well as a Web site address 1658 from which more electronic event cards may be sent. Fig. 17 shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information on a participant's pending and completed sweepstakes. In the example, Web page 1700 includes information on pending sweepstakes 1702, such as prizes, dates of drawings, and odds of winning. In the example, Web page 1700 further includes similar information on drawn sweepstakes 1704, including the names of winners.

Fig. 18 shows one embodiment of a Web page which allows a sender to select and earn a free promotional gift for sending an electronic greeting card or event card. The free promotional gifts serve as an incentive for senders to create and send electronic greeting/event cards to many recipients. In the example, Web page 1800 includes text information 1802 informing the sender of the option of selecting promotional gifts. Web page 1800 also preferably includes a plurality of icons representing different promotional gifts from which the sender can choose, for example bonus points 1804, discount coupons 1806, gift certificates 1808 or other incentives 1810. The sender may preferably click on one of the plurality of icons to view a description and/or picture of the particular promotional gift. Other features (not shown) of the Web page may include information on bonus points accumulated, number of bonus points required for a specific prize, and details on how to claim the promotional gift.

Other Web pages and Web page features may be included in other embodiments of this invention. In one embodiment, the sender can select one recipient or more than one where each recipient entered will receive the same prize. It will be appreciated that the recipients may have the opportunity to select a different prize. Another embodiment allows the sender to enter large numbers of recipients, such as, for example, recipients on a mailing list, or by entering a large collection of names and e-mail addresses. The names and e-mail addresses entered by the sender can be used for a variety of purposes, such as for direct marketing or gathering statistics about Web use, or it can be kept strictly private, depending on the implementation of the invention. In another embodiment, the Web page may allows the sender to choose an illustration, audio or video attachment for the electronic event card from a plurality of choices. The Web page may also allow the sender to indicate a message for the electronic event card where, for example, the sender first chooses one of several predetermined messages and then enters his own personalized message. Other embodiments may allow the sender to enter more or fewer numbers of messages.

Turning now to Figs. 4(a) through 4(d), flow chart 400 describes a method for motivating participants to send electronic greeting cards. In step 402 of Fig. 4(a), a participant employs a conventional Internet service to access the Web page of the electronic greeting card service provider, such as Web page 900 of Fig. 9(a). In the example of Fig. 9(a), the sender initially clicks on icon 902 to bring up a Web page 950 of Fig. 9(b) for membership and/or sign in. Fig. 9(b) shows one embodiment of a Web page 950, which includes a text prompt 952 urging the prospective user to sign up and become a member of the service. For existing members, the Web page 950 preferably includes a prompt to enter the member's user name 954 and password 956. The user then enters the information into the system by clicking on a "sign in" icon.

Step 404 allows the sender to create an electronic greeting card for the recipient. In one described embodiment, a profile of the participant based on the participant's previous activities is created and maintained by the electronic greeting card service provider. The electronic greeting card service provider uses the profile to determine which greeting cards, sweepstakes, prizes and incentives to offer the participants. In addition, the advertisements targeted for the participants may be based on the profile information.

In another described embodiment, the sender is required to fill in a questionnaire (not shown) before the sender can send the first electronic greeting card to a recipient. Requiring the sender to fill out a questionnaire allows the system to create a profile of the sender and target advertisements to the sender. In the example Web page 1000 of Fig. 10, the sender initially clicks on icon 1008 to bring up a Web page for selecting an electronic greeting card. Fig. 11(a) shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information and selection icons for selecting electronic greeting cards. In the example, the "birthdays" category has been selected from card categories 1002. Web page 1100 may include a sub-category 1102 of "birthdays" such as friend, humorous, romantic, etc., and further includes a plurality of card selections 1104 and prize selections 1106. The card that the sender sends is entered into the sweepstakes for the prize.

Step 406 allows the sender to select a prize associated with a sweepstakes. Fig. 11(a) shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information and selection icons for selecting a prize which will be awarded when the sweepstakes is drawn. In one embodiment, the prize will be won or lost by the sender/recipient as a team. Note that step 404 (creating a greeting card) and step 406 (selecting a prize) can be performed in any appropriate order. When the sender has created his electronic greeting card and prize selections, the sender clicks an icon 1108 to access the next Web page. Step 408 allows the sender to personalize the electronic greeting card before sending it to a recipient. Fig. 12(a) shows one embodiment of a Web page 1200 where a personalized message may be entered into a screen 1214 which may be reset by clicking icon 1216 or previewed by clicking icon 1218. A reminder of the selected prize 1210 which the sender and recipient may win may also be included. Fig. 12(b) shows one embodiment of a Web page after the sender has entered the personalized information and clicked the preview icon 1218. In the example, Web page 1220 includes a picture or drawing 1222, and preferably includes animation or sound which may be controlled by wish icon 1224, play icon 1226 and stop icon 1228. In the example, the sender edits the electronic greeting card by clicking on the edit icon 1230.

Step 409 allows the sender to select one of several promotional gifts as an incentive to send an electronic greeting card. Fig. 18 shows one embodiment of a Web page which allows a sender to select and earn promotional gifts for sending electronic greeting cards. In the example, Web page 1800 includes text information 1802 informing the sender of the option of selecting promotional gifts. Web page 1800 also preferably includes a plurality of icons representing different promotional gifts from which the sender can choose, for example bonus points 1804, discount coupons 1806, gift certificates 1808 or other incentives 1810. The sender may preferably click on one of the plurality of icons to view a description and/or picture of the particular promotional gift. If multiple promotional gifts are not available, then the sender is informed of the default promotional gift. This step is performed, for example, by browser software 114 (of the sender) in communication with server system 104 in a manner generally known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Step 410 allows the sender to send the finished greeting card to the recipient. In the example Web page 1220 of Fig. 12(b), when the sender is satisfied with the electronic greeting card design, the sender clicks on the send icon 1232 and the electronic greeting card is sent to the server 104 for storage. Fig. 13 shows one embodiment of a Web page which informs the sender that an electronic greeting card has been sent. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the electronic greeting card may be sent directly to the recipient as an attachment to an electronic message or in other direct means known to those skilled in the art.

In step 412 the sweepstakes engine 200 automatically creates an entry for the card and enters both the sender and the recipient in a sweepstakes for the chosen prize. This entry is preferably done by sending information about the sender/recipient to server system 104 where it is stored in a database such as database 127. Fig. 8 shows an exemplary format 800 of an entry in sweepstakes database 127. In step 414 the incentive award engine 204 automatically sends notice of the incentive award (promotional gift) to the sender via the communications engine 202. When the electronic greeting card is sent to the recipient as described above, an entry is automatically made in the server database 127. The server system 104 then sends the sender (via the communications engine 202) notification of the promotional gift earned as soon as the electronic greeting card is sent. Alternatively, this step may be performed only upon verification that the recipient has received and opened the electronic greeting card. This can prevent fraudulent earning of promotional gifts.

In step 416 of Fig. 4(b), the recipient receives the electronic greeting card from the sender, along with information describing the promotional gifts available as an incentive for sending a reply electronic greeting card back to the sender. In step 418, the recipient also receives notification of the sweepstakes and the prize selected by the sender that the recipient and the sender may win. Alternatively, the recipient may instead receive an electronic message informing the recipient of the electronic greeting card and how to view it. Fig. 14(a) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which informs the recipient that an electronic greeting has been sent to the recipient. In the example, e-mail page 1400 preferably includes information 1404 informing the recipient of the electronic greeting card sender, the sweepstakes prize associated with the electronic greeting card, and the date the sweepstakes winner will be announced, as well as a Web site address 1406 where the electronic greeting card and other information may be viewed. Similarly, Fig. 14(b) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which confirms for the sender that the recipient has received the electronic greeting card sent by the sender.

In step 420, the recipient is provided with the option of selecting a different prize and/or sweepstakes from that chosen by the sender. If the recipient does desire a different prize and/or sweepstakes, then in step 442 of Fig. 4(d), sweepstakes engine 200 accesses memory 127 in server 104 to determine if the allowed period to change the selected prize has ended. If the allowed period to change the selected prize and/or sweepstakes has ended, then in step 444, the recipient is informed (via the communications engine 202) that the change period has ended and that the prize and/or sweepstakes chosen by the sender cannot be changed. If the allowed period to change the selected prize and/or sweepstakes has not ended, then in step 446 the recipient is allowed to select a different prize and/or sweepstakes as described in step 406. If the recipient selects a different prize and/or sweepstakes, then in step 448, the new choice is recorded in the database 127 record assigned to the requesting party.

In step 422 of Fig. 4(b), the recipient is prompted to decide whether or not to send a reply electronic greeting card to the sender. The recipient is encouraged to send a reply electronic greeting card due to the promotional gifts, entry into an additional sweepstakes and a chance to win a prize, as described in step 416. If the recipient decides against sending a reply electronic greeting card, the process ends. In step 424, the recipient decides to send a reply electronic greeting card, and creates an electronic greeting card for the original sender in the same manner as described in step 404. In step 430 of Fig. 4(c), the original recipient selects a prize which will be won or lost by the original recipient (now the new sender) and the original sender (now the new recipient). This step is the same as described in step 406. In step 431 , the original recipient personalizes the electronic greeting card, as described in step 408. In step 432, the original recipient selects a promotional gift or receives default promotional gift information in the same manner as described in step 409. In step 434, the original recipient sends the electronic greeting card to the original sender in the same manner as described in step 410.

In step 436, the sweepstakes engine 200 automatically creates an entry for the electronic greeting card and provides a second entry for both the new sender and the new recipient in the sweepstakes for the chosen prize. Alternatively, as an added incentive for the original recipient to reply to the original sender, both original sender and receiver may be provided with yet a third entry in the sweepstakes for the chosen prize. These entries are preferably done by sending information about the sender/recipient to server system 104 where it is stored in a database such as database 127. These entries may also be sent to vendor's system 180 where it is stored in database 190. In step 440, notice of the incentive award (promotional gift) is provided to the original recipient as a reward for sending the reply electronic greeting card to the original sender, as described in step 414.

The preceding paragraphs explain how a sender can send an electronic greeting card to a recipient, select a sweepstakes prize that will be won or lost by the sender and recipient as a team or individually, and earn promotional gifts as an incentive for both sending and replying to an electronic greeting card. The following paragraphs describe how either the sender or the recipient can look at the cards sent or received, look at the prizes the sender or recipient may win, check the status of the sweepstakes, and create and send electronic event cards.

III. Participants Can Check Whether They Have Won

Fig. 5 is a flow chart 500 showing steps performed to allow the sender or the recipient (herein participants) to check whether they have won the selected prize. These steps are performed, for example, by browser software 114 (of the sender) or browser software 172 (of the recipient) in communication with server system 104. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that browser software 114 and browser software 172 support conventional browsers. Once the server 104 knows the e- mail address, password, (or other appropriate electronic identification) of the participant requesting the Web page, it can search database 127 to determine to whom the participant has sent greeting cards and from whom the participant has received greeting cards. Server 104 then creates a personalized Web page for display by the participant's browser.

In step 502, the participants may access a Web page to check which electronic greeting cards they have sent, to check which gifts they might win, and to check whether they have won a gift, as of a specified date. Fig. 15 shows one embodiment of a Web page which allows a participant in the electronic greeting card service to view an updated list of electronic greeting cards which have been sent and received. In step 504, the sender may access a Web page (not shown) established by the electronic greeting card sen/ice provider. From the conventional Web page, the sender can preferably click the appropriate button to determine if the sweepstakes have been awarded as of the current date. The sender can also preferably click on a button to create another card and select a gift in a manner similar to that described above. The sender is thus encouraged to send additional greeting cards. Fig. 17 shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information on pending and completed sweepstakes. In the example, Web page 1700 includes information on pending sweepstakes 1702, such as prizes, dates of drawings, and odds of winning. In the example, Web page 1700 further includes similar information on drawn sweepstakes 1704, including the names of winners. Of course, the win/lose indicators are not displayed until after the sweepstakes drawing occurs and the prize is awarded to one or more persons. In one embodiment, the electronic greeting cards may only be viewed as of a specified date, such as New Years Day, and the prizes awarded subsequent to that date. In another embodiment, the prizes can be awarded periodically, such as daily, or monthly, or in connection with any other appropriate event. It is contemplated that the award of prizes will be determined electronically by random chance, although the prizes may also be awarded by a person drawing names out of a hat or by any other appropriate selection method. The opportunities for reviewing cards sent and received, receiving promotional gifts, and winning a prize motivate the participants to return to the personalized Web page over and over, thereby making the Web page more attractive to advertisers who wish their ads to be viewed by the participants.

In step 506, the recipient may access a Web page (not shown) established by the electronic greeting card service provider. From the conventional Web page, the recipient can preferably click on an appropriate icon or button to display a list of the names and e-mail addresses of senders who have sent electronic greeting cards to the recipient, and can also preferably click the appropriate icon or button to determine if the sweepstakes have been awarded as of the current date, as described above. The recipient can also preferably click on an icon or button to create an electronic greeting card and select a gift in a manner similar to that described above. The recipient is thus encouraged to send electronic greeting cards. A participant can, at all times, view the Web page which reminds the participant who has sent him cards and to whom the participant has sent cards. A participant can also, at all times, see what prizes he may win from electronic greeting cards he has sent and from electronic greeting cards that he has received. If, however, the participant attempts to view an electronic greeting card before the specified date for a card that he has received, he will receive a notification that that electronic greeting card cannot be viewed until the specified day. Participants can, at all times review the content on electronic greeting cards that they have sent to other people. If the sweepstakes have been awarded as of the current date, in step 508 either participant may preferably click an appropriate button to determine whether or not they have been awarded a prize. In step 510, a "Win" indicator (not shown) is displayed if the participants have been awarded a prize, and details are provided informing the participant how to obtain the prize. In step 512, a "Lose" indicator (not shown) is displayed if the participants have not been awarded a prize. The method 500 then ends.

IV. Electronic Event Cards One embodiment of the present invention allows a sender to create and send to a recipient an electronic event card which can also include a personalized greeting and an entry into a sweepstakes associated with the event. An event may be a recurring or periodic occasion such as a national sporting finals or an election, or may be a one-time occasion such as a concert or movie debut. Figs. 6(a) and 6(b) are flow charts 600 showing steps performed in one embodiment of the invention which allows participants to send and reply to electronic event cards. These steps are performed, for example, by browser software 1 14 (of the sender) or browser software 172 (of the recipient) in communication with server system 104 and/or vendor's system 180. The steps are discussed below in connection with conventional Web pages (not shown), and may be performed in part by sweepstakes engine 200, incentives award engine 204, communications engine 202 and event engine 208. The Web page is preferably generated by server 104 in a manner generally known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, many of these steps may be performed by vendor's system 180 and memory 184. In step 602 of Fig. 6(a), it is provided that the sender is presently signed on to the service, as described in step 402 of Fig. 4(a). Step 602 allows the sender to select an event associated with a sweepstakes. Fig. 1 1 (b) shows one embodiment of a Web page which includes information and selection icons for selecting an event as the subject of an event card, which can also include a personalized greeting and associated sweepstakes. Event data may be retrieved from database 127 of server system 104, or alternatively, from database 190 of vendor's system 180. In the example, Web page 1101 preferably includes a plurality of event icons 1120 representing events from which the sender can choose. The sender can preferably click on one of the plurality of icons to view a description and/or picture of the particular event. The event description and/or picture (not shown) will preferably include a query which the recipient must answer correctly in order to receive one or more entries into a bonus sweepstakes. In step 604, the sender creates an electronic event card for the recipient in a manner similar to that described for creating an electronic greeting card in step 404 of Fig. 4(a). In one described embodiment, a profile of the participant based on the participant's previous activities is created and maintained by the electronic event card service provider. The electronic event card service provider uses the profile to determine which events, sweepstakes and other incentives to offer the participants. In addition, the advertisements targeted for the participants may be based on the profile information.

In step 606, the sender personalizes the electronic event card for the recipient in a manner similar to that described for personalizing the electronic greeting card in step 408 of Fig. 4(a). The event description and/or picture (not shown) will preferably include an event query which the recipient must answer correctly in order to receive one or more entries into a bonus sweepstakes. The event description will also preferably include information on the sender, sweepstakes, and time constraints within which the recipient must respond to the query. The event query may be provided by the vendor's system 180 or server 104. The sender may choose an event query from a plurality of existing event queries, or may be provided with a default event query. In one embodiment, different event queries represent varying levels of difficulty, and the recipient may earn different promotional gifts or additional sweepstakes entries by correctly answering event queries of greater difficulty.

In step 608, the sender sends the electronic event card to the recipient in a manner similar to that described for sending the electronic greeting card in step 410 of Fig. 4(a). Fig. 13 shows one embodiment of a Web page which informs the sender that an electronic event card has been sent. Alternatively, it will be appreciated that the electronic event card may be sent directly to the recipient as an attachment to an electronic message or in other direct means known to those skilled in the art.

In steps 610 and 612, the recipient receives and opens the electronic event card in a manner similar to that described for opening the electronic greeting card in steps 416 and 418 of Fig. 4(b). The recipient reviews the event description and/or picture (not shown), along with the query which the recipient must answer correctly in order to receive one or more entries into the bonus sweepstakes. In step 614, the recipient decides whether or not to answer the query and reply to the electronic event card. If the recipient does desire to answer the query and reply, then in step 618, event engine 208 accesses database 127 or 190 to determine if the allowed period to answer the query for the particular event has expired. If the allowed period has expired, then in step 620, the recipient is informed (via the communications engine 202) that the valid answer period has expired and that the recipient cannot enter the sweepstakes associated with the event. If the answer period has not expired, then in step 622 the recipient's answer is stored in database 127 or 190.

In steps 624 and 626, event engine 208 periodically checks database 127 or 190 to determine if the predetermined query answer date has arrived. If the query answer date has arrived, then in step 628 event engine 208 compares the recipient's answer(s) from step 622 with the correct answer(s). In step 630, if the recipient's answer(s) match the correct answer(s), then in step 632, the recipient is entered into the sweepstakes associated with the event. In step 630, if the recipient's answer(s) do not match the correct answer(s), then in step 634, the recipient is not entered into the sweepstakes associated with the event, and is informed of this fact via communications engine 202. Method 600 then ends. It is anticipated that the recipient may check to see if they have won the sweepstakes for the event as previously described in method 500 of Fig. 5.

V. Multi-Level Promotions

One embodiment of the present invention includes multiple levels of promotions as an incentive for participants to send and receive electronic greeting or event cards. Figs. 7(a) and 7(b) are flow charts 700 showing steps performed to allow the sender or the recipient to automatically earn promotional gifts, and receive notice of promotional gifts earned. These steps are performed, for example, by browser software 114 (of the sender) or browser software 172 (of the recipient) in communication with server system 104 and/or vendor's system 180. The steps are discussed below in connection with conventional Web pages (not shown), and may be performed in part by sweepstakes engine 200, communications engine 202, incentives award engine 204, multi-level promotions engine 206 and event engine 208. The Web page is preferably generated by server 104 in a manner generally known to persons of ordinary skill in the art.

In steps 702 through 708, a sender selects, creates, personalizes and sends an electronic event card to a recipient, as previously described. In step 710 the recipient opens the electronic event card, as previously described. Fig. 16(a) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which informs the recipient that an electronic event card has been sent to the recipient. Similarly, Fig. 16(b) shows one embodiment of an electronic message which confirms for the sender that the recipient has received the electronic event card sent by the sender. In step 712, if the system is not configured to track the number of electronic event cards sent, then the method proceeds to step 718. In step 712, if the system is configured to track the number of electronic event cards sent, then an entry is stored in database 127 or 190 of the particular sender, recipient, date and electronic event card. In step 714, if the number of electronic event cards sent by a particular sender has exceeded a predetermined number during a predetermined time period, then in step 716 a bonus sweepstakes entry is stored in database 127 or 190. In the example, if x was 9 and the predetermined time period was a given calendar month, then the sender would be entered into the bonus sweepstakes when the sender sent 10 electronic event cards within the current month. By way of illustration, Fig. 8(b) shows an exemplary format of a multi-level promotion database for an embodiment of the invention described. Database 820 includes database segment 830 for User A, database segment 840 for User B, and database segment 850 for User C. Database segment 830 for User A further includes a plurality of records arranged in column and row format. Column 832 stores entries of addressees to whom electronic cards have been sent. Columns 834 and 836 store entries of the date and time, respectively, that an electronic card is sent to a recipient. Column 838 stores entries of the occasion or event associated with the electronic card. Database segments 840 and 850 contain similar columns and rows. Database segments 870, 880 and 890 are also associated with Users A, B and C, respectively. In the example, User A has sent an electronic birthday card to User B, as recorded in row 832. Similarly, User A has sent an electronic anniversary card to User C, as recorded in row 834. User B has subsequently sent an electronic holiday card to User C (row 842), and User C has sent an electronic event card to User D (row 852) and sent an electronic greeting card to User E (row 854). The multi-level promotion database tracks the number of electronic cards generated by a particular user of the system.

Since the goal of the multi-level promotions is to promote usage of the system (and viewing of the Web site) by the greatest number of persons, users who generate the most electronic card usage are rewarded with the greatest number of promotional gifts or sweepstakes entries. Thus, in the example, User A has directly sent two electronic cards and caused User B to send one electronic card and User C to send two electronic cards. Therefore, User A is credited with five cards being sent (stored in record 874 of database segment 870) and two new users (stored in record 872 of database segment 870). Similarly, User B is credited with three cards being sent (stored in record 884 of database segment 880) and one new user (stored in record 882 of database segment 880). User C is credited with two cards being sent (stored in record 894 of database segment 890) and zero new users (stored in record 892 of database segment 890). It will be appreciated that a sender only receives credit for a recipient when that recipient sends an electronic card. In this way, users of the system will be rewarded with promotional gifts/sweepstakes entries, and will generate other users who will, in turn generate yet more users, resulting in an exponential growth of customers to the electronic card service provider.

In step 718 of Fig. 7(b), the recipient is prompted to decide whether to send a reply electronic event card to the sender. If the recipient decides against sending a reply electronic event card, then process 700 ends. In step 720, the recipient decides to send a reply electronic event card, and creates and personalizes an electronic event card for the original sender in the same manner as previously described. In step 724, if the system is not configured to track the number of reply electronic event cards, then the method 700 ends. In step 724, if the system is configured to track the number of reply electronic event cards, then an entry is stored in database 127 or 190 of the particular sender, recipient, date and electronic event card. In step 726, if the number of electronic event cards sent by a particular participant (in this case, a particular recipient) has exceeded a predetermined number over a predetermined time period, then in step 728 a bonus sweepstakes entry is stored in database 127 or 190. In the example, if y was 9 and the predetermined time period was a given calendar month, then the participant would be entered into the bonus sweepstakes when the participant sent (and/or replied to) 10 electronic event cards within the current month. Method 700 then ends. Thus, method 700 provides multiple levels of promotions as an incentive to senders to send multiple electronic event cards on repeated occasions, and as an incentive to recipients to reply to electronic event cards. While the above embodiment describes multiple levels of promotions for sending and receiving electronic event cards, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the same process could be applied to electronic greeting cards previously described.

At least one other embodiment of the present invention solves the problem created by a single sender trying to create and send millions of electronic greeting/event cards. This action could cause the system to fail or to become very slow. This action could be accomplished, for example, by the sender creating and using an automatic entry software program. To avoid this possibility, at least one embodiment sets some conditions for the sender regarding the number of electronic greeting/event cards that can be sent. For example: 1) The sender can create and send only one electronic greeting/event card to a specific recipient (some specific e-mail address), or

2) The sender can create and send (for example) no more than 100 electronic greeting/event cards total.

These limits on the number of electronic greeting/event cards can be predetermined and can be different for different users or for different classes of users.

In another embodiment of the present invention, when the electronic greeting/event card is first sent the system automatically sends a notification e-mail that lets the recipient know that there is an electronic greeting/event card for him and the recipient is able to view it from his personalized Web page. In the described embodiment, the recipient is able to view his Web page by inputting the e-mail address and password given in the notification e-mail (or clicking on the hypertext link, if included in the e-mail). The system also sends a confirmation e-mail to the sender to let the sender know that the electronic greeting/event card sent has been successfully accepted and stored at the server system and that the sender can now view the electronic greeting/event card from his Web page. The described embodiment may also send a notification e-mail reminding the recipients to look at their electronic greeting/event cards on a specified holiday or date, such as January 1^st. The recipient may only view the electronic greeting/event cards received from that designated date for a predetermined time period. Electronic greeting/event cards viewed during a predetermined time period may cause a special initial page containing, for example, a special New Years greeting (or special advertising) and possibly an animation or other special aspect to be displayed with the selected electronic greeting/event card.

After a specified date, the recipients (and senders) may view their personalized Web page to see whether they have won the prize after this date. Thus, each sender and recipient will most likely view their personalized Web page again after viewing their electronic greeting/event card, thereby increasing the number of times that the participants will see the advertisements on their personalized page. It will be appreciated that participants who win a prize can be informed of this fact via telephone, e- mail, facsimile or other means generally known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, participants who win a prize can be informed of this fact via the personalized Web page, which will provide information to the participant as to the proper manner to claim the prize.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention consists of the creation, sending and receiving of electronic invitation cards. In this embodiment, instead of including a greeting or event information, the electronic card includes an invitation to the recipient to attend or participate in an event. For example, the electronic invitation card could invite the recipient to attend a birthday party, participate in a 10 kilometer charity run, view a new Web site, test drive a new automobile, participate in a survey, etc. The electronic invitation card may include any or all of the promotion or sweepstakes features described for the electronic greeting and event cards.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and equivalents.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method performed by a data processing system, comprising:

receiving input from a sender that selects an event from among a plurality of events;

receiving input from the sender to create an electronic card associated with the event;

receiving input from the sender that selects a prize from among a plurality of prizes;

sending the electronic card to a recipient specified by the sender;

receiving, by the sender, a promotional gift associated with sending the electronic card; and

creating an entry in a sweepstakes for the prize, the entry associated with sending the electronic card.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the promotional gift is chosen by the sender from a plurality of promotional gifts.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein a Web site used to create the electronic card includes a plurality of advertisements corresponding to the plurality of promotional gifts.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the promotional gift is selected from the group consisting of bonus points, airline frequent flier miles, discount coupons, products, services and cash.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the promotional gift is based on a participant's profile.

6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising, prior to the receiving, by the sender, a promotional gift:

receiving, from the recipient, a reply receipt after the recipient has opened the electronic card.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the promotional gift is received by the sender only if the reply receipt is received from the recipient.

8. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

creating an entry in a database, the entry representing a number of electronic cards sent by the sender during a predetermined time period; and

receiving, by the sender, at least one additional promotional gift after the number of electronic cards sent by the sender exceeds a predetermined number.

9. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving input from the recipient to create a reply electronic card associated with the event;

sending the reply electronic card to the sender; and creating at least one additional entry in the sweepstakes for the recipient and the sender.

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

receiving input from the sender to create a query associated with the

event;

sending the query to the recipient; and

receiving, from the recipient, an answer to the query.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

comparing the answer to the query to a predetermined correct answer;

and

creating an entry in the sweepstakes for the recipient if the answer to the query matches the predetermine correct answer.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising creating an entry in the sweepstakes for the sender if the answer to the query matches the predetermine correct answer.

13. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

determining at least one winning sender and at least one winning recipient of the sweepstakes; and awarding the prize to the at least one winning sender and the at least one winning recipient.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the promotional gift includes incentive bonus points which are awarded for each electronic card sent.

15. A system stored on a computer readable medium, comprising:

an event engine for receiving input from a sender that selects an event from among a plurality of events, and for creating a query for a recipient;

a database, coupled to the event engine, for receiving input from the sender that creates an electronic event card associated with the event;

a sweepstakes engine, coupled to the event engine, for receiving input from the sender that selects a prize from among a plurality of prizes, and for creating an entry in a sweepstakes for the prize, the entry being associated with the electronic event card;

a promotional gift engine, coupled to the sweepstakes engine, for receiving input from the sender that selects a promotional gift from among a plurality of promotional gifts; and

a communications engine, coupled to the database and the promotional gift engine, for sending the electronic event card to a recipient specified by the sender, and for sending the promotional gift to the sender.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the database receives a reply receipt via the communications engine after the recipient opens ^• the electronic event card, and before the promotional gift is sent to the sender.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the communications engine allows the recipient to send a reply electronic event card to the sender, and wherein the sweepstakes engine creates at least one additional entry in the sweepstakes for the recipient and the sender.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the communications engine allows the recipient to send to the database an answer to the query, the event engine compares the answer to a predetermined correct answer in the database, and the sweepstakes engine creates an additional entry in the sweepstakes for the prize if the answer matches the predetermined correct answer.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the promotional gift engine awards incentive bonus points to the sender after the electronic event card is sent.

20. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a multi-level promotions engine, coupled to the database, for determining

a number of electronic event cards sent by the sender, and for awarding additional incentive bonus points to the sender after a predetermined number of electronic event cards are sent.

21. The system of claim 15, further comprising:

a multi-level promotions engine, coupled to the database, for determining

a number of electronic event cards sent by the sender, and for awarding at least one additional promotional gift to the sender after a predetermined number of electronic event cards are sent.

22. A method, comprising:

providing electronic card data, event data, sweepstakes entry data, recipient data, sender data, and promotional gift data to a server computer system;

enabling the server computer system to generate at least one electronic card from the electronic card data, to generate at least one event query from the event data, to generate at least one entry in a sweepstakes for a prize from the sweepstakes entry data, and to generate at least one promotional gift award from the promotional gift data;

enabling the server computer system to send the at least one electronic card and the at least one event query to a recipient computer system identified by the recipient data;

enabling the recipient computer system to send a reply receipt to the server computer system after the recipient computer system receives the at least one electronic card and the at least one event query; and enabling the server computer system to send the at least one promotional gift award to the sender computer system identified by the sender data.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

enabling the server computer system to send a reply electronic card to the sender computer system identified by the sender data;

enabling the server computer system to generate at least one additional entry in the sweepstakes for the prize from the sweepstakes entry data; and

enabling the server computer system to send at least one additional promotional gift award to the sender computer system identified by the sender data.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

enabling the server computer system to determine a number of electronic

cards sent by a sender associated with the sender computer system; and

enabling the server computer system to send at least one additional promotional gift to the sender associated with the sender computer system after a predetermined number of electronic cards have been sent.

25. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

enabling the recipient computer system to send an answer to the event

query;

enabling the server computer system to compare the answer to the event query with a predetermined correct answer; and

enabling the server computer system to generate at least one additional entry in the sweepstakes for the prize if the answer to the event query matches the predetermined correct answer.

26. The method of claim 22, further comprising:

enabling the server computer system to determine at least one winning entry in the sweepstakes, the at least one winning entry associated with the recipient data and the sender data;

enabling the sender computer system to communicate with the server computer system to identify the winning entry; and

enabling the recipient computer system to communicate with the server computer system to identify the winning entry.

27. A method, comprising:

providing electronic card data, invitation data, sweepstakes entry data, recipient data, sender data, and promotional gift data to a server computer system;

enabling the server computer system to generate at least one electronic card from the electronic card data, to generate at least one invitation from the invitation data, to generate at least one entry in a sweepstakes for a prize from the sweepstakes entry data, and to generate at least one promotional gift award from the promotional gift data;

enabling the server computer system to send the at least one electronic card and the at least one invitation to a recipient computer system identified by the recipient data;

enabling the recipient computer system to send a reply receipt to the server computer system after the recipient computer system receives the at least one electronic card and the at least one invitation; and

enabling the server computer system to send the at least one promotional gift award to the sender computer system identified by the sender data.