Techniques for awarding random rewards in a reward program

• US 20060277100A1
• Filed: 05/05/2006
• Published: 12/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/06/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Gaming Enhancements Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Gaming Enhancements Incorporated
• Inventors: Parham, Tyler T.
• Application Number:
  US11/418,808
• Publication Number:
  US 20060277100A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.140
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0212 Chance discounts or incentives

Abstract

In one embodiment, techniques for awarding random rewards in a reward program are provided. An event is determined that qualifies the user for a reward in the reward program. A random reward is then generated for the reward program. For example, parameters may be determined that are used to generate the random reward. The random reward is then awarded to the user. In one example, the number of points the user receives may be randomly generated and awarded to the user in the reward program. Thus, user interest may be increased for the reward program, which also may lead to an increase in purchasing of a business'"'"'s goods and/or services.

Claims

1. A method for rewarding random rewards in a reward program, the method comprising:

determining an event that qualifies a user for a reward in the reward program;

generating a random reward for the reward program; and

awarding the random reward to the user in the reward program.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the event comprises an activity performed by the user.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the activity comprises a purchasing activity of a good or service of a business associated with the reward program.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein generating the random reward comprising:

determining a minimum value;

determining a maximum value;

determining an average value; and

determining the random reward based on the minimum value, maximum value, and average value.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the average value, minimum value and/or maximum value are determined based on characteristics associated with the user.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the characteristics comprise a level of status in the reward program.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein awarding the random award comprises awarding the random reward to the user or a reward account for the user.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising funding a pool, wherein generating the random reward comprises:

generating the random reward from the pool.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pool comprises a progressive or a fixed prize.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising converting the random reward into a second reward that is determined based on the random reward generated, wherein the second reward is awarded to the user.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

determining a fixed reward for the user; and

awarding the fixed reward to the user.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining if a gaming or non-gaming event qualifies the user for the reward.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the parameters comprise minimum, maximum, and average value.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the parameters are based on a level in the reward program associated with the user.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining if a gaming or non-gaming event qualifies the user for the reward.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the event comprises an activity performed by the user.

20. The device of claim 19, wherein the activity comprises a purchasing activity of a good or service of a business associated with the reward program.

13. A method for rewarding random rewards in a reward program, the method comprising:

receiving an activity for the user performed in the reward program;

determining if the event that qualifies a user for a random reward in the reward program;

determining parameters for the user based on the reward program;

generating a random reward for the reward program using the parameters; and

awarding the random reward to the user in the reward program.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the random reward comprises generating the random reward based on the minimum, maximum, and average value.

18. A device configured to reward random rewards in a reward program, the device comprising:

one or more processors; and

a memory containing logic that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform a set of steps comprising;

determining an event that qualifies a user for a reward in the reward program;

generating a random reward for the reward program; and

awarding the random reward to the user in the reward program.

21. The device of claim 18, wherein generating the random reward comprising:

determining a minimum value;

determining a maximum value;

determining an average value; and

determining the random reward based on the minimum value, maximum value, and average value.

22. The device of claim 21, wherein the average value, minimum value and/or maximum value are determined based on characteristics associated with the user.

23. The device of claim 22, wherein the characteristics comprise a level of status in the reward program.

24. The device of claim 18, wherein awarding the random award comprises awarding the random reward to the user or a reward account for the user.

25. The device of claim 18, wherein the logic causes the one or more processors to perform a further step comprising funding a pool, wherein generating the random reward comprises:

generating the random reward from the pool.

26. The device of claim 25, wherein the pool comprises a progressive or a fixed prize.

27. The device of claim 18, wherein the logic causes the one or more processors to perform a further step comprising converting the random reward into a second reward that is determined based on the random reward generated, wherein the second reward is awarded to the user.

28. The device of claim 18, wherein the logic causes the one or more processors to perform further steps comprising:

determining a fixed reward for the user; and

awarding the fixed reward to the user.

29. The device of claim 18, wherein the logic causes the one or more processors to perform a further step comprising determining if a gaming or non-gaming event qualifies the user for the reward.