System and method for playing games and rewarding successful players

• US 5,697,844 A
• Filed: 03/08/1996
• Issued: 12/16/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 03/10/1986
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Quest NetTech Corporation (Quest Patent Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Response Reward Systems L.C.
• Inventors: Von Kohorn, Henry
• Primary Examiner(s): MANUEL, GEORGE C
• Application Number:
  US08/615,472
• Time in Patent Office: 648 Days
• Field of Search: 370/310, 370/345, 370/346, 371/67.1, 371/68.1, 371/68.2, 463/40, 463/41, 463/42, 463/43, 463/17, 463/25, 348/13, 348/14, 348/17, 379/90, 379/92, 455/2, 455/4.1, 455/5.1
• US Class Current: 463/40
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 13/798 for assessing skills or for ranking players, e.g. for generating a hall of fame computing the game score A63F13/46
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/083 played via television
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2011/0095 with cooperation amongst players in competitive games, e.g. non zero sum games
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/409 Data transfer via television network
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/18 Question-and-answer games
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3227 Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3248 involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3262 Player actions which determine the course of the game, e.g. selecting a prize to be won, outcome to be achieved, game to be played
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/063 with hand-placed probe or plug
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/31 using in-band signals, e.g. subsonic or cue signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/38 Arrangements for distribution where lower stations, e.g. receivers, interact with the broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/61 for local area broadcast, e.g. instore broadcast
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 20/62 for transportation systems, e.g. in vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/33 Arrangements for monitoring the users' behaviour or opinions
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/375 Commercial
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/45 for identifying users
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/64 for providing detail information
• CPC Class Codes: H04H 60/94 Telephonic networks for accessing the Internet H04H60/84
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/08 Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band , e.g. by time division H04N7/007 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0806 : the signals being two or more video signals H04N7/0803, H04N7/081 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/0884 : for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection

Abstract

A system and method for evaluating responses to broadcast programs, such as television programs, includes an instructional signal modulated onto a signal transmitted concurrently with the television program, or time-multiplexed with television signals. At each of a plurality of remote receiving stations, one or more members of a remote audience has the opportunity to respond to a task or situation presented in the television program by entering a response vocally or on a keyboard. The system may include a video game machine suitable for playing commercially available games such as an NINTENDO game or a SEGA game, and wherein such game may be played back from a recording. The system includes response evaluation circuitry, a memory responsive to the instructional signal for storing acceptable responses, a comparison circuit for comparing responses entered at the keyboard with those stored in the memory, circuitry for scoring responses in accordance with commands from the instructional signal, and a recording device for providing a permanent record of the audience score at the remote station. Electronic circuitry for evaluation and scoring purposes may be located at a remote station and/or a central location. Multiple players at a common game may be ranked in their performance, and games may be interrupted for a sponsor'"'"'s message, and wherein a response to the message may serve as a basis for an enhanced score.

Claims

1. A method for playing a game sponsored by an advertiser and for rewarding successful players with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players at their locations are intended to respond, said signals of said first signal group further conveying response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to a task by a successful player and governing a scoring of a response of the successful player, the player responding to a task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with said response criteria to determine a successful player'"'"'s first prize value;

transmitting information regarding the player'"'"'s first prize information to the advertiser;

following receipt of said information, the advertiser formatting players'"'"' prize enhancing instructions;

transmitting to players'"'"' locations a second signal group comprising signals conveying product information of the advertiser and prize enhancing instructions of the advertiser to determine a player'"'"'s total prize value;

enhancing a player'"'"'s first prize value in accordance with said instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value;

providing at a location of the player a recording device programmable by signals of said second signal group;

programming said recording device by said signals; and

said recording device generating a record displaying said product information and the player'"'"'s total prize information.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said recording device is a printer.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein said recording device is a generator of magnetized, optic, or electric-circuit chip-containing cards.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of responding by a player is accomplished vocally by means of voice activation circuitry.

50. A method according to any one of claims 1, 41, 47, 48 and 49 wherein said game is a video game comprising a multiplicity of tasks, said method including additional steps of responding to said multiplicity of tasks.

54. A method according to any one of claims 1, 41, 47, 48, 49 and 51 wherein said step of transmitting said first signal group includes a step of playing back a recorded video game at a central location, and a carrying of the recorded video game over the air or by cable transmission;

and

wherein the method further comprises steps of receiving transmitted video game signals at the players'"'"' locations;

storing the transmitted video signals at the players'"'"' locations; and

playing back a stored video game at respective ones of said players'"'"' locations.

5. A game playing system including a player rewarding system at least partially controlled by an advertiser, comprising:

audio-visual means for presenting a recorded video game including a task to which players are intended to respond;

individual player'"'"'s means for playing the video game and responding to the task;

means for formatting response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and for determining a player'"'"'s response score;

means for storing formatted response criteria;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with response criteria to determine the value of a successful player'"'"'s first award;

means controlled by an advertiser for formatting value adding instructions for adding value to a successful player'"'"'s first award value;

means for adding value to a successful player'"'"'s first award value in accordance with value adding instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total award value;

means for communicating the players total award information to token generating means at a location of the player; and

means for generating a successful player'"'"'s award token indicating the total award value.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein said response criteria storing means are located at a central location.

7. A system according to claim 5 wherein said storing means stores scoring criteria at the location of a player.

8. A system according to claim 5 wherein said means for playing the video game comprises voice activation means for entering a play vocally on the playing means.

9. A game playing system including a player rewarding system at least partially controlled by an advertiser, comprising:

audio-visual means for presenting a recorded video game including a task to which players are intended to respond;

individual players'"'"' means for responding to the game and to the task;

means for formatting response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task, and for determining a player'"'"'s response score;

means for storing formatted response criteria;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with the response criteria to determine the value of a successful player'"'"'s first award;

means controlled by an advertiser for formatting value adding instructions for adding value to the successful players first award value;

means for adding value to the successful player'"'"'s first award value in accordance with the value adding instructions to determine a player'"'"'s total award value;

means for storing an advertiser'"'"'s promotional information suitable for display on a coupon;

a coupon generator at a player'"'"'s location;

means for communicating promotional information and a player'"'"'s total award value information to said coupon generator at the player'"'"'s location; and

wherein said coupon generator generates a successful player'"'"'s award coupon displaying the advertiser'"'"'s promotional information and indicating the player'"'"'s total award value.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the response criteria are stored at a central location.

11. A system according to claim 9 wherein the response criteria are stored at players'"'"' locations.

12. A system according to claim 9 wherein a player'"'"'s response is scored at a central location.

13. A system according to claim 9 wherein a player'"'"'s response is scored at the player'"'"'s location.

14. A system according to claim 9 wherein said responding means includes voice activation means enabling a player to provide a response vocally.

15. A system for playing a game and rewarding successful players with a promotional award coupon, the system comprising:

audio-visual means for presenting a recorded video game including a task to which players are intended to respond;

individual players'"'"' means for responding to the game and the tasks;

means for formatting response criteria for scoring a player'"'"'s response to determine a successful player'"'"'s award;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with said response criteria to determine a successful player'"'"'s award;

means for storing at a central location an advertiser'"'"'s formatted promotional information suitable for display on a coupon;

a central transmitter for transmitting signals conveying the promotional information;

means at players'"'"' locations for receiving the promotional information signals;

a coupon generator at a player'"'"'s location, and means for communicating a successful player'"'"'s award information to the coupon generator; and

wherein said coupon generator is responsive to the promotional information signals for generating a successful player'"'"'s award coupon, displaying promotional information and indicating the value of an award.

16. A system according to claim 15 wherein said response criteria are stored at a central location.

17. A system according to claim 15 wherein said response criteria are stored at players'"'"' locations.

18. A system according to claim 15 wherein a player'"'"'s response is evaluated and/or scored at a central location.

19. A system according to claim 15 wherein a player'"'"'s response is evaluated and/or scored at the player'"'"'s location.

20. A system according to claim 15 wherein said responding means includes voice activation means enabling a player to provide a response vocally.

24. A system according to any one of claims 5, 9, 15, 21 and 23 wherein said game comprises a multiplicity of tasks, and said scoring means is operative to score player responses to said multiplicity of tasks.

35. A system according to any one of claims 5, 9, 15, 28, 31 and 33 further comprising;

first playback means for playing back the recorded video game at a first central location;

means at a second central location for transmitting signals carrying the recorded video game to players'"'"' locations over the air or by cable;

means for receiving the transmitted video game signals at the players'"'"' locations;

means for storing the received video game signals at the players'"'"' locations; and

second playback means for playing back the stored video game at the players'"'"' locations.

36. A system according to claim 35 wherein said first central location coincides with said second central location.

37. A system according to claim 35 wherein said first central location coincides with said second central location.

71. A system according to any one of claims 5, 9, 15, 21, 23, 26, 28, 55, 58 and 59 wherein there are played back signals for conveying the game, the played back signals being transmitted at least partially by a TV station for reception at players'"'"' locations.

21. A game playing and player rewarding system, comprising:

means at the locations of a plurality of players for playing back and presenting a recorded video game;

a recording of a video game including at least one task to which players are intended to respond, the recording including response criteria useful for scoring players'"'"' responses;

means for computing a player'"'"'s score based on the response criteria and a first award value based on the player'"'"'s score;

means at a central facility for formatting value adding instructions to add value to a first award of an individual one of said players;

means for adding value to the player'"'"'s first award in accordance with value adding instructions to determine the value of a players total award;

token generating means at a location of the player, and means for communicating total award information to the token generating means; and

wherein said token generating means generates a player'"'"'s award token indicating the value of the total award.

22. A system according to claim 21 indicating means of communicating a player'"'"'s first award value to said central facility.

25. A system according to any one of claims 21 and 23 further comprising;

first playback means for playing back the recorded video game at a first central location;

means at a second central location for transmitting signals carrying the recorded video game to the players'"'"' locations over the air or by cable;

means for receiving the transmitted video game signals at the players'"'"' locations;

means for storing the received video game signals at the players'"'"' locations; and

second playback means for playing back the stored video game at the players'"'"' locations.

23. A system for playing a game and rewarding successful players with a promotional award coupon, the system comprising:

means for storing formatted promotional information suitable for displaying on a coupon;

a central transmitter for transmitting signals conveying the promotional information;

means for receiving signals carrying the promotional information;

means at players'"'"' locations for storing the promotional information;

audio-visual means for presenting a recorded video game including a task to which players are intended to respond;

individual players'"'"' means for responding to the game and the task;

means for storing formatted response criteria for evaluating and scoring player'"'"'s responses to determine a successful player'"'"'s award;

means for evaluating and for scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with said response criteria to determine a successful player'"'"'s award;

a coupon generator at a player'"'"'s location, and means for communicating the promotional information and a player'"'"'s award information to the coupon generator; and

wherein the coupon generator generates a successful player'"'"'s award coupon displaying the promotional information and indicating the value of the award.

26. A video game playing system comprising:

a game machine for presenting to a player a play-back recording of a task-containing game;

individual players'"'"' means for responding to a task;

means for formatting, by a host, response criteria defining at least one acceptable response;

a microprocessor for determining a player'"'"'s first award for an acceptable response;

means, under an advertiser'"'"'s control, for formatting instructional signals for enhancing the player'"'"'s first award;

means for storing said instructional signals;

means for transmitting an advertiser'"'"'s instructional signals for enhancing the player'"'"'s first award following a determination of the first award;

means for receiving and for storing said instructional signals at a player'"'"'s location;

means for enhancing the player'"'"'s first award in accordance with said instructional signals; and

a token generator for generating a player'"'"'s token having recorded thereon a player'"'"'s enhanced award.

27. A system according to claim 26 wherein said responding means includes voice activation means enabling a player to provide a response vocally.

30. A system according to any one of claims 26 and 28 wherein said game is a video game comprising a multiplicity of tasks, and said microprocessor is operative to enlarge said first award in correspondence with player responses to said multiplicity of tasks.

28. A video game playing system comprising:

a game machine for presenting to a player a played-back recording of a game including a task;

individual players'"'"' means for responding to the task;

a microprocessor for computing a player'"'"'s game playing score and for determining a player'"'"'s award;

means for providing an advertiser'"'"'s instructional signals;

means for transmitting the advertiser'"'"'s instructional signals to enable enhancement of the player'"'"'s award;

a receiver operably coupled to said microprocessor for receiving said instructional signals;

means coupled to said receiver for enhancing the player'"'"'s score in accordance with said instructional signals; and

a token generator for generating a player'"'"'s token having recorded thereon the player'"'"'s score enhanced in accordance with the advertiser'"'"'s instructions.

29. A system according to claim 28 wherein said responding means includes voice activation means enabling a player to provide a response vocally.

31. A video game system comprising:

a game machine for presenting a game containing a task to which players are to respond, players'"'"' response means for responding to the task, and computing means for tallying a player'"'"'s award based on a response to the task;

central means under an advertiser'"'"'s control for transmitting instructional'"'"'signals;

means governed by said instructional signals for enhancing the player'"'"'s award;

a token generator, and a communication link between said enhancement means and said token generator, said token generator being at a player'"'"'s location; and

wherein said token generator records on a token the player'"'"'s award computed in accordance with the advertiser'"'"'s instructions, thereby enabling advertisers to promote products and services.

32. A system according to claim 31 wherein said game is a video game comprising a multiplicity of tasks, and said computing means is operative to enlarge said award in correspondence with player responses to said multiplicity of tasks.

33. A video game system comprising:

a game machine for presenting a game containing a task to which players are to respond, the game machine including players'"'"' response means and computing means for tallying a player'"'"'s score;

central means under an advertiser'"'"'s control for transmitting instructional signals;

means for receiving the instructional signals;

microprocessor means operably connected to said receiving means and governed by said instructional signals for translating the player'"'"'s score into command signals capable of controlling a token generator; and

a token generator for recording on a token a player'"'"'s score inputted in accordance with the advertiser'"'"'s instructions.

34. A system according to claim 33 wherein said game is a video game comprising a multiplicity of tasks, and said computing means is operative to enlarge said player'"'"'s score in correspondence with player responses to said multiplicity of tasks.

38. A method for dispensing promotional award coupons sponsored by an advertiser, comprising the steps of:

presenting a task to players at their individual locations, to which task the players are intended to respond;

players responding to said task;

formulating at a central location response criteria to determine a successful player'"'"'s first award for responding to said task;

determining the successful player'"'"'s first award;

formulating by an advertiser a successful player'"'"'s additional award to result in a total award;

formulating product information by an advertiser;

providing a coupon generator at a player'"'"'s location;

communicating award information to said generator;

communicating product information to said generator; and

generating a successful player'"'"'s promotional award coupon displaying an advertiser'"'"'s product information and the player'"'"'s total award, said award coupon being provided by said generator.

39. A method according to claim 38 wherein a player'"'"'s response is to be made on electronic equipment having voice activation circuitry, and said responding step is accomplished vocally by means of the voice activation circuitry.

40. A method according to claim 38 wherein said step of presenting said task includes a step of playing back a recorded video game at a central location, and a carrying of the recorded video game over the air or by cable transmission;

and

wherein the method further comprises steps of receiving transmitted video game signals at the players'"'"' locations;

storing the transmitted video signals at the players'"'"' locations; and

playing back a stored video game at respective ones of said players'"'"' locations.

41. A method for playing a game sponsored by an advertiser and for rewarding successful players with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a first location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players at remote locations are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to a task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response;

a player responding to the task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response in accordance with the response criteria to determine a player'"'"'s first prize value;

transmitting information regarding the player'"'"'s first prize value to a central location communicatively connected to an advertiser'"'"'s location;

transmitting from a second location communicatively connected to an advertiser'"'"'s location a second signal group comprising signals conveying an advertiser'"'"'s product information and an advertiser'"'"'s instructions governing the enhancing of a successful player'"'"'s first prize value to determine a total prize value;

providing means for receiving said second signal group;

providing means for enhancing the player'"'"'s first prize value in accordance with said instructional signals;

enhancing the player'"'"'s first prize value in accordance with said instructional signals to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value;

providing a device for displaying the player'"'"'s total prize value and;

displaying the player'"'"'s total prize value.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein said device for displaying the total prize value is a generator of tokens displaying the total prize value.

43. A method according to claim 41 wherein said device for displaying the total prize value is a generator of coupons displaying product information and a player'"'"'s total prize value.

44. A method according to claim 41 wherein said first location coincides with said second location.

45. A method according to claim 41 wherein said first location is distant from said second location.

46. A method according to claim 41 wherein a player'"'"'s response is to be made on electronic equipment having voice activation circuitry, and said responding step is accomplished vocally by means of the voice activation circuitry.

53. A method according to any one of claims 41, 47, 48, 49 and 51 wherein the game has been stored, there being additional steps of generating played back signals for conveying the game, there being a further step of transmitting the played back signals at least partially by a TV station for reception at players'"'"' locations.

47. A method for playing a game and for rewarding successful players at their locations with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response;

a player responding to the task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response to the task in accordance with the response criteria to determine a first prize value;

transmitting toward the players'"'"' locations a second signal group comprising signals conveying an advertiser'"'"'s product information, and an advertiser'"'"'s instructions governing an enhancing of the successful player'"'"'s first prize value to determine a total prize value;

enhancing the players first prize value in accordance with said instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value; and

informing the player of said total prize value.

48. A method for playing a game and for rewarding successful players at their locations with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response;

a player responding to the task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response to the task in accordance with the response criteria to determine a first prize value;

transmitting toward the players'"'"' locations a second signal group comprising signals conveying an advertiser'"'"'s product information, and an advertiser'"'"'s instructions governing an enhancing of the successful player'"'"'s first prize value to determine a total prize value;

enhancing the player'"'"'s first prize value in accordance with said instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value; and

creating a record of the player'"'"'s total prize value.

49. A method for playing a game and for rewarding successful players at their locations with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response;

a player responding to the task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response to the task in accordance with the response criteria to determine a first prize value;

transmitting toward the players'"'"' locations a second signal group comprising signals conveying an advertiser'"'"'s product information, and an advertiser'"'"'s instructions governing an enhancing of the successful player'"'"'s first prize value to determine a total prize value;

enhancing the players first prize value in accordance with said instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value; and

making the benefit of said prize available to the player.

51. A method for playing a game and for rewarding successful players at their locations with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location a first signal group comprising signals conveying a game including a task to which players are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response, said game being a video game or a radio game;

a player responding to the task;

scoring a player'"'"'s response to the task in accordance with the response criteria to determine a first prize value;

transmitting toward the players'"'"' locations a second signal group comprising signals conveying an advertiser'"'"'s product information, and an advertiser'"'"'s instructions governing an enhancing of the successful player'"'"'s first prize value to determine a total prize value;

enhancing the players first prize value in accordance with said instructions to determine the player'"'"'s total prize value;

providing a token generator at the player'"'"'s location; and

recording by the generator on a token of said generator the product information and the successful player'"'"'s total prize value.

52. A method according to claim 51 wherein said game comprises a multiplicity of tasks, said method including additional steps of responding to said multiplicity of tasks.

55. A system for a game to be played by a plurality of players, the game including a task to which players are intended to respond, the system comprising:

a recording of a program comprising a game including at least one first task;

a device in each player'"'"'s location for playing back said program recording;

activating means operable by first instructional signals for activating and deactivating a playing back of said program recording by said device;

means at player'"'"'s locations for presenting a played-back program to the players;

players'"'"' means for responding to a first task;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response to the first task;

central means for transmitting the first instructional signals to inhibit a presentation of said program;

means at players'"'"' locations operably connected to the playback devices at respective players'"'"' locations for receiving instructional signals;

means for transmitting signals conveying a second task to which the players are intended to respond;

means at each player'"'"'s location for presenting the second task to the players;

means for transmitting second instructional signals defining at least one acceptable response to the second task and for scoring a player'"'"'s response;

means for initiating a transmission of said second task signals and of said second instructional signals at essentially a time of deactivation of said playback devices;

players'"'"' means for responding to the second task;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response to the second task in accordance with said second instructional signal; and

means for transmitting third instructional signals permitting the presentation of said program.

56. A system according to claim 55 further comprising means for communicating a player'"'"'s score, achieved by responding to the first task, to an operator'"'"'s central location.

57. A system according to claim 55, wherein the system serves for rewarding successful players with a promotional award coupon, the system further comprising:

means at a central location for storing formatted promotional information suitable for displaying on a coupon;

a central transmitter for transmitting signals conveying said promotional information;

means at the players'"'"' locations for receiving promotional information signals;

buffer storage means at players'"'"' locations for storing promotional information;

coupon generators at respective ones of said players'"'"' locations, and means for communicating the promotional information and a player'"'"'s award information to one of said coupon generators at the player'"'"'s location; and

wherein each of said coupon generators serves for generating a successful player'"'"'s award coupon, displaying promotional information, and indicating the value of an award.

70. A system according to any one of claims 55, 58 and 59 wherein said game is a video game comprising a multiplicity of tasks, and said scoring means is operative to enlarge said player'"'"'s score in correspondence with player responses to said multiplicity of tasks.

58. A system for a game to be played by a plurality of players, the game including a task to which players are intended to respond, the system comprising:

a recording of a program comprising a game including a first task;

a device in each player'"'"'s location for playing back said program recording;

activating means operable by first instructional signals for activating and deactivating a playing back of said program recording by said device;

means at player'"'"'s locations for presenting a played-back program to the players;

players'"'"' means for responding to a first task;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response to the first task;

central means for transmitting the first instructional signals to inhibit a presentation of said program;

means at players'"'"' locations operably connected to the playback devices at respective players'"'"' locations for receiving said first instructional signals;

means for transmitting signals conveying a second task to which the players are intended to respond;

means at each player'"'"'s location for presenting the second task to the players;

means for transmitting second instructional signals defining at least one acceptable response to the second task and for scoring a player'"'"'s response;

means for initiating a transmission of said second task signals and of said second instructional signals at essentially a time of deactivation of said playback devices;

players'"'"' means for responding to the second task;

means for scoring a player'"'"'s response to the second task in accordance with said second instructional signal;

means for determining the value of a player'"'"'s award based on a player'"'"'s scores achieved by the player'"'"'s responding to the first task and to the second task;

means for transmitting third instructional signals permitting the presentation of said program;

means for storing formatted promotional information suitable for displaying on a coupon;

a central transmitter for transmitting signals conveying said promotional information;

means at the players'"'"' locations for receiving promotional information signals;

a buffer storage for receiving promotional information signals;

coupon generators at respective ones of said players'"'"' locations, and means for communicating the promotional information and a player'"'"'s award information to said coupon generators; and

wherein each of said coupon generators serves for generating a successful player'"'"'s award coupon, displaying promotional information, and indicating the value of an award.

59. A system for playing a game in conjunction with advertising activity, comprising:

a plurality of player locations each of which has a game playing apparatus including a display for presenting a status of the game to players, and means for entering into the apparatus plays of the game by the players;

a central station remote from said plurality of player locations, said central station having means for transmitting instructional signals to each of said player locations, said instructional signals including commands directing the playing apparatus at each of said player locations to operate in concert with advertising material for presentation of both game material and the advertising material to the players at respective ones of said locations;

wherein said advertising material includes a task to be performed by the players at respective ones of the player locations; and

said system further comprises means for scoring a player'"'"'s plays on the game playing apparatus at each of the plurality of the player'"'"'s locations to provide a score, said scoring means being operative to score responses of the players to said task to provide a task score, said scoring means being operative further for outputting an enhanced score based on the player score and the task score.

60. A system according to claim 59 wherein said task is incorporated within the game.

61. A system according to claim 59 wherein said task is transmitted to said player locations to be separate from said game.

62. A system according to claim 59 wherein said scoring means is operative at each of said player locations.

63. A system according to claim 59 wherein said scoring means is located at a central facility remote from said player locations, and said system includes means for communicating game plays and task responses from players at respective ones of said players locations to said central facility for scoring.

64. A system according to claim 59 further comprising a coupon generator coupled to said scoring means for outputting the enhanced score in conjunction with a message from said advertising material.

65. A system according to claim 59 wherein the direction of the playing apparatus to operate in concert with the advertising material is accomplished by presentation of the game status and the advertising material on said display by a split screen technique.

66. A system according to claim 59 wherein the direction of the playing apparatus to operate in concert with the advertising material is accomplished by presentation of the game status and the advertising material on said display by a window technique.

67. A system according to claim 59 wherein the direction of the playing apparatus to operate in concert with the advertising material is accomplished by presentation of the game status and the advertising material on said display by superposition.

68. A system according to claim 59 wherein the direction of the playing apparatus to operate in concert with the advertising material is accomplished by presentation of the game status and the advertising material on said display by interruption of a presentation of the game status for alternate display of game and advertising material.

69. A system according to claim 59 wherein said entering means comprises voice activation means for entering a play vocally on the game playing apparatus.

72. A method for playing a game and for rewarding successful players at their locations with a prize, comprising the steps of:

transmitting from a central location game signals conveying a game including a task to which players are intended to respond, and response criteria defining at least one acceptable response to the task and governing the scoring of a successful player'"'"'s response;

a plurality of players responding to the task at their respective locations remote from the central location;

scoring responses of the players to the task in accordance with the response criteria to determine first prize values for respective ones of said players;

ranking individual ones of said players against other ones of said players in accordance with their responses to tasks;

enhancing a player'"'"'s first prize value in accordance with said ranking; and

assigning an award in accordance with an enhanced value of said first prize value.

73. A method according to claim 72 wherein said game signals comprise instructional signals and data signals setting forth a status of the game, said instructional signals including instructions for scoring a player'"'"'s response to said task, and wherein said method comprises a step of transmitting said instructional signals by a burst transmission prior to transmission of said data signals.

74. A method according to claim 72 further comprising steps of grouping said players among a set of teams, and ranking performance of individual ones of said teams against other ones of said teams.

75. A method according to claim 74 further comprising steps of establishing a sequence of response intervals for players in respective ones of said teams, and alerting respective ones of the players in each of said teams to respond in designated ones of said response intervals.

76. A method according to any one of claims 72 and 75 further comprising steps of interrupting a game being played by said players at a specific time, storing positions of the players and a status of the game at said specific time, and resuming play in the game at a time subsequent to said specific time, resumption of the game being based on the stored positions and stored status.

77. A method according to claim 76 wherein, between said steps of interrupting and resumption of a game, there is inserted a further step presenting an advertising task to said players, said method further comprising steps of evaluating responses of the players to the advertising task, and enhancing a scoring of the players and of their respective teams in accordance with a scoring of the players'"'"' responses to the advertising task.

78. A method according to claim 72 or 75 wherein one of said games prescribes a task comprising a plurality of mini-tasks to be performed by said players, said method further comprising steps of performing a sequence of said mini-tasks by individual ones of said players, and scoring responses of the players to each of said mini-tasks to obtain a composite score for completion of said task.

79. A method according to claim 72 wherein said step of transmitting said game signals includes a step of playing back a recorded video game at a central location, and a carrying of the recorded video game over the air or by cable transmission;

and

wherein the method further comprises steps of receiving transmitted video game signals at the players'"'"' locations;

storing the transmitted video signals at the players'"'"' locations; and

playing back a stored video game at respective ones of said players'"'"' locations.

80. A system for playing a game, comprising:

a central station and a plurality of stations remote from said central station;

two-way communication means interconnecting said central station with each of said remote stations;

data means at said central station for providing data pertaining to the conduct of a game via said communication means to each of said remote stations;

means at each of said remote stations for presenting said data to a player;

entry means at each of said remote stations for an entering of a response by a player to a game situation described by said data;

processing means including computer means at said central station for updating the game situation based on responses by players at respective ones of said remote stations;

wherein said processing means further comprises;

means responsive to player identifications entered at the entry means of respective ones of said remote stations for identifying a player'"'"'s response;

means for scoring responses of respective ones of the players, and means responsive to player scores for ranking the players; and

means coupled to said scoring means for enhancing the scores of respective ones of said players based on a ranking provided by said ranking means.

81. A system according to claim 80 further comprising a source of instructional signals at said central station, said instructional signals being transmitted by said communication means to individual ones of said remote stations for directing individual ones of said players to enter their responses.

82. A system according to claim 81 wherein said communication means transmits said instructional signals via burst transmission prior to the inception of the game.

83. A system according to claim 81 wherein said communication means transmits said instructional signals via burst transmission prior to the inception of a series of games.

84. A system according to claim 80 further comprising download means located at respective ones of said remote stations for downloading instructional signals at said remote stations, said instructional signals directing individual ones of said players to enter their responses.

85. A system according to claim 80 wherein said players are grouped in teams, and said ranking includes scores obtained by teams of said players.

86. A system according to claim 80 further comprising advertising means at said central station for disseminating advertising material via said communication means to the players at said remote stations, and wherein said computer means is operative to interrupt said game for presentation of said advertising material, said computer means including memory for storage of player positions and identities of players during an interruption of said game for resumption of play of said game by said players upon a termination of said interruption.

87. A system according to any one of claims 80 or 85 or 86 further comprising timing means for designating to respective ones of said players intervals of time for entering a response.

88. A system according to claim 80 further comprising game machines located at respective ones of said remote stations and including said presenting means and said entry means of the respective ones of said remote stations, wherein at individual one of said remote stations, the game machine provides a visual representation of images movable about a display of said presenting means, and said game machine is operative to update said images in accordance with responses of the player at said individual remote station.

89. A system according to any one of claims 80 or 85 or 86 or 88 further comprising download means located at respective ones of said remote stations for downloading instructional signals and imaging signals at said remote stations, said instructional signals directing individual ones of said players to enter their responses, and said imaging signals providing pictorial representations of images to be presented to respective ones of said players during the conduct of said game.

90. A method for playing a game by a plurality of players and for evaluating players respective game playing, the method comprising:

providing a central station and a plurality of player stations remote from said central station;

providing two-way communication means interconnecting said remote stations with each other through a central station;

transmitting from said central station via said communication means data pertaining to the progress of a game played by participating players;

receiving at a player'"'"'s station data pertaining to the progress of a game played by another participating player;

presenting to a participating player said data pertaining to the progress of the game played by another participating player;

providing at player'"'"'s stations game playing means operated by participating players in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

a participating player playing the game in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

a participating player playing the game in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

providing computer means, at said central station for evaluating individual player'"'"'s comparative game playing;

evaluating individual players'"'"' comparative game playing transmitted from players'"'"' remote stations to said central station;

providing means for identifying participating players'"'"' remote stations;

identifying participating players'"'"' remote stations;

formulating at a central station response criteria governing the scoring of the game playing of participating players;

storing said response criteria at a central station;

providing means for scoring the game playing of respective ones of participating players based on said response criteria;

scoring the game playing of respective ones of participating players based on said response criteria;

providing means responsive to players'"'"' scores for ranking participating players; and

ranking participating players on the basis of players'"'"' scores.

91. A system for playing a game by a plurality of players and for evaluating players'"'"' respective game playing, the system comprising:

a central station and a plurality of player stations remote from said central station;

two-way communication means interconnecting said remote stations with each other through said central station;

means at said central station for transmitting and receiving data pertaining to the progress of a game played by participating players via said communication means;

means at each of said remote stations for presenting to a participating player data pertaining to the progress of the game;

game playing means at said remote stations for playing the game by a participating player in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

processing means, including computer means, at said central station for evaluating individual players'"'"' comparative game playing transmitted from players'"'"' remote stations to said central station via said communications means; and

means responsive to player identifications associated with respective ones of said remote stations for identifying a player'"'"'s response.

92. A system for playing a game by a plurality of players and for evaluating players'"'"' respective game playing, the system comprising:

a central station and a plurality of player stations remote from said central station;

two-way communication means interconnecting said remote stations with each other through said central station;

means at said central station for transmitting and receiving data pertaining to the progress of a game played by participating players via said communication means;

means at each of said remote stations for presenting to a participating player data pertaining to the progress of the game;

game playing means at said remote stations for playing the game by a participating player in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

processing means, including computer means, at said central station for evaluating individual players'"'"' comparative game playing transmitted from players'"'"' remote stations to said central station via said communications means;

means responsive to player identifications associated with respective ones of said remote stations for identifying a player'"'"'s response;

means for scoring the game playing of respective ones of participating players; and

means responsive to player scores for ranking participating players.

93. A system for playing a game by a plurality of players and for evaluating players'"'"' respective game playing, the system comprising:

a central station and a plurality of player stations remote from said central station;

two-way communication means interconnecting said remote stations with each other through said central station;

means at said central station for transmitting mad receiving data pertaining to the progress of a game played by participating players via said communication means;

means at each of said remote stations for presenting to a participating player data pertaining to the progress of the game;

game playing means at said remote stations for playing the game by a participating player in response to another participating player'"'"'s game playing;

means for continuously storing respective players'"'"' game positions;

processing means, including computer means, at said central station for evaluating individual players'"'"' comparative game playing transmitted from players'"'"' remote stations to said central station via said communications means;

means responsive to player identifications associated with respective ones of said remote stations for identifying a player'"'"'s response;

means for scoring the game playing of respective ones of participating players; and

means responsive to player scores for ranking participating players.

94. In a communication system comprising:

at least one central station including a first computing system; and

a plurality of stations remote from the central station in duplex communications with the central station;

each of the remote stations including a second computing system being operable for receiving and transforming electronic data defining a computer game into a game suitable for a player at a remote station;

being operable to provide information to said first computing system as to a player'"'"'s progress in playing a game; and

being operable to identify the respective second computing systems to said first computing system;

each of said second computer system being operable for generating a hard copy of a report;

the improvement comprising;

said first computing system establishing duplex communications with respective second computing systems to enable the identification of respective second computing systems to said first computing system and to provide electronic data to said respective second computing systems to enable each of said second computing systems to generate a game for a player at respective remote stations;

said electronic data including the capability enabling said second computing systems to provide information to said first computing system as to the progress and identification of respective second computing systems participating in the respective games;

said first computing system being operable to establish criteria for scoring the games of respective players and for establishing updates on the status of participating players in playing the game; and

said respective second computing systems being operable to use said electronic data to produce a hard copy showing the score of player at the associated second computing system based on the criteria established by the first computing system.

95. A method for evaluating responses to task setting messages transmitted from a central station to respondents distant from said central station, the method comprising steps of:

transmitting to said respondents data accompanied by task-setting messages defining tasks to be performed by individual ones of said respondents;

establishing response criteria for judging responses of respective ones of said respondents and ranking criteria for ranking respective ones of said respondents according to their respective responses;

enabling individual ones of said respondents to enter responses to said task-setting messages by performing at least one of said tasks;

applying the response criteria to the responses of respective ones of said respondents to obtain a set of evaluations of performances of the respective respondents in their responding to said tasks;

applying the ranking criteria to the evaluations of the performances; and

ranking said respondents based on said evaluations.

96. A method according to claim 95 further comprising a step of allowing interaction between a plurality of said respondents and said central station by means of communication links between the respective respondents and said central station.

97. A method according to claim 96 further comprising steps of

altering the response criteria in accordance with said interaction;

permitting further response by said respondents in accord with altered response criteria; and

repeating said ranking step with said altered response criteria.

98. A method according to claim 97 further comprising a step of modifying at least one of said tasks prior to said repeating of said ranking.

99. A method according to claim 98 further comprising a step of timing the responses of said respondents, elapsed time of said timing step being a factor in said evaluations.

100. A method according to claim 95 wherein, in said enabling step, each of a plurality of said respondents enters a sequence of responses and, in said ranking step, an individual one of said plurality of respondents obtains a rank based on a set of evaluations for the responses in the sequence of responses, thereby ranking a respondent against his own responses.

101. A method according to claim 95 wherein, in said ranking, there is a comparing of the evaluations of respective ones of said respondents, thereby ranking a respondent against other ones of said respondents.

102. A system for evaluating responses to task setting messages transmitted from a central station to respondents distant from said central station, the system comprising:

means for transmitting to said respondents data accompanied by task-setting messages defining tasks to be performed by individual ones of said respondents;

response means for enabling individual ones of said respondents to enter responses to said task-setting messages by performing at least one of said tasks;

evaluation means for evaluating the responses of respective ones of said respondents to obtain a set of evaluations of performances of the respective respondents in their responding to said tasks;

ranking means operative with the evaluations of the performances for ranking the respondents; and

criteria means for providing response criteria and ranking criteria, said criteria means providing said response criteria to said evaluation means for use by said evaluation means in judging responses of respective ones of said respondents, said criteria means providing said ranking criteria to said ranking means for use by said ranking means in ranking respective ones of said respondents.

103. A system according to claim 102 further comprising communication means enabling interaction between a plurality of said respondents and said central station;

and

wherein said criteria means includes means for altering the response criteria provided to said evaluation means based on said interaction, said interaction enabling further responses by individual ones of said respondents;

said ranking means updates the ranking of said respondents in accordance with altered response criteria.

104. A system according to claim 103 wherein said transmitting means is operative to transmit a modified version of at least one of said tasks prior to an updating of said ranking.

105. A system according to claim 104 wherein each of a plurality of said respondents enters a sequence of responses and, by operation of said ranking means, an individual one of said plurality of respondents obtains a rank based on a set of evaluations for the responses in the sequence of responses, thereby ranking a respondent against his own responses.

106. A method according to claim 104 wherein, by operation of said ranking means, there is a comparing of the evaluations of respective ones of said respondents, thereby ranking a respondent against other ones of said respondents.

107. A method of presenting a scenario by a set of central stations to plural respondents distant from each central station of said set of central stations, said scenario relating to acquisition of an object by at least one of said respondents and including descriptive data of the object and conditions for acquisition of the object, comprising the steps of:

said set of central stations presenting to the respondents said scenario by providing data describing the object, said data including physical details of the object and criteria for acquisition of the object;

individual ones of said respondents generating respectively responses to said scenario, said responses including respectively conditions for the acquisition of the object;

individual ones of said respondents selecting at least one of said central stations for enabling each of said respondents to respond to at least one selected station of said set of central stations;

individual ones of said respondents communicating to respective ones of said selected stations their respective responses including said respective conditions for the acquisition of the object;

comparing said conditions to said criteria to determine if said conditions meet said criteria;

altering at least one of said conditions and said criteria to obtain a match;

dispensing a coupon to a successful respondent having submitted a condition meeting said criteria, said coupon having a monetary value serving at least as a partial payment by said successful respondent upon an acquisition of said object by said successful respondent.

108. A method according to claim 107 wherein, in said altering step, said criteria is altered by one of said central stations independently of another of said central stations.

109. A method according to claim 107 wherein, in said altering step, a condition of one of said respondents is altered independently of a condition by another of said respondents.

110. A method according to claim 109 wherein, in said altering step, said criteria is altered by one of said central stations independently of another of said central stations.

111. A method according to claim 107 wherein, in said step of generating responses, said condition includes a cost of acquisition.

112. A method according to claim 107 wherein, in said presenting step, said criteria include a time of response by one of said respondents and, in said dispensing step, there is a plurality of successful respondents;

said method further comprises a step of ranking respondents based on a time of response, a respondent having made a response in a lesser amount of time being awarded with a higher rank than a respondent having made a response in a greater amount of time, and said dispensing step provides a coupon to a winning one of said successful respondents having a rank higher than the rank of a further one of said plurality of successful respondents.

113. A method according to claim 112 further comprising a step of announcing said winning respondent to all of said respondents.

114. A method according to claim 107 further comprising a step of announcing said successful respondent to all of said respondents.