Technique for conducting a game over a communication network
First Claim
1. A system for conducting a game in which an object is to be procured, the system comprising:
- a processor for providing the object to be procured, the object being embedded on a web page and having a state which varies with time; and
an indicator for indicating the state of the object, the state of the object being indicated to be a predetermined state when the object is ready for procurement.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A game has been designed to lure computer users to websites established by companies participating in the game. The participating companies advertise their products and/or services on the websites. The object of the game is to locate and procure a specified icon hidden at each of the websites. In accordance with the invention, the specified icon may assume one of three states, e.g., green, red and yellow states in that order. The three states vary with time and cycle themselves. A user is able to procure and click on a located icon only when it is in a green state, manifest by its green color. A red state of the icon indicates that the green state has just ended, and a yellow state of the icon indicates that the green state is imminent. Thus, in the course of playing the game, a user is likely to revisit or linger at a website whose icon is in a red or yellow state. As a result, such a user spends time on the website and may learn about its advertised products and/or services, thereby helping realize the advertising purpose of the website.
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Citations
43 Claims
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1. A system for conducting a game in which an object is to be procured, the system comprising:
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a processor for providing the object to be procured, the object being embedded on a web page and having a state which varies with time; and
an indicator for indicating the state of the object, the state of the object being indicated to be a predetermined state when the object is ready for procurement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A communications arrangement for conducting a game, the arrangement comprising:
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a processor for providing an object to be procured in the game, the object being embedded on a web page and assuming one of a plurality of states;
a mechanism for determining which one of the states the object assumes as a function of time; and
a controller for responding to a signal representative of a selection of the object when the object assumes a selected one of the states. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system for conducting a game, the system comprising:
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means for providing an object for procurement in the game, the object being embedded on a web page and having a viewable state which is variable;
means for changing the state of the object from a predetermined viewable state to at least a second viewable state; and
means for indicating that the object is in the predetermined viewable state when the object is ready for procurement;
the states being configured such that there is an increased likelihood that a participant in the game will view the web page during a period of time in which the object to be procured is in the second viewable state. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for conducting a game in which an object is to be procured, the method comprising:
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providing the object to be procured, the object being embedded on a web page and having a state which varies with time; and
indicating the state of the object, the state of the object being indicated to be a predetermined state when the object is ready for procurement. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A method for conducting a game in which an object is to be procured, the object being embedded on a web page and having a state which varies with time, the method comprising the step of:
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indicating the state of the object, the state of the object being indicated to be a predetermined viewable state when the object is ready for procurement, and in at least a second viewable state when the object is not ready for procurement;
the states being configured such that there is an increased likelihood that a participant in the game will view the web page during a period of time in which the object to be procured is not in the predetermined viewable state.
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34. A method for conducting a game, the method comprising:
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providing an object for use in the game, the object being embedded on a web page and assuming one of a plurality of states;
determining which one of the states the object assumes as a function of time; and
responding to a signal representative of a selection of the object when the object assumes a prescribed one of the states. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36)
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37. A method for conducting a game, the method comprising:
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generating an object for procurement in the game, the object being embedded on a web page and having a state which is variable;
changing the state of the object from a predetermined state to at least a second state; and
indicating that the object is in the predetermined state when the object is ready for procurement. - View Dependent Claims (38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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Specification