WO2001076709A1

WO2001076709A1 - Method and network for delivering digital interactive game coupons and for integrating interactive advertisements into games over a wireless network

Info

Publication number: WO2001076709A1
Application number: PCT/SG2001/000059
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ming Yew Lee; Ee Ming Toh
Original assignee: Playadz Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2000-04-07
Filing date: 2001-04-06
Publication date: 2001-10-18
Also published as: JP2002007883A; AU5073701A

Abstract

An interactive advertisement and reward system and methods on which advertisers can deliver digital interactive game coupons and integrate advertisements and rewards into games; game providers can design games to receive the advertisements and rewards; gamers/players will be rewarded in the form of a digital interactive game coupon which can be played and redeemed for product discounts, gifts, and points. The system and methods go beyond mere eyeballs by allowing for more effective advertisement and direct marketing with regards to branding and promoting knowledge of the product.

Description

METHOD AND NETWORK FOR DELIVERING DIGITAL INTERACTIVE

GAME COUPONS AND FOR INTEGRATING INTERACTIVE

ADVERTISEMENTS INTO GAMES OVER A WIRELESS NETWORK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to interactive game advertisements, redeemable

product discount coupons over a wireless network. More particularly, the invention

relates to a method and network for delivery of digital interactive game coupons into

wireless Internet applications and portals, and integration of interactive advertisements

and coupons with wireless Internet games. In addition, the invention provides profiling,

measuring and targeting of wireless users utilizing digital interactive game coupons.

Also, the invention relates to interactive game advertisements,

redeemable product discount coupons over a wireless network, gaming and rewards.

More particularly, the invention relates to a method and network for integration and

delivery of interactive advertisements to games and applications, measuring and

targeting of advertisements using interactive coupons.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Present advertisers use Internet advertisement networks to deliver their

advertisements to websites. This method delivers banners advertisements with the hope that the users will click on the banner and be redirected to another site to learn more

about the product. Research has shown that many users do not like the idea of being

redirected to another website because it causes the user a lot of confusion and

inconsistencies. Furthermore, studies have shown that these banner advertisements

have very little or no interactivity and they usually have a very low click rate.

According to studies, people spend a large amount of their time on the

Internet on entertainment and games. These entertainment programs or games usually

contain advertisements that hardly create much of an impression. Furthermore, a lot of

games do not offer rewards to players who spend a large amount of time on those

games. Moreover, there is no standard technology to ensure that rewards issued are

authentic and can be verified by a trusted party whereby exchanges, transfers and

redemption of such rewards can be done in a seamless and easy way.

For years, traditional paper discount coupons have been used by manufacturers and retailers alike to attract consumers to buy their products or services.

These coupons are usually hidden inside publications or pamphlets whereby consumers

are required to cut them out and carry the coupons with them for redemption. While

this method met its objective of generating sales, it is cumbersome and introduces

several problems for both the consumers and the advertisers alike. The major problem

is the need to process paper.

Present marketers recently distribute electronic coupons over the Internet

to potential customers. This method solves the problems associated with buying

publications but consumers still face issues regarding portability and the problems of printing, storing and redeeming the coupons. All of these coupons currently employ a "mass marketing" approach with little or no interaction, personalization or

customization tailored to each individual consumer.

Reward and loyalty systems based on accumulating point with purchases

are also very popular with merchants. Consumers are generally issued a plastic smart

card or paper where stickers are pasted or ink stamps of icons are stamped on them for

certain amount of spending on their merchandise. This poses the same problems as

described in the traditional coupon system. Namely, consumers that happen to be

participating in many rewards programs, need to carry a lot of coupons and cards.

Thus, there is a need in the art to provide a system whereby carrying,

storing and redeeming coupons are seamless, fun and entertaining. Furthermore, there

is a need for a system by which the manufacturers or retailers can maximize their

advertising efforts and at the same time provide entertainment for consumers anywhere

and anytime. The present invention brings the advertisers' effort to a higher level by

creating a network for distributing and integrating interactive advertisements and

rewards into games whereby redemption can be done seamlessly. In other terms, the

present invention brings the advertisers' effort to a higher effective level by creating a

wireless network for distributing interactive game coupons into wireless Internet

applications and portals and, integration of interactive advertisements and coupons into wireless games whereby redemption of coupons can be done seamlessly. SUMMARY

To overcome the limitations of the related art described above, and to

overcome other limitations that will become apparent upon reading and understanding

the present specification, the present invention provides a method and network for

interactive advertisements, redeemable product discount game coupons over a wireless

network, gaming and rewards.

Advertisements, gaming and the retail industries are three of the major

industries in the world. There is an untapped and common relationship between the

three industries. The present invention provides a network of advertisements, and

rewards in the form of a digital interactive game coupon. The network will allow any

registered games or wireless applications writer to access the advertisements and the

game coupons to be delivered and integrated into their games or wireless applications.

The network also provides methods whereby such game coupons can be easily redeemed, verified, signed, exchanged or transferred via the network.

To effect such a capability, an advertisement server, a coupon server, a

personalization server and a transaction server are provided as nodes on the network and

a set of Application Programming Interfaces (API hereinafter) are provided to access the

various resources and methods provided by the network. Game writers or game

developer or generally referred to a content module or a wireless internet site, use the

API provided to access the interactive advertisements and coupons and integrate them

into their wireless games. The games can be hosted on the game server provided or

could be hosted on a separate affiliated network node connected to the Internet. Users' information is gathered when users are playing the game. At the

end of the games, they could earn or win rewards or product discounts in the form of a

digital interactive coupon that can be redeemed or stored for a later use. Coupons are

stored in a user database where they can be retrieved and redeemed wirelessly using a

mobile device, such as a mobile phone or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). In the

event of redemption, the coupon contacts the coupon server and the transaction server to

record the redemption, and then the coupon will be removed from the user database. If

there is a balance payment, the transaction server will contact the affiliated banks or

credit companies to effect the transaction. Coupons usage are stored and then logged

against the user's profile. The information is compiled and can be used for targeted

advertisements and highly effective direct marketing.

One aspect of the invention provides an interactive advertising and

rewards system.

The aspect of the invention provides a network that includes a system for

integrating interactive advertisements and coupons into games and wireless

applications, a system for generating, distributing and redeeming digital interactive

game coupons over wireless networks; a system for performing and recording

transactions for each individual loyalty scheme and for compiling digital game coupons usage for targeted advertising and wireless user profiling.

The system includes a user node coupled to a network; a digital interactive game

coupon for exchanging information between advertisers and multiple users; a mobile wireless device for storing and communicating information including the digital interactive game coupon information, the mobile wireless device being

communicatively coupled to the network; a game or wireless application provider

affiliate node having advertising space thereon and being operatively coupled to the

network; a personalization server operatively coupled to the network, wherein the game

or wireless application provider affiliates provide authentication for users of the system;

an advertising server operatively coupled to the network, wherein an advertiser's content

is stored and wherein the game or wireless application provider affiliates utilize

resources for integrating interactive advertisements into their game or wireless

application through an API; a coupon server operatively coupled to the network for

generating, storing, delivering and redeeming the digital interactive game coupons; a

transaction server operatively coupled to the network for providing e-commerce

transactions and payment services; a device for establishing a short-range wireless network at a merchant site where game coupons are played and interactive coupons are

delivered and redeemed via the network; and a third party trusted bank/credit card

company in communication with the network.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides, in a system including at

least two user nodes coupled to a network, at least one digital interactive game coupon

and a personalization server, a method for exchanging and transferring the coupons.

The method includes transferring the coupon back to a coupon server from one user

node; checking the validity of the coupon at a coupon server; and if the coupon is valid:

re-signing the coupon using new user information and transferring the coupon to the new user; and if the coupon is not valid: discarding the coupon to ensure that digital

interactive game coupons cannot be replicated.

Still another aspect of the invention provides a method for generating the

coupons. The method includes before the coupons are sent to a user's node, checking

the coupons at a coupon server to see if the number of the coupons generated have

exceeded the stipulated amount; making a copy of the coupon from a template;

attaching a generated serial number to the said coupon; and signing the coupon.

A further aspect of the invention provides in a system including at least

one user node including wireless devices and at least one redemption server, a method

for redeeming digital interactive game coupons wirelessly. The method includes

selecting a said coupon at user node; retrieving a coupon stored in a personalization

server; and deleting said coupons that match the purchased items and other coupons that have expired.

Still a further aspect of the invention provides a method of distributing the coupons over a short-range wireless zone between two or more users. The method

includes connecting and communicating the coupons that are of interest to the two or

more users. The method also includes validating and redeeming the stipulated discounts

and rewards provided by the digital interactive game coupons.

Still a further aspect of the invention provides a method of distributing

interactive coupons over BlueTooth zones between two or more users. The method

includes connecting and communicating coupons that are of interest to the two or more

users; and pushing the interactive coupons to the one or more users that are of interest to the two or more users; and validating and redeeming the stipulated discounts and

rewards only when the two or more users turn up.

Yet a further method of the invention provides a method of transacting a

sale of items sold at a retail outlet or at a restaurant. The method includes connecting to

a short wave radio frequency zone of the retail outlet or the restaurant; displaying one or

more items; selecting one or more of the items desired by one or more users; and paying

for the one or more items using an interactive coupon payment method.

These and various other features of novelty as well as advantages which

characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto

and form a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention reference

should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanying

descriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and described specific examples of an

apparatus in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent

corresponding parts throughout the several views where:

Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an

architectural view of the network embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of using the provided API for user

authenticating and delivering advertisements and rewards (coupons) into games;

Figure 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a logic flow of one embodiment of

an interaction between affiliate applications and the network using the API; Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a format of an interactive coupon;

Figure 5 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of a process for receiving

and storing interactive coupons into a wireless mobile device;

Figure 6 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of an operational

sequence in a coupon exchange or transfer process;

Figure 7 is a flow diagram of one embodiment of an interactive coupon

redemption and payment process via the wireless device; and

Figure 8 is an architectural diagram showing one embodiment of a

reporting process, a reviewing process and a profiling process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of the several specific embodiments,

reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which

is shown by way of illustration the specific embodiments in which the invention may be

practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized as structural

changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Reference is now directed to Fig. 1 , which shows generally an

architectural diagram of the Interactive Digital Game Coupon and Advertisement and

Rewards network 100 incorporating the communications process according to the

present invention. The architecture of the system comprises at least one affiliate game

120, one advertisements server 102 with at least one advertisement, a coupon server

104, or generally referred to as a coupon module, for generating the digital coupons with regards to the advertisement, a personalization server 106, or generally referred to as a

personalization module, where users' profiles and the coupons are stored. Furthermore,

a wireless user node or generally referred to as a wireless communication device, such

as a mobile phone or PDA, operating alternatively as a placeholder where the coupons

can be retrieved and stored, can also be included. The network 100 also includes a

transaction server 108 for performing the coupon redemption and for processing e-

commerce payments. An API 110 to the network 100 is also provided for allowing

games developers to access and integrate advertisements and coupons into their games

or wireless applications.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the Advertisement Server

102, or generally referred to as an advertisement module can be a digital computer

connected to the Internet 112 as an "Internet Host" as described in the Internet Protocol

RFC 791. The server 102 contains the advertisements stored as objects. These

advertisement objects contain information about the advertisements and the products or

services involved. Information stored inside of these objects can be textual information

or 3D vector graphics and other rich media. These objects contain a set of methods with

which to allow affiliate games or applications providers to access the contained

advertisements' information and deliver it into their games or applications. This set of

methods can be accessed via the standard APIs 110 provided for delivering and

integrating the advertisements and the coupons into games and wireless applications. The advertisements can appear anywhere in the games such as the backdrop or even as

objects inside the game depending on the creativity of the games writers. Such games are affiliated games whereby a fee contract is provided to the games writer for

integrating the advertisements or the coupons into their games.

In one embodiment, advertisers can create these advertisements objects

to be put on the advertisement server 102 by way of an interface program to generate the

objects. The network 100 further comprises a vendor portal where it allows the vendor

to get quick results regarding the amount of coupons being utilized and detailed

information of their customer. Vendors can change or design their marketing strategy

by specifying the redemption specification on the coupons. It presents a unique way of

effective profiling, marketing for vendors and merchants providing one-to-one

personalized target marketing.

The personalization server 106 includes users' profiles stored as objects. It also includes objects for connecting and authenticating the user. In the case of a new

user, a registration object is provided to register and add users into the personalization

server's database 114. These objects and methods will allow games writers to

seamlessly integrate their games with the system and thus providing players with access

to the whole range of digital interactive games coupons. As previously discussed, these

methods and objects are available via the standard API 110 provided. The

personalization server 106 also allows users to transfer the coupons and exchange the

coupons via a coupon transfer and exchange interface. Generally, there will be another

server provided in front of the interface acting as a broker. The process of the transfer and exchange of coupon will be explained further below. The coupon server 104 is responsible for generating the interactive

coupons, delivering of the interactive coupons to the user node where the affiliate games

are running and verifying the interactive coupons, recording the interactive coupons

transactions and providing a users' activities log. Coupon information is delivered to the

games 120 via the link established using the API 110 provided. When the request for

the coupons to be stored is received, the coupons are signed and then transferred to the

personalization server 106 for storage. The coupon server 104 will also distribute

coupons to a wireless transmitter 116. All the coupons distributed will communicate

with the coupon server 104 directly via the user node.

It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the functions

served by the various servers may be included into a single server or module without

departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring now to Fig. 2, which shows a general block diagram 200 of

how developers can easily access the objects in the network 100 and deliver them to

their applications 206. Developers include a standard object 204 provided into their

applications 206 to access the network 100. Once the object 204 is instantiated in their

applications 206, the developers can start authenticating users to the network 100 and

retrieve the advertisements and the coupons into their applications 206 (or games).

Developers should not be concerned about the type of advertisement or rewards coupons

being delivered. The network 100 will deliver the appropriate advertisements based on

the profiles of the users. This technique will be further discussed below. Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram 300 illustrating one embodiment of a logic

flow of an interaction between affiliate applications and the network 100 using the API

110. The API object is instantiated at block 301 and the affiliate program starts at block

302 by authenticating the user to the network 100. The method tests whether the user is

new at block 305. If the user is a new user, the standard API 110 will retrieve the

registration module for the user to register at block 304. If the user is not a new user,

then after the user is verified, at block 306 the object will start retrieving and delivering

the advertisements and the coupons to the application where the developer has intended.

Of course, the method proceeds at block 306 after a new user has successfully

completed the registration. The user then selects the coupons and rewards they wanted during the intermission or break during the course of the game or applications. In

addition, anonymous users can interact with the coupons and advertisements in affiliate applications. Registration is required for storing and redeeming of the coupons.

Referring now to Fig. 4, an interactive coupon is shown generally at 400.

The coupon 400 is preferably a combination of several components. For example, the

coupon 400 can be broken into a deck of cards 402 where each individual card 402 can

include the following information:

1. A title 402 and short description of the coupon 400;

2. A graphic 404, either static or animated representing the coupon

400;

3. A value 406 conveying discount information and rewards; 4. An expiration date and time 408 where the expiration date or validity of the coupon 400 is specified when the coupon 400 is valid

and when it is not (if it is expired, the coupon 400 destroys itself and

is returned to the server for administrative purposes);

5. A redemption specification 410 specifying the policy of the

redemption where the specification 410 controls the process of

redeeming the coupon 400 and how much the consumer can redeem

using the coupon 400;

6. Owners details 412, such as mobile phone number, name, email

address, or personal particulars, which may or may not be attached

together with the coupon 400 (it might just be a reference to the

server where such information is stored);

7. The coupon 400 can also include an address, map, and directions

414 as to how to get to a merchant's place of business or how to

locate a product in a retail outlet (e.g., a large store);

8. A merchant or issuer 416 specifying the name, brand, or logo icon of

the merchant or issuer including details, such as address or

telephone numbers;

9. Information on redeemable product and services 418;

10. A unique serial number 420 for uniquely identifying each coupon

400; 11. A signature 422 to ensure that it cannot be duplicated; 12. Interactive program and games 424 are provided on the coupon 400 which contain a vendor's favourite game, such as "tic-tac-toe" or "Snake & Ladders lucky spin", the game or program 424 will contain certain graphics, icons, or text related to the vendor's branding or products in the course of playing the game;

13. Other related messages 420 can also be included in the coupon 400 (this provides a place whereby merchants can deliver customized personal messages to the coupon owner); and

14. A type of the coupon 428 (e.g., fixed or dynamic). The interactive coupons 400 are not printed, therefore, they cannot be printed over and over again, or photocopied as can be done with conventional coupons. A mobile wireless device 118 (Fig. 1) (e.g., a mobile phone) is used as a placeholder for the coupons 400 and thus solves the general problems relating to cutting, clipping and storing of conventional paper coupons. The coupons 400 can be stored on the mobile wireless device 118 entirely or as links to the coupons 400 stored in the user's account on the network or the Interactive Coupon Server 104. There is no need to store the coupons 400 on a computer or print the coupons 400. The coupons 400 are delivered directly to the wireless mobile device 118 or through syncing with the user's account either using a wired solution or a wireless solution. The number of the coupons 400 a wireless mobile device 118 can hold is not limited since all the coupons 400 are stored at the personalization server database 114 and only a subset is transferred to the wireless mobile device 118 whenever is required. Thus, the need to process paper is eliminated and, at the same time, the likelihood of the user redeeming the coupons 400 is increased

because the coupons 400 are easy to carry around in the wireless mobile device 118 and,

as described above, redemption of the coupons 400 is seamless.

The values 406 of the coupons 400 are either advertised at the coupon

image 404 as discussed above or can be hidden. If the value 406 is hidden, the users

need to perform the required steps, such as playing a game of chance or skill in order to

secure the stipulated discount or to reveal the discount. The value 406 of the discount

information and rewards can be fixed once the owner completes the gaming process.

However, in certain cases, the value 406 can be made dynamic depending on the type

428 and redemption specifications 410. In other words, the coupon 400 does not

contain a fixed value 406 like conventional coupons. Instead, each coupon 400 will

have a logic portion attached to it and the values 406 can be changed dynamically

according to the time or the consumer's profile (e.g., the consumer's habits). This allows the merchants to provide true one-to-one marketing.

Fig. 5 is an illustration of one embodiment of a flow diagram 500

according to the present invention. The flow diagram 500 shows a physical layout for

receiving and storing the coupons 400. Once the affiliate game or application 206 is

connected to the network 100, the advertisements and coupons 400 based on the user's

profile are delivered to the game or application 206, as shown at block 502. At block

504, the coupons 400 are displayed on the console for users to click on. When the user

clicks on the coupon 400, at block 506, a store message is sent to the coupon server 104

to start the coupon 400 generation process, as shown at block 508. Before the coupon 400 is generated, the coupon server 104 checks if the coupon 400 has exceeded the

maximum stipulated number. If the maximum number has been exceeded, a message is

returned to the user conveying that the coupon 400 has reached its maximum issue

number. If the maximum number has not been exceeded, however, the coupon server

104 continues the process at block 510 by generating the coupon 400 and then signing

it. After the coupon 400 is signed, it is transferred to the personalization server 106

where it is stored in the respective user's account, as shown at block 512 . At block 514

a message is then sent to the user mobile wireless device 118 (e.g., a mobile phone) to

notify the user that the coupon 400 has been saved. Once the coupon 400 is saved,

advertisers are able to offer further discounts or other related product information or

news into the coupon's other messages field 420.

Users can also login to the system 100 to browse the stored coupons 400

via the mobile wireless device 118 using, for example, a data enabled mobile phone.

The mobile phone will send a request to browse the coupons 400. A list of the coupons'

titles stored in the user accounts will be delivered to the user mobile wireless device

118. The user can then select which coupon 400 he or she wants to see or retrieve.

Once the user selects the coupon 400 he or she wants to see, a message is sent to the

particular coupon's 400 object for the relevant information. Information is then sent via

the established link.

Referring now to Fig. 6, one embodiment of a coupon 400 transferring and exchanging process is shown generally at 600. The coupon server 104 contains an

interface for exchanging and transferring of coupons 400. Generally, as shown at block 602, there will be a server provided in front of the interface as a coupon broker. Users

can send a request to the coupon broker server by selecting the coupon 400 they want to

exchange with at block 604 and specifying the coupon 400 that they want to exchange

for at block 606. Such a request reaches the server, and the server will try to find a

match, as shown at block 608. If a match exists, as tested at block 610, the server

straight away communicates the request to the personalization server 106 via the coupon

transfer and exchange interface at block 612. Users can also browse through all

unrealized coupon exchange requests via the phone browser or an Internet browser by

submitting the coupon requested to the exchange request. Once the server receives the

coupon 400, it will then perform the exchange by communicating with the

personalization server 106 via the transfer and exchange interface at block 614. Users

can also perform exchanges and transfers among themselves by transferring coupons to one another via the interface.

For example, at block 616, a coupon to transfer is selected, and a user to

transfer the coupon to is selected at block 618. At block 620, a request is sent to the

personalization server 106 to affect the transfer. If successful, at block 622, both users are notified at block 624. If not successful, at block 622, the process continues at block

616 to select the coupon to transfer to.

Referring now to Fig. 7, one embodiment the present invention provides

a novel one-key process for the redemption of the coupons 400. Users only need to

activate a stipulated key on the mobile device to effectuate the redemption transaction. User information details and transaction details are sent to the transaction server 108 automatically without the need for user intervention. For example, a user 702 (e.g., a

consumer) can redeem a discount or rewards by pressing a key on the mobile phone

regardless of whether the user 702 is physically in a store or not. If the user 702 is not

in the store, the discountable item will still go through the redemption process (as

described below) except that the item involved will be delivered to the user's 702

residence or be picked up at a later arranged date and location.

In one embodiment of a redemption scenario, when the user 702 clicks

on the redemption option on the coupon 400, the coupon 400 communicates with the

transaction server 108 where the user's 702 credit card information is stored. The

transaction server 108 first communicates the transactions to the coupon server 106

where the coupon 400 will be verified. After the verification step, it will inform the

personalization server 106 to remove the coupon 400 from the user's 702 account.

In one embodiment of another redemption scenario, when the user 702

clicks on the redemption option on the coupon 400, the redemption information is sent

from the user's mobile device to the merchant's Point of Sale (POS) device via infrared

connection, thereafter the merchant's POS will verify the redemption with the network

and process the transaction.

The transaction server 108 then communicates with the credit card

companies 704 via a secure link 706 to execute the transaction. The credit card

companies 704 will then perform the necessary operations and send a reply to the

merchant concerned. At the merchant's end, the credit card company's 704 receipt printer will print the necessary receipt for the user 702 to sign if the user 702 chooses to have a physical receipt. This method maintains a very high level of security as credit

card information are not sent from the user's 702 wireless mobile device 118 to the

transaction server 108. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a rewards

system whereby users 702 can earn points while performing transactions over the

network 100. It also provides a facility to allow vendors/merchant to setup an individual

reward program for generating more business and for retaining existing customers. Each

user 702 is given an individual account for each affiliate loyalty program setup by the

merchant on the network 100. Points can be accumulated for each transaction performed

on the goods and products provided by the merchant. In one embodiment, the present

invention provides a method for redeeming coupons including at least one redemption

station with wireless transmitter 708, such as Bluetooth, a wireless transmitter enabled

mobile device 118, the coupon 400 and the transaction server 108. BlueTooth is "[a]

code name for a proposed open specification to standardize data synchronization

between disparate PC and handheld PC devices" Harry Newton, Newton's Telecom

Dictionary, 15th ed., (Matt Kesley, 1999), 107. The user 702 entering the wireless zone

710 can connect to the localized wireless network 100 and start receiving the coupons

400 as he or she moves around within different zones.

Referring back to Fig. 1, the wireless zone 710 can be established by

using one or more wireless transmitting devices on the merchant's server 708. Each

wireless transmitting device e.g. Bluetooth device will form a zone of reach and with

multiple Bluetooth devices, an aggregated wireless zone 710 will be formed with a

much larger reach. Each device is either connected to the Internet 112 via a wired link, or it can be connected through a wireless connection. Once inside the wireless zones

710, consumers can connect to the network 100 and start receiving coupons 400 and use

the services provided by the zone owners as well as services offered by the network 100.

Consumers 702 inside the wireless zone 710 can interact with each other through the

interactive coupons 400. They can play, for example, a multi-player game whereby they

will all get discounts and rewards if they co-operate to archive the common goal set by

the game. The user 702 in one zone can contact another user in another zone provided

that both have established an agreement to notify each other in the event that they are

nearby. In the event that one user 702 contacts the other user through the wireless zone

710, the interactive coupons 400 can be offered to both users 702 if they meet up at a

particular nearby store, such as a cafe or a restaurant.

Figure 8 shows an architectural diagram 800 showing a reporting process 802, a reviewing process 804 and profiling process 806 activated by the personalization

server 106, advertisements server 102, coupon server 104 and transaction server 108.

The four servers communicate closely in the processes, as each process requires data

from all the servers. The reporting process 802 is used for generating on-line reports on

the effectiveness of the advertisements and the statistics figures on the coupon usage,

storage and redemption rate. The reviewing process 804 allows advertisers to renew the

coupons 400 that are stored in the users' account but are not redeemed with new

promotions or to insert new messages into the stored coupons. The profiling process

806 compiles the statistics gathered by the reporting process and updates the user profile

with new information. The above specification, examples, and data provide a complete

description of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made

without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the

claims hereinafter appended.

Claims

THE CLAIMED INVENTION IS:

1. A wireless interactive advertising network, comprising:

a wireless user node coupled to the network;

a digital interactive game coupon;

a mobile wireless device for accessing, storing, and communicating information

including the digital interactive game coupon information, the mobile wireless device

being communicatively coupled to the network;

a game developer affiliate node having advertising space thereon and being

operatively coupled to the network;

at least one server comprising a personalization server operatively coupled to the

network, wherein the game provider affiliate node provides authentication for users of

the network;

an advertising server operatively coupled to the network, wherein an advertiser's

content is stored and wherein the game provider affiliate node utilizes resources for

integrating advertisements into a game through an API; a coupon server operatively coupled to the network for generating, storing,

delivering and redeeming interactive game coupons;

a transaction server operatively coupled to the network for providing e-

commerce transactions and payment services;

at least one wireless user node for establishing a zone around a merchant site

where the interactive game coupons are played, delivered and redeemed via the

network; and a third party trusted bank/credit card company in communication with the

network.

2. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network is Internet or digital

interactive game coupon wireless zones.

3. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the user node includes a user interface

selected from the group consisting of a wireless browser program, a wireless dedicated

game console, an interactive digital TV, and a portable wireless communication device

such as Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).

4. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mobile wireless device is used as a placeholder for the interactive game coupons.

5. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personalization server acts as a

secondary storage for the interactive game coupons.

6. A network as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the advertising server further comprises

advertisement content in a form of advertisement objects.

7. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the interactive game coupons are received

and stored via the mobile wireless device.

8. A network as claimed in claim 6, wherein the advertisement objects further comprise methods for accessing and integrating the advertisement content into the game

provider affiliates.

9. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the personalization server further

comprises a profile in a form of user objects.

10. A network as claimed in claim 9, further comprising objects with methods for

connecting and authenticating users to the network.

11. A network as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a registration object.

12. A network as claimed in claim 11, wherein the registration object further comprises

methods for registering and adding new users.

13. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupon server further comprises an

interactive coupon as coupon objects.

14. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein the interactive coupon further comprises

a title, graphic image, value, expiration date, and time, redemption specifications, owner

details, address, map/directions, merchant/issuer, information on redeemable products

and services, unique serial number, signature, interactive programs and games, other

related messages and type of the interactive game coupons.

15. A network as claimed in claim 14, wherein the coupon objects further comprise

logic and rules for processing user requests from interaction.

16. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein the interactive game coupons are signed

and personalized, and each of issued interactive game coupons can only be used by an

owner.

17. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein the interactive game coupons are signed

using public encryption techniques.

18. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein each of the interactive game coupons includes a label consisting of redeemable, live, and expired;

wherein a value of a redeemable coupon is fixed and does not change after an

owner completes a required transaction process and is also fixed based on

performance/results of a game the owner played;

wherein a value of a live coupon is dynamic and the value of the live coupon

changes according to a parameter selected from the group consisting of time, owner's

profile, retailer stocks availability, game usage and other statistics; and

wherein an expired coupon loses all attached value when the expired coupon is

not redeemed by a stipulated period.

19. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein the coupon objects further comprise methods for accessing interactive coupon's content and information.

20. A network as claimed in claim 13, wherein the coupon objects further comprise methods for interacting with the user.

21. A network as claimed in claim 1, wherein merchants and users are allowed to setup an ad-hoc network of connected users within a stipulated wireless zone.

22. A network as claimed in claim 21 , wherein creation of the ad-hoc network allows the users to play games and be rewarded with discount coupons prizes and other gifts.

23. A network as claimed in claim 21 , wherein a user from the stipulated wireless zone can contact another user in another stipulated wireless zone, provided both users register themselves.

24. A network as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the stipulated wireless zone is a wireless ad-hoc zone enabled by public communication system, e.g. BlueTooth enabled communication zone.

25. In a system including at least two user nodes coupled to a network, at least one digital interactive game coupon and a personalization server, a method for exchanging and transferring of the digital interactive game coupon, comprising: transferring the digital interactive game coupon back to a coupon server from one of the user nodes;

checking validity of the digital interactive game coupon at the coupon server;

and

if the digital interactive game coupon is valid:

re-signing the digital interactive game coupon using new user

information and transferring the digital interactive game coupon to the new user; and

if the digital interactive game coupon is not valid:

discarding the digital interactive game coupon to ensure that the coupon

cannot be replicated.

26. A method for generating coupons, comprising:

checking the coupons at a coupon server before interactive coupons are sent to a user's node to see if a number of the interactive coupons generated have exceeded a

stipulated amount indicated by a merchant:

making a copy of the interactive coupons from a template;

attaching a generated serial number to the interactive coupons; and

signing the interactive coupons.

27. In a system including at least one user node including a wireless mobile device and

at least one redemption server, a method for redeeming an interactive coupon wirelessly, comprising:

selecting the interactive coupon at a user node; retrieving the interactive coupon stored in a personalization server; and

deleting the interactive coupon that matches purchased items and other coupons

that have expired.

28. A method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the interactive coupon is a true electronic

interactive coupon, and there is no need for processing paper, the method further

comprising:

storing and retrieving the interactive coupon wirelessly anywhere using the

wireless mobile device;

redeeming the interactive coupon wirelessly; and playing an interactive game.

29. A method of distributing digital interactive game coupons over ad-hoc wireless

zones, e.g. BlueTooth zones, between at least two users, comprising:

connecting and communicating the interactive coupons that are of interest to the

at least two users; and

delivering the interactive coupons to the at least one user that is of interest to the

at least two; and

validating and redeeming stipulated discounts and rewards when the at least one

user turns up.

30. A system for providing an advertisement to a user connected to a communications

network, comprising: at least one server connected to the communications network, the at least one server comprising:

a content module for providing content to the user; and

an advertisement module for providing the advertisement to the content

module;

whereby the content module integrates the advertisement into the content before

delivering the content to the user.

31. An interactive advertising and rewards system, comprising:

a user node coupled to a network;

an interactive coupon for exchanging information between an advertiser and a

coupon owner;

a mobile wireless device for storing and communicating information including

the interactive coupon information, the mobile wireless device being communicatively coupled to the network;

a game or application provider affiliate node having advertising space thereon

and being operatively coupled to the network;

a personalization server operatively coupled to the network, wherein the game or

application provider affiliates provide authentication for users of the system;

content is stored and wherein the game or application provider affiliates utilize

resources for integrating advertisements into their game or application through an Application Programming Interface (API); a coupon server operatively coupled to the network for generating, storing,

delivering and redeeming the interactive coupons;

a transaction server operatively coupled to the network for providing e-

commerce transactions and payment services;

a device for establishing a short-range wireless network at a merchant site where

games are played and interactive coupons are delivered and redeemed via the network;

and

a third party trusted bank/credit card company in communication with the

network.

32. A system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the network is the Internet.

33. A system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the user mode includes a user interface

selected from the group consisting of a borrower program, a dedicated game console, an

interactive digital TV and a portable wireless device.

34. A system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the mobile phones or PDA devices are used as a placeholder for interactive coupons.

35. A system as claimed in claim 31 , wherein the coupon server acts as a secondary storage for the interactive coupons, thereby limiting the number of interactive coupons

being stored by the business and marketing strategies.

36. The system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the system allows individual vendors to

setup an independent rewards system so as to retain customers or advertise branding.

37. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the said advertising server further

comprises advertisement content in the form of advertisement objects.

38. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the interactive coupon is received and

stored via the mobile wireless device.

39. A system as claimed in claim 38, wherein the advertisement objects further

comprise methods for accessing and integrating the advertisement content into the

affiliate game or application.

40. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the personalization server further

comprises a profile in the form of user objects.

41. A system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the system further comprises objects with methods for connecting and authenticating users to the system.

42. A system as claimed in claim 40, wherein the system further comprises a

registration object.

43. A system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the registration object further comprises

methods for registering and adding new users.

44. A system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the coupon server further comprises the

interactive coupon as coupon objects.

45. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the interactive coupon further comprises

a title, graphic image, value, expiration date and time, redemption specifications, owner

details, address, map or directions, merchant or issuer, information on redeemable

products and services, unique serial number, signature, interactive programs and games,

other related messages and type of the interactive coupon.

46. A system as claimed in claim 45, wherein the coupon object further comprises logic

and rules for processing the user requests from the interaction.

47. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein interactive coupons are signed and

personalized, and each interactive coupon issued can only be used by the owner.

48. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the interactive coupon is signed using

public encryption techniques.

49. A system as claimed in claim 48, wherein the encryption technique is a Diffie-

Hellman (DH) algorithms or a Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA).

50. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the interactive coupon includes a label

consisting of redeemable, live and expired;

wherein a value of the redeemable coupon is fixed and does not change after the

owner completes the required transaction process and are also fixed based on the

performance or results of the game the owner played; and

wherein a value of the live coupon is dynamic and the value of the live coupon

profile and retailer stocks availability; and

wherein an expired coupon loses all its attached value when it is not redeemed

by a stipulated period.

51. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the interactive coupon object further

comprises methods for accessing the interactive coupon's content and information.

52. A system as claimed in claim 44, wherein the coupon object further comprises

methods for interacting with the interactive coupon's owner.

53. The system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the users are allowed to setup an ad-

hoc network of connected users within a stipulated zone.

54. The system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the creation of the ad-hoc zones allow

users to play games and be rewarded with discount coupons and points.

55. The system as claimed in claim 53 or 54, wherem a user from one zone can contact

another user in another zone provided both users register themselves.

56. The system as claimed in claim 55, wherein the zone is a BlueTooth zone.

57. In a system including at least two user nodes coupled to a network, at least one

interactive coupon and a personalization server, a method for exchanging and

transferring coupons, comprising:

transferring the interactive coupon back to a coupon server from one user node;

checking the validity of the coupon at a coupon server; and

if the coupon is valid: re-signing the coupon using new user information and transferring the coupon to

the new user; and

if the coupon is not valid:

discarding the coupon to ensure that interactive coupons cannot be replicated.

58. A method for generating coupons, comprising:

before interactive coupons are sent to a user's node, checking the coupons at a coupon server; and

if the number of coupons generated have exceeded the stipulated amount:

making a copy of the coupon from a template;

attaching a generated serial number to the coupon; and

signing the coupon.

59. In a system including at least one user node including wireless devices and at least

one redemption server, a method for redeeming interactive coupons wirelessly,

comprising:

selecting a coupon at a user node;

retrieving a coupon stored in a personalization server; and

deleting coupons that match the purchased items and other coupons that have expired.

60. A redemption method as claimed in claim 59, wherein the interactive coupons are

true electronic interactive coupons and there is no need for processing paper, the method

further comprising:

storing and retrieving interactive coupons wirelessly anywhere using a mobile

device; and

redeeming the interactive coupons wirelessly.

61. A method of distributing interactive coupons over BlueTooth zones between two or more users, comprising:

connecting and communicating coupons that are of interest to the two or more

users; and

pushing the interactive coupons to the one or more users that are of interest to

the two or more users; and

validating and redeeming the stipulated discounts and rewards only when the

two or more users turn up.

62. A method of transacting a sale of items sold at a retail outlet or at a restaurant, comprising:

connecting to a short wave radio frequency zone of the retail outlet or the restaurant;

displaying one or more items;

selecting one or more of the items desired by one or more users; and

paying for the one or more items using an interactive coupon payment method.