Retail Purchase Incentive Methods and Systems

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from US Provisional Patent Application No. 62/784,563, filed December 24, 2018, whose disclosure is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to methods and systems that provide incentives to consumers for purchasing retail items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Previous methods have been contemplated to promote the sale of goods and services at retail stores. For example, game contests such as raffle drawings have been contemplated to incentivize consumers to purchase products sold at retail stores.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to computerized methods and systems which provide a platform for shoppers to participate in electronic lotteries and play computerized games in response to making purchases at retail stores. The disclosed embodiments advantageously allow retailers to increase revenue by incentivizing consumers to make higher-value purchases by allowing the consumers to participate in electronic lotteries and play computer games as a reward for the purchases.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method. The method comprises: receiving access information from an electronic device of a user, the access information provided to the user in response to completion of a retail transaction between the user and a retailer; verifying completion of the retail transaction associated with the received access information; and in response to the verifying: assigning at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket randomly selected from a plurality of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device.

Optionally, a prize value of the at least one electronic lottery ticket is assigned by a retail management system associated with the retailer. Optionally, the at least one electronic game token corresponds to a number of times the user can play the computerized game.

Optionally, the assigning the at least one electronic game token is based on a monetary value of the retail transaction.

Optionally, a prize value of the at least one electronic lottery ticket is revealed to the user after the user completes playing the computerized game.

Optionally, each electronic lottery ticket in the plurality of electronic lottery tickets has an associated prize value.

Optionally, the prize value of each of the electronic lottery tickets is assigned by a retail management system associated with the retailer.

Optionally, the plurality of electronic lottery tickets consists of a first subset of electronic lottery tickets and a second subset of electronic lottery tickets, the prize values associated with the first subset of electronic lottery tickets being non-zero, and the prize values associated with the second subset of electronic lottery tickets being zero.

Optionally, the first subset is a minority subset.

Optionally, the at least one electronic lottery ticket is an electronic scratch-off ticket.

Optionally, the assigning the at least one electronic lottery ticket to the electronic device includes sending the at least one electronic lottery ticket to the electronic device via a communication network.

Optionally, the assigning the at least one electronic game token to the electronic device includes sending the at least one electronic game token to the electronic device via a communication network.

Optionally, the access information is received from the electronic device via a communication network.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method. The method comprises: allocating a plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to a retail management system associated with a retailer; verifying completion of a retail transaction between a user and the retailer by verifying access information, associated with the retail transaction, received from an electronic device of the user; and in response to the verifying: assigning at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket from a selected set of the plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device, the selected set being selected based on a monetary value of the retail transaction.

Optionally, a prize value of the assigned at least one electronic lottery ticket is revealed to the user after the user completes playing the computerized game.

Optionally, each set of electronic lottery tickets includes a plurality of electronic lottery tickets.

Optionally, each electronic lottery ticket has an associated prize value assigned by the retailer.

Optionally, the prize value is at least one of a monetary value or an electronic game token.

Optionally, the at least one electronic game token corresponds to a number of times the user can play the computerized game.

Optionally, the assigning the at least one electronic game token is based on a monetary value of the retail transaction.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method. The method comprises: receiving access information from a plurality of electronic devices, the access information for each respective electronic device being provided to a respective user of the respective electronic device in response to completion of a retail transaction between the respective user and a retailer; assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket to each of the electronic devices in response to verifying the received access information, each of the assigned at least one electronic lottery tickets being randomly selected from a common set of electronic lottery tickets that includes a plurality of electronic lottery tickets, each electronic lottery ticket in the plurality of electronic lottery tickets having an associated payoff value, and the plurality of electronic lottery tickets consisting of a first subset of electronic lottery tickets and a second subset of electronic lottery tickets, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the first subset being non-zero, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the second subset being zero; and randomly selecting at least one electronic lottery ticket from the second subset of electronic lottery tickets.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer system. The computer system comprises: a storage medium for storing computer components; and a computerized processor for executing the computer components. The computer components comprise: a computer module configured to: receive access information from an electronic device of a user, the access information provided to the user in response to completion of a retail transaction between the user and a retailer, verify completion of the retail transaction associated with the access information, and in response to the verifying: assign at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assign at least one electronic lottery ticket randomly selected from a plurality of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device.

Optionally, the computer module is configured to receive the access information over a communication network.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer system. The computer system comprises: a storage medium for storing computer components; and a computerized processor for executing the computer components. The computer components comprise: a computer module configured to: allocate a plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to a retail management system associated with a retailer, verify completion of a retail transaction between a user and the retailer by verifying access information, associated with the retail transaction, received from an electronic device of the user, and in response to the verifying: assign at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assign at least one electronic lottery ticket from a selected set of the plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device, the selected set being selected based on a monetary value of the retail transaction.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer system. The computer system comprises: a storage medium for storing computer components; and a computerized processor for executing the computer components. The computer components comprise: a computer module configured to: receive access information from a plurality of electronic devices, the access information for each respective electronic device being provided to a respective user of the respective electronic device in response to completion of a retail transaction between the respective user and a retailer, assign at least one electronic lottery ticket to each of the electronic devices in response to verifying the received access information, each of the assigned at least one electronic lottery tickets being randomly selected from a common set of electronic lottery tickets that includes a plurality of electronic lottery tickets, each electronic lottery ticket in the plurality of electronic lottery tickets having an associated payoff value, and the plurality of electronic lottery tickets consisting of a first subset of electronic lottery tickets and a second subset of electronic lottery tickets, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the first subset being non-zero, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the second subset being zero, and randomly select at least one electronic lottery ticket from the second subset of electronic lottery tickets.

Optionally, the first subset is a minority subset.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to an application that is executable on an electronic device. The application is configured to: send access information, associated with a retail transaction between a user of the electronic device and a retailer, to a lottery and game management system, the lottery and game management system being in networked communication with the electronic device and a retail management system associated with the retailer; and receive at least one electronic game token and at least one electronic lottery ticket in response to verification of completion of the retail transaction, the electronic game token allowing the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and the at least one electronic lottery ticket randomly selected from a plurality of electronic lottery tickets, the verification of completion of the retail transaction being performed in response to receipt of the access information by the lottery and game management system.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer usable non- transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to perform the following steps when such program is executed on the system. The steps comprise: receiving access information from an electronic device of a user, the access information provided to the user in response to completion of a retail transaction between the user and a retailer; verifying completion of the retail transaction associated with the received access information; and in response to the verifying: assigning at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket randomly selected from a plurality of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer usable non- transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to perform the following steps when such program is executed on the system. The steps comprise: allocating a plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to a retail management system associated with a retailer; verifying completion of a retail transaction between a user and the retailer by verifying access information, associated with the retail transaction, received from an electronic device of the user; and in response to the verifying: assigning at least one electronic game token to the electronic device to allow the user to play a computerized game on the electronic device, and assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket from a selected set of the plurality of sets of electronic lottery tickets to the electronic device, the selected set being selected based on a monetary value of the retail transaction.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a computer usable non- transitory storage medium having a computer program embodied thereon for causing a suitable programmed system to perform the following steps when such program is executed on the system. The steps comprise: receiving access information from a plurality of electronic devices, the access information for each respective electronic device being provided to a respective user of the respective electronic device in response to completion of a retail transaction between the respective user and a retailer; assigning at least one electronic lottery ticket to each of the electronic devices in response to verifying the received access information, each of the assigned at least one electronic lottery tickets being randomly selected from a common set of electronic lottery tickets that includes a plurality of electronic lottery tickets, each electronic lottery ticket in the plurality of electronic lottery tickets having an associated payoff value, and the plurality of electronic lottery tickets consisting of a first subset of electronic lottery tickets and a second subset of electronic lottery tickets, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the first subset being non-zero, and the payoff values associated with the electronic lottery tickets of the second subset being zero; and randomly selecting at least one electronic lottery ticket from the second subset of electronic lottery tickets.

Within the context of this document, the terms“retailer”,“retail store”,“retail location”, and any variants thereof, generally refer to any physical (i.e., tangible) or virtual establishment where merchandise, in the form of goods, products, services, and the like, can be sold to consumers (i.e., provided to consumers in exchange for payment). Likewise, consumers can purchase (i.e., buy) merchandise from the “retailer”,“retail store”,“retail location”. The act of a“retailer”,“retail store”,“retail location” selling merchandise to a consumer (and likewise a consumer purchasing merchandise from a“retailer”,“retail store”,“retail location”) is referred to herein as a retail transaction.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the present invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like reference numerals or characters indicate corresponding or like components. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system environment in which a lottery and game management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be deployed;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of the architecture of an exemplary electronic device that can be used with the lottery and game management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of the architecture of the lottery and game management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of the architecture of an exemplary retail management system that manages one or more purchase points, through which users of the lottery and game management system can perform retail transaction, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of sets of electronic lottery tickets that can be allocated to a retail management system by the lottery and game management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for enabling a user to participate in an electronic lottery and play computerized games in response to performing a retail transaction;

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a process for installing and using a software application on an electronic device in order to enable a user of the electronic device to participate in the electronic lottery and play computerized games via the electronic device; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a system environment in which a lottery and game management system, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be deployed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to computerized methods and systems which enable shoppers to participate in electronic lotteries and play computerized games in response to making purchases at retail stores.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Refer now to FIG. 1, an illustrative example environment in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be performed over one or more networks, shown in FIG. 1 as networks 156, 158, 160. The embodiments include a lottery and game management system (LGMS) 110 in networked communication with an electronic communication device 100 (referred to hereinafter as“electronic device”) via the network 156. The LGMS 110 is also in networked communication with a retail management system (RMS) 140 via the network 158. The RMS 140 is in networked communication with one or more point of sale (PoS) terminals 154 over the network 160. The PoS terminal 154 is a purchase point of a retailer (i.e., a retail store) through which a user 101 of the electronic device 100 can perform a retail transaction (e.g., to purchase goods and services from the retailer). The user 101 of the electronic device 100 may also be referred to as a customer, shopper or consumer.

The LGMS 110 is operative to allocate sets of electronic lottery tickets to a retailer, represented by the RMS 140. In practice, the retailer acquires (via purchase or other type of transaction) sets of electronic lottery tickets from the operator of the LGMS 110. Each electronic lottery ticket has an associated identifier (e.g., ticket number) which allows the LGMS 110 to track the assignment status of each electronic lottery ticket. Furthermore, each electronic lottery ticket has an associated prize value (i.e., payoff value). As will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure, a subset (typically a minority subset) of the electronic lottery tickets in each set has a non-zero prize value (i.e., positive payoff value), whereas typically a majority subset of the electronic lottery tickets in each set has a prize value of zero (i.e., no payoff value). The size of the subsets of each set of electronic lottery tickets dictates a win probability associated with the set of electronic lottery tickets, which can be set by the RMS 140, as will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

In certain embodiments, the electronic lottery tickets are implemented as electronic (or“virtual”) scratch-off cards. Within the context of this document, a scratch-off card (referred to interchangeably as a “scratchcard”, scratch ticket”, “scratch game”, “scratcher”, or variations of the term“scratch” combined with variations of the term“card”), generally refers to a card or ticket having one or more areas that contain concealed prize information (i.e., prize value) which can be revealed by scratching-off or removing an opaque covering or layer from the one or more areas. In embodiments in which the electronic lottery tickets are implemented as electronic scratch-off cards, the opaque covering or layer is a virtual covering or layer. The electronic scratch-off cards can be displayed to users on the display screens of respective electronic devices. Accordingly, a user may perform“scratch-off’ actions, via interaction with a touchscreen of the electronic device, to remove the virtual covering or layer in order to reveal the prize information (i.e., prize value, payoff value) associated with the electronic lottery ticket. The LGMS 110 verifies (via the RMS 140) retail transactions performed by users (e.g., the user 101) of electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 100). In response to the verification of retail transactions, the LGMS 110 randomly selects (i.e., draws) one or more electronic lottery tickets (by randomly selecting one or more electronic lottery ticket identifiers) from the sets of electronic lottery tickets allocated to the RMS 140. The LGMS 110 then assigns the one or more randomly selected electronic lottery tickets to the electronic devices (e.g., the electronic device 100). As will be discussed in further detail below, each randomly selected electronic lottery ticket has an associated win probability, which may be assigned by the RMS 140.

In addition to the above, the LGMS 110 also assigns one or more electronic game tokens to the electronic devices in response to the verification of retail transactions. The electronic game tokens allow the users (e.g., the user 101) of the electronic devices (e.g., electronic device 100) to play one or more computerized games on the electronic devices one or more times (in accordance with the number of assigned electronic game tokens).

The term“electronic” in the context of the electronic lottery tickets and electronic game tokens is used interchangeably with the term“digital”, i.e., the term “electronic lottery ticket” is used interchangeably with the term“digital lottery ticket” and the term“electronic game token” is used interchangeably with the term“digital game toke”. Within the context of this document, the terms“electronic” and“digital” refer to items which are data objects which can be stored in a computer memory. Accordingly, the electronic lottery tickets and the electronic game tokens are data objects which are stored in a memory of the LGMS 110 (FIG. 3), as will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure. By assigning one or more randomly selected electronic lottery tickets and one or more electronic game tokens to an electronic device, the LGMS 110 sends data objects to the electronic device, whereupon the electronic device stores the received data objects in memory (e.g., volatile or non-volatile memory).

In certain embodiments, the PoS terminal 154 is a physical (i.e., tangible) purchase point in a real retail location at which the user 101 physically shops and performs physical retail transactions with an operator (e.g., cashier) of the PoS terminal 154. In other embodiments, the PoS terminal 154 is a virtual purchase point in an on-line (i.e., web-based) retail environment through which the user 101 may perform on-line retail transactions through a web client or a web-based application running on the electronic device 100.

Each of the networks 156, 158, 160 may be formed of one or more networks, including for example, the Internet, cellular networks, private networks, wide area, public, and local networks.

In certain embodiments, each of the networks 156, 158, 160 is a separate network of the same or different type. In such embodiments, the network 156 may be, for example, a 4G cellular network that allows the electronic device 101 and the LGMS 110 to communicate with each other (i.e., send data to, and receive data from) via the 4G cellular network. Further, the network 158 may be, for example, an Internet based network that allows the LGMS 110 and the RMS 140 to communicate with each other (i.e., send data to, and receive data from) via the Internet based network. Further, the network 160 may be, for example, a private network (e.g., an Intranet) that allows the RMS 140 and the PoS terminal 154 to privately communicate with each other (i.e., send data to, and receive data from) via the private network.

In other embodiments, one or more of the networks 156, 158, 160 may be implemented as a single network. In such embodiments, the networks 158, 160 may be implemented as a single private network that allows intercommunication between the LGMS 110, the RMS 140, and the PoS terminal 154.

The electronic device 100 may be any electronic mobile communication device that can transmit data and receive data over a network, for example the network 156. Such types of electronic mobile communication devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablets, laptops, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and the like. In a preferred but non-limiting implementation, the electronic device 100 is implemented as a smartphone, such as, for example, an iPhone available from Apple of Cupertino, CA, an Android (from Google of Mountain View, CA) operating system-based phone, such as Galaxy phones available from Samsung of Seoul, South Korea.

The RMS 140 is configured to manage retail transactions performed by the PoS terminal 154 (as well as other PoS terminals, not shown). All retail transactions performed at the PoS terminal 154 are reported to the RMS 140, such that the RMS 140 maintains a record of all retail transactions conducted by the PoS terminal 154. The RMS 140 additionally may send the PoS terminal 154 information to provide to the user 101 of the electronic device 100 during or immediately upon completion of the retail transaction, as will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

The RMS 140 may be included as part of an inventory management system that manages the inventory of the retailer represented by the PoS terminal 154. In certain embodiments, the RMS 140 and the PoS terminal 154 are collocated (i.e., are in relative proximity to each other, e.g., within the same building), and are linked via the network 160, which in such embodiments may be implemented as a private wired or wireless communication data link. In other embodiments, the RMS 140 and the PoS terminal 154 are remotely located from each other. In such embodiments, the RMS 140 may be linked to a plurality of similar such PoS terminals, deployed at different retail locations. In such embodiments, the RMS 140 may be advantageously hosted by one or more servers, such as remote servers (e.g., cloud servers), which allows the RMS 140 to more easily support PoS terminals deployed at various physical retail locations.

FIG. 2 shows the exemplary electronic device 100 as an architecture. The electronic device 100 includes a CPU 102, a storage/memory 104, a network interface 106 for transmitting and receiving data over the network 156, and an application 108 executable by the processor 102. The processor 102 and the storage/memory 104, although shown as single components for representative purposes, may be multiple components.

The CPU 102 is formed of one or more processors, including microprocessors, for performing the functions of the electronic device 100, including executing the functionalities and operations of the application 108. The processors are, for example, conventional processors, such as those used in servers, computers, and other computerized devices. For example, the processors may include x86 Processors from AMD and Intel, Xeon® and Pentium® processors from Intel, as well as any combinations thereof. All of such processors include, or may be in communication with non-transitory computer readable media that stores program code or instructions sets that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform actions. Types of non-transitory computer readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission devices capable of providing a processor with computer readable instructions. The storage/memory 104 is any conventional storage media. The storage/memory 104 stores machine executable instructions for execution by the CPU 102. The storage/memory 104 also includes machine executable instructions associated with the operation of the application 108.

The electronic device 100 also includes additional components or modules not shown in the drawings. Such components/modules include, but are not limited to, communication hardware (e.g., tuners, filters, signal processors, antennas, encoders, decoders, conversion circuitry, modulation blocks, etc.) for performing voice and data communication functionality, and an operating system (OS), which may include any of the conventional computer operating systems, such as iOS available from Apple of Cupertino, CA, and Android available from Google of Mountain View, CA.

The application 108 includes software, software routines, code, code segments, and the like, embodied, for example, in computer components, modules and the like, that are installed on the electronic device 100. The application 108 performs actions in response to execution by the CPU 102, as will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure.

All of the components of the electronic device 100 are connected to each other (electronically and/or data), either directly or indirectly, through one or more connections, exemplified in FIG. 2 as a bus 109 (i.e., communication bus or data bus).

FIG. 3 shows the LGMS 110 as an architecture. The LGMS 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112 that is formed of one or more processors 114. The processors 114 are, for example, conventional processors, such as those used in servers, computers, and other computerized devices. For example, the processors may include x86 Processors from AMD and Intel, Xeon® and Pentium® processors from Intel, as well as any combinations thereof.

The LGMS 110 further includes four exemplary memory devices: a random- access memory (RAM) 116, a boot read-only memory (ROM) 118, a mass storage device (i.e., a hard disk) 120, and a flash memory 124. As is known in the art, processing and memory can include any computer readable medium storing software and/or firmware and/or any hardware element(s) including but not limited to field programmable logic array (FPLA) element(s), hard-wired logic element(s), field programmable gate array (FPGA) element(s), and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) element(s). Any instruction set architecture may be used in the CPU 112 including but not limited to reduced instruction set computer (RISC) architecture and/or complex instruction set computer (CISC) architecture. A module (i.e., a processing module) 122 is shown on the mass storage device 120, but as will be obvious to one skilled in the art, could be located on any of the memory devices.

The mass storage device 120 is a non-limiting example of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium bearing computer-readable code for implementing the optical design methodology described herein. The non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. Other examples of a computer readable storage medium include, but are not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a RAM, a ROM, an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc ROM (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The LGMS 110 may have an operating system (OS) stored on one or more of the memory devices. The OS may include any of the conventional computer operating systems, such as those available from Microsoft of Redmond Washington, commercially available as Windows® OS, such as, for example, Windows® XP, Windows® 7, Windows® 8 and Windows® 10, MAC OS from Apple of Cupertino, CA, or Linux.

The ROM 118 may include boot code for the processing system, and the CPU 112 may be configured for executing the boot code to load the OS to the RAM 116, executing the operating system to copy computer-readable code to the RAM 116 and execute the code.

One or more network interfaces 126 provide communication interfaces for sending and receiving data over the networks 156, 158. Typically, a single network connection provides one or more links, including virtual connections, to other devices on local and/or remote networks.

FIG. 4 shows the RMS 140 as an architecture. The electronic device 100 includes a CPU 142, a storage/memory 144, a network interface 146 for transmitting and receiving data over the network 160, and a database 148.

The CPU 142 is formed of one or more processors, including microprocessors, for performing various functions, including executing the functionalities and operations of the RMS 140. The processors are, for example, conventional processors, such as those used in servers, computers, and other computerized devices. For example, the processors may include x86 Processors from AMD and Intel, Xeon® and Pentium® processors from Intel, as well as any combinations thereof. All of such processors include, or may be in communication with non-transitory computer readable media that stores program code or instructions sets that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform actions. Types of non-transitory computer readable media include, but are not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storage or transmission devices capable of providing a processor with computer readable instructions.

The storage/memory 144 is any conventional storage media. The storage/memory 104 stores machine executable instructions for execution by the CPU

102.

The database 148 can be stored in a memory of the RMS 140, such as the storage/memory 144. The database 148 stores data records including access information 150 and transaction information 152. The data records are stored by transaction identifiers, such that, upon completion of a retail transaction, a transaction identifier is generated by the RMS 140, and the access information (e.g., access code) and transaction information (e.g., transaction value, products purchased, etc.) pertaining to that retail transaction are stored in the database 148 according to the transaction identifier.

The RMS 140 also includes additional components or modules not shown in the drawings, such as an OS, which may include any of the conventional computer operating systems, such as those available from Microsoft of Redmond Washington, commercially available as Windows® OS, such as Windows® XP, Windows® 7, MAC OS from Apple of Cupertino, CA, or Linux.

All of the components of the RMS 140 are connected to each other (electronically and/or data), either directly or indirectly, through one or more connections, exemplified in FIG. 4 as a bus 153 (i.e., communication bus or data bus).

The networks 156, 158 allow the LGMS 110 to send and receive data to/from the electronic device 100 and the RMS 140. The data that is transmitted between the electronic device 100, the LGMS 110, and the RMS 140 may include private or personal data, for example, user data and retailer data. Therefore, in certain embodiments, each of the electronic device 100, the LGMS 110, and the RMS 140 may be configured to encrypt and decrypt data such that the data transmitted between the electronic device 100, the LGMS 110, and the RMS 140 is protected data, i.e., is encrypted data. For example, the CPUs 102, 112, 142 may be configured to perform encryption and decryption operations in order to protect the data transmitted over the networks 156, 158.

Refer now to FIG. 5, which shows an example of three sets of electronic lottery tickets, designated as Si, ¾, and S3. The example of three sets of electronic lottery tickets is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. The properties of the sets of electronic lottery tickets, for any number of sets of electronic lottery tickets, should be understood by virtue of analogy to the non-limiting example of three sets of electronic lottery tickets.

Each set of electronic lottery tickets is made up of a pool of electronic lottery tickets (i.e., includes a plurality of electronic lottery tickets). For a given set that has M electronic lottery tickets, a first subset consisting of N electronic lottery tickets have a non-zero prize value, while a second subset consisting of the remaining M - N electronic lottery tickets have zero prize value. All of the electronic lottery tickets of the N electronic lottery tickets may have the same prize value or varying prize values. In most cases, the value of N is much less than the value of M - N, such that the first set is a minority subset of the M electronic lottery tickets, and the second subset is a majority subset of the M electronic lottery tickets.

In certain embodiments, the RMS 140 is configured to set the value N (i.e., the number of electronic lottery tickets having non-zero prize value, i.e., the size of the first subset), and by virtue also set the win probabilities for the set of M electronic lottery tickets. The RMS 140 may also select the number of electronic lottery tickets in each set (i.e., select the value M for each set, i.e., select the size of the set of M electronic lottery tickets). The electronic lottery tickets that have a non-zero prize value are referred to as“winning” electronic lottery tickets. The win probability (i.e., the probability that a randomly selected electronic lottery ticket has a non-zero prize value) is set by the RMS 140.

In certain embodiments, each set of electronic lottery tickets has a different maximum prize value. The prize associated with each winning electronic lottery ticket may take on various forms, including, but not limited to, monetary value (e.g., a dollar amount), coupons, vouchers, certificates, retail store credit amounts, electronic game tokens, or a combination thereof.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the identifier Ticket _y represents the j ^th electronic lottery ticket of i ^th set. For example, the identifier Tickeli represents the third electronic lottery ticket of the second set ¾· In addition, the identifier Ticket2 _,M 2 represents the last electronic lottery ticket of the second set ¾·

As a continued example, the first set Si may include Mi = 1000 electronic lottery tickets, the second set ¾ may include M2 = 2500 electronic lottery tickets, and the third set S3 may include Mi = 5000 electronic lottery tickets. The RMS 140 can set the size of the first subset (i.e., the values Ni, A , and N3) for each of the three sets Si, S2, and S3. In other words, the RMS 140 can set the number ( Ni , N2, and N3) of non-zero prize winning electronic lottery tickets.

For example, the RMS 140 can set Ni = 5, N2 = 10, and N3 = 50. As such, the first subset of the first set Si has size 5 and the second subset of the first set 5 _/ has size 9995. Accordingly, the first set Si has 5 electronic lottery tickets out 1000 that have a non-zero prize value (i.e., win probability of 0.5%) and 9995 electronic lottery tickets that have a prize value of 0. Likewise, the first subset of the second set ¾ has size 10 and the second subset of the second set Si has size 2490. Accordingly, the second set ¾ has 10 electronic lottery tickets out 2500 that have a non-zero prize value (i.e., win probability of 0.4%) and 2490 electronic lottery tickets that have a prize value of 0. Likewise, the first subset of the third set S ₃ has size 50 and the second subset of the third set S ₃ has size 4950. Accordingly, the third set S ₃ has 50 electronic lottery tickets out 5000 that have a non-zero prize value (i.e., win probability of 1%) and 4950 electronic lottery tickets that have a prize value of 0.

Each of the winning electronic lottery tickets for a given set may have the same prize value, or one or more of the winning electronic lottery tickets may have different prize values. The prize values of the winning electronic lottery tickets may be set by the RMS 140.

In general, each set of electronic lottery tickets is associated with a different respective transaction value range (i.e., monetary value range). For example, transaction values in the range between T _A and T _B (e.g., $25 - $50) are associated with a first set of electronic lottery tickets (e.g., Si), transaction values in the range between T _B and Tc (e.g., $50 - $100) are associated with a second set of electronic lottery tickets (e.g., ¾), transaction values in the range between Tc and 7 (e.g., $100 - $200) are associated with a third set of electronic lottery tickets (e.g., S ₃ ), and so on. A user (e.g., the user 101) that makes a retail transaction at a given value, and whose retail transaction is verified (as will be discussed), is assigned a randomly selected electronic lottery ticket from the set of electronic lottery tickets that corresponds to the transaction value range that contains the given value. For example, if a user makes a verified retail transaction that is valued at T _v (e.g., $65), which is between T _B and Tc, the user will be assigned a randomly selected lottery ticket from the set of electronic lottery tickets corresponding to the range between T _B and Tc (which in the example above is the second set of electronic lottery tickets, e.g., ¾)·

The number of randomly selected electronic lottery tickets that are assigned to an electronic device may be set by the RMS 140, and may be based on the value of the retail transaction and ranges of transaction values, similar to as discussed above with respect to the transaction value ranges.

For example, a user (e.g., the user 101) that makes a verified retail transaction, may be assigned a number R of randomly selected electronic lottery tickets (from the appropriate set, as discussed above), where the number R is based on the value of the retail transaction that falls within a given transaction value range. In other words, transaction values in the range between T and 7 may be assigned R _/ randomly selected electronic lottery tickets from the set of electronic lottery tickets associated with the range between 7 _/ and T2, transaction values in the range between T2 and T3 may be assigned 7¾ randomly selected electronic lottery tickets from the set of electronic lottery tickets associated with the range between and 7 , and so on.

The LGMS 110 is operative to assign electronic game tokens and electronic lottery tickets to electronic devices on behalf of the retailer (i.e., the RMS 140). The LGMS 110 assigns one or more electronic game tokens and one or more electronic lottery tickets to an individual electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 100) in response to verification of completion of a retail transaction performed by the user 101 of the electronic device 100. The assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are selected from a selected one of the sets of electronic lottery tickets. The LGMS 110 stores the sets of electronic lottery tickets 130 as data objects in a memory, shown in FIG. 3 as the flash memory 124. The stored sets of electronic lottery tickets 130 includes the electronic lottery ticket identifier (e.g., ticket number) for each of the electronic lottery tickets. As the LGMS 110 assigns the electronic lottery tickets to electronic devices, data records of the electronic lottery tickets 130 that are stored in memory (e.g. the flash memory 124) are updated to reflect the assignment status of the electronic lottery tickets. In other words, the data records of the electronic lottery tickets are updated to indicate whether a particular electronic lottery ticket has already been assigned to an electronic device, or is available (i.e., is unassigned) to be assigned to an electronic device.

As discussed above, each electronic lottery ticket has an associated prize value and win probability, assigned by the RMS 140. The LGMS 110 stores the assigned prize values and win probabilities 132 associated with the electronic lottery tickets 130 in a memory, shown in FIG. 3 as the flash memory 124.

In certain embodiments, the retailer (via RMS 140) can set various parameters associated with the electronic lottery tickets. Such parameters include, but are not limited to, the number of sets of electronic lottery tickets, the prize values and win probability associated with each set of electronic lottery tickets, the number of randomly selected electronic lottery tickets assigned to the electronic device in response to retail transaction verification, the transaction value ranges (e.g., 7), T2, 7 , _% etc.) associated with the number of assigned randomly selected electronic lottery tickets, the transaction value ranges (e.g., T _A , T _b , T , etc.) associated with the sets of electronic lottery tickets, and the number of electronic lottery tickets in each set of electronic lottery tickets.

As previously mentioned, the assigned electronic game tokens allow the user 101 of the electronic device 100 to play a computerized game on the electronic device 100 one or more times (based on the number of electronic game tokens). In principle, a single electronic game token allows the user 101 to play a computerized game on the electronic device 100 one time. Therefore, K electronic game tokens allows the user 101 of the electronic device 100 to play the computerized game K times. The LGMS 110 stores electronic game tokens 136 as data objects in a memory, shown in FIG. 3 as the flash memory 124. The computerized game may include multiple games, thereby allowing the user 101 to play a different computerized game with each game play (i.e., each electronic game token).

The LGMS 110 performs verification of completion of retail transactions by sending access information, received from the electronic device 100, to the RMS 140, which verifies that the retail transaction was in fact completed. The access information 134 received from the electronic device 100 is also stored in a memory, shown in FIG. 3 as the flash memory 124.

In addition to managing retail transactions performed by the PoS terminal 154, the RMS 140 is configured to communicate with the LGMS 110 in order to acquire/obtain (e.g., purchase) sets of the electronic lottery tickets, set prize values and winning probabilities for each of the sets of electronic lottery tickets, and perform transaction verification processes in cooperation with the LGMS 110.

The following paragraphs describe an exemplary series of processes performed by the electronic device 100, the LGMS 110, and the RMS 140, which allows the user 101 of the electronic device 100 to play a computerized game and win a prize corresponding to an electronic lottery ticket in response to making a purchase (i.e., a retail transaction).

Initially, the retailer, via the RMS 140, purchases one or more sets of electronic lottery tickets from the LGMS 110. As discussed above, the RMS 140 may set the prize value and win probability for each of the sets. The RMS 140 may also designate which set of electronic lottery tickets an individual electronic lottery ticket is to be drawn from in accordance with the retail transaction value. In response to the user 101 performing a retail transaction via the PoS terminal 154, the RMS 140 retrieves an access information item from the access information 150 stored in the database 148. The access information 150 may be in the form of access codes, such as numeric codes, alphanumeric codes, or bar codes (e.g., QR codes). The retrieved access information is sent to the PoS terminal 154 as a transaction-specific access information item. The PoS terminal 154 then provides the transaction-specific access information to the user 101 upon completion of the retail transaction. The transaction-specific access information functions as a“proof of purchase”. In embodiments in which the PoS terminal 154 is a physical (i.e., tangible) purchase point, the PoS terminal 154 may provide the transaction-specific access information to the user 101 by printing the transaction-specific access information on the sales receipt. In embodiments in which the PoS terminal 154 is a virtual purchase point, the PoS terminal 154 may provide the transaction-specific access information to the user 101 by sending the transaction-specific access information to the electronic device 100 for display to the user 101.

Upon completion of a retail transaction, the PoS terminal 154 that participated in the retail transaction sends transaction information and the transaction-specific access information to the RMS 140 (via, for example, the network 160). The RMS 140 updates the database 148 to include a new transaction identifier, and stores the transaction-specific access information according to that transaction identifier in order to reflect the completion of the retail transaction.

The user 101 inputs the transaction-specific access information (e.g., access code) into the electronic device 100 via the application 108. In certain embodiments, the application 108 is a software (web) application executed by the electronic device 100, while in other embodiments the application 108 is a website (hosted by one or more web servers) that is accessible through a web portal via the electronic device 100.

The electronic device 100 sends the transaction-specific access information to the LGMS 110 via the network 156. The LGMS 110 verifies the completion of the retail transaction by connecting to the RMS 140 through an API via the network 158. The verification is performed by verifying the transaction- specific access information (e.g., access code) received from the electronic device 100 against data records in the database 148. In particular, the database 148 is queried in order to determine whether a transaction identifier exists that contains the transaction- specific access information received from the electronic device 100 as a data record. In certain embodiments, the LGMS 110 queries the database 148 directly via the API connection. In other embodiments, the LGMS 110 sends a request to the RMS 140 to query the database 148, and the database query results are sent by the RMS 140 to the LGMS 110 via the API connection.

In response to verification of the completed retail transaction, the LGMS 110 randomly selects one or more electronic lottery tickets from a selected one of the sets of electronic lottery tickets. As discussed above, the selected set of electronic lottery tickets may be selected based on the value of the retail transaction performed by the user 101. In addition, the number of randomly selected electronic lottery tickets may be based on the value of the retail transaction performed by the user 101. The LGMS 110 randomly selects the one or more electronic lottery tickets by randomly selecting identifier(s) of available (i.e., unassigned) electronic lottery tickets.

The LGMS 110 then sends the randomly selected electronic lottery ticket(s) (i.e., data objects) to the electronic device 100, together with one or more electronic game tokens. The randomly selected electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are received by the electronic device 100 and stored in memory (e.g. the storage/memory 104) as data objects. The number of electronic game tokens may also be based on the value of the retail transaction performed by the user 101. Generally speaking, higher value retail transactions correspond to a higher number of electronic game tokens, whereas lower value retail transaction correspond to a lower number of electronic game tokens. For example, a user 101 that performs a retail transaction of $10 may be assigned a single electronic game token, whereas a user that performs a retail transaction of $100 may be assigned 5 electronic game tokens. The RMS 140 may also set a minimum retail transaction value required in order to qualify to receive a single electronic game token and electronic lottery ticket.

Upon receipt of the electronic game token(s) and electronic lottery ticket(s), the user 101 may then play the computerized game on the electronic device 100 a set number of times, in accordance with the number of electronic game tokens received. Upon completion of computerized gameplay, the prize value(s) of the electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are revealed to the user 101. As previously discussed, in certain embodiments, the electronic lottery tickets are electronic scratch-off tickets. In such embodiments, the electronic scratch-off ticket is displayed to the user 101 on the display screen of the electronic device 100. The user 101 may then“scratch” the electronic lottery ticket, via interaction with a touchscreen of the electronic device 100, to reveal the prize value associated with the electronic lottery ticket. As discussed, the electronic lottery ticket assigned to the electronic device 100 is randomly selected by the LGMS 110, and therefore has a non-zero probability of being a winning electronic lottery ticket (i.e., non-zero prize value), and a non-zero probability of being a“losing” electronic lottery ticket (i.e., prize value of 0 ). The prizes for non-zero prize value electronic lottery tickets may include, but are not limited to, money (i.e., monetary value) paid out by the retailer or the LGMS 110, discounts on goods and services sold by the retailer, coupons/vouchers for purchasing/receiving goods and services provided by the retailer, additional electronic game tokens, coupons/vouchers/certificates for purchasing/receiving goods and services provided by another retailer, and the like.

If the prize value revealed to the user 101 has a non-zero (i.e., if the assigned electronic lottery ticket is a winning lottery ticket), the LGMS 110 sends the electronic device 100 a redemption code (via the network 156) to allow the user 101 of the electronic device 100 to redeem the prize (based on the value of the prize from the assigned prize values and win probabilities 132 stored in the memory of the LGMS 110). The redemption code may be sent to the electronic device 100 in various ways, including, but not limited to, electronic mail (e-mail) and text messaging service, for example, short message service (SMS), multimedia messaging service (MMS), WhatsApp Messenger, and the like. Upon receipt of the redemption code on the electronic device 100, the user 101 of the electronic device 100 may view the redemption code on the display screen of the electronic device 100. The redemption code may be implemented in various ways. In certain non-limiting implementations, the redemption code is a bar code (e.g., a QR code) that is transmitted to the electronic device 100 via one or more of above-mentioned transmission methodologies. Upon displaying the bar code on the display screen of the electronic device 100, the user 101 (or a retail employee) can scan the redemption code via a scanner or reader deployed at the retail location, for example, via the PoS terminal 154. Attention is now directed to FIG. 6 which shows a flow diagram detailing a computer-implemented process (i.e., method) 600 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. This computer-implemented process includes steps for enabling a user to participate in an electronic lottery and play computerized games in response to a retail transaction. Reference is also made to the elements shown in FIGS. 1 5 The process and sub-processes of FIG. 5 are computerized processes performed by various components of the electronic device 100, the LGMS 110, and the RMS 140, including, for example, the CPUs 102, 112, 142 and associated components. The aforementioned processes and sub-processes are for example, performed automatically, but can be, for example, performed manually, and are performed, for example, in real time.

The process 600 begins at block 602, where the LGMS 110 allocates sets (i.e., pools) of electronic lottery tickets to a retailer (i.e., the RMS 140) in response to the retailer purchasing the sets of the electronic lottery tickets. At block 604, the RMS 140 sets parameters for the electronic lottery tickets and the electronic game tokens. The parameters include, for example, the win probabilities for each set of electronic lottery tickets, the prizes and prize values (i.e., payout) associated with the electronic lottery tickets in each set, the number of electronic game tokens to be assigned to electronic devices based on retail transaction value, and the minimum retail transaction value required for an electronic device to qualify for receiving an electronic lottery ticket and/or an electronic game token.

At block 606, the RMS 140 assigns transaction-specific access information in response to a user 101 making a retail transaction. As discussed above, the access information is assigned by the RMS 140 via the PoS terminal 154, and may be in the form of an access code, such as an alphanumeric code or bar code, printed on the sales (i.e., transaction) receipt provided to the user 101 upon completion of the retail transaction. The RMS 140 also updates the database 148 to reflect the completion of the retail transaction by generating a new transaction identifier and storing the transaction-specific access information according to that transaction identifier.

At block 608, the electronic device 100 sends transaction- specific access information to the LGMS 110. The user 101 first inputs the transaction- specific access information into the electronic device 100, for example via the application 108. The process of interacting with the application 108 and inputting transaction-specific access information from the user-side will be described in subsequent sections of the present disclosure, with reference to FIG. 7.

The process 600 moves to block 610, where the LGMS 110 receives the transaction-specific access information (e.g., access code). At block 612, the LGMS 110 verifies the user 101 and the electronic device 100. Details of the execution of block 612 will be discussed in subsequent sections of the present disclosure with reference to FIG. 7.

After verifying the user 101 and the electronic device 100 at block 612, the process 600 moves to block 614, where the completion of the retail transaction (between the user 101 and the retailer, i.e., the Pos terminal 154 that is managed by the RMS 140) is verified. The verification of block 614 may be performed in various ways. In certain embodiments, the LGMS 110 performs the verification of block 614 by connecting to the RMS 140 through an API via the network 158. In such embodiments, the LGMS 110 may send a request to the RMS 140 to establish the API connection with the RMS 140. The RMS 140 may then allow the establishment of the API connection. In response to the establishment of the API connection, the LGMS 110 checks whether the transaction-specific access information corresponds to a completed retail transaction by querying the database 148 to verify whether a transaction identifier exists that contains the transaction-specific access information as a data record.

In other embodiments, the verification of block 614 is performed jointly by the LGMS 110 and the RMS 140. In such embodiments, the LGMS 110 sends a request to the RMS 140 to verify the completion of the retail transaction associated with the transaction-specific access information. In response to the received request, the RMS 140 queries the database 148 to verify whether a transaction identifier exists that contains the transaction-specific access information as a data record.

From block 614, if the completion of the retail transaction (corresponding to the transaction-specific access information) is verified, the process 600 moves to block 616, where the LGMS 110 assigns the electronic device 100 one or more selected electronic lottery ticket(s) and one or more electronic game tokens. The LGMS 110 updates the data record of the electronic lottery tickets 130 stored in memory to indicate that the particular electronic lottery ticket(s) has/have been assigned to the electronic device 100 The assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are randomly selected electronic lottery ticket(s) from a selected one of the sets of the electronic lottery tickets. The selected set of electronic lottery tickets may be selected based on the transaction value of the retail transaction. For example, the LGMS 110 may select the second set ¾ as the selected set of electronic lottery tickets, and may randomly select one or more of the tickets Ticket ₂ , Ticket ₂₂ , Ticket _2,3 ---Ticket _{2 M2} as the selected electronic lottery ticket(s) to assign to the electronic device 100 based on the transaction value. Likewise, the number of electronic game tokens may also be selected based on the transaction value of the retail transaction.

At block 618, the electronic device 100 receives the assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) and electronic game token(s). At block 620, the user 101 plays the computerized game, via the electronic device 100, a set number of times in accordance with the number of electronic game tokens received at block 618. The computerized game is played through the application 108 that is executed on the electronic device 100. The computerized game may take on various forms, including, for example, games in which the user 101 controls an avatar to move about a gaming landscape, games in which the user 101 controls and manipulates objects in the game to uncover hidden or secret game objects, games in which the user 101 controls or manipulates game projectiles to strike targets, puzzle games, trivia games, sporting games, and the like.

Upon completion of game play, the process 600 moves to block 622, where the prize value of the assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are revealed to the user 101. As mentioned above, in certain embodiments the electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are implemented as electronic scratch-off cards, whereby the revelation of the prize value may be effectuated by performing a virtual scratch-off action via touchscreen of the electronic device 100. In such embodiments, block 622 may include steps of the LGMS 110 sending the electronic scratch-off card to the electronic device 100 only upon completion of game play, so that the electronic scratch-off card can be displayed by a display screen of the electronic device 100 via the application 108. Block 622 may also include the LGMS 110 enabling the application 108 to enter a“scratch-off mode” (only upon completion of game play and subsequent to display of the electronic scratch-off card by the electronic device 100), whereby virtual scratch-off actions performed by the user 101 reveal the prize value only when the application 108 is in“scratch-off mode”. The revelation of the prize value may also include the transmission, by the LGMS 110, to the electronic device 100, a redemption code for redeeming non-zero value prizes.

Returning to block 614, if completion of the retail transaction is not verified (i.e., if the access information being verified does not correspond to a completed retail transaction), the process 600 moves to block 624, where a verification failure message is sent to the electronic device 100.

The transmission of the verification failure message of block 624 may be performed in various ways, according to different embodiments. In embodiments in which the LGMS 110 performs the verification of block 614 (via API connection and querying of the database 148 as discussed above), block 624 is performed by the LGMS 110, wherein the LGMS 110 generates and sends the verification failure message to the electronic device 100.

In embodiments in which the LGMS 110 sends a request to the RMS 140 to verify completion of the retail transaction, and the RMS 140 queries the database 148 in response to the received request, the execution of block 624 is performed jointly by the LGMS 110 and the RMS 140. In such embodiments, the RMS 140 generates and sends the verification failure message to the LGMS 110 (via the network 158), which then forwards the verification failure message to the electronic device 100 (via the network 156).

From block 624, the process 600 moves to block 626, where the electronic device 100 receives the verification failure message. The user 101 may then attempt to re-input the transaction- specific access information into the electronic device 100, and the process 600 may be repeated from block 608.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7 which shows a flow diagram detailing a process (i.e., method) 700 in accordance with embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. This process accompanies the steps performed by the process 600, described above, and includes steps performed by the user 101, the electronic device 100, and the LGMS 110. Reference is also made to the elements shown in FIGS. 1 - 6. Some of the sub-processes of FIG. 7 are computerized processes performed by various components of the electronic device 100 and the LGMS 110, including, for example, the CPUs 102, 112 and associated components. The aforementioned processes and sub-processes are for example, performed automatically, but can be, for example, performed manually, and are performed, for example, in real time. In addition, as previously discussed, in certain embodiments the application 108 is a software (web) application executed on the electronic device 100. The steps of the process 700 are particularly relevant to embodiments in which the application 108 is implemented as a software application executed on the electronic device 100.

At block 702, the user 101 of the electronic device 100 completes a retail transaction via a PoS terminal 154 (managed by the RMS 140). The LGMS 110 has previously distributed one or more sets of electronic lottery tickets to the retailer, represented by the PoS terminal 154 and the RMS 140. In response to the completion of the retail transaction, the PoS terminal 154 provides the user 101 with access information to allow the user 101 to play a computerized game on the electronic device 100 and to participate in an electronic lottery drawing. As discussed above, the access information may be provided to the user 101 as an access code (e.g., numeric code, alphanumeric code, bar code, etc.) that is printed on the transaction receipt.

The process 700 moves to block 704, where the user 101 checks if the application 108 is installed on the electronic device 100. If the application is not installed on the electronic device 100, the process 700 moves to block 706, where the user 101, via the electronic device 100, downloads and installs the application 108 on the electronic device 100. The application 108 may be downloaded from an online application store (e.g., the iTunes store from Apple of Cupertino, CA, the Google Play store from Google of Mountain View, CA) that is accessible to the electronic device 100 via a network, for example the network 156.

Upon completion of installation of the application 108, the process 700 moves to block 708, where the user 101 performs user and electronic device registration. The registration at block 708 may include inputting (i.e., entering), via the keypad (e.g., touch key pad) on the electronic device 100, personal information, including, but not limited to, name, date of birth, telephone number (e.g., mobile phone number registered to the electronic device 100), e-mail address, and national identification number. The registration at block 708 also may include the user 101 creating and submitting (via the keypad of the electronic device 100) a password, and optionally creating and submitting (via the keypad of the electronic device 100) a username. The registration information is sent by the electronic device 100 to the LGMS 110, where the LGMS 110 stores the registration information, for example in a database stored on one the memory devices of the LGMS 110 (e.g., the flash memory 124).

The process 700 then moves to block 710, where the application 108 is launched (i.e., executed) on the electronic device 100. Returning to block 704, if the application is already installed on the electronic device 100, the process 700 moves to block 710.

From block 710, the process 700 moves to block 712, where the user 101 inputs the access information (received from the PoS terminal 154) to the application 108. In implementations in which the access information is provided to the user 101 as an access code implemented as a numeric or alphanumeric access code, the user 101 may input the access information to the electronic device 100 via the keypad (e.g., touch key pad) on the electronic device 100. In implementations in which the access information is provided to the user 101 as an access code implemented as a bar code (e.g., a QR code), the user 101 may input the access information by scanning the bar code with a bar code reader of the electronic device 100. The bar code reader may be implemented using a camera of the electronic device 100 and the CPU 102.

Note that block 712 may also include the user 101 inputting (i.e., entering) user-identifying information, i.e., one or more of the items entered at block 708 (e.g., name, username, etc.) as well as the user-created password.

The process 700 then moves to block 714, where the LGMS 110 receives the access information and the user-identifying information from the electronic device 100, and verifies the user 101 and the electronic device 100 based on the information received at block 712. In particular, the LGMS 110 verifies the user-identifying information against the stored registration information. This step is analogous to block 612 of the process 600. Upon completion of user verification by the LGMS 110, the LGMS 110 retrieves the access information (sent by the electronic device 100). Upon completion of block 714, retail transaction verification is then performed (as in block 614), and the remaining blocks 614 - 626 of the process 600 may be executed.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described within the context of a single PoS terminal (managed by a single RMS) participating in retail transactions with a single user (having a single electronic device), it should be understood that the general structure and operation of the LGMS 110 covers operating environments in which multiple PoS terminals (managed by one or more RMS units) participate in retail transactions with a large number of users (e.g., on the order of hundreds, thousands, hundreds of thousands, and more) to provide functionality to all of those users to participate in electronic lotteries and play computerized games.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example environment of such an embodiment. The LGMS 110 is in networked communication (via the network 156) with multiple electronic devices, designated as a first electronic device 200(1), a second electronic device 200(2), and an m ^th electronic device 200(m), where m is an arbitrary integer assumed to be much larger than two (e.g., m may be on the order of 100, 1000, 100000 or more).

The structure and operation of each of the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) is generally similar to that of the electronic device 100, and should be understood by analogy thereto.

Each of the respective users of the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) participates in a retail transaction handled by a respective Pos terminal, designated as a first Pos terminal 254(1), a second Pos terminal 254(2), and an n ^th Pos terminal 254(n). In practice, a single PoS terminal may participate in retail transactions with more than a single user. However, for the sake of illustration, n is also assumed to be an arbitrary integer larger than two. In general, n may be less than or equal to m, or may be greater than m. Also note that some of the Pos terminals 254(1), 254(2), 254(m) may be purchase points of different retailers.

The structure and operation of each of the Pos terminals 254(1), 254(2), 254(m) is generally similar to that of the PoS terminal 154, and should be understood by analogy thereto.

Each of the respective PoS terminals 254(1), 254(2), 254(m) is in networked communication (via the network 160) with a respective RMS unit, designated as a first RMS unit 240(1), a second RMS unit 240(2), and a k ^th RMS unit 240(k). Note that a single RMS unit may manage all or some of the PoS terminals. However, for the sake of illustration, k is also assumed to be an arbitrary integer larger than two. In general, k is less than or equal n and in practice is much less than n (i.e., each RMS unit manages a large number of PoS terminals). Note that a single retailer or retail chain may typically employ a single RMS unit that manages all of its PoS terminals. The structure and operation of each of the RMS units 240(1), 240(2), 240(k) is generally similar to that of the RMS 140, and should be understood by analogy thereto.

The LGMS 110 and the RMS units 240(1), 240(2), 240(k) are in networked communication with each other via the network 158. Similarly, the LGMS 110 and the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) are in networked communication with each other via the network 156. As discussed above, the network 156 may be formed of one or more networks (e.g., subnetworks). As such, each electronic device may communicate with the LGMS 110 via a different subnetwork.

Similar to as discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 - 7, each respective user of a respective electronic device 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) receives access information (e.g., access code) in response to completing a retail transaction with a corresponding one of the PoS terminals 254(1), 254(2), 254(n). Each respective user then inputs the received access information into the respective electronic device 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) and sends the access information to the LGMS 110. For each item of received access information, retail transaction verification is performed (in accordance with block 614). In certain embodiments, the retail transaction verification is performed by the LGMS 110 by connecting to the specific RMS unit (of the RMS units 240(1), 240(2), 240(k)) that manages the specific PoS terminal (of the PoS terminals 254(1), 254(2), 254(n)) that participated in the retail transaction that generated the access information through an API via the network 158. In such embodiments, the LGMS 110 checks whether the transaction-specific access information corresponds to a completed retail transaction by querying the database of the specific RMS unit to verify whether a transaction identifier exists that contains the transaction-specific access information as a data record. In other embodiments, the retail transaction verification is performed jointly by the LGMS 110 and the specific RMS unit that manages the specific PoS terminal that participated in the retail transaction that generated the access information. In such embodiments, the LGMS 110 sends a request to the specific RMS unit to verify the completion of the retail transaction associated with the transaction- specific access information. In response to the received request, the specific RMS unit queries its database to verify whether a transaction identifier exists that contains the transaction-specific access information as a data record. In response to verifying the completion of the retail transaction for a given one of the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m), the LGMS 110 assigns (i.e., sends) one or more electronic lottery tickets and one or more electronic game tokens to the given one of the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m). The assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are randomly selected from a selected set of electronic lottery tickets. The selected set of electronic lottery tickets is selected from sets of electronic lottery tickets that were previously distributed by the LGMS 110 to the specific RMS unit that manages the specific PoS terminal that participated in the retail transaction with the user of the given one of the electronic devices 200(1), 200(2), 200(m).

The LGMS 110 tracks which electronic lottery tickets have been assigned by updating a data record of the electronic lottery tickets 130 stored in memory of the

LGMS 110.

The LGMS 110 may assign randomly selected electronic lottery tickets from a selected set until all of the electronic lottery tickets from that particular set have been assigned. At that point, the LGMS 110 may send a notification message to the specific RMS. The notification message may indicate that all of the electronic lottery tickets for that particular set were assigned to various electronic devices, and that additional sets of electronic lottery tickets may be obtained (e.g., purchased), by the specific RMS, from the LGMS 110.

The given electronic device 200(1), 200(2), 200(m) then plays the computerized game (in accordance with the one or more electronic game tokens), after which the prize value(s) of the assigned electronic lottery ticket(s) is/are revealed to the user of that given electronic device 200(1), 200(2), 200(m).

As previously discussed, since the win probability of a randomly selected electronic lottery ticket is set by the RMS 140 and is relatively small (e.g., less than 10%, and in many or most cases less than 5%), the vast majority of users that participate in an electronic lottery drawing will not be assigned winning electronic lottery tickets. In other words, the majority of users will be assigned randomly selected electronic lottery tickets that are in the second subset of electronic lottery tickets (i.e., have zero prize value, i.e., zero payoff value). According to certain embodiments, once all of the electronic lottery tickets of a particular set have been assigned by the LGMS 110, the LGMS 110 may perform a secondary lottery by randomly selecting an electronic lottery ticket from all of the non-winning electronic lottery tickets from the particular set. The LGMS 110 may perform the secondary lottery by drawing (i.e., randomly selecting) one or more of the electronic lottery tickets from the second subset of the particular set. The random selection is effectuated by randomly selecting an electronic lottery ticket identifier that correspond to non- winning electronic lottery tickets.

Prior to the conducting the secondary lottery, the LGMS 110 may send a notification of the pending secondary lottery to the users of the electronic devices that were assigned non-winning electronic lottery tickets. The notification may include a date and time that the secondary lottery will take place. Upon completion of the secondary lottery, i.e., upon random selection of the identifier of a particular electronic lottery ticket, the LGMS 110 may send a notification message to the electronic device that was assigned that particular electronic lottery ticket. The notification message may include a prize value assigned to the electronic lottery ticket randomly selected in the secondary lottery. The prize value may include, but is not limited to, money (i.e., monetary value) paid out by the retailer or the LGMS 110, discounts on goods and services sold by the retailer, coupons/vouchers for purchasing/receiving goods and services provided by the retailer, additional electronic game tokens, coupons/vouchers/certificates for purchasing/receiving goods and services provided by another retailer, and the like.

Note that the LGMS 110 may conduct secondary lotteries for each of the sets of electronic lottery tickets distributed to a particular RMS unit.

In addition to processes related to the distribution and random selection and assignment of electronic lottery tickets, the LGMS 110 is also configured to collect user data and electronic lottery win/loss data. The user data may be collected based on the access information received from the electronic devices. For example, the LGMS 110 may compile, for each electronic device (i.e., each user), shopping and purchase information based on the received access information. In addition, the LGMS 110 may compile win/loss statistics for each user, based on the number of times each individual electronic device was assigned a winning electronic lottery ticket, the prize values corresponding to the winning electronic lottery tickets assigned to each individual electronic device, and the total number of electronic lottery tickets that were assigned to each individual electronic device. The LGMS 110 may then provide each the RMS unit with the collected user data, allowing the RMS units to send targeted advertisements to particular users.

Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by a combination thereof using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, non-transitory storage media such as a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

For example, any combination of one or more non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium(s) may be utilized in accordance with the above-listed embodiments of the present invention. The non-transitory computer readable (storage) medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD- ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

As will be understood with reference to the paragraphs and the referenced drawings, provided above, various embodiments of computer-implemented methods are provided herein, some of which can be performed by various embodiments of apparatuses and systems described herein and some of which can be performed according to instructions stored in non-transitory computer-readable storage media described herein. Still, some embodiments of computer-implemented methods provided herein can be performed by other apparatuses or systems and can be performed according to instructions stored in computer-readable storage media other than that described herein, as will become apparent to those having skill in the art with reference to the embodiments described herein. Any reference to systems and computer-readable storage media with respect to the following computer- implemented methods is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such systems and any of such non-transitory computer-readable storage media with regard to embodiments of computer-implemented methods described above. Likewise, any reference to the following computer-implemented methods with respect to systems and computer-readable storage media is provided for explanatory purposes, and is not intended to limit any of such computer-implemented methods disclosed herein.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

As used herein, the singular form“a”,“an” and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as“exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

The above-described processes including portions thereof can be performed by software, hardware and combinations thereof. These processes and portions thereof can be performed by computers, computer-type devices, workstations, processors, micro-processors, other electronic searching tools and memory and other non- transitory storage-type devices associated therewith. The processes and portions thereof can also be embodied in programmable non-transitory storage media, for example, compact discs (CDs) or other discs including magnetic, optical, etc., readable by a machine or the like, or other computer usable storage media, including magnetic, optical, or semiconductor storage, or other source of electronic signals.

The processes (methods) and systems, including components thereof, herein have been described with exemplary reference to specific hardware and software. The processes (methods) have been described as exemplary, whereby specific steps and their order can be omitted and/or changed by persons of ordinary skill in the art to reduce these embodiments to practice without undue experimentation. The processes (methods) and systems have been described in a manner sufficient to enable persons of ordinary skill in the art to readily adapt other hardware and software as may be needed to reduce any of the embodiments to practice without undue experimentation and using conventional techniques.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.