CA2207026A1 - Merchandising apparatus - Google Patents
Merchandising apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA2207026A1 CA2207026A1 CA002207026A CA2207026A CA2207026A1 CA 2207026 A1 CA2207026 A1 CA 2207026A1 CA 002207026 A CA002207026 A CA 002207026A CA 2207026 A CA2207026 A CA 2207026A CA 2207026 A1 CA2207026 A1 CA 2207026A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- prize
- buyer
- value
- winning
- goods
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C15/00—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus
- G07C15/005—Generating random numbers; Lottery apparatus with dispensing of lottery tickets
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
- G07G1/12—Cash registers electronically operated
- G07G1/14—Systems including one or more distant stations co-operating with a central processing unit
Abstract
Within a store are cash registers (3) which are adapted to transmit to a central computer (4) data signals (5) indicative of the volumes of sales. A proportion of each sale amount is calculated and added to the total in a jackpot prize accumulator (1) by means of a jackpot price increment signal (6). Potential buyers entering a participating store and made aware of the current value of the jackpot prize and that they have a chance of winning the jackpot prize by purchasing goods. Tokens adapted for use in one or more gaming machines (7) are used to provide the buyer with a chance of winning the jackpot prize.
Description
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
W O 96/18174 PC~r/AU95/00819 TITLE: MERCHANDISING APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to d~dlus for use in merch~n~i~ing and for promoting the sale of goods and services.
s BACKGROllND ART
Sales promotion schemes are well-known in which purchasers are awarded points. coupons or the like with each purchase and become entitled to a prize after a pre~let~rmin~rl number of coupons have been ~ccllm~ te-l So called "Thrift" coupons and "Frequent Flyer" schemes exemplify this kind of promotion. In general, each 0 coupon corresponds to a small discount on the purchase price of goods purchased.
Such systems are advantageous for the vendor, since customers are thereby encouraged to return to the same store over a long period of time to gain sufficient coupons for a prize and customer loyalty is encouraged. However, cnstomer~ readily assess the value of prizes and the amount of expenditure re~uired to attain a prize and 5 so such schemes tend to be perceived as a reward for fidelity and do not motivate purchasers either to advance a future purchase or to buy on impulse.
It is also well-known to promote the sale of individual goods by having the purchaser return a label which acts as a lottery ticket giving the purchaser a very small CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
chance of winning a very valuable prize, for example the purchaser of a jar of coffee might have a very small chance of winning an automobile. This form of promotion has proven to be effective but suffers from the disadvantage that there is a long delay between the date of purchase and the date upon which the outcome of the lottery is 5 known, which reduces its effectiveness as a motivating force in a consumer society increasingly oriented towards instant gratification. Moreover, such promotions are usually product specific, involve long lead times through the distribution chain and, once in place, are inflexible.
It has also been practiced to give away a scratch lotto card to persons who 10 purchase goods above a predetermined value. By this method the purchaser gains a predetermined probability of winning a prize which may correspond to a very large discount or which may greatly exceed the value of goods purchased. Although the probability of winning a major prize may be low, the possibility of winning a very valuable prize by making a small purchase has proven to be more successful than are 15 coupon schemes in motivating buyers to buy immediately. That is to say, some people are more highly motivated by a small probability of winning a large prize than by a high probability (or c~l LaillLy) of winning a lesser prize.
A disadvantage of lltili.~ing scratch lotto systems for sales promotion is that it involves risks for the promoter. For example all the major prizes may be won early in 20 the promotion in which case shoppers are not motivated and in an extreme case the shopkeeper may not cover the cost of the promotion.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of, and means for, sales promotion which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above discussed25 disadvantages of prior art.
According to a first aspect the invention consists in app~lus comprising:-CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
a register for recording data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means for increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
According to a second aspect the present invention consists in a~p~aLus for 10 motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, said a~p~aLus comprising:-a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means responsive to the first signal for selectively increasing the prize value;and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of salespromotion including the steps of:
recording on a register data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
2s increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded of said register; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance for winning the prize.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, said method including the steps of:
providing a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative 5 of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
selectively increasing the prize value in response to said first signals;
providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
Preferably, the prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value oflo selected sales. In alternative embodiments, however, the proportion is varied either on a time or random basis.
In pref~ d embodiments of the invention the prize value increments for every sale recorded but the proportion of the increment may optionally vary from one product sold to another or may be limited to occur only for selected goods and/or S services. Also in pl~f~ d embo-1iment~, the number of opportunities accorded to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of goods and/or services purchased.
In highly ~l~r~lled embodiments of the invention the registers are cash registers and may be located in one or more locations within a store and in one or more particir~ting stores. The prize value ma,v be indicated in a display associated 20 with each cash register and/or may be displayed at one or more other locations in the store or participating stores. The prize value may increase as a fixed proportion of the sales recorded at the various registers or may be incremente~l by a greater increment for precletermined products the sale of which it is desired to promote more heavily.
In a pl~r~ d embodiment of the invention, buyers are provided with a finite 25 chance for winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale to them is recorded, and which gives them one or more opportunities to "play" an electronic gaming m~l hine or other "game m~chine", which CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance for becoming a "winner" of the prize. However, other means for ~l~L~ ",i~,i"g prize winners among buyers may beemployed.
The number of opportunities to "play" accorded to buyers is generally s determined by the amount spent and the opportunities may be required to be exercised within a precletermined time.
Preferred embotliment~ of the invention differ from game m~hine systems in which players at each of a number of game machines cause a prize to increment by a predetermined constant amount each time one of the m~chines is played. In contrast, in the present invention, the prize value increments by a variable amount which depends uporl the val-ue of goods andlor services purchased and which in some cases may vary depending upon which goods and/or services are purchased or may vary from one store to another. A second difference is that with linked gaming m~rhin~c, the action of actuating one m~hine simultaneously results in both a player having the oppo~Lu~PiLy to win a prize and, if the player loses, the prize being incremented. In e~l,ed embodiments of the present invention, the prize is incremented immediately a buyer makes a purchase but the buyer's opportunity to win the prize may occur separately and subsequently.
A further difference is that in plel~ d embo(l;mentc the present invention ~ 20 provides for a prize to be decremented if a credit is issued at one of the participating cash registers.
It will be appreciated that the term "prize" can be used to mean, without limitation, a cash reward. discount or other inducement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
2s The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accolllpallyillg drawings, in which:
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1.
5 MODES FOR CARRYING O~JT THE~NVENTION
In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, a prize acc-lm~ tor 1 stores a number indicative of a prize. The prize accumulation register is associated with one or more displays 2, which may for example be large ~ h~nllmeric displayinside and/or outside one or more stores which shows the current value of the prize or 10 a close approximation to it, for example a number of dollars rounded off to the nearest hundred or nearest thousand.
Within the store, or participating stores, are cash registers 3 which are adapted to tr~n~mit to a central co~ ulel 4 data signals 5 indicative of the volume of sales tr~n~cte~l at the respective registers. A proportion of each sale amount is calculated 15 and added to the total in the prize acc~lmlll~tor by means of a prize increment signal 6.
Altern~tively this calculation can be performed by circuitry associated with each register, a prize increment signal being transmitted from each register to accllmlll~t-)r 1.
Potential buyers entering a particir~tinf store may be made aware of the 20 current value of the prize by virtue of the display and are informed by apl,lu~uliate means that purchasing goods and/or services will increase the prize and will give them an opportunity to win it. In a simple form of the invention, a buyer of goods in the store will be given one or more tokens (depending upon the amount spent by that buyer), the tokens being adapted for use in one or more m~3chines 7 accessible either in 25 the store or at another address. The m~chin~c 7 may, on actuation. display a randomly or pseudo randomly selected combination of symbols of which certain combinationsare "prize-winning". Alternatively m~hines 7 may be of the kind which selects a . CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
number "n" at random within a predetermined numerical range (e.g. 6 digits) and stores it in a memory but does not display the selected number, and then counts successive "plays" declaring the nth player as the winner. Whatever means is used to provide a finite chance of the prize to be won by a buyer, a "prize-winner" is thereby s identified and becomes entitled to the prize displayed at the instant of wirming. The prize accllm~ tor is then reset (and if required a new random number is selected) and a new prize commences to accllmlll~t~.
Other means may be employed by which the prize may be won. For example a scratch-card may be issued which is required to be scratched at the sales register at the 0 time of purchase and which in a predetermined proportion of cases declares a winner.
Another method would involve players pressing a button at the cash register, or even the registration of a sale itself at the register could be used to count purchasers and to declare an "nth" purchaser as a winner. However, use of suitably adapted electronic game m~rhines such as those used in some fun parlours are p-~r~led means for 15 selecting "winners".
A ~ f~ d method of cletermining whether a purchaser wins the prize is to provide at or adjacent the register a touch-sensitive video screen which selectively displays an image of a scratch-card or the like. That is, the purchaser can move their finger across the screen surface to electronically scratch the image and reveal a symbol 20 combination which may allow them to win the prize. The image is then updated to allow the next purchaser to perform a similar operation.
In a highly pl~fe~.~d embodiment of the invention each cash register is electronically connected with a read/write device 8 by means of which data may be read from or written to a magnetic stripe card 9. In one mode the device writes data to 25 a paper card bearing a magnetic stripe, the data being indicative of the number of "plays" to which the buyer has become entitled by virtue of a purchase. Each "play"
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
Wo 96/18174 PCT/AU95/00819 provides an oppolLulliLy to win the prize. The card may also be encoded with the date and/or time of the purchase and if desired with other data.
In a second mode the read/write device reads data from an account customer card or the like (for example a magnetic stripe plastic card) which identifies the cll~tomer and which writes to the card data representing an entitlement to a number of "plays", depending upon the value of goods purchased. Either type of card may beinserted in a suitably adapted game m~ hine with provision to read the cards and to allow the cardholder a number of "plays" in accordance with the data recorded on the cards.
o A further alternative involves issuing the purchaser with a coded card, whereby that code is subsequently entered in one of machines 7 to allow actuation of that m~chine. The code can be entered by swiping the card across an a~p.~liate reading device. Alternatively, the purchaser can enter the code via a keypad.
If a player using m~ ine 7 "WillS", the m~e.lline may be provided with means S 10 for displaying information to that effect, and/or means 11 for printing out information to that effect, and/or means 12 for crediting an account of a customer electronically with the amount corresponding to a prize won or a combination of the foregoing. The customer account data may be held in computer 4 or a dirr~l~nt co~ uLel.
If desired, certain buyers may be required to use accllmlll,~tecl "play"
entitlements within a predetermined period. Thus, for example, buyers issued with a first mode type card may be required to use their "play" entitlements on the same day as they were accumulated. while account customers for example, may have pre-agreed rights to ~ccl-m~ te points over a period of months or years.
If desired the opportunity to win the prize may be confined to pre-identified account customers. In that case, cash registers need only have a reading device such as an Eftpos t~min~l A central computer may then be used to store data indicative of -CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
entitlement to plays acquired by each account holder, and to deduct "plays" utili~ed The m~ ine 7 may also have a read only device which iclentifies the purchaser and permits that account holder to play the game a number of times det~rminrd in accordance with the entitlement balance held by the central computer. The m~rhine 7 5 is adapted to send a signal to the central computer indicative of each play and rerlllcing the re",~ entitlement ofthat account holder to further "plays" in accordance with "plays" used.
In a yl~relled embodiment of the means for providing a finite chance for winning there is provided apparatus which may be actuated for example by a lever or o button or by insertion of a token or of a data card or by other means and which has a display screen. Upon actuation the a~dlus' screen displays at random a combination of symbols. These symbols may for example be symbols such as "anchors", "cherries" or the like. However, in pl~rellcd embodiments the symbolsdisplayed may be changeable remotely under control of a colll~ulel program and may r~l~selll trade marks or brand names or may illustrate goods available in the store, for example white goods, soft drinks or the like. These symbols may represent goods which are to be won or to be promoted. That is, the invention can be used to provide a chance of winning both the accumulating prize and one or more fixed prizes.
Likewise, if desired, the nature of the game played on various game m~rhines on a network may be changed under remote control of a collll,uL~,l program.
Any suitable means may be used for networking the cash registers with the prize accllm~ tor. Any desired number of m~r.hin~s 7 may be conn~cte~l to the network. The m~c.hint?s 7 can be modified to include any one or more of the above discussed features and are considered to be further aspects of the present invention.
If desired, encoded cards may contain additional information e.g. identifying a store or cash register. Certain buyers about whom demographic information is known may be provided with club membership cards which identify them as participants and CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
WO 96/18174 PCr/AU95l00819 which may give them special privileges in a manner similar to account holders. For example club members or account holders may be entitled to more "play"
opportunities than non-members to win the prize for each purchase that they make, or ,;
their oppollullily to win the prize may be not time restricted. This enables statistical 5 data to be obtained and recorded showing a demographic breakdown of sales, and the purchasing pl~relellces of identified customers may be studied.
The invention may also be utilised with purchases made remotely e.g. via home colll~ulel~, modems, Infonet or via cable TV systems and the like within the scope of the invention herein described. In that case the purchasers' termin~l may act o as both the register and the m~c.hine 7.
The number of opportunities to "play" (i.e. to win a prize) may vary from one class of customer to another and from one class of goods to another or from one time to another. The number of plays awarded may be calculated directly at the point of sale by the cash register t~rmin~l or the value (or type) of sales may be recorded and 15 tr~n~mit~ed to a remote c~ ul, l the number of "plays" to be awarded being calculated at the m~hine 7 at time of "play". The m~chines 7 need not be located at the same site as the cash registers. For example, the m~chines may be located in a casino. Preferred embotliment~ of the system provide for the prize to either decrease -w-hen credits or rei-u~s are recorded ai a participating cash register, or to not increase 20 until a corresponding volume of sales has occurred. If desired, the system may provide for both major and minor prizes of dirrelGll~ value.
If desired the system may provide for the prize to be paid to a "winner" in kindrather than in cash.
The number of opportunities to "play" awarded to buyers at the point of sale 25 may be based on a formula taking account of various factors such as the mix of purchases, the total sales accllmlll~ted at various cash registers and other factors.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
W O96/18174 PCT/AU9~100819 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2 where a local network 21 is used in a single location, at for example, a retail outlet. The network 21, along with a plurality of like networks 22 and 23 located at other respective retail outlets, communicates with a cenkal computer 24 for allowing a single prize to be effectively simultaneously used at all the outlets. Accordingly, the prize can be larger and/or grow faster due to the larger number of sales from which the prize is generated.
Network 21 includes a site controller in the form of a personal co~ ul~l 26.
Colll~uLel 26 communicates with the registers or other point of sales devices 27 to extract data indicative of the volume and timing of sales~ along with data indicative of 0 number of opportunities to win the prize that have been allocated to a buyer.
For example, the receipt given to the buyer may include a code such as a string of characters or a bar code which can be subsequently used to generate credits on one of the tçrmin~l~ 28 provided. For a large purchase the code may allow the generation of a number of credits and, accordingly, increase the number of finite chances the buyer obtains to win the prize.
Tertninzll~ 28 also comrnunicate with computer 26 for validating the code entered by the buyer and to provide computer 26 with data indicative of whether or not the purchaser with that code, after using the terrnin~ , is entitled to the prize and/or any other fixed prize.
Network 21 also includes a redemption t~.trnin~l 29 where a winning receipt can be processed. Again, terminal 29 communicates with colllpuL~l 26 to validate the code on the receipt and to confirm whether the holder is entitled to a prize and if so, to award the prize.
Colll~uLel 26 also communicates with a video controller 30 which in turn drives both a display 31 and a plurality of video screens 32. Display 31 is prominently mounted to allow both buyers and prospective buyers to view the size of the available prize. If required more than one display is used.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
Screens 32 are used to actively promote the prize as well as advertise other goods and/or services provided at the outlet.
Although the use of only three int~rlinked networks 21, 22 and 23 has been described, it is possible to link a greater number. For example, a retail chain can link 5 all its separate stores throughout a particular region, state or country.
Preferably, termin~l~ 28 in addition to providing a site for the purchaser to determine whether they have won the prize, provide advertisements about productsand/or services available from the outlet. Moreover, once the purchaser enters the code they have been allocated the advertising can be chosen in response to the goods o that were purchased. For example, the advertising can leillfoLce the advantages of the purchase or, alternatively, canvass the relative merits of competing products.
Such advertising can also be used to inform the purchaser of other outlets where such products and/or services can be obtained within a greater chance of winning the prize. This is used to promote sales from a particular outlet.
As will be a~pal~-ll to those skilled in the art from the te~chin~; hereof, the invention may be embodied in other forms and features of one embodiment may be combined with those of another within the scope of the concept disclosed.
W O 96/18174 PC~r/AU95/00819 TITLE: MERCHANDISING APPARATUS
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to d~dlus for use in merch~n~i~ing and for promoting the sale of goods and services.
s BACKGROllND ART
Sales promotion schemes are well-known in which purchasers are awarded points. coupons or the like with each purchase and become entitled to a prize after a pre~let~rmin~rl number of coupons have been ~ccllm~ te-l So called "Thrift" coupons and "Frequent Flyer" schemes exemplify this kind of promotion. In general, each 0 coupon corresponds to a small discount on the purchase price of goods purchased.
Such systems are advantageous for the vendor, since customers are thereby encouraged to return to the same store over a long period of time to gain sufficient coupons for a prize and customer loyalty is encouraged. However, cnstomer~ readily assess the value of prizes and the amount of expenditure re~uired to attain a prize and 5 so such schemes tend to be perceived as a reward for fidelity and do not motivate purchasers either to advance a future purchase or to buy on impulse.
It is also well-known to promote the sale of individual goods by having the purchaser return a label which acts as a lottery ticket giving the purchaser a very small CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
chance of winning a very valuable prize, for example the purchaser of a jar of coffee might have a very small chance of winning an automobile. This form of promotion has proven to be effective but suffers from the disadvantage that there is a long delay between the date of purchase and the date upon which the outcome of the lottery is 5 known, which reduces its effectiveness as a motivating force in a consumer society increasingly oriented towards instant gratification. Moreover, such promotions are usually product specific, involve long lead times through the distribution chain and, once in place, are inflexible.
It has also been practiced to give away a scratch lotto card to persons who 10 purchase goods above a predetermined value. By this method the purchaser gains a predetermined probability of winning a prize which may correspond to a very large discount or which may greatly exceed the value of goods purchased. Although the probability of winning a major prize may be low, the possibility of winning a very valuable prize by making a small purchase has proven to be more successful than are 15 coupon schemes in motivating buyers to buy immediately. That is to say, some people are more highly motivated by a small probability of winning a large prize than by a high probability (or c~l LaillLy) of winning a lesser prize.
A disadvantage of lltili.~ing scratch lotto systems for sales promotion is that it involves risks for the promoter. For example all the major prizes may be won early in 20 the promotion in which case shoppers are not motivated and in an extreme case the shopkeeper may not cover the cost of the promotion.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method of, and means for, sales promotion which overcomes or at least ameliorates the above discussed25 disadvantages of prior art.
According to a first aspect the invention consists in app~lus comprising:-CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
a register for recording data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means for increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
According to a second aspect the present invention consists in a~p~aLus for 10 motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, said a~p~aLus comprising:-a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means responsive to the first signal for selectively increasing the prize value;and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a method of salespromotion including the steps of:
recording on a register data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
2s increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded of said register; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance for winning the prize.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, said method including the steps of:
providing a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative 5 of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
selectively increasing the prize value in response to said first signals;
providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
Preferably, the prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value oflo selected sales. In alternative embodiments, however, the proportion is varied either on a time or random basis.
In pref~ d embodiments of the invention the prize value increments for every sale recorded but the proportion of the increment may optionally vary from one product sold to another or may be limited to occur only for selected goods and/or S services. Also in pl~f~ d embo-1iment~, the number of opportunities accorded to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of goods and/or services purchased.
In highly ~l~r~lled embodiments of the invention the registers are cash registers and may be located in one or more locations within a store and in one or more particir~ting stores. The prize value ma,v be indicated in a display associated 20 with each cash register and/or may be displayed at one or more other locations in the store or participating stores. The prize value may increase as a fixed proportion of the sales recorded at the various registers or may be incremente~l by a greater increment for precletermined products the sale of which it is desired to promote more heavily.
In a pl~r~ d embodiment of the invention, buyers are provided with a finite 25 chance for winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale to them is recorded, and which gives them one or more opportunities to "play" an electronic gaming m~l hine or other "game m~chine", which CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance for becoming a "winner" of the prize. However, other means for ~l~L~ ",i~,i"g prize winners among buyers may beemployed.
The number of opportunities to "play" accorded to buyers is generally s determined by the amount spent and the opportunities may be required to be exercised within a precletermined time.
Preferred embotliment~ of the invention differ from game m~hine systems in which players at each of a number of game machines cause a prize to increment by a predetermined constant amount each time one of the m~chines is played. In contrast, in the present invention, the prize value increments by a variable amount which depends uporl the val-ue of goods andlor services purchased and which in some cases may vary depending upon which goods and/or services are purchased or may vary from one store to another. A second difference is that with linked gaming m~rhin~c, the action of actuating one m~hine simultaneously results in both a player having the oppo~Lu~PiLy to win a prize and, if the player loses, the prize being incremented. In e~l,ed embodiments of the present invention, the prize is incremented immediately a buyer makes a purchase but the buyer's opportunity to win the prize may occur separately and subsequently.
A further difference is that in plel~ d embo(l;mentc the present invention ~ 20 provides for a prize to be decremented if a credit is issued at one of the participating cash registers.
It will be appreciated that the term "prize" can be used to mean, without limitation, a cash reward. discount or other inducement.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE D~AWINGS
2s The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accolllpallyillg drawings, in which:
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an apparatus according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus of Figure 1.
5 MODES FOR CARRYING O~JT THE~NVENTION
In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, a prize acc-lm~ tor 1 stores a number indicative of a prize. The prize accumulation register is associated with one or more displays 2, which may for example be large ~ h~nllmeric displayinside and/or outside one or more stores which shows the current value of the prize or 10 a close approximation to it, for example a number of dollars rounded off to the nearest hundred or nearest thousand.
Within the store, or participating stores, are cash registers 3 which are adapted to tr~n~mit to a central co~ ulel 4 data signals 5 indicative of the volume of sales tr~n~cte~l at the respective registers. A proportion of each sale amount is calculated 15 and added to the total in the prize acc~lmlll~tor by means of a prize increment signal 6.
Altern~tively this calculation can be performed by circuitry associated with each register, a prize increment signal being transmitted from each register to accllmlll~t-)r 1.
Potential buyers entering a particir~tinf store may be made aware of the 20 current value of the prize by virtue of the display and are informed by apl,lu~uliate means that purchasing goods and/or services will increase the prize and will give them an opportunity to win it. In a simple form of the invention, a buyer of goods in the store will be given one or more tokens (depending upon the amount spent by that buyer), the tokens being adapted for use in one or more m~3chines 7 accessible either in 25 the store or at another address. The m~chin~c 7 may, on actuation. display a randomly or pseudo randomly selected combination of symbols of which certain combinationsare "prize-winning". Alternatively m~hines 7 may be of the kind which selects a . CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
number "n" at random within a predetermined numerical range (e.g. 6 digits) and stores it in a memory but does not display the selected number, and then counts successive "plays" declaring the nth player as the winner. Whatever means is used to provide a finite chance of the prize to be won by a buyer, a "prize-winner" is thereby s identified and becomes entitled to the prize displayed at the instant of wirming. The prize accllm~ tor is then reset (and if required a new random number is selected) and a new prize commences to accllmlll~t~.
Other means may be employed by which the prize may be won. For example a scratch-card may be issued which is required to be scratched at the sales register at the 0 time of purchase and which in a predetermined proportion of cases declares a winner.
Another method would involve players pressing a button at the cash register, or even the registration of a sale itself at the register could be used to count purchasers and to declare an "nth" purchaser as a winner. However, use of suitably adapted electronic game m~rhines such as those used in some fun parlours are p-~r~led means for 15 selecting "winners".
A ~ f~ d method of cletermining whether a purchaser wins the prize is to provide at or adjacent the register a touch-sensitive video screen which selectively displays an image of a scratch-card or the like. That is, the purchaser can move their finger across the screen surface to electronically scratch the image and reveal a symbol 20 combination which may allow them to win the prize. The image is then updated to allow the next purchaser to perform a similar operation.
In a highly pl~fe~.~d embodiment of the invention each cash register is electronically connected with a read/write device 8 by means of which data may be read from or written to a magnetic stripe card 9. In one mode the device writes data to 25 a paper card bearing a magnetic stripe, the data being indicative of the number of "plays" to which the buyer has become entitled by virtue of a purchase. Each "play"
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
Wo 96/18174 PCT/AU95/00819 provides an oppolLulliLy to win the prize. The card may also be encoded with the date and/or time of the purchase and if desired with other data.
In a second mode the read/write device reads data from an account customer card or the like (for example a magnetic stripe plastic card) which identifies the cll~tomer and which writes to the card data representing an entitlement to a number of "plays", depending upon the value of goods purchased. Either type of card may beinserted in a suitably adapted game m~ hine with provision to read the cards and to allow the cardholder a number of "plays" in accordance with the data recorded on the cards.
o A further alternative involves issuing the purchaser with a coded card, whereby that code is subsequently entered in one of machines 7 to allow actuation of that m~chine. The code can be entered by swiping the card across an a~p.~liate reading device. Alternatively, the purchaser can enter the code via a keypad.
If a player using m~ ine 7 "WillS", the m~e.lline may be provided with means S 10 for displaying information to that effect, and/or means 11 for printing out information to that effect, and/or means 12 for crediting an account of a customer electronically with the amount corresponding to a prize won or a combination of the foregoing. The customer account data may be held in computer 4 or a dirr~l~nt co~ uLel.
If desired, certain buyers may be required to use accllmlll,~tecl "play"
entitlements within a predetermined period. Thus, for example, buyers issued with a first mode type card may be required to use their "play" entitlements on the same day as they were accumulated. while account customers for example, may have pre-agreed rights to ~ccl-m~ te points over a period of months or years.
If desired the opportunity to win the prize may be confined to pre-identified account customers. In that case, cash registers need only have a reading device such as an Eftpos t~min~l A central computer may then be used to store data indicative of -CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
entitlement to plays acquired by each account holder, and to deduct "plays" utili~ed The m~ ine 7 may also have a read only device which iclentifies the purchaser and permits that account holder to play the game a number of times det~rminrd in accordance with the entitlement balance held by the central computer. The m~rhine 7 5 is adapted to send a signal to the central computer indicative of each play and rerlllcing the re",~ entitlement ofthat account holder to further "plays" in accordance with "plays" used.
In a yl~relled embodiment of the means for providing a finite chance for winning there is provided apparatus which may be actuated for example by a lever or o button or by insertion of a token or of a data card or by other means and which has a display screen. Upon actuation the a~dlus' screen displays at random a combination of symbols. These symbols may for example be symbols such as "anchors", "cherries" or the like. However, in pl~rellcd embodiments the symbolsdisplayed may be changeable remotely under control of a colll~ulel program and may r~l~selll trade marks or brand names or may illustrate goods available in the store, for example white goods, soft drinks or the like. These symbols may represent goods which are to be won or to be promoted. That is, the invention can be used to provide a chance of winning both the accumulating prize and one or more fixed prizes.
Likewise, if desired, the nature of the game played on various game m~rhines on a network may be changed under remote control of a collll,uL~,l program.
Any suitable means may be used for networking the cash registers with the prize accllm~ tor. Any desired number of m~r.hin~s 7 may be conn~cte~l to the network. The m~c.hint?s 7 can be modified to include any one or more of the above discussed features and are considered to be further aspects of the present invention.
If desired, encoded cards may contain additional information e.g. identifying a store or cash register. Certain buyers about whom demographic information is known may be provided with club membership cards which identify them as participants and CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
WO 96/18174 PCr/AU95l00819 which may give them special privileges in a manner similar to account holders. For example club members or account holders may be entitled to more "play"
opportunities than non-members to win the prize for each purchase that they make, or ,;
their oppollullily to win the prize may be not time restricted. This enables statistical 5 data to be obtained and recorded showing a demographic breakdown of sales, and the purchasing pl~relellces of identified customers may be studied.
The invention may also be utilised with purchases made remotely e.g. via home colll~ulel~, modems, Infonet or via cable TV systems and the like within the scope of the invention herein described. In that case the purchasers' termin~l may act o as both the register and the m~c.hine 7.
The number of opportunities to "play" (i.e. to win a prize) may vary from one class of customer to another and from one class of goods to another or from one time to another. The number of plays awarded may be calculated directly at the point of sale by the cash register t~rmin~l or the value (or type) of sales may be recorded and 15 tr~n~mit~ed to a remote c~ ul, l the number of "plays" to be awarded being calculated at the m~hine 7 at time of "play". The m~chines 7 need not be located at the same site as the cash registers. For example, the m~chines may be located in a casino. Preferred embotliment~ of the system provide for the prize to either decrease -w-hen credits or rei-u~s are recorded ai a participating cash register, or to not increase 20 until a corresponding volume of sales has occurred. If desired, the system may provide for both major and minor prizes of dirrelGll~ value.
If desired the system may provide for the prize to be paid to a "winner" in kindrather than in cash.
The number of opportunities to "play" awarded to buyers at the point of sale 25 may be based on a formula taking account of various factors such as the mix of purchases, the total sales accllmlll~ted at various cash registers and other factors.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
W O96/18174 PCT/AU9~100819 Another embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figure 2 where a local network 21 is used in a single location, at for example, a retail outlet. The network 21, along with a plurality of like networks 22 and 23 located at other respective retail outlets, communicates with a cenkal computer 24 for allowing a single prize to be effectively simultaneously used at all the outlets. Accordingly, the prize can be larger and/or grow faster due to the larger number of sales from which the prize is generated.
Network 21 includes a site controller in the form of a personal co~ ul~l 26.
Colll~uLel 26 communicates with the registers or other point of sales devices 27 to extract data indicative of the volume and timing of sales~ along with data indicative of 0 number of opportunities to win the prize that have been allocated to a buyer.
For example, the receipt given to the buyer may include a code such as a string of characters or a bar code which can be subsequently used to generate credits on one of the tçrmin~l~ 28 provided. For a large purchase the code may allow the generation of a number of credits and, accordingly, increase the number of finite chances the buyer obtains to win the prize.
Tertninzll~ 28 also comrnunicate with computer 26 for validating the code entered by the buyer and to provide computer 26 with data indicative of whether or not the purchaser with that code, after using the terrnin~ , is entitled to the prize and/or any other fixed prize.
Network 21 also includes a redemption t~.trnin~l 29 where a winning receipt can be processed. Again, terminal 29 communicates with colllpuL~l 26 to validate the code on the receipt and to confirm whether the holder is entitled to a prize and if so, to award the prize.
Colll~uLel 26 also communicates with a video controller 30 which in turn drives both a display 31 and a plurality of video screens 32. Display 31 is prominently mounted to allow both buyers and prospective buyers to view the size of the available prize. If required more than one display is used.
CA 02207026 1997-06-0~
Screens 32 are used to actively promote the prize as well as advertise other goods and/or services provided at the outlet.
Although the use of only three int~rlinked networks 21, 22 and 23 has been described, it is possible to link a greater number. For example, a retail chain can link 5 all its separate stores throughout a particular region, state or country.
Preferably, termin~l~ 28 in addition to providing a site for the purchaser to determine whether they have won the prize, provide advertisements about productsand/or services available from the outlet. Moreover, once the purchaser enters the code they have been allocated the advertising can be chosen in response to the goods o that were purchased. For example, the advertising can leillfoLce the advantages of the purchase or, alternatively, canvass the relative merits of competing products.
Such advertising can also be used to inform the purchaser of other outlets where such products and/or services can be obtained within a greater chance of winning the prize. This is used to promote sales from a particular outlet.
As will be a~pal~-ll to those skilled in the art from the te~chin~; hereof, the invention may be embodied in other forms and features of one embodiment may be combined with those of another within the scope of the concept disclosed.
Claims
CLAIMS:-1. An apparatus comprising:
a register for recording data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means for increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
2. An apparatus for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods or services, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means responsive to the first signal for selectively increasing the prize value;and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value of selected sales.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the proportion is varied either on a time or random basis.
5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the prize increments for every sale recorded but the proportion of the increment varies for one product sold to another.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the number of chances provided to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of goods and/or services purchased by that buyer.
7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the registers are cash registers located in one or more locations within a store or in one or moreparticipating stores.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the prize value is indicated by a display associated with the or each cash register and/or at one or more other locations in the store or participating stores.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the buyer is provided with the at least one finite chance of winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale is recorded.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the token or encoded card gives the buyer one or more opportunities to play a machine which provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance of winning the prize.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said encoded card is the receipt for the goods and/or services purchased by the buyer.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the receipt includes a bar code.13. An apparatus according to claim 10 including a site controller for receiving said first signal which also includes data indicative of the code associated with said card and the number of chances the buyer has obtained to win the prize, wherein upon entry of the code into the machine by the buyer, the site controller verifies the code and provides the appropriate number of game credits to the buyer.
14. An apparatus according to claim 2 including means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning a second prize.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said second prize is of a fixed value.
16. A method of sales promotion including the steps of:
recording on a register data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer:
increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
17. A method for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, including the steps of:
providing a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer, selectively increasing the prize value in response to said first signal; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value of selected sales.
19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the number of chances provided to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of the goods and/or services purchased by that buyer.
20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein said registers are cash registers located within one or more stores and the buyer is provided with the at least one finite chance of winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale is recorded.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the token or encoded card gives the buyer one or more opportunities to play an electronic gaming machine which provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance of winning the prize.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the encoded card is the receipt for the goods and/or services purchased by the buyer, said method including the further steps of:
obtaining data from said registers indicative of the code associated with said card and the numbers of chances the buyer has obtained to win the prize;
verifying the code entered into the gaming machine by the buyer; and providing the appropriate number of game credits to the buyer.
23. A method according to claim 17 including the further step of providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning a second prize.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein said second prize is of a fixed value.
a register for recording data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means for increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
2. An apparatus for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods or services, said apparatus comprising:
a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
means for displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer;
means responsive to the first signal for selectively increasing the prize value;and means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value of selected sales.
4. An apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the proportion is varied either on a time or random basis.
5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 wherein the prize increments for every sale recorded but the proportion of the increment varies for one product sold to another.
6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 wherein the number of chances provided to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of goods and/or services purchased by that buyer.
7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6 wherein the registers are cash registers located in one or more locations within a store or in one or moreparticipating stores.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7 wherein the prize value is indicated by a display associated with the or each cash register and/or at one or more other locations in the store or participating stores.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the buyer is provided with the at least one finite chance of winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale is recorded.
10. An apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the token or encoded card gives the buyer one or more opportunities to play a machine which provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance of winning the prize.
11. An apparatus according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein said encoded card is the receipt for the goods and/or services purchased by the buyer.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the receipt includes a bar code.13. An apparatus according to claim 10 including a site controller for receiving said first signal which also includes data indicative of the code associated with said card and the number of chances the buyer has obtained to win the prize, wherein upon entry of the code into the machine by the buyer, the site controller verifies the code and provides the appropriate number of game credits to the buyer.
14. An apparatus according to claim 2 including means for providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning a second prize.
15. An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said second prize is of a fixed value.
16. A method of sales promotion including the steps of:
recording on a register data indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer:
increasing the prize value in response to the number or value of selected sales recorded at said register; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
17. A method for motivating potential buyers to purchase goods and/or services, including the steps of:
providing a plurality of registers for issuing respective first signals indicative of sales of goods and/or services to buyers;
displaying a prize value indicative of a prize available to be won by a buyer, selectively increasing the prize value in response to said first signal; and providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning the prize.
18. A method according to claim 17 wherein said prize value is increased in proportion to the number or value of selected sales.
19. A method according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the number of chances provided to a buyer to win the prize increases with the value of the goods and/or services purchased by that buyer.
20. A method according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein said registers are cash registers located within one or more stores and the buyer is provided with the at least one finite chance of winning the prize by being given one or more tokens or encoded cards at the cash register where a sale is recorded.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein the token or encoded card gives the buyer one or more opportunities to play an electronic gaming machine which provides a finite but random or pseudo random chance of winning the prize.
22. A method according to claim 21 wherein the encoded card is the receipt for the goods and/or services purchased by the buyer, said method including the further steps of:
obtaining data from said registers indicative of the code associated with said card and the numbers of chances the buyer has obtained to win the prize;
verifying the code entered into the gaming machine by the buyer; and providing the appropriate number of game credits to the buyer.
23. A method according to claim 17 including the further step of providing a buyer with at least one finite chance of winning a second prize.
24. A method according to claim 23 wherein said second prize is of a fixed value.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPM9895 | 1994-12-05 | ||
| AUPM9895A AUPM989594A0 (en) | 1994-12-05 | 1994-12-05 | Merchandising apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2207026A1 true CA2207026A1 (en) | 1996-06-13 |
Family
ID=3784405
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002207026A Abandoned CA2207026A1 (en) | 1994-12-05 | 1995-12-04 | Merchandising apparatus |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0796481A4 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH10510070A (en) |
| AU (1) | AUPM989594A0 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2207026A1 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ296493A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1996018174A1 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19730017C2 (en) * | 1997-07-12 | 2001-08-23 | Nsm Ag | Method for operating a coin-operated entertainment device |
| AU688257B3 (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 1998-03-05 | Jack Zdzislaw Silber | A gaming system |
| AU772663B2 (en) * | 1998-07-17 | 2004-05-06 | Fortune Machine Corporation Limited | Retail data manipulation |
| GB9903907D0 (en) * | 1999-02-19 | 1999-04-14 | Southwell Terry H | Card-operated prize-determining apparatus |
| AUPQ386099A0 (en) * | 1999-11-04 | 1999-11-25 | Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd | Customer reward system |
| NZ504427A (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2003-02-28 | Compudigm Int Ltd | Incentive based purchasing system where the percent chance of winning depends on transaction totals and maximum probability |
| EP1388139A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2004-02-11 | Europrint Holdings Limited | Games of chance using a cash till roll |
| US7841932B2 (en) | 2002-05-03 | 2010-11-30 | Amir Sadri | Method of playing a game of chance and point of sale system for facilitating the play thereof |
| EP1671287A1 (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2006-06-21 | Igt | Multi-player bingo game with progressive jackpots |
| MXPA06002900A (en) | 2003-09-15 | 2006-06-14 | Igt Reno Nev | Multi-player bingo game with game-winning award selection. |
| US8753188B2 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2014-06-17 | Igt | Multi-player bingo game with multi-level award amount pattern mapping |
| US7695359B2 (en) | 2004-07-30 | 2010-04-13 | Igt | “Buy a peek” gaming methods and devices |
| AU2007100170A4 (en) * | 2006-06-02 | 2007-03-29 | Srg Enterprizes Pty Limited | A method of sales promotion |
| NZ551690A (en) * | 2006-11-30 | 2009-04-30 | Scratch And Save Ltd | Improved method and system of sales promotion |
| US7780522B2 (en) * | 2007-02-23 | 2010-08-24 | Cfph, Llc | Game at cash register |
| US20090075714A1 (en) | 2007-09-18 | 2009-03-19 | Igt | Multi-card bingo patterns and wild balls |
| SI22696A (en) * | 2007-12-31 | 2009-06-30 | Vladimir Tkalec | System and procedure for awarding prizes upon purchase with direct effect on the amount for pay |
| GB2493806A (en) * | 2011-08-19 | 2013-02-20 | Paternoster Holdings Llc | Store-based apparatus |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1391060A (en) * | 1971-08-17 | 1975-04-16 | Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd | Gaming machines |
| FR2178034B1 (en) * | 1972-03-29 | 1976-05-21 | Rudd Kenneth | |
| GB2123702B (en) * | 1982-06-04 | 1986-02-26 | Stuart Gavin Adrian Cole | Cash register with chance win means |
| GB2180682B (en) * | 1985-08-08 | 1989-08-23 | Ace Coin Equip | Amusement with prizes machine |
| US4854590A (en) * | 1987-05-08 | 1989-08-08 | Continental Brokers And Consultants, Inc. | Cash register gaming device |
| JPH01319895A (en) * | 1988-06-20 | 1989-12-26 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Cash register |
| GB2227946B (en) * | 1989-02-13 | 1992-12-02 | Technical Casino Services Ltd | Roulette game and apparatus |
| US5080364A (en) * | 1989-09-20 | 1992-01-14 | Take One Marketing Group, Inc. | Gaming method |
| DE4009980A1 (en) * | 1990-03-28 | 1991-10-02 | Horst Buechele | Cash register with integral lottery machine - uses automatically-activated lottery unit to show winnings or discount to customer on additional display |
| US5401946A (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1995-03-28 | Weinblatt; Lee S. | Technique for correlating purchasing behavior of a consumer to advertisements |
| JPH05250568A (en) * | 1992-03-06 | 1993-09-28 | Tokyo Electric Co Ltd | Marchandise sales registration device |
| JP2907686B2 (en) * | 1993-06-30 | 1999-06-21 | 東芝テック株式会社 | Product sales data processing device |
| JPH07121773A (en) * | 1993-10-22 | 1995-05-12 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Pos system use winner specifying device |
| EP0653735B1 (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 2000-09-13 | Tomato Interactive S.R.L. | Prize awarding system |
-
1994
- 1994-12-05 AU AUPM9895A patent/AUPM989594A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1995
- 1995-12-04 JP JP8517194A patent/JPH10510070A/en active Pending
- 1995-12-04 NZ NZ296493A patent/NZ296493A/en unknown
- 1995-12-04 CA CA002207026A patent/CA2207026A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1995-12-04 WO PCT/AU1995/000819 patent/WO1996018174A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1995-12-04 EP EP95939185A patent/EP0796481A4/en not_active Withdrawn
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU4112096A (en) | 1996-06-26 |
| NZ296493A (en) | 1998-08-26 |
| AU691703B2 (en) | 1998-05-21 |
| EP0796481A4 (en) | 1998-12-16 |
| WO1996018174A1 (en) | 1996-06-13 |
| JPH10510070A (en) | 1998-09-29 |
| EP0796481A1 (en) | 1997-09-24 |
| AUPM989594A0 (en) | 1995-01-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |