Graphical user interface for providing gaming and prize redemption capabilities

Abstract

The present invention provides a graphical user interface for providing gaming and prize awarding and redeeming capabilities to a computer network system in a manner that lets a provider of the network system present and display information to a user of the network system. The graphical user interface allows for the showing of a frame, or screen/display, to the user while also allowing a game to be executed in the frame. Indicated on the frame are prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game. Additionally, a link is displayed on the frame for depicting a prize redemption interface designed to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize offered on the network system.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for providing a game interface, comprising: 
 showing a display;    allowing a game to be executed on the display;    indicating on the display prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game; and    depicting a link on the display for depicting a prize redemption interface adapted to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize.    
     
     
         2 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising displaying a link on the display for allowing a user to select which one of a plurality of games is executed on the display.  
     
     
         3 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising displaying a link on the display for allowing a user to purchase game credits required prior to execution of the game on the display.  
     
     
         4 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising indicating on the display a number of game credits available to a user to exchange for execution of the game on the display.  
     
     
         5 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising displaying conversion information dictating an amount of prize credits awarded based on the outcome of the game.  
     
     
         6 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising displaying a specific prize to be awarded, wherein the specific prize is displayed prior to being awarded.  
     
     
         7 . A method as recited in  claim 1  whereon the display is configured using dynamic HTML.  
     
     
         8 . A method as recited in  claim 1  and further comprising displaying a start button for beginning execution of the game on the display upon selection thereof.  
     
     
         9 . A computer program embodied on a computer readable medium for providing a game interface, comprising: 
 a code segment that shows a display;    a code segment that allows a game to be executed on the display;    a code segment that indicate on the display prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game; and    a code segment that depicts a link on the display for depicting a prize redemption interface adapted to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize.    
     
     
         10 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising a code segment that displays a link on the display for allowing a user to select which one of a plurality of games is executed on the display.  
     
     
         11 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising a code segment that displays a link on the display for allowing a user to purchase game credits required prior to execution of the game on the display.  
     
     
         12 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising a code segment that indicates on the display a number of game credits available to a user to exchange for execution of the game on the display.  
     
     
         13 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising a code segment that displays conversion information dictating an amount of prize credits awarded based on the outcome of the game.  
     
     
         14 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising a code segment that displays a specific prize to be awarded, wherein the specific prize is displayed prior to being awarded.  
     
     
         15 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  whereon the display is configured using dynamic HTML.  
     
     
         16 . A computer program as recited in  claim 9  and further comprising displaying a start button for beginning execution of the game on the display upon selection thereof.  
     
     
         17 . A system for providing a game interface, comprising: 
 logic that shows a display;    logic that allows a game to be executed on the display;    logic that indicates on the display prize credits awarded based on an outcome of playing the game; and    logic that depicts a link on the display for depicting a prize redemption interface adapted to allow use of the prize credits to obtain a prize.    
     
     
         18 . A system as recited in  claim 17  and further comprising logic that displays a link on the display for allowing a user to select which one of a plurality of games is executed on the display.  
     
     
         19 . A system as recited in  claim 17  and further comprising logic that displays a link on the display for allowing a user to purchase game credits required prior to execution of the game on the display.  
     
     
         20 . A system as recited in  claim 17  and further comprising logic that indicates on the display a number of game credits available to a user to exchange for execution of the game on the display.