Interactive promotional gaming system and method

Abstract

A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system. A participant obtains access to an image of a game piece, captures an electronic image of the game piece and transmits the electronic image to a predetermined information collector. The information collector decodes the received image of the game piece and compares the decoded image to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant. The participant receives the transmitted results of the comparison.

1 . A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining access to an image of a game piece;   capturing an electronic image of the game piece;   transmitting the image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the game piece and comparing the decoded image to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant; and   receiving the transmitted results of the comparison.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a mobile phone is used to capture an electronic image of the game piece, transmit the image to the information collector, and receive the results of the comparison. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising the steps of capturing and storing, at the information collector, predetermined data relating to at least one of the mobile phone and a user thereof. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the comparison relates to at least one prize. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the comparison relates to information associated with the game piece. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a beverage cup. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon printed media. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the steps of imprinting the game piece upon an interior surface of a label and affixing the label to a generally transparent container. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a floor sticker. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of displaying the game piece upon a computer monitor screen. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon an article of clothing. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the step of placing security markings proximate the game piece. 
   
   
       13 . A method of participating in an interactive promotional gaming system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining access to an image of a game piece;   obtaining, with a game piece converter, a data string corresponding to an electronic image of the game piece;   transmitting the data string to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received data string and comparing the decoded data string to a predetermined list for transmittal of results of the comparison to the participant; and   receiving the transmitted results of the comparison.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the comparison relates to at least one prize. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the comparison relates to information associated with the game piece. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the steps of incorporating the game piece converter into a vending machine, and imprinting the game piece upon items to be vended by the vending machine. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon a beverage cup. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising the step of imprinting the game piece upon printed media. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising the step of placing security markings proximate the game piece. 
   
   
       20 . An interactive promotional gaming system, comprising:
 a tangible image of a game piece;   a camera-equipped mobile phone;   a predetermined information collector configured to receive an image of the game piece that has been captured and transmitted from the mobile phone;   a decoder to decode the received image of the game piece;   a comparator to compare the decoded image to a predetermined list; and   a transmitter to transmit the results of the comparison to the mobile phone.   
   
   
       21 . A method of participating in an interactive translation system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining access to an image of information to be translated;   capturing an electronic image of the information;   transmitting the electronic image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the information, translating the decoded image, and transmittal of the translation to the participant; and   receiving the transmitted translation.   
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 21  wherein the image of information is at least one of a discrete image and a continuous stream of images. 
   
   
       23 . A method of participating in an interactive response system by a participant, comprising the steps of:
 obtaining access to an image of a glyph;   capturing an electronic image of the glyph;   transmitting the image to a predetermined information collector for decoding the received image of the glyph;   preparing a response corresponding to the decoded image of the glyph for transmittal of the response to the participant; and   receiving the transmitted response.   
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 23  wherein the glyph and the response relate to at least one of an information request, a purchase approval, a game, a product registration and a rewards program.