Abstract:
A contest implemented by downloading to a player device a location of a target. The player device displays the location of the target on a map. A count is kept of a number of times the target is reached by any player. A grand prize is awarded to a player using the player device when the player reaches the target and the number counted is at a predetermined winning value.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    With the advent of the internet, various internet based games have at times attracted attention. For example, geo-caching is a game in which “caches” are hidden (either inside or outside) in urban or rural areas. A player obtains the coordinates (usually latitude and longitude) of a hidden cache from an internet site. Along with the coordinates, the internet site may provide other clues helpful to the player in finding the cache. The player then searches for the cache based on the received coordinates of the cache and any other provided clues. For example, the player can enter the received coordinates into a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver. The cache is typically a waterproof, sealed container. In the container may be stored, for example, a logbook and a writing instrument. The cache may also include other items such as a book, CD video, DVD, trinket and so on. Some games may request a player that takes an item stored in a cache to replace it with another item with similar or greater value. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0002]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram showing network devices utilized in a contest in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0003]      FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating communication between an administrative device and a game server in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0004]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating communication between a game server and a player device in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0005]      FIG. 4  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of an administrative device obtaining game parameters and other information from a contest administrator in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0006]      FIG. 5  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of a player device during participation in a contest in accordance with an embodiment. 
           [0007]      FIG. 6  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of a player device during participation in a contest in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0008]      FIG. 7  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of a player device during participation in a contest in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0009]      FIG. 8  is location of a target and a player being highlighted on a map displayed on a player device in accordance with an embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, personal digital assistant or portable computer, is used to implement a contest. The mobile device receives by download the contest parameters. The parameters may include, for example, a prize and a winning number. The parameters may also include, for example, a contest sponsor. The mobile device also receives location of a target. For example, depending on the contest implementation, the target may be mobile or fixed. For example, the location of the target may be marked and shown on a map on the display of the mobile device. 
         [0011]    The goal of the contest is for a player to reach the target. The winning number indicates which player who reaches the target is the winner. For example, if the winning number is ten, the tenth player to reach the target is the winner. 
         [0012]    In one embodiment of the contest, the target is a person and the mobile device receives and displays to the player a picture of the target. When the player presents himself or herself to the target, if that makes the total number of players that have presented themselves to the target equal to the winning number, the player is the winner. The winner receives the prize from the target. Other players that present themselves to the target may get an award, such as a coupon. Other players that present themselves to the target not equal to the winning number will be entered into a raffle with a chance to win a consolation prize, such as a gift card. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the contest, the player device sends a ping to a game server or the target when the player is within a predetermined distance from the target, i.e., has reached the target. If the player is the number of the player reaching the target is the winning number, the player is the winner. The winner receives the prize, for example, by reception of transmission of a gift card from the game server to the player device. Other players that reach the target by sending a ping when within a predetermined distance from the target, but are not the winning number, are entered into a raffle with a chance to win a consolation prize, such as a coupon or gift card, through electronic transmission. 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram showing devices that may be used in a contest. An administrative device  12  is used to set up the game. A game server  13  interacts with player devices to administer the game. In  FIG. 1 , the player devices are represented by a player device  21 , a player device  22  and a player device  23 . Depending upon how the contest is implemented, a target device  11  may maintain communication with the administration device  12  and/or with the game server  13 . In some implementations, target device  11  may also communicate with player devices, represented by player devices  21  through  23 . 
         [0015]    Communication between devices is accomplished through a network  10 . Network  10  is representative of a number of network options. These networking options may include any communication network through which communication occurs, or any combination of communication networks. Examples of such communication networks include the Internet, cellular networks, public telephone networks, and so on. 
         [0016]      FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram illustrating communication between administrative device  12  and game server  13  through network  10 . In order to set up a contest, administrative device  12  forwards to game server  13  game parameters  21 , target data  22 , daily deal data  23  and location data  24 . For example, game parameters  21  include details about a prize, a winning number and a contest sponsor. Target data  22  includes, for example, information about the target such as a picture of a person who is the target. Daily deal data  23  includes, for example, awards and/or a coupon available to all players. Location data  24  includes, for example, a current location of the target and may optionally include a map that shows current location of the target. 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  is a simplified block diagram illustrating communication between game server  13  and player device  21  through network  10 . Game server obtains player data  31  from player device  21 . Player data  31  includes, for example, player name and contact data for the player. The contact data can be one or more of e-mail address, mailing address, phone number, facebook identity and so on. 
         [0018]    Game server  13  forwards to player device  21  game parameters  21 , target data  22  and daily deal data  23 . Depending upon implementation, game server  13  can also forward to player device  21  current target location. Player device  21  sends player input  32  to game server  13 . Player input  32  includes, for example, confirmation indicating whether the player is taking part in the current contest. In some embodiments, player input  32  includes, for example, a ping giving player location used to determine whether the player device  21  is within the predetermined distance of the target. Additional communication between game server  13  and player device  21  can include, for example, depending upon implementation, transmission of a prize, consolation prize, coupon or gift card dependent upon how well player does in the contest. Game server  13  can also solicit evaluation feedback about the contest and customer satisfaction information from the player. 
         [0019]      FIG. 4  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of administrative device  12  obtaining game parameters and other information from a contest administrator. In a block  41 , administrative device  12  starts obtaining information about a new contest. In a block  42 , administrative device  12  obtains game date indicating the date on which the contest will be held. 
         [0020]    In a block  43 , administrative device  12  obtains an indication from the contest administrator as to whether the target will be in a fixed location or mobile. If the target will be in a fixed location, in a block  44 , a location of the target is set. In a block  45 , award parameters are set indicating, for example, coupons that will be offered to a player that comes to the target location but does not get there in accordance to the winning number. For example, if the location is a commercial establishment, the daily deal coupon may be a coupon that can be used at that commercial establishment for a discount on an item for sale such as a food item, a beverage, an electronic device, a non-electronic accessory and so on. 
         [0021]    If in block  43  the contest administrator indicates the target will be mobile. In a block  46 , administrative device  12  obtains from the contest administrator an identifier of the mobile device. This identifier may be, for example a unique device identifier (UDID) assigned to target device  11 . The UDID will allow player devices, represented by player devices  21  through  23 , to track location of target device  11  either through location information obtained from game server  13  or directly from target device  11 , depending upon a particular implementation of how location information is communicated to the player devices. 
         [0022]    In a block  47 , administrative device  12  obtains from the contest administrator a sponsor name. For example, the sponsor is identified and promoted to the players through communications to the player devices. For example, the sponsor is the provider of some or all of the prizes, awards and any coupons awarded to the players of the contest. Depending upon implementation, some or all of the prizes, awards and coupons may come from some source other than the sponsor. 
         [0023]    In a block  48 , administrative device  12  obtains details about prizes from the contest administrator. For example, the details about the prizes may include information specifying an amount and sponsor of cash or a gift card to be awarded the contest winners. The details about the prizes may also include an actual electronic gift card to be forwarded electronically to the winners. Alternatively, the details about the prize may provide other information identifying the contest prizes. For example, the prizes may include a grand prize and one or more consolation prizes. 
         [0024]    In a block  49 , administrative device  12  obtains the winning number from the contest administrator. In a block  50 , administrative device  12  obtains a start time and a stop time from the contest administrator. The start time indicates the date and time the contest will start. The stop time indicates the date and time the contest will stop. 
         [0025]    In a block  51 , administrative device  12  is done receiving obtaining game parameters and other information from the contest administrator. 
         [0026]      FIG. 5  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of player device  21  during an example contest where the target is a person and is mobile. 
         [0027]    In a block  55 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to a contest begins. In a block  56 , a daily game e-mail is received. The daily game e-mail, for example, provides information about the contest including the prize and sponsor. Alternatively, other means can be used to communicate information about the contest such as, for example, a text message or instant message. 
         [0028]    In a block  57 , player device  21  offers the player the opportunity to play. If the player elects not to play, in a block  69 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0029]    If in block  57 , the player elects to play, in a block  58 , player device  21  launches a player application. The player application oversees operation of player device  21  pertaining to the remaining of the blocks set out in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0030]    In a block  59 , player device  21  confirms with game server  13  the game parameters. In a block  60 , player device  21  displays a game map to the player. The game map includes a marked location of the target. This is illustrated by  FIG. 8 . In  FIG. 8 , player device  21  is shown to be, for example, a mobile phone. A display  121  of player device  21  displays a map. On the map, a marked location  122  indicates location of the target and a marked location  123  indicates player location. 
         [0031]    In a block  61 , shown in  FIG. 5 , player device  21  checks to see if the current time is within the start and stop time for the contest, as set in the game parameters. If not, in block  69 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0032]    In a block  62 , the player attempts to reach the target. In a block  63 , player device  21  makes a check to see if the target has been reached. This can be determined, for example, based in input from the player. When the player reaches the target, the player communicates this information to player device  21 . Until the player communicates to player device  21  that the target has been reached, player device  21  assumes the target has not been reached. 
         [0033]    In block  63 , if the target has not been reached, in a block  64 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. The position of the target is updated, for example, based on communication from game server  13 , or from tracking information otherwise available on target device  11 . The position of the player device  21  is updated, for example, based on internal location information within player device  21 , for example, from a GPS source. In block  60 , the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0034]    In block  63 , if the target has been reached, in a block  65 , the target determines whether the player has reached the target in accordance with the winning number. If so, in a block  66 , the player is deemed the winner and in a block  67 , the target awards the grand prize to the player. In block  69 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0035]    If in block  65 , the target determines the player has reached the target not in accordance with the winning number, in a block  68 , player device  21  receives an award, such as a daily deal coupon or some other award. In addition, the player is entered into a raffle. In block  69 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0036]    When the contest has ended for all the players, in a block  700 , a raffle is conducted. In a block  701 , a consolation prize is awarded one of the players entered in the raffle. 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of player device  21  during an example contest where the target can be stationary or mobile. This contest allows for delivery of prizes and awards electronically so there is no need for the target to be a person, although the target can still be a person. For example, a stationary target can just be a location. 
         [0038]    In a block  71 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to a contest begins. In a block  72 , a daily game e-mail is received. The daily game e-mail, for example, provides information about the contest including the prize and sponsor. Alternatively, other means can be used to communicate information about the contest such as, for example, a text message or instant message. 
         [0039]    In a block  73 , player device  21  offers the player the opportunity to play. If the player elects not to play, in a block  88 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0040]    If in block  73 , the player elects to play, in a block  74 , player device  21  launches a player application. The player application oversees operation of player device  21  pertaining to the remaining of the blocks set out in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0041]    In a block  75 , player device  21  confirms with game server  13  the game parameters. In a block  76 , player device  21  displays a game map to the player. The game map includes a marked location of the target. 
         [0042]    In a block  77 , player device  21  checks to see if the current time is within the start and stop time for the contest, as set in the game parameters. If not, in block  88 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0043]    In a block  78 , the player attempts to reach the target. In a block  79 , player device  21  checks to see how close player device  21  is to the target. If, in a block  80 , player device  21  is not within a predetermined distance (for example 100 feet) from the location, in a block  86 , the player is entered in a raffle. In a block  87 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. The position of the target is updated, for example, based on communication from game server  13 , or from tracking information otherwise available on target device  11 . The position of the player device  21  is updated, for example, based on internal location information within player device  21 , for example, from a GPS source. If the target is fixed, it is not necessary to continuously update target location. In block  76  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0044]    If in block  80  player device  21  is within the predetermined distance from the location, in a block  81 , it is determined whether an hour has passed since the last time (if at all) player device  21  was within the predetermined distance and checked to see if it was the winning number contact. If in block  81 , it is determined that, within the last hour, player device  21  was previously within the predetermined distance and checked to see if it was the winning number contact, then in block  86 , the player is entered in a raffle. In block  87 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. In block  76  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0045]    If in block  81  it is determined that within the last hour player device  21  did not previously while within the predetermined distance check to see if the player was the winning number, then in a block  82 , the target determines whether the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target in accordance with the winning number. If so, in a block  83 , the player is deemed the winner and in a block  84 , the target awards the grand prize to the player. In block  88 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0046]    If in block  82 , the target determines the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target not in accordance with the winning number, in a block  85 , the player device  21  receives an award such as a daily deal coupon. For example, this is done only on the first time that the player checks in within the predetermined distance from the location. Then in block  86 , the player is entered in a raffle. In block  87 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. In block  76  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0047]    When the contest has ended for all the players, in a block  89 , a raffle is conducted. In a block  90 , a consolation prize is awarded one of the players entered in the raffle. 
         [0048]      FIG. 7  is a simplified flowchart illustrating operations of player device  21  during an example contest where the target can be stationary or mobile. This contest allows for delivery of prizes and awards electronically so there is no need for the target to be a person. For example, a stationary target can be a location. 
         [0049]    In a block  91 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to a contest begins. In a block  92 , a daily game e-mail is received. The daily game e-mail, for example, provides information about the contest including the prize and sponsor. Alternatively, other means can be used to communicate information about the contest such as, for example, a text message or instant message. 
         [0050]    In a block  93 , player device  21  offers the player the opportunity to play. If the player elects not to play, in a block  111 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0051]    If in block  93 , the player elects to play, in a block  94 , player device  21  launches a player application. The player application oversees operation of player device  21  pertaining to the remaining of the blocks set out in  FIG. 7 . 
         [0052]    In a block  95 , player device  21  confirms with game server  13  the game parameters. In a block  96 , player device  21  displays a game map to the player. The game map includes a marked location of the target. 
         [0053]    In a block  97 , player device  21  checks to see if the current time is within the start and stop time for the contest, as set in the game parameters. If not, in a block  108 , a determination is made as to whether the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target not in accordance with the winning number. If not, in block  111 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0054]    If in block  108 , a determination is made that the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target not in accordance with the winning number, in a block  109 , player device  21  communicates with game server  13  to determine whether a coupon has been redeemed by the player. If not, in a block  110 , game server  13  sends a coupon, gift card or some other award to the player that can be redeemed at a commercial establishment near or at where the target is reached. In block  111 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0055]    In a block  98 , the player attempts to reach the target. In a block  99 , player device  21  checks to see how close player device  21  is to the target. If, in a block  100 , player device  21  is not within a predetermined distance (for example 100 feet) from the location, in a block  114 , the player is entered in a raffle. In a block  107 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. The position of the target is updated if not fixed, for example, based on communication from game server  13 , or from tracking information otherwise available on target device  11 . The position of the player device  21  is updated, for example, based on internal location information within player device  21 , for example, from a GPS source. In block  96  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0056]    If in block  100  player device  21  is within the predetermined distance from the location, in a block  101 , it is determined whether an hour has passed since the last time (if at all) player device  21  previously was within the predetermined distance and checked to see if it was the winning number contact. If in block  101 , it is determined that within the last hour, player device  21  was within the predetermined distance and checked to see if it was the winning number contact, then in block  114 , the player is entered in a raffle. In block  107 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. In block  96  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0057]    If in block  101 , it is determined that within the last hour, player device  21  has not previously checked in while within the predetermined distance, in a block  102 , the target determines whether the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target in accordance with the winning number. If so, in a block  103 , the player is deemed the winner and in a block  104 , the target awards the grand prize to the player. In block  111 , the operations of player device  21  pertaining to the daily contest ends. 
         [0058]    If in block  102 , the target determines the player has checked in within the predetermined distance from the target not in accordance with the winning number, in a block  105 , player device  21  communicates with game server  13  to determine whether a coupon or other award has been redeemed by the player. If not, in a block  106 , game server  13  sends a coupon, gift card or other award to the player that can be redeemed at a commercial establishment near or at where the target is reached. Then in block  114 , the player is entered in a raffle. In block  107 , player device  21  updates positions of the target and the player. In block  96  the newly updated location position information is displayed on a game map. 
         [0059]    When the contest has ended for all the players, in a block  112 , a raffle is conducted. In a block  113 , a consolation prize is awarded one of the players entered in the raffle. 
         [0060]    The foregoing discussion discloses and describes merely exemplary methods and embodiments. As will be understood by those familiar with the art, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or characteristics thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.