WO2001097130A1

WO2001097130A1 - System for distributing commercial messages over the internet

Info

Publication number: WO2001097130A1
Application number: PCT/SE2001/001352
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Christer André HOLMSTRÖM
Original assignee: Daydream Software Ab
Priority date: 2000-06-14
Filing date: 2001-06-14
Publication date: 2001-12-20
Also published as: SE0002231D0; AU2001274746A1; SE0002231L

Abstract

The invention relates to a computer game based system that includes a data network (3') and coputer equipment (2') which is connected to the data network and from which a user can deliver information to and fetch or obtain information from the data network (3') by initially connecting-up to the data network (3') and supplying user-pertinent information for registration and awaiting a password which enables the user to start-up a chosen computer game program, wherein the computer game program includes the formation of a plurality of sequentially appearing advertisement-related inserts (33). These advertisement-related inserts (33) can be changed via a utilised computer program (40) and an administrative circuit.

Description

SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING COMMERCIAL MESSAGES OVER THE INTERNET

Field of invention

The present invention relates generally to a databased system and more particularly to a databased system that includes a computer network and computer equipment that is associated with and can be connected to said network.

The invention is also based on co-action between the network and the computer equipment that enables a user to deliver information to, fetch information from or obtain information from said data network through the medium of the com- puter equipment.

This can be effected by initially coupling-up to the data network, such as via a general data communications network, and supplying user-pertinent information for user registration, and then waiting for a password from the network that will enable chosen program to be started-up. More specifically, the present invention is based on the concept of said program comprising primarily a computer game, in which a plurality of advertisement-related elements are inserted in the form of sequentially appearing pictures or images.

Although the basic form of the present invention can be used in a plurality of different applications, it is assumed that the invention can have a particular application in different types of computer games.

The invention can be applied in any type of computer game in which an event sequence can be controlled by one or more players, and particularly in computer games in which film-related virtual environments can be influenced through the medium of a joystick, a keyboard or equivalent device.

The invention is concerned with the inclusion of varying advertisement inserts in computer games that may be shown prior to commencement of the game, although picture-related advertisements may be shown primarily during and after the game.

Description of the background art

Systems for distributing commercial messages over the Internet of the a- foredescribed nature and based on the use of a data network and computer equipment associated with said network are known to the art in a number of different forms.

It is also known to use in such databased systems different handshake routines with which a user or subscriber is readily identified.

It is also known to present advertisement inserts on the Internet, these in- serfs either being in the form of statics or mobiles.

With regard to the aforesaid particular application of the present invention in computer games that include advertisement inserts, it can be mentioned that there is known from U.S. patent publication US-A-6,036, 0 a method of presenting advertisement-related inserts within the virtual environment that is built-up by these computer games.

Selected and/or pre-selected presentations in the computer game can here be replaced with alternative texts, pictures and text and, where it is possible, said texts can be presented as advertisement inserts.

As in the case of the present invention, this patent publication refers to an advertisement server in which a plurality of advertisement inserts are stored and where means have been taken to allow the advertisement server to co-ordinate different advertisement inserts based on received demographic data related directly to the user, and to deliver selected advertising offers adapted to the computer game concerned. In this case, the user, or player, is influenced visually by one or more advertisement inserts as he/she observes the virtual world presented in the computer game.

Insertable software can replace presentations with virtual pictures/images and figures used in the advertisement inserts. The earlier standpoint of techniques also includes the contents of patent publication WO-A1 -00/33228.

Access to the Internet system, which makes available several different new applications that can be allotted to a user, is considered to constitute technology that was known at the time of filing this application. In this respect, the patent publication teaches the option whereby a consumer can control the presentation of advertisement inserts and then choose the advertisements that are in keeping with his/her own lifestyle, instead of viewing the standardised advertising sequences that belong to the program viewed at that time. The patent publication describes in a passage relating to the prior art at that time a number of different systems in which demographic and/or physiographic data can be used.

The aforesaid prior application is based on the principle of evaluating in- formation concerning the purchasing habits of a consumer, where consumer characterising vectors shall be updated in accordance with available information concerning products in which consumer interest has been shown.

The vector shall include a consumer-allocated demographic vector that can provide a measurement of purchase probability, a product referenced vector that indicates products that have recently been purchased and which can therefore be considered subjects of future purchases.

More specifically, it is proposed in this respect that a consumer (100) is able to obtain information and advertising media or advertisement inserts from a consumer-associated PC (104), where said inserts can be presented on a TV screen connected to a unit, such as a TV apparatus (106).

The advertisement inserts and the information to be presented on a personal computer or television can be received via a combination between Internet (150) and a further system, such as an available cable television system, by telecommunications, so as to create an information transfer between the consumer (100) and a server (146) including said advertisement insert.

Also connected to the Internet is a consumer profile adapted server (130) which, in turn, is connected to a shopping centre (110) via a private network (120).

By demographic data is meant personal information received from the user, this information having been found significant in evaluating economic and social requirements through statistical studies of human behaviour.

In the present case, it is a question of establishing statistically the conditions under which the user may be influenced by a chosen advertisement insert, with respect to sound, picture and/or taste.

Summary of the present invention

Technical problems

When considering the technical deliberations that must be undertaken by a person skilled in this particular field in order to provide a solution to one or more technical problems, it will be seen that on the one hand it is necessary initially to realise the measures and/or the sequence of measures that must be undertaken to this end, and on the other hand to realise which means is/are required in solving one or more of said problems. On this basis, it will be seen that the technical problems listed below are relevant in the development of the present invention. When considering the present state of the art, as described above, it will therefore be seen that in the case of a system of the aforesaid nature based on computer games and including advertisement inserts a technical problem resides in creating conditions which will allow said inserts to be sponsor-related and, in addition, to be readily exchanged for adaptation to receive demographic data in- formation.

Another technical problem is one of creating conditions, with the aid of simple means, that will enable the advertisement inserts to be readily modified and, primarily, to be selected for user adaptation with respect to both language and culture. It will also be seen that a problem exists in creating in the system, with the aid of simple means, conditions that will enable one or more advertisement-related inserts to be changed within a chosen system utilisation period, by using one or more computer programs that allow one insert to be changed for another or allow an advertisement insert to be modified with regard to available relevant demo- graphic data.

Still another technical problem resides in creating with the aid of simple means conditions that will allow advertisement-related inserts to be changed between system utilisation periods, or to allow advertisement-related inserts to be changed within a period prior to utilising a system and/or changed through obser- vation of other chosen criteria.

A technical problem that exists, particularly in respect of computer games, is one of realising the significance of and the simplicity in allowing utilised computer equipment to consist of a personal computer or corresponding apparatus, and to allow the data network used to consist of the Internet. Another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages that are afforded by allowing user-specific, demographic-related information to be registered as an information item in the data network, said item being storable via a standard Internet program.

Another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages afforded by allowing access to the system-related program, such as the computer game program, solely in response to a correct combination of a password and an identification code.

Yet another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages associated with allowing a system-related program to be activated via said password and an identification code, regardless of whether the program is stored in the data network or in the computer equipment.

It will be seen that a particular technical problem resides in realising the significance of and the advantages associated with allowing said user specific in- formation to include a few, although selected, demographic data, such as data relating to criteria including sex, age and/or nationality so as to be able to form from said criteria a reliable demographic translation and therewith allow the choice of one or more of a number of available and relevant advertisement-related inserts. It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in realising the signifi- cance of and the advantages associated with allowing a computer game program or an equivalent device to be activated only subsequent to a demographic translator or server having provided adequate information relating to a relevant demographic-related advertisement insert from a chosen sponsor and/or sponsors.

In the event of the lack of information from the demographic translator, a technical problem resides in realising the significance of and the advantages associated with fetching substitute information relating to stored advertisement inserts in a server or the like.

Still another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages associated with enabling a number of demographic advertisement inserts, with or without text, to be stored in a server or the like and activated for cooperation with said computer game program.

Yet another technical problem is one of realising the significance of and the advantages associated with allowing adequate demographic information, obtained from an administrative home page or a computer program, to co-act with said demographic translator or server.

It will also be seen that a technical problem resides in realising the significance of and the advantages associated with allowing access to the data network and/or the computer equipment to be initially free of charge, and then only a few times, wherein the advertisement chosen for presentation during said few number of times is of a more general nature and thus not sponsor-related.

Solution

The present invention takes as its starting point a system which is based on computer games and which includes a data network and computer equipment belonging to said network from which a user can deliver information to the network and fetch or obtain information therefrom by initially connecting to the network and supplying user-pertinent information for registration and wait for a password that will enable a chosen game program to be started-up, wherewith said program co- acts with and/or includes a plurality of sequentially occurring, advertisement-related inserts, among other things.

With the intention of solving one or more of the aforesaid technical problems, it is particularly proposed in accordance with the invention that said advertisement-related inserts shall be capable of being changed via a used computer program and an administrative circuit.

By way of proposed embodiments that lie within the scope of the inventive concept, it is proposed that it shall be possible to change said advertisement-related inserts between those periods in which a system is utilised, or that said advertisement-related insert can be changed within a period in which a system is utilised and/or via other chosen criteria.

It is also proposed that the computer equipment used is primarily a personal computer, and that the data network consists of the Internet.

It is also proposed that supplied user information is registered in as an information item in a data network, for instance can be stored via a standard Internet program, and that entrance to the network is permitted only in response to a combination of a password and an identification code.

It is also proposed that a system-related program shall be activated via said password and an identification code.

According to one particular embodiment of the invention, said user specific information shall include a chosen number of demographic data, for instance the criteria sex, age and/or nationality, so as to be able to compile from a chosen combination of said criteria demographic information concerning the user and to select an appropriate advertisement insert on the basis of this demographic information. According to the invention, the computer game program or corresponding program is not activated until a demographic translator or server has delivered information concerning the advertisement insert in question from a chosen sponsor and/or chosen sponsors.

It is also proposed in accordance with the invention that a requisite adver- tisement-related insert is fetched from a substitute server or the like when sponsor-related information is lacking.

It is also proposed in accordance with the invention that a plurality of sponsor advertisement inserts, either with or without text, can be stored in a server or the like and able to co-act with said computer game program. According to one embodiment of the invention, information contained in an administrative home page or in a computer program is able to co-act with said server in which a plurality of advertisement inserts are stored.

The invention also proposes that the possibility of entering the data network and/or the computer equipment can be effected without cost for a few times, and that the advertisement inserts chosen during these few times are of a more general nature and at least not sponsor-related.

Advantages

Those advantages that can be considered characteristic of a system for distributing commercial messages on a computer game basis and having features significant of the present invention reside primarily in sponsor-associated and advertisement-related inserts during and/or between system utilisation periods, where changes can be made via a utilised computer program that can be influenced by determined demographic data information, and where each change can be based on the utilisation of one or more other advertisement inserts, with or without text, that can be deposited in a server or the like.

The primary characteristic features of an inventive computer game-based system according to the present invention are set forth in the characterising clause of the accompanying claim 1.

Brief description of the drawings

A computer game-based system having features significant of the present invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to an exemplifying embodiment at present preferred with computer game application, and also with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates the principle construction of a computer-based system that includes a data network and computer equipment pertinent to said network and an intermediate general data communications network; Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating in a significantly simplified fashion the computer equipment pertinent to said data network, wherewith this equipment can be designated consumer equipment from which a subscriber or user can deliver information to and fetch or obtain information from the data network; Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a data network, also designated producer equipment;

Figure 4 is a block diagram, which illustrates more specifically proposed coordination between the computer equipment and associated servers or computer programs; Figure 5 illustrates alternative co-ordination of the individual parts belonging to the data-based system;

Figs. 6a-6d illustrate respectively a variable virtual world in which a static advertisement insert can be changed; and

Figure 7 illustrates the principles of utilising a demographic translator.

Description of embodiments at present preferred

As mentioned above, fig. 1 illustrates a computer-based system 1 that includes computer equipment 2 which can be connected to a data network 3.

The computer equipment 2 is typically adapted so that a user can deliver information to and fetch or obtain information from the data network 3, via a public data communications network 4 in a manner known per se.

In particular, the data-based system 1 is based on allowing the computer equipment 2 to connect initially with the data network 3 via the communications network 4, as will be described in more detail below. In this regard, user pertinent information is delivered for registration and the user awaits the issue of a password that will enable him/her to start-up a chosen program, in accordance with the following description.

The chosen computer game program includes a compilation of a plurality of sequentially occurring, short, discrete advertisement-related inserts, in addition to creating a virtual environment and presenting means which enable the conditions of this environment to be changed.

These advertisement-related inserts may include one or more short picture/image sequences for a chosen computer game program, where the images and/or texts cover the entire display surface 2a of a computer equipment 2', e.g. in the form of a personal computer unit.

As in the case of a particularly proposed embodiment illustrated in figs. 6a- 6d, this sequential occurrence of advertisement-related inserts may appear on one or more advertising boards or advertising columns or corresponding display sur- faces included as discrete inserts in the imaginary world presented via the computer game program.

A practical application of this latter alternative is to guide an aircraft in flight through an undulating terrain, wherewith a plurality of advertising boards containing pictures/images and/or text are passed during the flight. In the case of this latter application, said advertisement inserts are displayed on only a part of the display surface 2a as a whole.

It is particularly proposed in accordance with the invention that said advertisement inserts can be changed via the data program used, regardless of how said inserts appear, so as to adapt a chosen advertisement insert to the demo- graphic data information pertaining to the user.

Thus, there is proposed the possibility of enabling said advertisement inserts to be changed between two game periods in respect of system utilisation. As a suitable alternative, the advertisement insert may be changeable within a game period in respect of system utilisation and/or via other criteria. There will be described below in more detail with reference to figs. 2-4 an exemplifying application of the present invention in which the computer equipment 2 is comprised of a personal computer unit 2', and where the data network 3 is the Internet 3'.

Figure 2 is a block diagram which illustrates system-pertinent circuits for the consumer-associated PC unit 2', while fig. 3 illustrates, correspondingly, circuits pertinent to the data network or to the producer, where the present invention is based on signal exchange between the PC unit 2' and the Internet 3'.

The virtual conductors shown in figs. 2, 3 and 4 and referenced A1 to Q represent a signal exchange with a connotation, i.e. a conferred meaning, and an activating sequence in accordance with the following description:

A user wishes to use a predetermined computer game program, it being assumed that the user is twenty-five years of age and a Swedish male.

The lines A1 and A2 in fig. 2 are shown connected to a block 21 , which can be considered to represent an Internet explorer or browser.

Lines for user-related signal exchange are connected to remaining blocks.

The user enters user-pertinent demographic information (such as Christian name, surname, sex, age and nationality) in the block 21 over line A1 , through the medium of a keypad 2b, in addition to entering an identification code (own choice). A request for connection to the Internet 3' is sent via a signal on line A2, concurrently with the transfer of said demographic data information and the identification code.

The signals sent on the line A2 are received in the Internet structure 3' via the line B, said Internet structure sending a password to the block via signals on line C 22 and via a line D.

Receipt of the signal on line D in the block 22 generates a signal E from the system block 23 for starting-up the system in the Internet structure 3'.

Signals on line F denote the chosen identification and password entered via the keyboard 2b, and the identification code and password received on the line G are entered into the Internet structure 3' via line F1.

Demographic data information is transmitted via signals on the line H, with the aid of the transmitted identification code.

Demographic data information is sent to the PC unit 2' via signals on the line I, and to the network 3' via signals on the line J. Demographic data information is entered into the block 32 via signals on the line K, and information concerning sponsor-related measures is delivered via signals on a line L.

Sponsor-related information is entered via line M and sponsor-related information is sent via line N, this latter information being received in block 33 via a line O which transmits a signal P representing sponsor-selected advertisement information or advertisement-related inserts, and received by the PC unit 2' as a signal on line Q.

If the sponsor-related information is already stored (or is the same via a signal on the line M), no signals are sent on the lines N, O, P and Q. The game can now commence, via signals on a line R.

In the fig. 2 illustration, the block 21 represents a Browser, the block 22 represents an e-mail circuit, the block 24 represents software for a chosen computer game, and the block 25 represents software for another chosen function, such as another computer game.

In fig. 3, the block 31 represents a database, the block 32 represents a demographic translator, and the block 33 represents an advertising server.

User-pertinent information delivered via the line A2 is registered in a data record (not shown) which belongs to the data network and which can be stored via a standardised Internet program.

It is also proposed in accordance with the invention that access is only permitted through a combination of a password and an identification code, via the lines F, F1 and G.

The system-related computer game program in block 24 will now be acti- vated via said password and an identification code.

The invention is based on the activation of a sponsor-dependent advertisement insert which is also dependent on supplied demographic data information.

For example, there can be activated an advertisement insert directed to males of between twenty and twenty-five years of age, and another, or the same, program insert for females aged between twenty and twenty-five years, a further insert, or the same insert, for persons aged between twenty-five and thirty years, and so on.

It may be appropriate to try to keep the number of criteria low with respect to the demographic data information.

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention, said demographic data information shall include solely such criteria as sex, age and nationality.

A chosen computer game program 24 or its correspondence is not acti- vated until a demographic translator 32 or server has delivered information concerning relevant advertisement inserts from a chosen sponsor and/or sponsors.

When information from the translator 32 is lacking, requisite advertisement-pertinent information is fetched from another server or from the server 33 or like instance. A plurality of advertisement inserts, with or without text, can be stored in a server 33 or the like that can co-act with said computer game program 24 or with the program 25.

Information in an administrative home page 40 or in a computer program co-acts with the servers 32 and 33.

In accordance with the invention, access to the data network 3' and/or the computer equipment 2' shall be adapted to enable it to take place free of charge on the part of the user for a few times, such as three times, and that the advertisement inserts presented during these periods are of a more general kind and non-sponsor related.

Block 40 represents a coupling arrangement in which sponsors and their particular requirements can be stored.

Each sponsor is able to choose time and computer game including advertisement inserts that are structured demographically. The personal identification together with demographic data information results in the selection of an adequate advertisement insert during a chosen time period and in a chosen computer game.

Thus, the administrative circuit or server 40, shown in fig. 4, shall be able to accommodate means for advertisement insert selection and/or activation, said means being sponsor-associated.

One or more sponsors and its/their advertisement inserts can be entered in the block 40 via a line 40a connected to a keyboard connected in turn to computer equipment, not shown.

Thus, sponsor-associated advertisement inserts from different sponsors can be co-ordinated in the block 40 and the administrative circuit or server included therein, in accordance with the same or with different demographic data information and/or category membership.

For example, it can be assumed that a sponsor S has developed a number of different advertisement inserts, say seven inserts, referenced R1-R7, of which the advertisement insert R1 is adapted for a first category T1 of demographic data information, the advertisement insert R2 is adapted for a second category T2, and so on.

By way of another example, it may be mentioned that another sponsor S1 can choose a number of different advertisement inserts, such as R1-R3, that are related to one single category T1.

In this latter application, it may be appropriate for one and the same user to browse through the number of advertisement inserts available, so as to view different advertisement from game to game. Thus, the inventive concept also includes advertisement inserts that have minor changes within a basic theme, so that the advertisement can be switched from one that relates to a boy to one that relates to a girl, or some similar change.

An advertisement insert intended for one computer game program may well be usable in other computer game programs, simply by controlling the admin- istrative circuit.

Two or more sponsors may present their advertisement inserts in one and the same computer game and within the same and/or different computer game sequences.

Figure 5 illustrates alternative co-ordination between the computer equip- ment 2 and the date network 3 with a database 31 , a translator presenting demographic information, and an advertisement server, via the communications network 4.

Figures 6a-6d illustrate respectively vertical images comprising an advertisement insert between two pyramids. In the case of a game in which an aircraft is flown towards and in between the pyramids, the images will change sequentially and the insert enlarged.

Figure 7 illustrates the principles in which a demographic translator is used.

An application 100 sends (1 ) demographic data, such as the nationality, sex and age of the subscriber, to the network that shall interconnect the units and the functions.

The demographic data is now sent (2) to the demographic translator (103) and to a database (101).

The demographic translator (103) finds (3) the received data in its data- base (101 ) and receives back (4) information concerning the advertising messages that shall be returned to the original application (100).

The demographic translator (103) returns (5, 6) evaluated information to the original application via the data network.

It will be understood that the invention is not restricted to the aforede- scribed and illustrated exemplifying embodiments thereof and that modifications can be made within the scope of the inventive concept illustrated in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A system (1) based on computer games and comprising a data network (3) and computer equipment (2) which is connected to the data network and with which a user can deliver information to, fetch or obtain information from the data network (3) by initially connecting-up to said network and supplying user-pertinent information for registration, and awaiting a password which enables the user to start-up a chosen computer game program, wherein said computer game program includes the formation of a plurality of sequentially occurring and advertisement- related inserts, characterized in that said advertisement-related inserts can be changed through the medium of a used data program and an administrative circuit.

2. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said advertisement- related inserts can be changed between system utilising periods.

3. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said advertisement- related inserts can be changed within a system utilising period.

4. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the computer equip- ment is comprised of a PC unit; and in that the data network is comprised of an

Internet structure.

5. A system according to claim 1 or claim 4, characterized in that the user- pertinent information supplied is registered in an information item belonging to a data network, such as an information item that can be stored via a standardised Internet program.

6. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that access is permitted solely in response to a combination of a password and an identification code that contains demographic data information.

7. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that a system-related computer game program is activated via said password and an identification code.

8. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said user-pertinent information includes demographic data information, such as criteria relating to sex, age and/or nationality.

9. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that said computer game program or the like is not activated until a server in which demographic information is deposited as delivered information relating to one or more relevant advertisement inserts from a chosen sponsor and/or chosen sponsor.

10. A system according to claim 9, characterized in that when such sponsor- related information is lacking, requisite substitute information is fetched from a server or the like.

11. A system according to claim 9, characterized in that a plurality of adver- tisement inserts, either with or without text, can be stored in a server or the like and co-act with said computer game program.

12. A system according to claim 9, characterized in that information stored in an administrative home page or in a data program co-acts with said server.

13. A system according to claim 1 , characterized in that access to the data network and/or to the computer equipment can be achieved a few times without cost.

14. A system according to claim 13, characterized in that said advertisement inserts are of a more general nature during said few times.