Apparatus and method for providing a game of chance at point of sale

Abstract

An apparatus for providing a game of chance at a point of sale, comprising a processor, a memory in communication with the processor, microcode encoded in the memory, wherein the processor utilizes the microcode to operate the apparatus, instructions written to the memory, wherein the instructions encode a game of chance, a visual display device in communication with the processor, wherein the processor can utilize the instructions to display results of the game of chance on the visual display device. A method to promote the sale of a product using the apparatus.

1 . An apparatus for providing a game of chance at a point of sale, comprising:
 a processor;   a memory in communication with said processor;   microcode encoded in said memory, wherein said processor utilizes said microcode to operate said apparatus;   instructions written to said memory, wherein said instructions encode a game of chance;   a visual display device in communication with said processor;   wherein said processor can utilize said instructions to display results of said game of chance on said visual display device.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a housing, wherein:
 said processor and said memory are disposed within said housing;   said visual display device is disposed on said housing.   
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said processor, said memory, said microcode, and said instructions, are embodied in an application specific integrated circuit. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said instructions comprise a cycle counter and a maximum cycle count;   every time said processor utilizes said instructions to display said game of chance said cycle counter is incremented by unity;   when said cycle count equals said maximum cycle count said processor cannot utilize said instructions to display said game of chance on said visual display device.   
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said game of chance comprises a card game. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more communication links in communication with said processor, wherein said communication links can interconnect said apparatus with an electromechanical device. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said electromechanical device comprises a cash register. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said electromechanical device comprises a vending machine. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said electromechanical device comprises a game console. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said electromechanical device comprises a gasoline pump meter. 
   
   
       11 . A method to promote the sale of a product, comprising the steps of:
 providing an apparatus comprising a processor, a memory in communication with said processor, microcode encoded in said memory, wherein said processor utilizes said microcode to operate said apparatus, instructions written to said memory, wherein said instructions encode a game of chance, a visual display device in communication with said processor;   designating a participating product;   upon purchase of said participating product by a consumer, causing said processor to utilize said instructions to generate and display on said visual display device game of chance results.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the steps of:
 operative if said game of chance results entitle said consumer to an award of cash, proffering to said consumer said award of cash;   operative if said game of chance results entitle said consumer to an award of merchandise, proffering to said consumer said award of merchandise.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said apparatus further comprises a housing, wherein:
 said processor and said memory are disposed within said housing;   said visual display device is disposed on said housing.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said processor, said memory, said microcode, and said instructions, are embodied in an application specific integrated circuit. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein:
 said instructions comprise a cycle counter and a maximum cycle count;   every time said processor utilizes said instructions to display said game of chance said cycle counter is incremented by unity;   when said cycle count equals said maximum cycle count said processor cannot utilize said instructions to display said game of chance on said visual display device.   
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said game of chance comprises a card game. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein said apparatus further comprises one or more communication links in communication with said processor, wherein said communication links interconnects said apparatus with an electromechanical device. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein:
 said electromechanical device comprises a cash register;   wherein said causing step further comprises sending a signal from said cash register to said processor.   
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein:
 said electromechanical device comprises a vending machine;   wherein said causing step further comprises sending a signal from said vending machine to said processor.   
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein:
 said electromechanical device comprises a gasoline pump meter;   wherein said causing step further comprises sending a signal from said gasoline pump meter to said processor.