System and method for playing a game

Abstract

A system and a method for playing a game using the system is provided. The system allows a consumer of retail products to acquire information relevant to playing the game and transmit that information into a computer network, which processes that information and informs the consumer of their status with regard to the game. The game information is captured and transmitted to the computer network with an imaging device, which is provided to the consumer by the retailer sponsoring the game.

1 . A system for playing a game, comprising a product for retail sale; an imaging device for capturing and transmitting game information included with the retail product to a computer network, the computer network configured to receive the transmitted game information and providing a result to the consumer regarding the game status of the consumer. 
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer network distributes information related to a product to the consumer. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer network comprises at least one client computer and at least one server computer. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the computer network is the Internet. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system facilitates the collection, storage and use of industry-related data. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system allows the purchase of products by consumers over the computer network. 
   
   
       7 . A computer program product comprising computer readable code for capturing and transmitting game information to a computer network. 
   
   
       8 . A computer program product comprising computer readable code for receiving and decoding game information and providing a result to the consumer regarding the consumer's status in the game, 
   
   
       9 . The computer program product of  claim 7 , further comprising computer readable code for collection, storage and use of industry-related data, 
   
   
       10 . The computer program product of  claim 7 , further comprising computer readable code for the purchase of products by consumers over the computer network. 
   
   
       11 . A method of playing a game, comprising:
 providing a game piece including game information to a user;   providing an imaging device to the user; and   capturing and transmitting the game information to a computer network with the imaging device, the computer network receiving the game information and providing a result to the consumer regarding the status of the user in the game.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of distributing information related to a product to the user. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of allowing the user to purchase products over the computer network. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the computer network distributes information related to a product to the user. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the computer network comprises at least one client computer and at least one server computer. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the computer network is the Internet 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of gathering industry-related data from the user. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising the step of distributing industry-related data. 
   
   
       19 . A system for playing a game, comprising at least one game piece including game information; an imaging device for capturing and transmitting the game information to a computer network, the computer network being configured to receive the transmitted game information from at least one user and provide a result regarding a game status to the at least one user. 
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the format of the game information of the game piece is alphanumeric, numeric, binary, graphic or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the imaging device is a webcam. 
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the computer network comprises at least one server configured to analyze the game information to determine the game status result. 
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein the server comprises image recognition software. 
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the game piece is a card. 
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 19 , wherein the at least one user is two or more users playing against each other. 
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 25 , wherein the two or more users are remotely located. 
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 26 , wherein the computer network is the Internet. 
   
   
       28 . A method for playing a game comprising providing at least one game piece including game information to at least one user; capturing the game information with an imaging device; transmitting the game information via a computer network; providing a result to the at least one user based on the transmitted game information.