U.S. patent application number 12/333408 was filed with the patent office on 2009-06-25 for method and system for multiple in-lane lottery ticket sales at a retail establishment.
This patent application is currently assigned to Scientific Games International, Inc.. Invention is credited to William F. Behm, Burbank Herndon, Todd Hopkins, Janine Whiteman.
Application Number | 20090163263 12/333408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40789287 |
Filed Date | 2009-06-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090163263 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herndon; Burbank ; et
al. |
June 25, 2009 |
Method and System for Multiple In-Lane Lottery Ticket Sales at a
Retail Establishment
Abstract
A lottery sales method and related system utilize an in-lane
lottery sales computing device that is configured to interface with
a point-of-sale terminal and determine when the point-of-sale
terminal has identified a code corresponding to a desired lottery
product. A request identifying the desired lottery product is
transmitted to a lottery central system device used to administer
and coordinate the sales of lottery products.
Inventors: |
Herndon; Burbank;
(Alpharetta, GA) ; Hopkins; Todd; (Cumming,
GA) ; Behm; William F.; (Roswell, GA) ;
Whiteman; Janine; (Alpharetta, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A.
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602-1449
US
|
Assignee: |
Scientific Games International,
Inc.
Newark
DE
|
Family ID: |
40789287 |
Appl. No.: |
12/333408 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61014962 |
Dec 19, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ;
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 ;
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A lottery sales system comprising: an in-lane lottery sales
computing device, the in-lane lottery sales computing device
configured to: interface with a point-of-sale terminal and
determine when the point-of-sale terminal has identified a code
corresponding to a desired lottery product; and transmit a request
identifying the desired lottery product to a lottery central system
device used to administer and coordinate the sales of lottery
products.
2. The lottery sales system set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a printer; wherein the in-lane lottery sales computing
device is further configured to send data to the printer so as to
cause the printer to print the desired lottery product.
3. The lottery sales system set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a printer; wherein the in-lane lottery sales computing
device is further configured to send data to the printer so as to
cause the printer to print a token which can be redeemed for the
desired lottery product.
4. The lottery sales system set forth in claim 1, further
comprising a lottery central system device interfaced to the
in-lane lottery sales computing device via a wireless
connection.
5. The lottery sales system set forth in claim 4 comprising a
plurality of in-lane lottery sales computing devices, each in-lane
lottery sales computing device positioned at a respective checkout
lane at the same retail location.
6. A computerized method for providing one or more lottery
products, the method comprising: interfacing with a point-of-sale
terminal; determining when the point-of-sale terminal has
identified a code corresponding to a desired lottery product; and
transmitting a request identifying the desired lottery product to a
lottery central system device used to administer and coordinate the
sales of lottery products.
7. The method set forth in claim 6, further comprising: sending
data to a printer so as to cause the printer to print a token
redeemable for the desired lottery product.
8. The method set forth in claim 6, further comprising: sending
data to a printer so as to cause the printer to print the desired
lottery product.
9. The method set forth in claim 8, further comprising: waiting for
confirmation of the request from the lottery central system device;
wherein data is not sent to the printer so as to cause the printer
to print the desired lottery product unless the request is
confirmed.
10. The method set forth in claim 6, wherein determining when the
point-of-sale terminal has identified a code comprises accessing
data indicating one or more bar codes or other indicia scanned by a
scanner associated with the point-of-sale terminal during a
transaction.
11. The system set forth in claim 1, further comprising: at least
one computer monitor or display positioned in view of the customer
as they move through the checkout lane; wherein the monitor is used
to advertise lottery and in some embodiments, non lottery products.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/014,962, filed Dec. 19, 2007.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Lottery tickets are sold at many types of retail locations
including, stores, such as grocery stores, general merchandise
stores, and the like. Many such stores feature one or more
check-out points, commonly referred to as check-out lanes, with
each check-out lane equipped with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.
In contrast, lottery tickets are typically sold at a separate
lottery point-of-sale terminal or terminals within the same retail
establishment. This system generally requires additional personnel
to staff the lottery ticket POS terminal, or requires the store
clerk to divide their time and responsibility between the lottery
POS terminal and the store POS terminal. The conventional system
and method also require a separate accountability and tracking
system for lottery ticket sales, which can add significantly to the
cost and burden of providing the lottery to players at the retail
establishment.
[0003] The present invention, referred to as Lottery InPlay,
provides a system and method for providing lottery ticket sales at
multiple POS terminals within a retail establishment that offer
significant advantages over the conventional methodology.
SUMMARY
[0004] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0005] A lottery system and methodology are provided that can
support sales of lottery products at multiple checkout lanes at a
retail location. This may advantageously reduce wait times, as
lottery consumers need not necessarily go to a separate lottery
point-of-sale terminal to purchase lottery products. Additionally,
the retailer may benefit from reduced labor costs, since employees
at the checkout lanes can handle some or all of the work which
otherwise would be handled by employees at one or more lottery
point-of-sale terminals.
[0006] In some embodiments, an in-lane lottery sales computing
device is interfaced to the point-of-sale equipment at each
checkout lane. Lottery customers present a bar coded or otherwise
machine-readable lottery "token" to the cashier. The token may be
any type of readable device, such as a coupon, ticket, chip, and so
forth, and is scanned using the point-of-sale terminal and the
in-lane lottery sales computing device that captures lottery data
as the token is "rung up" at the point-of-sale terminal.
Additionally or alternatively, the request can be entered at the
point of sale terminal in any other suitable manner, such as by
entering a price look up (PLU) code, manually entering UPC data,
and/or by pressing a specific key or touch screen "button" mapped
to the specific lottery product.
[0007] In any event, the request data can then be forwarded on to a
centralized lottery system for handling the request. Then, assuming
a favorable response or verification from the centralized lottery
system, one or more corresponding lottery tickets are printed
in-lane on appropriate material, such as secure lottery paper
stock.
[0008] The data obtained by scanning or otherwise reading the token
can be used to treat the lottery ticket sale(s) in the same manner
as other items of inventory. Namely, the amount of lottery sales
can be tracked using the retailer point-of-sale system, the
retailer point-of-sale system can be used to handle funds tendered
for lottery sales, and customers can be provided with an integrated
purchase experience.
[0009] In some embodiments, an in-lane system can advantageously
avoid the need for substantial modifications to retail
point-of-sale systems which would otherwise be required to
integrate lottery and retailer sales. Instead, through use of a
loosely coupled interface (which could be considered similar in at
least some respects to the CONVENIENCE CENTRAL SYSTEM available
from Scientific Games, Inc., of Alpharetta, Ga.), there is no
lottery-specific software running on the retail point of sale
system or terminals. Thus, setup, configuration, and maintenance of
the system may proceed significantly faster than in the case of an
interface that is not loosely-coupled.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the in-lane lottery systems can
comprise one or more monitors which are used to communicate
marketing and other messages directly to players (or potential
players) in-lane. For instance, for checkout lanes that include a
marketing display, one or more monitors can be positioned at or
near the display for the consumer to view upon entry to the
checkout lane. Additionally or alternatively, the monitor(s) can be
placed at or above the checkout counter for viewing while the
customer is checking out. In some embodiments, the retailer could
be allowed to use the lottery monitor(s) to display point-of-sale
transaction information, advertisements, or other purposes.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode of
practicing the appended claims and directed to one of ordinary
skill in the art is set forth more particularly in the remainder of
the specification. The specification makes reference to the
appended figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a plurality of exemplary
checkout lanes at a retail location;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components at an
exemplary check-out lane and other in-store components; and
[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing exemplary parallel steps which
may occur after the identification of a lottery product at a check
out lane of a retail location configured in accordance with some
aspects of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to various and
alternative exemplary embodiments and to the accompanying drawings,
with like numerals representing substantially identical structural
elements. Each example is provided by way of explanation, and not
as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that modifications and variations can be made without
departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure and claims.
For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present
disclosure includes modifications and variations as come within the
scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a plurality of exemplary
checkout lanes 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 at a retail location.
For example the checkout lanes may be positioned near the
entrance/exit of the location, although it will be understood that
checkout lanes could be placed at one or more other positions in a
retail location or even outside.
[0017] In this example, checkout lanes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 each
comprise a conveyor or conveyors 114 and bagging area 115. Items
can be selected by persons at the retail location and placed onto
conveyor(s) 114, which move the items into reach of a cashier. The
approximate locations of respective cashiers for each lane are
shown at C1, C2, C3, and C4. A customer/lottery game player
("player") P, Q, R, and S is shown in each respective lane.
[0018] Each cashier can pass items over a scanner 106 which is in
operative association with a point-of-sale computer system,
typically via a point-of-sale terminal at each checkout lane. In
FIG. 1, point-of-sale terminals 108 are shown at each lane. Scanner
106 may comprise, for example, a bar code scanner which uses
reflected laser light to recognize machine-readable bar codes, such
as UPC codes, on items. However, scanner 106 may discern
machine-readable information about items in any suitable manner,
and need not comprise a bar code scanner in all embodiments.
[0019] Further, lanes 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 each include a
merchandising area 116. Each merchandise area 116 may comprise, for
example, one or more racks, shelves, or other displays whereby
items can be offered to persons in line at the checkout lane. For
example, in a grocery store, merchandising areas 116 may be used to
promote candy, magazines, and other impulse items.
[0020] Checkout lane 104-4 is configured as a stand without a
conveyor 114, bagging area 115, or merchandise area 116. For
instance, checkout lane 104-4 may comprise a desk or other area
which can also provide point-of-sale services. Lane 104-4 is meant
to indicate how checkout lanes can take any suitable shape or
arrangement, and need not necessarily comprise an elongated area
with a conveyor belt in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the
present subject matter can be used alongside checkout lanes which
are not each individually serviced by a cashier (i.e. so-called
"self checkout" lanes).
[0021] In this example, each checkout lane further includes a check
writing stand 110. For example, each stand 110 may comprise a
generally planar area which can be used as a writing surface for
those persons who desire to write checks. Additionally, each check
writing stand of this example supports a card terminal 112. For
example, each card terminal 112 can comprise a magnetic or other
card reader and keypad. The card terminals can be interfaced to the
point-of-sale terminals (and/or other suitable systems at the
retail location) to facilitate the use of electronic payment cards,
such as check cards, credit cards, gift cards, and the like.
[0022] In this example, each checkout lane further includes a
lottery printer 118 which can be used to provide one or more
lottery products 120 to interested customers while such customers
are at the checkout lanes. Thus, the customers do not necessarily
need to visit a separate lottery point-of-sale terminal to purchase
every type of lottery product. In an alternate embodiment, the
lottery tickets may be purchased at the checkout lane with the
customers being directed to a central station, such as a kiosk, to
pick up their lottery tickets. This configuration may be desired in
that it reduces the number and complexity of hardware components.
The central location may be located, for example, at the service
desk or a location near the exit of the establishment.
[0023] Further, in this example, each checkout lane 104-1, 104-2,
and 104-3 further includes a lottery display monitor 122-1. In lane
104-1, the monitor is positioned at the end of conveyor 114-1. In
lane 104-2, monitor 122-2 is positioned on merchandise area 116-2.
In lane 104-3, monitor 122-3 is positioned in the same general area
as check writing stand 110. As will be noted below, lottery display
monitors 122 may be used to promote lottery products and otherwise
provide information to lottery customers.
[0024] Each lane further includes an in-lane lottery sales
computing device 119 interfaced via a connection 166 to a central
lottery system 202 via a router 204. In this example, connection
166 comprises a wireless connection, and the retail location
includes a wireless router 204 for communicating with the in-lane
lottery sales computing devices and providing a connection 167 to
the lottery central system 202. In this example, the retail
location also includes a lottery administrative/sales terminal 205;
interfaced to router 204. Lottery terminal 205 can comprise any
suitable computing device. In some embodiments, the lottery
terminal 205 can include a built-in wireless router or otherwise
replace or complement the functionality of router 204.
[0025] As will be set forth below, the in-lane lottery computing
devices 119 collect data from the respective point-of-sale terminal
devices 108 in each lane to facilitate in-lane lottery sales.
Further, connections between the in-lane lottery sales computing
devices 119 and respective printers 118 and monitors 122 are also
shown. It will be appreciated that not all possible connections
amongst components are shown in FIG. 1 for purposes of clarity
(e.g. connections between keyboards 109, scanners 106, card
terminals 112, etc. and each point of sale terminal device 108 at
each lane, connections between each lane and back-office systems
are not shown).
[0026] Turning now to FIG. 2, the specifics of in-lane
point-of-sale systems and lottery sale systems will be discussed in
more detail. This example uses block diagrams to represent the
various components which can be found at a checkout lane, e.g., one
or more of lanes 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4.
[0027] Additionally, FIG. 2 shows additional components (systems
200 and 202) which are not necessarily at a checkout lane, as
signified by the double lines. However, systems 200 and 202 are
typically not at the same location as one another, either. For
instance, connection 162 represents a local area network or other
connection to a retail back office system 200, which may, for
instance, comprise a server or other system used to track sales,
inventory, and other store data and activities based on data
received from one or more POS terminals 108. Back office system 200
may be connected to other systems, such as a retailer's
enterprise-level accounting, inventory, and sales systems via
additional connections, such as a LAN/WAN connection.
[0028] As was noted above, a checkout lane can feature a point of
sale terminal device (POS device) 108. Device 108 can comprise a
general purpose or specialized computer system that runs one or
more programs to facilitate the purchase process. For instance, POS
device 108 may be interfaced via connection 150 to a bar code or
other scanner 106 which can identify items so a cashier need not
manually input product information. Typically, a laser-based
scanner is used to read UPC bar codes which are then correlated to
a listing of items available from back office system 200. Items may
also be identified by PLUs, manual entry, specific keys, and the
like. As items are rung up and/or after a sale is completed, POS
device 108 can provide data to retail back office system indicating
which items were sold, the sale amount, etc.
[0029] POS device may further be interfaced to a scale 106A for use
in weighing items (e.g. at a supermarket), a keyboard 109 for user
input, one or more printers 111, and one or more displays 107 for
use by the cashier and/or customers in reviewing sales and other
activity at the checkout lane. Display(s) 107 can comprise, for
instance, black-and-white or color monitors (using CRT, plasma,
LCD, or other suitable technology), LCD, LED, or other text
displays, and the like. Additionally, some checkout lanes may
include a card terminal and keypad 112, which can be used by the
cashier and/or customers to input data for making payments via
credit, debit, gift, and other cards. For instance, card terminal
and keypad 112 may comprise a magnetic stripe reader and numerical
input pad, along with a capture area for obtaining electronic
signatures.
[0030] The various point-of-sale terminal components can be
connected to POS device 108 in any suitable manner. The connections
can include, but are by no means limited to, USB, RS-232, IEEE
1394, or another serial, parallel, or other data connections.
[0031] The discussion above of exemplary aspects of checkout lanes
and POS terminal device 108 is for purposes of example only and is
not intended to be limiting. Rather, the particulars arrangement
and setup of a checkout lane, POS terminal, and back office system
will depend on the needs of the retailer or other entity.
[0032] In any event, FIG. 2 further illustrates additional
exemplary components which can be used to provide in-lane sales of
lottery products in accordance with one or more aspects of the
present subject matter. In this example, the checkout lane further
includes an in-lane lottery sales computing device 119, one or more
lottery monitors or displays 122, and one or more lottery printers
118. Monitor(s) and printer(s) 118 are connected to the in-lane
lottery sales computing device 119 via any suitable connections
including, but not limited to, USB, RS-232, IEEE 1394, or another
serial, parallel, or other data connection.
[0033] In-lane lottery sales computing device 119 can comprise any
suitable type of computer system. In some embodiments, device 119
is a streamlined computer with minimal memory, processing, and
other capabilities can be positioned under a checkout counter or
otherwise in an unobtrusive location. In-lane lottery sales
computing device 119 is also connected via connection 164 to POS
device 108. Connection 164 may, for instance, represent a single
cable between the computer comprising POS device 108 and the
computer comprising in-lane lottery sales computing device 119. Any
suitable connection standard/data format supported by POS device
108 can be used. As will be discussed below, connection 164 can be
used by the in-lane lottery sales computing device to "watch" for
lottery products that are processed by POS device 108.
[0034] In-lane lottery sales computing device 119 is connected to a
router 204 (not shown in FIG. 2), which can be located away from
the checkout lane, via connection 166, which could comprise, for
example, a local area network, local loop, etc. However, in some
embodiments, connection 166 is a wireless connection made via a
wireless router 204 interfaced to lottery central system 202 over
connection 167, which may represent a wide-area connection. In-lane
lottery sales computing device 119 may accordingly comprise
suitable hardware to support a Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11) or other
wireless communication protocol.
[0035] Lottery central system 202 can also be connected (via
connection 167, router 204, and local area connection 166) to one
or more terminals or devices 205 at the retail location which are
used to administer and coordinate the sales of lottery products at
the retail location. Terminal(s) 205 may be used for tracking sales
and the like at the retail location and/or dispensing lottery
products and prizes, for instance. Lottery central system 202 may
further be connected to other appropriate systems operated by a
lottery sales authority or provider in order to track and validate
the sales of lottery products across multiple locations. In some
embodiments, lottery central system 202 can be configured to
support consolidated reporting so that lottery sales reports from
multiple in-lane lottery sales computing devices could be viewed in
a single store report.
[0036] In-lane lottery sales computing device 119 is configured to
"watch" the activities of POS device 108 in order to discern when
bar codes or other suitable identifier(s) of lottery products are
processed by POS device 108. For instance, lottery sales computing
device 119 can be programmed to recognize the various data
format(s) and/or communication protocol(s) used by POS device 108
to communicate sales data to back office system 200.
[0037] When the data indicates that POS device 108 has processed a
lottery product, in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 can
relay a request to lottery central system 202 for the particular
lottery product (or products) that have been processed. For
example, when connection 166 is a wireless connection, data
identifying the requested lottery product(s) can be relayed to
lottery system 202 for validation. Assuming the request is proper,
lottery system 202 can confirm the request to in-lane lottery sales
computing device 119. Then, in-lane lottery sales computing device
119 can send appropriate data/commands to in-lane printer(s) 118
for the appropriate lottery product(s) 120 to be printed.
[0038] For example, in some embodiments, printer 118 comprises a
thermal printer with access to secure lottery paper stock. When an
instant ticket is requested, in-lane lottery sales computing device
119 can use printer 118 to provide an instant lottery ticket
in-lane.
[0039] In-lane purchase of lottery products can be facilitated in
any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, shoppers are
provided access to lottery "tokens" corresponding to different
products. The tokens can represent any particular games for which
in-lane sales are desired. The tokens may be placed in-lane for
players to pick up while waiting to check out (e.g. in
merchandising area 116) and/or at one or more other positions at
the retail location.
[0040] Each particular lottery product can have a unique identifier
which can be identified by the point-of-sale system used at the
retail location. For example, if a retail location uses UPC bar
codes, the point-of-sale system can be configured so that the token
for each lottery product sold in-lane has a corresponding UPC bar
code. This allows the sales of lottery products to be tracked using
the same point-of-sale software and systems that the retailer uses
to track other products. Further, the accounting and payment
handling (i.e. tender) for lottery products and other products can
be combined. The retailer can use the sales data gathered via the
existing point-of-sale system in order to separate lottery sales
and perform any needed balancing, tender transfers, etc. Further,
balancing and reconciling lottery sales and other sales may be
facilitated by lottery sales reports available from lottery central
system 202.
[0041] Generally speaking, using a loosely-coupled interface as
discussed herein can greatly simplify the task of integrating
lottery sales with a retailer's existing point-of-sale system. For
instance, as noted above, by using a point-of-sale lottery
computing device at each lane, only a single connection between the
lottery computing device and the POS terminal device is needed. To
integrate the systems, the lottery computing device need only be
configured to recognize data sent using the data interface
specifications used by the existing retail point-of-sale system.
This is in contrast to tightly-coupled systems, which generally
require the use of lottery-specific applications at POS terminals
and/or on the retail back office system(s).
[0042] Briefly, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process
250 that includes parallel steps which are triggered by processing
of a lottery product at a point of sale terminal. Steps carried out
by the lottery-specific systems (i.e. the in-lane lottery sales
computing device, lottery central system, etc.) are on the right
side of the page.
[0043] At 252, a point-of-sale terminal scans or otherwise obtains
data indicating a lottery product code. For instance, as was noted
above, a UPC code corresponding to a lottery product may be scanned
by a laser bar code scanner. The point-of-sale terminal at 254 adds
the lottery product to the current sale. At 253, the in-lane
lottery sales computing device routes a request to the lottery
central system. The request may simply comprise the UPC or other
code for the lottery product in some embodiments. However, in other
embodiments, the in-lane lottery sales computing device can
correlate the UPC to a specific lottery product, with the request
identifying the lottery product and any particular options, etc.
for the lottery product.
[0044] Depending upon other purchases (if any) to be made by the
shopper, additional products (lottery or non-lottery) may be
scanned or otherwise identified at the point of sale terminal. Each
lottery product sold in-lane can trigger a corresponding request to
the lottery system when identified based on data from the point of
sale system. At 256, the sale amount is totaled by the point of
sale system and tender (i.e. payment) is accepted. At 258, the
point of sale system updates the sale/tender total and other data
in the retail back office system.
[0045] At 255, after appropriate requests are made to the lottery
system (and assuming such requests are validated), the in-lane
lottery printer provides the requested lottery product(s). For
example, online lottery tickets can be printed on secure lottery
stock. The numbers may be received from the lottery central
system.
[0046] Of course, the in-lane lottery sales computing device and/or
lottery central system/terminal can be configured to address common
point-of-sale situations, such as conditions under which lottery
sales are temporarily prohibited, enforcing other regulations (e.g.
age verification for ticket sales), and addressing cases in which
tickets fail to print or are otherwise not available. Further, the
system could be configured not to print tickets until appropriate
payment is verified, etc.
[0047] As was mentioned above, in some embodiments, a checkout lane
can comprise one or more lottery monitors 122 which are connected
to the in-lane lottery sales computing device 119. Monitors 122 can
comprise, for example, one or more LCD or other flat panel
displays. The use of one or more such displays can advantageously
allow for in-lane marketing of lottery or other products. As was
noted above, a lottery display may be positioned at one or more of
the check writing stand, merchandising area, or bagging area. In
some embodiments multiple monitors are provided per checkout
lane.
[0048] The use of such monitors could further allow for retailer
incentives to encourage selling of lottery tickets in-lane. For
instance, the in-lane lottery sales computing device could be
configured to provide marketing messages specified by the retailer
for some or all of the lottery displays. Further, the lottery
displays could be configured to support input from the retailer
point of sale systems (e.g. POS device 108) for use in displaying
sales amounts, item descriptions, etc. This functionality could
compliment or replace the display functionality provided by
point-of-sale system display(s) 107. Point-of-sale display data
could be provided by a connection between lottery monitor(s) 122
and POS device 108 and/or by in-lane lottery sales computing device
119.
[0049] Examples of lottery tickets above included instant-win
tickets. However, the present subject matter can be used to sell
any suitable type or variety of loftery product which can be
printed by an in-lane printer. For example, the system could be
configured to support in-lane sales and printing of "quick pick"
tickets in which random numbers are selected for one or more
lottery drawings.
[0050] The technology discussed herein makes reference to systems,
servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based
systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from
such systems. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that
the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a
great variety of possible configurations, combinations, and
divisions of tasks and functionality between and among components.
For instance, server or other processes discussed herein may be
implemented using a single server or multiple servers or other
devices working in combination. Databases and applications may be
implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple
systems. Distributed components may operate sequentially or in
parallel.
[0051] When data is obtained or accessed between a first and second
computer system or component thereof, the actual data may travel
between the systems directly or indirectly. For example, if a first
computer accesses a file or data from a second computer, the access
may involve one or more intermediary computers, proxies, and the
like. The actual file or data may move between the computers, or
one computer may provide a pointer or metafile that the other
computer uses to access the actual data from a still further
computer.
[0052] The various computer systems discussed herein are not
limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration.
Embodiments of the methods and systems set forth herein may be
implemented by one or more general-purpose or customized computing
devices adapted in any suitable manner to provide desired
functionality. For instance, one or more computing devices may be
adapted to provide desired functionality by accessing software
instructions rendered in a computer-readable form. The device(s)
may be adapted or configured to provide additional functionality
complementary or unrelated to the present subject matter, as
well.
[0053] When software is used, any suitable programming, scripting,
or other type of language or combinations of languages may be used
to implement the teachings contained herein. However, software need
not be used exclusively, or at all. For example, some embodiments
of the methods and systems set forth herein may also be implemented
by hard-wired logic or other circuitry, including, but not limited
to application-specific circuits. Of course, combinations of
computer-executed software and hard-wired logic or other circuitry
may be suitable, as well.
[0054] Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be executed
by one or more suitable computing devices. As noted above, such
devices may access one or more computer-readable media that embody
computer-readable instructions which, when executed by at least one
computer, cause the at least one computer to implement one or more
embodiments of the methods of the present subject matter.
Additionally or alternatively, the computing device(s) may comprise
circuitry that renders the device(s) operative to implement one or
more of the methods of the present subject matter. Furthermore,
components of the presently-disclosed technology, such as databases
used to store lottery sales data, other lottery activity data, and
other data may be implemented using one or more computer-readable
media.
[0055] Any suitable computer-readable medium or media may be used
to implement or practice the presently-disclosed subject matter,
including, but not limited to, diskettes, drives, and other
magnetic-based storage media, optical storage media, including
disks (including CD-ROMS, DVD-ROMS, and variants thereof), flash,
RAM, ROM, and other memory devices, and the like.
[0056] The present disclosure also makes reference to the relay of
communicated data over one or more communications networks. It
should be appreciated that network communications can comprise
sending and/or receiving information over one or more networks of
various forms. For example, a network can comprise a dial-in
network, a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN),
public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, intranet or
other type(s) of networks. A network may comprise any number and/or
combination of hard-wired, wireless, or other communication
links.
[0057] The material particularly shown and described above is not
meant to be limiting, but instead serves to show and teach various
exemplary implementations of the present subject matter. As set
forth in the attached claims, the scope of the present invention
includes both combinations and sub-combinations of various features
discussed herein, along with such variations and modifications as
would occur to a person of skill in the art.
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