U.S. patent application number 12/411941 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for system and method for instant on-line self service quick picks.
Invention is credited to George Voutes.
Application Number | 20090247287 12/411941 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40750996 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090247287 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Voutes; George |
October 1, 2009 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INSTANT ON-LINE SELF SERVICE QUICK PICKS
Abstract
An assembly, of an existing ITVM that has a computer system that
communicates with a central host computer system for providing
anon-line quick pick functionality. The computer system may also
control the ITVM and, communicate with a retailer. Illustratively,
the assembly demonstrates simple pressing of one button may select
a wager and/or randomly select a game and a number associated with
that game, but other embodiments include multiple operations of the
buttons. The buttons and displays may be physical static push
buttons with static or programmable labels although touch screens
or LCD screens may be used. Illustratively, a scanner may be
provided that reads a player's card or fob with preloaded
information that authorizes the player to wage on the games
presented, and also wherein the favorite game and wager of the
player may be executed on the machine. A player's hand held device
may be enabled to communicate with the assembly.
Inventors: |
Voutes; George; (Barrington,
RI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CESARI AND MCKENNA, LLP
88 BLACK FALCON AVENUE
BOSTON
MA
02210
US
|
Family ID: |
40750996 |
Appl. No.: |
12/411941 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12056683 |
Mar 27, 2008 |
|
|
|
12411941 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/329 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3223 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/25 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An assembly for dispensing instant and instant online lottery
tickets, the assembly comprising: a housing with a front panel;
ticket bins arranged on the front panel, and a slot for collecting
selected tickets; wherein a player by pressing a bin, or a button
associated with the bin, has the ticket dispensed via the slot;
displays and buttons arranged on the front panel; a scanner
arranged on the front panel; a communication channel to a retailer
or a host; a computer system within the assembly; wherein a player
by pressing at least one button selects a game and the amount
wagered, wherein the game and the wager are communicated to a host
computer system that communicates back to the assembly and
authorizes the wager.
2. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the displays and buttons
comprise: a label displaying a particular game; and one or more
buttons indicating an amount wagered, wherein the user by pressing
one button selects the game and amount being wagered.
3. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the displays and buttons
comprise: a labeled button indicating a particular game; and one or
more buttons indicating an amount wagered, wherein the user by
first pressing the labeled game button and then one of the amount
buttons selects the game and the amount wagered.
4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the displays and buttons
comprise a display of an amount of money to be wagered; and a
random button, wherein pressing the random button selects the
amount displayed and, randomly, one of the available games.
5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the displays and buttons
comprise: at least one labeled button indicating a particular game;
and a keypad located on the front panel wherein numeric data may be
input.
6. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a printer, wherein
the pressing of a single button randomly selects a game, and
randomly selects numbers associated with that game and prints out a
corresponding quick pick ticket.
7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein at least one single button
executes an on-line quick pick, where the pressing of the one
single button randomly selects a game, and randomly selects one of
the instant ticket and dispenses the ticket to the player.
8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the buttons include physical
buttons, touch screen buttons, flat panel buttons, and lighted
buttons.
9. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising a money accepting
mechanism, wherein money is inserted through the front panel.
10. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the displays and operations of
the buttons are programmable.
11. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the exercising of a quick pick
comprises pressing two buttons.
12. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the exercising of a quick pick
comprises pressing one button more than once.
13. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the computer system operates a
lottery ticket vending machine.
14. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a scanner that reads
a player's card or fob and associates that player's card of fob
with an account and favorite games and wagers.
15. An apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wireless
connection to a player's hand held device wherein the player may
select wager amounts and games played.
16. A method for dispensing instant and instant online lottery
tickets, the method comprising the steps of: communication to a
host computer that a player is pressing at least one button;
selecting a game and an amount of the wager by the pressing of at
least one button, wherein the host computer determines the game and
the wager; and the host communicating back authorizing the game and
wager.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the pressing of the single
button executes an on-line quick pick of a randomly selects a game,
and randomly selects numbers associated with that game and prints
out a corresponding quick pick ticket.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the steps of claim 16 are
controlled by software, wherein the software controls the
interfaces including the printer, displays, buttons, and
communications channel.
19. The method of claim 16 wherein the buttons include physical
buttons, touch screen buttons, flat panel buttons, keypads and
lighted buttons.
20. The method of claim 16 wherein the displays may be integral
with the buttons.
21. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the displays and operations of
the buttons are programmable.
22. The assembly of claim 16 wherein the exercising of a quick pick
comprises pressing two buttons.
23. The method of claim 16 wherein the exercising of a quick pick
comprises pressing one button more than once.
24. An assembly arranged to be retrofitted into a stand-alone
lottery ticket vending machine, the stand alone vending machine
having a front panel, the assembly comprising: a module with an
insert front panel that replaces a portion of the front panel of
the stand alone vending machine,; quick pick on-line buttons
arranged on the insert front panel; a communication channel; and a
computer system within the module, the computer system interacting
with the communications channel; wherein a player by pressing at
least single button on the insert front panel, executes an on-line
quick pick of a game and the amount of a wager, wherein the game
and the wager are communicated to a host computer system, and
wherein the host communicates back to the assembly and authorizes
the wager.
25. A method for integrating an online quick pick vending assembly
with a lottery ticket vending machine, the lottery ticket vending
machine having a first computer system having a first program
running the vending machine, the method comprising the steps of:
attaching the quick pick assembly to the vending machine; attaching
a printer; attaching displays and buttons to the quick pick
assembly; exercising a quick pick operation, wherein the player
presses at least a single button that selects a game and an amount
of a wager; communicating the game and the wager to a host computer
system; the host communicating back authorizing the wager; and
printing out a corresponding quick pick ticket.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/056,683, filed Mar. 27, 2008 and has common
title, inventorship and ownership. This earlier application is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to systems and methods related
to lottery systems, and, more particularly, to instant on-line
systems including quick pick capability.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Lottery systems are well known throughout the United States.
Generally, these systems involve selecting a group of numbers that
are printed on a ticket from an authorized vendor or agent of the
lottery. The numbers are drawn and winners present their ticket(s)
to a vendor and receive a prize, usually money. Another commonly
found game includes vending "scratch" or instant tickets, which
involves exposing numbers that identify the game ticket as an
immediate winner or loser.
[0006] There are many other variations of the above game themes,
for example, quick picks (QPs) are available where the player
selects a game and requests the vendor to randomly select a set of
variables (usually numbers, but other devices, e.g. combinations of
symbols, may be used). The vendor prints out the ticket with the
player's randomly selected numbers. The player checks against
winning numbers when they are drawn. The player will usually cash a
winning QP at the vendor, but winning QP's may be mailed to a
central lottery authority.
[0007] Instant Ticket Vending Machines (ITVMs) are becoming
ubiquitous. ITVMs successfully fulfill the customer's needs in the
U.S. and in many parts of the world. ITVMs stand alone in an area
where an authorized vendor controls who can approach and operate
the machine. The ITVM accepts money (currency and coins) and
dispenses a ticket. Typically, the ticket, if a winner, is
presented to an agent to collect winnings. However, a winning
ticket may be brought to another vendor or mailed to a host data
center for cashing.
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art ITVM 2. The ITVM 2 includes a
controller 4, that usually will have a microprocessor 6, a memory 8
(containing software), storage 10 (e.g., flash memory) and I/O
(input/output) devices 12. Typically, the I/O devices include
displays 16, buttons 18, a cash handler 20, a ticket dispenser 22,
and communications 24.
[0009] The communications 24 may be by hard wire or wireless 26,
but the ITVM only communicates with the local retailer 28. In these
prior art systems, transactional information remains local to the
machine and is not communicated between the ITVM and the retailer.
Typically, the status of the ITVM (door open, ticket bin depleted,
etc.), and totals of tickets sold may be communicated to the
retailer. The retailer, in turn, will often have the ability to
communicate 30 with the host 32, but that communications may be by
using a separate communication system. The host 32 is the central
entity, such as a lottery services provider, having authority
(usually from government bodies) to control and operate the entire
lottery/gaming system.
[0010] FIG. 2 illustrates a front panel 40 of an exemplary prior
art ITVM. There is a banner 42 on the top of the face of the
machine, which announces the availability of instant tickets, a
cash handler and display 44 that indicates the amount of money
available to wager, and transparent bins 46 which, each contain a
different instant ticket showing the cost of that ticket. The
player selects a ticket by pushing a bin 46, and, if there is
enough money is in the machine, the ticket is dispensed falling to
a slot 48 where the player may retrieve it. The money display is
then decremented by the cost of the ticket.
[0011] Illustrative of the prior art state of the art, there are
several U.S. patent applications have been published that disclose
wireless lottery systems. One such application is U.S. Publication
No. 2007/0093296 A1 ('296), entitled "System and Method for
Wireless Lottery". Another is U.S. Publication No. 2007/0213118
('118), entitled "Method for Participating in Lottery Draw Over a
Cellular Network and System Thereof."
[0012] The '296 publication requires use of a mobile device (e.g.,
cell phone, iPhone, Blackberry, and the like). Details include
limiting access and availability (to comply with the law) and the
use of private wireless systems. A private network may include
virtual private networks, as are known in the art.
[0013] The '118 publication discloses a cellular system for use in
lottery drawings. A central computer is linked via a network to a
drawing center and to mobile devices used by a lottery participant.
Security systems are disclosed to protect the lottery and the
customer.
[0014] As instant lottery ticket type games evolve and expand,
vendor-free, secure, lottery systems and methods are needed to
better satisfy the instant ticket lottery player. In particular,
prior art systems are often too complex, where the player,
especially the casual player, may not participate because the
machine appears too complex, or where selecting the game and
wagering, etc. takes too long. The present invention provides for a
simplicity that will allow fast operation and will not intimidate
or otherwise drive players, especially novice players, away.
[0015] Moreover, adding on-line capabilities to ITVM machines
confer benefits and advantages, that, when combined with
simplicity, may provide better lottery-type systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention is a lottery ticket vending machine
with a computer system that provides on-line gaming capabilities.
The computer system may be a module that is retrofitted onto an
existing stand alone lottery ticket vending machine to provide the
on-line capabilities. The computer system includes hardware and
software that may include online quick picks (QPs) and on-line
capabilities that allow a flexible wide array of gaming selections,
payment channels, player information and account verification.
[0017] In another embodiment, the present invention may also
provide a stand alone system wherein the functions of the instant
ticket vending machine, described above, are incorporated into a
single, integrated machine.
[0018] Illustratively, the present invention provides for dedicated
buttons that have one function. That function may be,
illustratively, to generate a QP selection of a given dollar amount
on a selected game, where the ticket with randomly selected
numbers, game and wager is printed and dispensed to the player.
[0019] In another illustrative embodiment, one or more buttons may
be "random"; that is, a button with a dollar amount label, that
when pressed will randomly select a game (from ones displayed on
the machine) and randomly select a number or set of numbers, that
are then all printed out on a ticket. In yet other embodiments,
pressing the "random" button may dispense one of the instant
tickets.
[0020] In some embodiments, a scanner (e.g., a bar code scanner)
may be provided that will read and indicate to the player whether
the QP ticket scanned is a winner. The scanner can also include
functionality which enables a player with an activated fob or play
card, which includes a credit balance and the player's particular
favorite numbers, for example, to scan/insert their fob or player
card and receive a play ticket from the machine.
[0021] The player card or fob is a previously authorized and
activated item that may contain indicators that the player is
accepted by the entity sponsoring the lottery/game system.
Typically, a financial account with a balance stored at the central
host system is accessed by the fob or player card. Protection
systems and steps (known in the art) may be taken to ensure the fob
and player card are used by the authorized player.
[0022] Cash may be first inserted into the machine and a display
indicates a balance that may be wagered.
[0023] In other embodiments, the dedicated buttons may be
implemented as physical push buttons that are labeled with the game
and an amount. However, the buttons may be formed on a touch
screen, and the labels (including game and wager amount) may be
adjacent to or on the button. In yet other embodiments, the button
labels may be programmed remotely or by the computer system in the
machine. For example, the touch screen display may be controlled by
a computer that may display virtually any game type and amount on a
representation of the button. Moreover, the button displayed may be
drawn on the screen in virtually any form desired by the
programmer. Other programmable displays may include LCD-type
screens mounted as part of or next to a physical button.
[0024] In embodiments, the host controller may control the games
and wagers found on embodiments of the present invention.
[0025] In yet other embodiments, a QP for a game and a wager amount
may be selected by the player by pushing or activating one, two or
more buttons in sequence. For example, one button may select the
game and a second button may select the amount. In yet other
embodiments, when the game button is selected, the button may be
pressed several times to increment an amount or a game type.
Illustratively, pressing a $1 button twice will indicate a $2
wager, or a button indicating game type twice might increment to a
second game. Again, pressing or depressing, as used herein, applies
to "buttons" that may be on a touch screen, some other flat
keypad-type, or be a physical button
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The invention description below refers to the accompanying
drawings, of which:
[0027] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a prior art system;
[0028] FIG. 2 is an illustrative front panel of the system of FIG.
1;
[0029] FIG. 3A is a pictorial drawing of a prior art ITVM with an
illustrative inventive system attached;
[0030] FIGS. 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G illustrate other button
layouts (but not exhaustive) of the attached inventive systems;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an illustrative block diagram schematic
illustrating one embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a diagram of illustrative communications of an
inventive system;
[0033] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate front panels of a system that
integrates the side car and the ITVM into one assembly; and
[0034] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system
that may be used to advantage in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT
[0035] FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of the present invention.
Here, the embodiment of the present invention 50 is shown with an
Instant Ticket Vending Machine (ITVM) 2. This system 50 of the
present invention, more particularly, attaches to the side of the
ITVM 2, and, is referred to herein as "side car".
[0036] In this embodiment, the controller board 4 in the ITVM is
replaced or refitted with upgraded software and a communications
connection (e.g., USB port) to communicate with a controller in the
side car. The side car will also have a communications channel to
the retailer computer or, in some case, to the central host
computer. In one example, described below, money is first inserted
and displayed to the player on the ITVM 2 as a credit. However, in
another example, the player may also have an activated fob or
player card that is read by a bar code, magnetic stripe or
embedded-type reader/scanner 59. The player's account may be
accessed and a credit amount may be displayed indicating the amount
that the player may wager.
[0037] When game and wager amounts are selected, a ticket is
printed 51 for the player. The money amount displayed is
decremented accordingly. In some instances, the reader/scanner 59
will read a ticket and indicate a winner and an amount won.
[0038] In some embodiments, the fob or player card may indicate the
player's game and wagers. In those embodiments, discussed below,
where the host may program the games and wagers available on the
machine, those games may be down loaded into the machine at the
player's behest. For example, the host may display possible games
where the player by depressing the button may select that game and
betting amounts. In yet other embodiments, the player may use a
hand held device 55 (e.g., cell phone, PDA, etc.) that can
communicate with a receiver 53 in the side car 50. The games may be
displayed on the hand held device and selection may be made but
pressing keys on the device. These operations may be accomplished
using text messaging as known in the art. Pass words, encryption
and the like may be used to ensure protection.
[0039] The following details some examples of the button layouts
and functionality for embodiments of the side car.
[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates a single column of four buttons, each
arranged to wager one dollar on one game by depressing the
indicated single button. There is a static label beside a physical
button. However, in other embodiments, the label may be replaced
with an LCD flat screen or some other display as known to those
skilled in the art. In this example, pressing one button selects
the game and an amount wagered. For example, depressing button 60
wagers one dollar on "THE NUMBERS" game. Another embodiment would
allow the player to sequentially press the "THE NUMBERS" button to
increase the size of the wager by one dollar each time the button
is pressed. For example, as would be understood by those skilled in
the art, a time out function may be included in the system
operation where a player may press, for example, button 60 three
times in succession and a three dollar wager will be made.
Arrangements that limit the number of times a button may be pressed
may be included. For example, a programmed time of, e.g., five
seconds may be designed into the system. Here, if five seconds
elapses, the selection is deemed completed and the ticket is
printed and dispensed. Note, there is no separate game selection;
the game and amount are selected by the single button.
[0041] FIG. 3C illustrates two columns of buttons. Again,
depressing one button selects the game and the amount wagered.
Here, a one or a five dollar wager may be selected on one of the
four games illustrated. Again, there is no separate game selection
needed.
[0042] FIG. 3D illustrates three columns of buttons. Again,
pressing one button selects the game and the amount wagered. Here,
one, five or ten dollar buttons may be selected.
[0043] FIG. 3E illustrates an alternative configuration to that of
FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B, there is a label for the game that is next to
the select button labeled $1. In FIG. 3E, the label and the $1 are
part of the button. Operation is the same as for FIG. 3B.
[0044] FIG. 3E includes another set of "random" buttons 62. For
example, when the "$1 RANDOM" is pressed, one dollar will be placed
on a randomly selected game from the games displayed on the
machine, a random number or numbers is selected (appropriate for
the game), and a ticket is printed out. In some embodiments, an
instant ticket may be dispensed as one of the "randomly selected
games." FIG. 3E illustrates three possible selections for a
"random" button, but fewer or more buttons may be used, and the
wager amounts may be different.
[0045] FIG. 3F illustrates a simple two button selection process.
Here, operation includes a column of four labeled buttons 64 each
bearing the name of one game. The second column 66 of three buttons
indicate wager amount--one, five and ten dollars. Illustrative
operation would be, for example, for a player having ten dollars in
his account, to select the power ball game by depressing the button
65 labeled POWER, and then select the five dollar button 68. The
Power Ball ticket would be dispensed and the player's account is
debited by the five dollars. The display would indicate an account
balance of five dollars that the player may wager on a different
game or games.
[0046] FIG. 3G illustrates a layout of buttons and displays as may
be seen on a touch screen or an LCD-type/keypad flat panel. The
same functionality may be implemented but with a different physical
form. Please note, touch screens and LCD flat screens allow for the
displays to be programmable, as discussed above. The present
invention in alternative embodiments may employ such
programmability advantageously.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a representative diagram illustrating the
electronics (hardware and software) 70 that may be found in the
side car 50, and the interconnections to the ITVM 2, the retailer
80, and the host 73.
[0048] The host 73 is a central computing system of an authorized
game entity running many on-line, instant, and other lottery-style
games distributed over many retailers. There may be hundreds of
games, hundreds of type of wagers, thousands of retailers and
millions of players. The host 73 communicates with the retailer
through a communications controller 74 via communications network
82. The network 82 may be private or it may use a public network
like the Internet or a telephone system. Typically, the
communications will be encrypted using (but not necessarily) one of
the commercially available formats.
[0049] The host 73 is, typically, a large or distributed computer
system designed to handle, in an efficient manner, millions of
transactions emanating from many different retailers (or other
possible types of sources).
[0050] Each retailer 80 includes a computer system 84 that operates
the games at the retailer's place of business. The retailer's
computer system 84 may be dispensing lottery tickets, and other
variations of such games as discussed above. For example, horse
racing games, car racing games, keno, combat-style and other types
may be found in the art. Each retailer will often employ a router
75 and a wireless (Wi-Fi) 77 or hard wire (Ethernet) 79
communication link to the side car 50.
[0051] The side car also communicates with the ITVM 2, in this
instance via an RS-485, a two wire connection; although other types
of communication channels may be used, including wireless. In one
embodiment, the ITVM 2 only dispenses instant tickets and only
reports the local status of the ITVM. For example, if there is a
problem, like an open door, or stuck ticket dispenser, that will be
reported to the host via the side car 50. Also, the ITVM might
report total amounts of instant tickets dispensed. Typically,
status is reported with no transactional operations, but the other
embodiments are not limited to status information only. Although
not shown in detail, the ITVM 2 has a controller board with
hardware and software to control the instant ticket dispensing,
communicating status of the ITVM to the host via the side car 50,
this reporting may include, errors and other problems, e.g., door
open, ticket bin empty, and money that may be wagered, etc.
[0052] The side car 70 includes a computer system board 71,
typically a microcomputer that contains logic circuitry, memory
containing software (programs), I/O, and perhaps storage, etc. The
side car 50 also includes programs that will handle the
communications to the host 73 via the WI-FI connection 77 and/or an
Ethernet cable 79. A separate controller board 72 communicates with
the computer 71 via the RS-485 cable, and controls the lights and
buttons 83 on the side car 50 illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3G. Since a
printer 51 is to be used by the side car 50 to print out tickets,
confirmations, and other such information regarding QPs, the
printer 51 may be configured to communicate with the computer 71
via the RS-485 cable 78, or it may be controlled wirelessly
directly 86 from the computer 71. Provisions are made for set up
and field service 81 where displays and entry ports for connecting,
for example a service notebook computer, may be found. In addition,
a scanner 59 and the wireless 53 connection (described below) are
provided for the player.
[0053] Illustratively, the side car 50 adds instant online QP
(quick pick) capability to the ITVM 2. As mentioned above, the ITVM
2 dispenses instant tickets, but the side car, illustratively,
allows the player to select a game and an amount wagered by pushing
a single button. For example, cash is loaded into via the ITVM 2
and displayed on the ITVM 2 for the player. The player then may
push a QP button. The request is sent to the host, which returns an
authorization for the side car to print out a ticket for the
selected game and wager.
[0054] Advantageously, the side car communications with the host
allows for downloading different functions for the displays and the
buttons on the side car, see FIGS. 3A-3G. Here, the displays that
hold the game labels and the wager amounts on the buttons are
programmable. For example, as desired, the game types may be
changed and the wager amounts may be changed, both to accommodate
virtually any game and any amount.
[0055] In another embodiment, a player may have a funded account,
or be an authorized player. Such a player may have an identity card
or a fob that is read or scanned by the scanner 59 whereupon the
player scans his card and depresses a QP button. The player's fob
or card may be of any of the known technologies, e.g., a magnetic
card reader, an embedded card reader, and RFID fob, or virtually
any other identification mechanism. In this case, the host will
have the necessary particulars to authorize the player and the
amount of the wagers and to hold and update the accounts for
players. The host will store the winning numbers and authorize
payment.
[0056] The wireless communication 53 may be constructed for a cell
phone or other hand held device. A corresponding cell-type device
may be resident in the side car 50 that responds when called. The
interaction between the player's device and the side car 50 may use
pass word, encryption and other such techniques to ensure the
player is the person authorized by the host.
[0057] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention where the ITVM 2 and the side car hardware and software
90, found in the side car 50 performs similar functions as the
embodiment of the FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, the computer card 71 in the
side car carries out the most complex functions, but in the
configuration in FIG. 5, the controller board 91 carries out only
relatively simple tasks of controlling the printer 92, the displays
83, and responding to the buttons 83 pressed on the side car only.
The controller board 91 also acts as a conduit for communication
from the ITVM 88 to the retailer computer system 102 where status
reporting from the ITVM flows through the side car, and where money
accepting and amounts are displayed and incremented or decremented
as needed. The scanner 59 and the wireless 53 are as discussed for
FIG. 4.
[0058] The retailer computer system 102 may be of a common lottery
type, but since the side car 90 and the ITVM 88 both will
communicate with the host via the retailer's computer system, the
software and possibly hardware in the retailer's computer system
will be refitted to accommodate the side car/ITVM. In FIG. 5, the
controller board 91 communicates with the retailer's computer via
Wi-Fi 104 or Ethernet 106. The retailer's computer communicates
with the host via a router 103 at the retailer's computer system
via the network 82. The information exchanged between the host and
the ITVM is substantially the same as that in FIG. 4. One exception
is that in FIG. 4, there may be another communications connection
between the ITVM and the host that bypasses the side car in FIG.
4.
[0059] FIG. 6A shows the front panel of a hybrid system, where the
side car is incorporated within an ITVM. Here, the Instant Ticket
bins 110 are arranged in three columns of four rows. In this
embodiment, the bins may be lighted and remain lit, or then may
become dark if, for example, the tickets supply is exhausted.
Dispensed instant tickets are dropped into the slot 112 for
retrieval by the player.
[0060] FIG. 6B illustrates the addition of a key pad 132 located
separately from the other buttons, etc. that may be found on the
from panel of the hybrid system of FIG. 6A. The keypad may be used
for any numerical input, e.g., dollar amounts, user identification,
vendor identification, time and dates, etc. In addition, the front
panel 130 of FIG. 6B may include a module with buttons and displays
the replacement for some of the buttons of the front panel of FIG.
6A. That is there may be a stand alone instant ticket vending
machine with a front panel as shown in FIG. 6A that is retrofitted
with a module 130 having buttons and displays. The module has a
computer system and communications with a host computer that
enables on-line gaming capabilities.
[0061] In this embodiment, there also is a slot 114 for accepting
paper money or other paper forms representing some money value, and
there is a mechanism for accepting coins 116. The value of any
wager accepted by the hybrid system may be displayed on the screen
118. However, a separate screen may be supplied on some
embodiments. There is a key entry 121 for servicing the
machine.
[0062] Illustratively, there is a row of Quick Pick (QP) buttons
125 that also display a game and an amount wagered. Here one row of
five buttons 125 is shown, but any of the configurations
illustrated in the FIGS. 3A-3G drawings may be implemented. In
particular, one random button, "$5 RANDOM," is shown to illustrate
the random button shown and discussed with reference to FIG.
3E.
[0063] A scanner 120 for a player's card, fob or other such device
is provided and operates as described above; and a wireless 122
interface for a cell phone or other hand held device is provided
and functions as described above.
[0064] Operation of the printer 113, the buttons and displays for
the Instant Tickets and the QPs are substantially the same as
described above.
[0065] FIG. 7 is a representative diagram of the computer system
that may be used to advantage in the side car. A processor 59 may
be any of the available microprocessors; data storage 54 may be
selected from any available flash, disk or other suitable storage
system; and, memory 56 may be any compatible memory system. The
memory 56 will contain, at least, an operating system 58; I/O
drivers 60; memory configuration managers 62; communications
managers 64; and, alerts and diagnostics 66 for servicing, etc.,
and account information 68.
[0066] The communications manager 64 handles information
interchange with the retailer and/or the host, but also, if
provided, with a player's hand held device.
[0067] The I/O devices 60 will include, at least, wireless
communications hardware, cash acceptors and account display
information, local printer and displays. In addition, there may be
additional security hardware (and necessary software in memory 56)
to provide security and compliance with the prevailing laws,
applicable standards (ISO), and/or test and other specifications,
e.g., age verification. Age verification will be found in virtually
all of the side car and hybrid embodiments of the present
invention. Communications between the side car and the host 73 may
be encrypted for security. In some embodiments, a 128 bit
public/private encryption code may be used.
[0068] Communications may use any format that provides the
reliability and security.
[0069] The above are illustrative of the type of information and
functions that may be exchanged between the host and the side car,
and this information and functions are illustrative and not
limitations on the present invention.
[0070] It should be understood that above-described embodiments are
being presented herein as examples and that many variations and
alternatives thereof are possible. Accordingly, the present
invention should be viewed broadly as being defined only as set
forth in the hereinafter appended claims.
* * * * *