U.S. patent application number 12/535885 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-10 for lottery game gift card system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Paul Francis Guziel. Invention is credited to Paul F. Guziel, David J. Schorr.
Application Number | 20110034229 12/535885 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43535221 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110034229 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guziel; Paul F. ; et
al. |
February 10, 2011 |
Lottery Game Gift Card System
Abstract
A method of creating a gift card device used to purchase lottery
games from authorized Lottery retailers and then defer play to a
later date. The play can be redeemed at any lottery retailers for
instant/scratch tickets or terminal generated/numbers game tickets.
Play can also be redeemed for digital scratch tickets or secure
drawing/numbers game tickets (terminal generated games) via an
Internet enabled device including PCs, cell phones, smart phones or
PDAs.
Inventors: |
Guziel; Paul F.; (Roswell,
GA) ; Schorr; David J.; (Cumming, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALCHEMY3, LLC
1725 WINDWARD CONCOURSE, SUITE 150
ALPHARETTA
GA
30005
US
|
Assignee: |
Guziel; Paul Francis
Alpharetta
GA
|
Family ID: |
43535221 |
Appl. No.: |
12/535885 |
Filed: |
August 5, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 ;
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/065 20130101;
A63F 3/064 20130101; A63F 3/0605 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 ;
463/29 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1) A device (card/wand/FOB) to store unique user identification
that can query a database that stores activity related to a lottery
game purchase
2) The method by which claim 1 a. Securely identifies the
individual on the device b. Allows the device to be recognized by a
database in order for that database to accurately track the
activity of the player and satisfy the requests of game play
3) The communications/scanning device used to activate the card
device in claim 1
4) The method by which claim 3 uses the device to update player
information; card value information; game purchase information; and
game play information in the secure database
5) The method by which the device of claim 3 connects to the remote
server to append/delete the database records of claim 7
6) The method by which an existing lottery equipment infrastructure
could use the device of claim 1 to communicate with the database
without the use of the scanning device in claim 3
7) The database used to store and track the device data for: a.
Pre-purchased debit card amounts good for lottery game play b. Date
of purchase activity c. Date of card Activation/Deactivation d.
Tickets purchase and account of winnings on those games e.
Individual player data associated with the card to add security f.
Cardholder security information to identify the rightful owner in
event of lost or stolen device/card
8) The method by which the dollar amounts stored in the database
record can be used to redeem game play over open network
channels
9) The method by which claim 7 is secured in transaction using PIN
numbers associated with the device of claim 1
10) The method by which the database of claim 8 can relate to an
existing lottery accounting database to reconcile activity of the
player as they use the device of claim 1
11) The data (paperless) lottery ticket game play that can be
accessed via website or wireless communications device (smart
phone/pda)
12) The method by which claim 11 securely transacts a game
initiated by a player using one of the pre-paid game devices of
claim 1
13) The method by which the games in claim 11 are randomly
generated to produce an unpredictable outcome of winning and
non-winning events
14) The method by which the games in claim 11 are inventoried and
depleted like a paper lottery instant ticket game inventory to act
exactly as such
15) The method by which a user of the device in claim 1 can redeem
terminal generated tickets for lottery drawing games via an open
network device (Internet, Smart Phone, PDA).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD AND INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A magnetic strip, bar coded and secure pin pre-paid gift
card that can be purchased at any jurisdiction-specific lottery
retailer to play any lottery games. The game play value can be
carried out at any lottery retailer, over the Internet using secure
connections for lottery specific interactive games and with data
communication hand-held devices like cell phones, smart phones and
PDAs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Discussions of developing an Illinois Lottery holiday gift
card began back in 1998 under Director Lori Montana. It was at a
time when Chicago restaurants started offering gift cards in place
of gift certificates. It was discussed as a way to increase lottery
gift giving opportunities and entice advance purchase of lottery
product. The project was tabled due to lack of resources within the
administration to execute properly.
[0003] Our contributions to that original idea can now be realized
with the advancement of technology and more resources to make it
possible. With this evolved process, we can set up the elements to
bring the concept to all lotteries. Gift card production and
distribution has escalated to all levels of retailers and
manufacturers and is a preferred device for gift giving for all
holidays.
[0004] As lotteries try to market their product line as `gift
giving` ideas, the lottery gift card is an ideal solution for the
industry. Friends and family can purchase a gift card in any
denomination at an authorized lottery retailer or from any retailer
who is capable of selling, or currently sells, gift cards from
other industries (e.g. grocery stores).
[0005] The recipients of the cards can then go to any lottery
retailer and redeem the games of their choice with their lottery
gift card, up to the value of the card. The transaction process
will reduce the dollar amount of the game play from the card and
values are tracked via a secure server. Once the value has been
completely depleted from the card, the consumer can visit the
lottery retailer to purchase additional credit, or discard the void
card.
[0006] The player can also use the gift card code to redeem game
play on the lottery website via the Internet or using their cell
phone/PDA handheld device. The transaction would work the same way
as retail--after the game is played, the game value amount is
reduced from the total amount on the card via a call to the secure
server housing the gift card information.
[0007] The activation and accounting of the gift cards can be
facilitated by our proprietary scanner, or by an existing POS
system that ties into the lottery corporate accounting database.
Use of an existing POS system would involve an implementation of
this patented process to make sure that the transactions are
accounted for properly.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A gift card system that lottery organizations can use to
provide pre-paid gift cards at the point of sale that can be
redeemed for lottery games at all lottery retail locations, over
the Internet or on portable data communication web-enabled devices.
The system includes the card design and mechanics, the transfer of
funds between the card and the lottery accounting system, the
retail activation and accounting device and the database design and
web application to handle the interactive play using the cards.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1--Gift card mechanics: The gift card could be a
standard 3.5''.times.2.125'' plastic card or it could be any shape,
size or material that can securely interface with the transaction
system. It has a magnetic data strip on the back to be read by
standard magnetic stripe readers. It also has a type 128 barcode
imprinted so barcode readers can also scan it. And it could have an
RFID device to communicate by waving in front of the system. A
security pin is either located under a latex coating or securely
communicated to the user. This code is reserved for activating game
play on the Internet or handheld devices.
[0010] FIG. 2--Scanner Functions: The scanner is a barcode and
magnetic stripe reading scanner that has a wi-fi and backup
cellular connection to communicate with the database system at
lottery central. This device ties into the accounting system to
track the balance of a particular card. It has a barcode scanner on
it that will associate a purchased ticket with the gift card to
reconcile the purchase. The retailer simply waves the bar coded
scratch ticket or online (terminal generated) ticket in front of
the scanner during the purchase.
[0011] FIG. 3--Database Design: The fields of the data associated
with the gift card include but are not limited to: card number,
activation status, activation date, deactivation date, amount
balance, purchase history (date, location, timestamp), internet
game play codes, optional registration information for security
purposes, ticket serial number, security pin number. These control
the security of the card value, debit/credit amounts and
association with the purchase. The database can be housed on a
proprietary individual server to track only gift card values, but
must interact with the lottery's accounting system to reconcile the
ticket transactions with the gift cards.
[0012] FIG. 4--Path of Purchase, Activation & Redemption: This
diagram shows own the life cycle of the lottery gift card. It shows
the retail purchase of the card, optional uses of the card,
activity at time of purchase, security for Internet play,
deactivation procedure and reuse of the card. The card can accept
prize winnings by crediting after validation of winning
tickets.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The most important feature of the lottery gift card system
is the ability for a player to use the pre-paid gift cards to play
their lottery games on the internet or via a portable web-enabled
device such as a cell phone, iPhone.RTM. or Blackberry.RTM. smart
phone. Current lottery rules and restrictions do not allow for the
purchase of lottery tickets over the Internet or phone lines. Since
the gift card must be purchased and activated at an authorized
retailer, that transaction remains within the existing rules and
guidelines of the state. The cardholder can use any location where
the tickets are available to determine the game play. This includes
the same retailer where the gift card was purchased, any other
authorized lottery retailer, or that specific lottery's website
playing secure Internet based games.
[0014] The cards have zero value until the retail clerk activates
them at the point of purchase. Lottery transactions are separate
from most retail point of purchase systems, as they have to be
accounted for separately to facilitate purchases and winning
payouts. Each lottery has a different system to account for the
sale of lottery tickets and the validation of winning tickets.
However, they are all tied into a central database accessible to
lottery corporate officers and administrators. The gift card
activation process has to tie in with this system in order to
accurately account for each transaction. By creating a universal
reader and/or reader process, the gift cards can be produced
similarly for all lotteries and still offer the ability to
interface with different systems.
[0015] The gift card will be identified by unique codes written
into the magnetic stripe on the card back, on the unique barcode
printed on the card or on an RFID tag embedded into the
card/device. The player id can be determined by the scanner device
implemented for a specific program using any or all of the three ID
formats. The card will also have a hidden security code that the
user will reveal by scratching off with latex OR securely
communicated to the owner of the gift card device. Alternative
means for distributing this PIN number could include printed and
sent via mail, communicated by phone after a series of questions
designed to ensure identity, unlocked via internet after
determining identity. This code is reserved for Internet game play.
Since the card will be debited at the point of an Internet game
play transaction, this security code will ensure that the card
number wasn't compromised prior to purchase. The back of the card
is exposed and could be copied by the retailer or other party prior
to sale and activation. By adding a secure PIN after activation,
this protects the consumer from any fraudulent use of the card.
[0016] The scanner/reader will have a magnetic stripe reader for
quick recognition of the gift card. It also has a barcode scanner
for scanning the lottery tickets purchased with the gift card. Also
it could be equipped with an RFID receiver to allow for various ID
device sizes beyond the traditional 3.5''.times.2.125'' plastic
card. The scanner is equipped with an Ethernet port, 802.11b/g
wireless port and a cellular card. These connections will enable
the high-speed transfer of the transaction activity back to the
lottery central database or other secure database server housing
the gift card transaction information. The scanner also has a
numeric 10-key with a series of programmable function keys for
basic input. This allows for input of the gift card values as well
as expansion of features not incorporated at the time of
implementation. The scanner also has a USB input connection to
allow for the programming of the function keys via a standard PC.
The scanner can also interface with the PC via the wired or
wireless Ethernet connection.
[0017] Upon purchase of the card, the lottery retailer will
activate by swiping the card through the magnetic stripe reader on
the scanner. He/she will enter the requested denomination of the
card and then hit the submit function to activate the card. The
card reader can also be programmed to complete the purchase
transaction with an accepted credit card. The scanner hardware is
equipped with the proper interface to process that transaction (mag
stripe reader and external communications connectivity). The
software tied to the scanner can facilitate the credit card
transaction and verify purchase authorization prior to activation
of the card. Alternatively, the player can purchase the card with
cash, add the money to the lottery cash drawer and then the
retailer can hit `activate` on the scanner to complete the
transaction.
[0018] The scanner can also be used to `deactivate` the card
rendering it void. This feature is available to the retailer in the
event of an activation error or mis-purchase. However, the majority
of `deactivation` requests will come from the end user in the case
of a lost or stolen card. The deactivation procedure for that is to
call a toll-free number provided with the card (and available at
the lottery retailer or website) and the system manager can
deactivate the card in the database. This will stop any further use
of that card and allows the system manager to issue a new card to
the user with the remaining balance. This is a critical component
to the security of the process. Once the card is activated, it is
virtually cash. But unlike cash, it has the potential to be
recovered if lost. Lottery players will appreciate this
service.
[0019] In order to facilitate this level of ownership security, the
lottery website or dedicated site will be set up with a
registration page for the gift card. While impractical to capture
card owner profile information at the point-of-sale, the card owner
can provide that information after purchase. By logging into the
website and entering the card number, they can attach user name,
address, phone, email or other contact information to that card. In
the event that the card is lost or stolen, this information would
provide further proof of purchase to resolve any disputes. This
area will also facilitate any security questions/information
designed to distribute or reissue any PIN numbers.
[0020] The personal information can be helpful in resolving
disputes related to the lottery tickets purchased with that card.
Because the ticket information is tied to the card, the database
could be queried to determine the owner of a ticket. In the event
of a lost or stolen lottery ticket that is a winner, this system
can identify the rightful owner of the ticket.
[0021] With the activated gift card, the player can go to any
authorized lottery retailer and make a lottery game transaction.
The player would select their game--either an instant ticket or a
terminal generated ticket (Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick 5,
etc)--and when asked for payment, they would hand the gift card to
the retailer. The retailer would then swipe the gift card in the
gift card scanner and then scan the barcode of the lottery tickets
in the same gift code scanner. All instant games and terminal
generated games are identified with a barcode. The scanner will
determine the balance on the card, cross-reference the lottery game
(SKU) database to identify the tickets, determine the total
purchase price of the tickets and subtract from the gift card
balance. If the gift card balance is suitable to cover the
purchase, the card is debited by that amount and a balance receipt
is provided for the consumer. If the gift card balance isn't enough
to cover the purchase, the remainder is generated on a receipt and
the retailer can request that from the consumer. The consumer can
add more money to the same card and the retailer can facilitate
that as described in paragraph 00017.
[0022] If the consumer wants to play out their games on the
Internet, they can log into the lottery website to select from a
number of different game options available. Prior to game play on
the Internet the system will ask the user for the secure PIN to
complete the transaction. Without the secure PIN, the game will not
generate.
[0023] The games on the lottery website are individual prize pool
games, similar to printed lottery tickets. They will play out just
like scratch tickets, but use a certified random number generator
(RNG) to determine the outcome of the game. Once all the tickets in
the prize pool have been played, a new prize pool game is
generated. This process of stocking Internet games mirrors the
process of stocking paper printed games at retail. At this time,
the inventory and play action should be as close as possible to
playing a traditional paper ticket. However, this system allows for
more innovative design of digital lottery game play.
[0024] The player can also use the pre-paid gift card to play the
drawing games for that particular lottery. So just like a lottery
ticket terminal, the players PDA or computer will connect to a page
where they can enter their gift card number and corresponding PIN
and assuming there is a balance on the card, they can select their
drawing numbers or a Quick Pick (random set of numbers) for a
particular game. The site will generate a virtual ticket that can
be printed from the player's printer, or saved as a JPG image to be
pulled up and printed at a later date. The system will lock out any
play 2 minutes before the scheduled drawing, just like the retailer
ticket terminal. The numbers selected by that player for that
drawing are appended to the database with the associated gift card
serial number. Once the drawing is held, if the ticket is
determined as a winner, the site can alert the player of the
winning ticket via e-mail or text message. The player can pull up
the jpg image of the ticket on their PDA or smart phone and have it
scanned/validated at the retail location or print off a copy to be
validated by the lottery.
[0025] With lower level prize winnings, the player could choose to
add the winnings to the balance on the gift card. Prizes over a
certain dollar amount requires a claim process by the lottery.
However lower prize winnings can be credited back to the gift card
device and then applied toward the redemption of additional games
at retail or Internet play. If the lottery decides that they would
rather have all claims awarded in person at retail, the system can
be set up to do that as well.
DRAWINGS
[0026] The following 4 pages are images diagramming the process by
which seeds can be incorporated into a lottery instant/scratch off
ticket. Detail of each drawing is described in paragraphs
[00008]-[00011] above in the section titled "BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF
THE DRAWINGS".
* * * * *