U.S. patent application number 13/031382 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-23 for system and method for enabling lottery game entry.
Invention is credited to Alex Marek.
Application Number | 20120214582 13/031382 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46653192 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120214582 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marek; Alex |
August 23, 2012 |
System And Method For Enabling Lottery Game Entry
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for a player to enter a
lottery game using a computing device from any location having an
available connection to a data communication network. The systems
and methods include a lottery entry service provider operating a
networked platform that is accessible from the computing device
connected to the data communication network for the player to
submit a lottery ticket purchase request. A lottery agent prints an
actual lottery slip from a virtual lottery slip generated by the
lottery entry service provider in accordance with the player
selected lottery numbers. The lottery agent submits the actual
lottery slip to the lottery commission using a lottery terminal of
the lottery commission and receives a printed official lottery
ticket. The lottery agent retains the office lottery ticket for
pickup by the player.
Inventors: |
Marek; Alex; (Gulfport,
FL) |
Family ID: |
46653192 |
Appl. No.: |
13/031382 |
Filed: |
February 21, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 ;
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/0655 20130101;
A63F 3/0645 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/29 ;
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/08 20060101
A63F003/08 |
Claims
1. A method for entering a lottery, the method comprising the steps
of: communicating selected lottery numbers to a remote processing
engine using a computing device connected to a communication
network; generating a virtual lottery slip including at least said
selected lottery numbers; communicating a transaction request to a
designated lottery agent via a communication network, said
transaction request including information identifying said virtual
lottery slip; printing an actual lottery slip from said virtual
lottery slip on physical media that is readable by a lottery
terminal used to submit a lottery ticket purchase request to a
lottery commission; processing said actual lottery slip by a
lottery terminal during a lottery ticket purchase request to the
lottery commission; printing an official lottery ticket by said
lottery terminal; and retaining said official lottery ticket by
designated lottery agent.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein during the generating step, the
virtual lottery slip is generated at by said processing engine.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said virtual lottery slip is a
digital image comprising discreet marks that are arranged to
correspond to said selected lottery number fill-in blanks on a
preprinted lottery slip so as to permit printing of said virtual
lottery slip on physical media comprising preprinted lottery
slips.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said virtual lottery slip is a
digital image comprising a lottery slip including filled-in blanks
corresponding to said selected lottery numbers so as to permit
printing of said virtual lottery slip on blank physical media.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said computing device is a mobile
computing device and said communication network is the
internet.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a mobile phone.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a computer tablet device.
8. The method of claim 5, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a personal digital assistant.
9. A method for entering a state lottery, the method comprising the
steps of: accessing a lottery entry service provider website via a
web browser operating on a mobile computing device connected to a
wireless communication network providing access to the internet by
a user/player; designating a lottery draw by a user/player;
selecting lottery numbers for entry into the designated lottery
draw by the user/player; generating a virtual lottery slip in
accordance with the designated lottery draw and the selected
lottery numbers; designating a lottery agent; printing an actual
lottery slip from the virtual lottery slip on physical media that
is readable by a lottery terminal used to submit a lottery ticket
purchase request to a lottery commission by the designated lottery
agent; processing said actual lottery slip by a lottery terminal
during a lottery ticket purchase request to the lottery commission;
printing an official lottery ticket by said lottery terminal; and
retaining said official lottery ticket by designated lottery
agent.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said virtual lottery slip is a
digital image comprising discreet marks that are arranged to
correspond to said selected lottery number fill-in blanks on a
preprinted lottery slip so as to permit printing of said virtual
lottery slip on physical media comprising preprinted lottery
slips.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein said virtual lottery slip is a
digital image comprising a lottery slip including filled-in blanks
corresponding to said selected lottery numbers so as to permit
printing of said virtual lottery slip on blank physical media.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a mobile phone.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a computer tablet device.
14. The method of claim 9, wherein said mobile computing device
comprises a personal digital assistant.
15. The method of claim 9, wherein during the designating step, the
lottery agent is designated automatically according to user/player
stored preference.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein during the designation step, the
lottery agent is designated geographically in relating to
user/player.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to lottery games,
and more particularly, relating to systems and methods for enabling
lottery game entry by a participant using a computing device from
any location with access to the internet.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many States and government agencies conduct lotteries that
offer players with a chance to win large monetary awards. For this
reason, lotteries are attractive games of chance that are played by
numerous people. Retail outlet such as gas stations, convenience
stores, grocery stores, liquor stores, etc. sell lottery tickets. A
player must physically visit one of these locations to purchase a
lottery ticket. Generally, lottery tickets are purchased in one of
two ways. The first, being called a "quick-pick" in which a lottery
terminal selects the lottery numbers randomly for entry into the
lottery. The second involves a player filling out a lottery slip by
selecting the desired lottery numbers and presenting the lottery
slip to the retailer for submission to the lottery commission via
the lottery terminal. Once submitted the lottery terminal prints an
official lottery ticket which is given to the player.
[0003] There are instances when it is inconvenient for a player
desiring to enter a lottery to visit a retail store to purchase a
lottery ticket. In other instances a player may not be able to
physically visit a retail store to purchase a ticket. For example,
a player may be traveling or located in a location that does not
offer the ability to enter into a desired lottery. In another
example, inclement weather may prevent the player from visiting a
store. In other instances a player may be presented with long lines
at a store for the purchasing of a lottery ticket.
[0004] With the advent of modern computing technology including
small portable computing devices and wireless communication
networks several systems and methods have been developed to permit
a player to enter a lottery without requiring the player to
physically visit a retail store through the use of computer systems
and data communication networks, such as the internet. However,
while these systems and methods heretofore meet their respective
objectives and requirements, they have not been widely adopted due
to several drawbacks. Particularly, the systems and methods
heretofore require direct integration with existing lottery agency
systems, including the computing and communication systems to
function. Direct integration, in most instances, requires the
lottery agency to adopt and implement new systems, which is an
expensive and over burdensome task for the resulting player
convenience.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for new systems and methods
that provide player convenience in the purchasing of lottery
tickets and which do not require lottery agencies to implement new
system to facilitate the ability of a player to enter a lottery
without having to visit a retail store to purchase a lottery
ticket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The preferred embodiments of the present invention addresses
these needs by providing systems and methods for a player using a
computing device to request an entry into a desired lottery game
from any location where the computing device may be connected to a
data communication network and without the player having direct
communication with the lottery agency systems and/or a retail
store, and without requiring the lottery agency to adopt and
implement new systems.
[0007] The systems and methods herein utilizes available computer
technology, computing devices and wired and wireless data
communication networks and is easily adaptable for use with future
developed computer technology, computing devices and wired and
wireless data communication networks.
[0008] In an embodiment, the systems and methods herein include a
website platform that is developed for player access through a web
browser operating on the player's computing device for requesting
entry into a lottery. The website platform may be optimized for
access from mobile computing device including mobile phones,
personal digital assistants, portable computing devices, etc.
[0009] In embodiments, the system herein includes a lottery entry
service provider operating a computer system including one or more
networked computers, a plurality of geographically located lottery
agents each operating a computer system including one or more
networked computers and printers, and a player using a computing
device having access to data communication network. In this system
the player's computing device is networked with computer systems of
the lottery entry service provider, and the computing system of
each lottery agent is networked with the computer systems of the
lottery entry service provider. In some instances, the computing
system of a lottery agent may be networked with the player's
computing system, for example for one-way communication from the
lottery agent to the player.
[0010] The player using a computing device connected to a data
communication network and running a web browser visits the website
of the lottery entry service provider and utilizing the website,
the player submits a request for a lottery entry into a desired
lottery game and pays the lottery entry service provider an amount
necessary to purchase the lottery ticket from the lottery agency
conducting the desired lottery plus a service fee to the lottery
entry service provider.
[0011] The lottery service provider processes the players requested
lottery entry and generates a virtual lottery slip in accordance
with the player selected lottery numbers. A designated lottery
agent then prints an actual lottery slip from the virtual lottery
slip onto physical media that is readable by a lottery terminal.
The lottery agent then submits the player's desired lottery entry
to the lottery agency using the lottery terminal and receives a
printed official lottery ticket, which is retained by the lottery
agent to be claimed by the player at his/her convenience.
[0012] To achieve these and other advantages, in general, in one
aspect, a method for entering a lottery is provided. The method
includes the steps of: [0013] a. communicating selected lottery
numbers to a remote processing engine using a computing device
connected to a communication network; [0014] b. generating a
virtual lottery slip including at least said selected lottery
numbers; [0015] c. communicating a transaction request to a
designated lottery agent via a communication network, said
transaction request including information identifying said virtual
lottery slip; [0016] d. printing an actual lottery slip from said
virtual lottery slip on physical media that is readable by a
lottery terminal used to submit a lottery ticket purchase request
to a lottery commission; [0017] e. processing said actual lottery
slip by a lottery terminal during a lottery ticket purchase request
to the lottery commission; [0018] f. printing an official lottery
ticket by said lottery terminal; and [0019] g. retaining said
official lottery ticket by designated lottery agent.
[0020] In general, in another aspect, a method for entering a
lottery is provided. The method includes the steps of: [0021] a.
accessing a lottery entry service provider website via a web
browser operating on a mobile computing device connected to a
wireless communication network providing access to the internet by
a user/player; [0022] b. designating a lottery draw by a
user/player; [0023] c. selecting lottery numbers for entry into the
designated lottery draw by the user/player; [0024] d. generating a
virtual lottery slip in accordance with the designated lottery draw
and the selected lottery numbers; [0025] e. designating a lottery
agent; [0026] f. printing an actual lottery slip from the virtual
lottery slip on physical media that is readable by a lottery
terminal used to submit a lottery ticket purchase request to a
lottery commission by the designated lottery agent; [0027] g.
processing said actual lottery slip by a lottery terminal during a
lottery ticket purchase request to the lottery commission; [0028]
h. printing an official lottery ticket by said lottery terminal;
and [0029] i. retaining said official lottery ticket by designated
lottery agent.
[0030] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more
important features of the invention in order that the detailed
description thereof that follows may be better understood and in
order that the present contribution to the art may be better
appreciated.
[0031] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in
the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of
presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of
the present invention when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other
embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0032] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0033] For a better understanding of the invention, its operating
advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference
should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter
in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] The following drawings illustrate by way of example and are
included to provide further understanding of the invention for the
purpose of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the
invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of the
embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the invention, the description taken with the
drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the
several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.
Identical reference numerals do not necessarily indicate an
identical structure. Rather, the same reference numeral may be used
to indicate a similar feature of a feature with similar
functionality. In the drawings:
[0035] FIG. 1 is an architectural diagram of a typical state run
lottery;
[0036] FIG. 2 is an architectural diagram of a lottery entry system
in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;
[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process using the system and
method in accordance with an embodiment of this invention;
[0038] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a virtual lottery
slip being printed onto physical preprinted lottery slip media in
the printing of an actual lottery slip in accordance with an
embodiment of this invention;
[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic illustration of a virtual lottery
slip being printed onto blank lottery slip media in the printing of
an actual lottery slip in accordance with an embodiment of this
invention;
[0040] FIGS. 6a through 6c are serial flowcharts showing a process
using the system and method in accordance with an embodiment of
this invention and
[0041] FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration of an system for the
automation of the processing of actual lottery slips by a lottery
terminal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0042] The invention disclosed herein provides a player of a
lottery, such as a state lottery, the means to facilitate the
participation in the lottery using a personal computing device from
any location that the computing device may be connected to a
communication network, such as, for example, a wired or wireless
communication network providing access to the world wide web
(internet). The invention disclosed herein is particularly suited
for wireless mobile computing devices including mobile phones,
smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDA), tablet devices,
etc. Further, unlike existing systems and methods, the system and
methods of this invention can be implemented without requiring
integration with or without requiring active cooperation by
existing lottery system infrastructures.
[0043] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated an
architectural diagram of a typical state run lottery including a
lottery system 10 comprising computer hardware and software
required to administer the lottery. Implementation of lottery
system 10 is well known in the art and forms no part of this
invention. Accordingly, a detailed description of the lottery
system 10 is not required herein. A retail lottery terminal 12
located at a retail outlet 14, such as, for example a convenience
store, is connected to the lottery system 10 by a communication
network 16 for communication therebetween in the facilitation of
the purchasing of lottery tickets and the redeeming of lottery
winnings. A player desiring to participate in the lottery is
required to visit the retail outlet 14 and complete a lottery slip
18 by filling-in lottery number selection bubbles 20 that
correspond to the player's desired lottery number selection for a
given lottery draw. The player presents the completed lottery slip
18 to a representative of the retail outlet 14 along with a payment
required for participation in the lottery draw according to the
completed lottery slip. The lottery slip 18 is processed using
lottery terminal 12, which during processing communicates the
desired bet with the lottery system 10 where it is processed
according to the particulars of the lottery system. Once the bet is
accepted, the lottery terminal 12 prints an official lottery ticket
22 including the details of the lottery and the selected lottery
numbers. The purchase transaction is concluded with the lottery
ticket 22 being given to the player.
[0044] Turing now to FIG. 2, there is illustrated an architectural
diagram of the lottery entry system 100 in accordance with the
principals of the present invention. In an embodiment, the lottery
entry system 100 includes a lottery entry service provider 102,
multiple lottery agents 104, and user/player computing device 106,
each connected to a communication network 108 facilitating the
communication of data between the computing device 106 and the
lottery entry service provider 102, and the communication of data
between the lottery agents 104 and the lottery entry service
provider.
[0045] The lottery entry service provider 102 includes one or more
networked computers 110 running one or more software applications
configured to process lottery entries, manage user/player access,
manage lottery agent access, manage state lottery commission
access, manage databases containing user/player information and
lottery play information and manage user/player prepaid purchasing
accounts and/or to facilitate electronic commerce transactions.
User/player information may include a unique identification code
assigned to each user/player, username and password, as well as
user/player contact information including mailing address, email
address and telephone numbers, age verification data, historical
data of lottery entries, and preferences. Lottery play information
may include the types of lottery draws available through a state
lottery, frequency of lottery draws, time restrictions for entering
a lottery draw, rules and regulations concerning state lottery
drawings, etc.
[0046] In an embodiment, the lottery entry service provider's
computers 110 includes a web server operating to host a website
that provides a user interface that is accessible by a web browser
operating on computing device 106 connected to communication
network 108. In an embodiment, communication network 108 includes
the internet to which computing device 106 is connected. Ideally,
the connection between the computing device 106 and the computers
110 is made through a secured connection protocol, such as, but not
limited to Secure Sockets Layer or the like. In a preferred
embodiment, computing devices 106 are mobile, wireless computing
devices including mobile phones, mobile computers, PDAs, computer
tablet devices, etc. that are configured to operate over a mobile
communications network that provides access to the internet.
Computing devices 106 may also be configured to connect to the
internet through available wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
connections, also referred to as a Wi-Fi.RTM. connection, or the
like.
[0047] Lottery agents 104 may be operated by the lottery entry
service provider 100 or may be separate entities contracted with
the lottery entry service provider. Preferably, lottery agents 104
are authorized state lottery venders that are contracted with the
lottery entry service provider 100 to process player/user lottery
entries as will be further explained below. Lottery agents 104 are
geographically dispersed within a geographical area to provide
multiple service points. Lottery agents 104 include one or more
staff members, one or more networked computers 112 and one or more
printers 114 connected to the one or more networked computers.
Computers 112 are configured to be connected to communication
network 108 to communication with the lottery entry service
provider's computers 110. Computers 112 are ideally connected to
computers 110 through a secured dedicated connection or a secured
connection over the internet, for example, a Virtual Private
Network. Alternatively, and in an embodiment, the printer 114 may
be a networked enabled printer that is connected to the
communication network 106 with out connection through an
intermediate computer.
[0048] The entry service provider's computers 110 further included
a processing engine to receive lottery entry requests from a
user/player using a computing device connected to the communication
network, to process the request, and to establish communication
with a lottery agent to communicate the received lottery entry
request to the lottery agent, as will be further described
below.
[0049] With reference to FIG. 3, there is shown a high level
flowchart 300 broadly illustrating the steps in a process of a
user/player lottery entry into a state lottery according to at
least one embodiment of the present invention. In step 302, a
user/player accesses the lottery entry service provider's website
connected to the lottery entry service provider's servers using a
web browser operating on a computing device that is connected to
the internet. In step, 304 the user/player designates an available
future state lottery draw presented to the user/player and selects
the desired lottery numbers for entry into the designated lottery
draw. In an embodiment, the user/player is presented with an
interface simulating a lottery slip for the selection of the
lottery numbers to enhance user/player experience. In step 306,
payment for the designated lottery draw is consummated either by a
prepaid account, credit card, debit card or other electronic
commerce payment options. In step 308, a virtual lottery slip is
generated in accordance with the designated lottery draw and the
selected lottery numbers. In step 310, a physical lottery slip is
printed from the virtual lottery slip by a designated lottery
agent. In step 312, the physical lottery slip is processed by a
state lottery terminal connected to a state lottery system. In step
314, an official lottery ticket is printed by the state lottery
terminal. Then in step 316, the official lottery ticket is retained
by the lottery agent for subsequent pickup by the user/player.
[0050] In embodiments, the designated lottery agent may communicate
to the user/player using the user/player's stored contact
information to inform the user/player the availability of picking
up the official lottery ticket. For example, the lottery agent may
send a notification message to the user/player's mobile phone via a
SMS messaging.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 4, there is diagrammatically
illustrated one embodiment of a virtual lottery slip 116 for
printing onto preprinted lottery slip media 118 for generation of
the physical lottery slip 119 to be processed by a state lottery
terminal. In this embodiment, virtual lottery slip 116 comprising a
plurality of discrete blots 120 each corresponding to a user/player
selected lottery number and arranged in registration with a
corresponding lottery number selection bubble 122 on the preprinted
lottery slip media 118 during printing of the virtual lottery slip
onto the preprinted lottery slip media. In this embodiment, the
virtual lottery slip 116 may be a digital image data file, for
example a bitmap image file, a JPEG image file, a GIF image file, a
TIFF image file, or any other suitable image file. The virtual
lottery slip 116 may also comprise a print-to-file data file. The
virtual lottery slip 116 may also comprise a portable document file
(PDF). The virtual lottery slip 116 may also be a non-image based
data file that is processed during printing to register blots 120
with bubbles 122.
[0052] With reference to FIG. 5, there is diagrammatically
illustrated an alternative embodiment of a virtual lottery slip 124
for printing on to blank lottery slip media 126 for generating
actual lottery slip 127 for processing by the state lottery
terminal. In this embodiment, the virtual lottery slip 124
comprises virtual lottery slip 116 superimposed on an image of a
lottery slip with blots 120 registered with corresponding the
lottery number selection bubbles 122. In this embodiment, the
virtual lottery slip 124 may be a digital image data file, for
example a bitmap image file, a JPEG image file, a GIF image file, a
TIFF image file, or any other suitable image file. The virtual
lottery slip 124 may also comprise a print-to-file data file. The
virtual lottery slip 124 may also comprise a portable document file
(PDF). The virtual lottery slip 116 may also be a non-image based
data file that is processed during printing to register blots 120
with bubbles 122.
[0053] With reference to FIGS. 6a through 6c, there is shown a
detailed flow chart 400 illustrating steps in a process of a
user/player lottery entry into a state lottery according to at
least one embodiment of the present invention. In step 402, a
user/player accesses the lottery entry service provider's website
connected to the lottery entry service provider's servers using a
web browser operating on a computing device that is connected to
the internet. The user/player computing device may be mobile,
wireless computing devices including mobile phones, mobile
computers, PDAs, computer tablet devices, etc. that are configured
to operate over a mobile communications network that provides
access to the internet or configured to connect to the internet
through available WLAN connections. At step 404, the user/player is
presented with a login screen wherein the user/player enters
his/her username and password. At step 406, the entered username
and password is verified and authenticated. If at step 408, if the
username and password are not valid, at step 410, the user/player
is presented with an option to either re-enter the username and
password or to register a username and password with the system. If
the user/player selects the re-enter option the process is
continued back to step 404. If the user/player selects the register
option the process is halted and the user/player is directed to a
user registration process.
[0054] After being verified and authenticated the user/player may
enter various registered user functions such as account balance,
historic lottery play, user information, lottery entry. Only the
lottery entry portion of the functionality of the system is
illustrated in flowchart 400. At step 412, the user/player selects
from available lottery games and lottery draw dates presented to
the user/play in accordance the lottery play information database.
Then at step 414, the user/player selects his/her desired lottery
numbers to be entered into the previously selected lottery. In this
step, the user/player may be presented with an interface simulating
a lottery slip for the selection of the lottery numbers to enhance
user/player experience. Alternatively, at step 414, the user/player
may opt for an auto select play (quick-pick) wherein system will
provide an indicator of such on the virtual lottery slip. At step
416, the user/player's confirms his/her selected lottery and
selected lottery numbers. If the selected lottery and selected
lottery numbers are confirmed in step 418, the process continues to
step 420, otherwise the process loops back to step 412 or the
user/player is given an option to exit the lottery play function.
At step 420, payment of the lottery entry is consummated by either
debiting the user/player's prepaid account, or through other
payment options available through electronic commerce.
[0055] Once the purchase of the lottery entry is consummated, at
step 422, a virtual lottery slip is generated in accordance with
the user/player selections. The virtual lottery slip may be or may
not be presented to the user/player at this time. At step 424, a
desired lottery agent is designated for further processing of the
lottery entry by the lottery agent and pickup of the official
lottery ticket by the user/player. In an aspect, a lottery agent
may be automatically designated according to lottery agent
preference stored in the user/player information database, the
lottery agent may be selected from a map that is presented to the
user/player or the lottery agent may be selected based upon the
geographical location of the user/player relative to the closest
lottery agent. In the geographical location selection, the
user/player needs to be using a computing device equipped with a
global positioning system or with a radio system wherein the
user/player's location may be triangulated using radio towers, or
the user must enter a postal code corresponding to his/her
location. Such geographical locating system are well known in the
art, and accordingly a complete discussion thereof is not required
for the understanding and implementation of the system and methods
of the present invention.
[0056] There are several contemplated options for facilitating
receipt of the virtual lottery slip by the designated lottery
agent. A first option is illustrated in flowchart 500 in FIG. 6b.
At step 502, a lottery agent using a web browser operating on
computing device connected to a communication network accesses the
website of the lottery entry service provider and enters into a
lottery agent portal according to credentials provided by the
lottery agent during access. From here at step 504, the lottery
agent may view virtual lottery slips designated to the lottery
agent for further processing. At step 506, the lottery agent may
select virtual lottery slips to be printed. At step 508, the
selected virtual lottery slips are printed onto corresponding
lottery slip media using a printer at the lottery agent location
forming an actual lottery slip including the user/player
selections. At step 510, the actual lottery slip is processed by a
state lottery terminal and the desired bet is transmitted to the
state lottery system. At step 512, an office lottery ticket is
printed by the state lottery terminal. As step 514, the office
lottery ticket is retained by the lottery agent for subsequent
pickup by the user/player. Additionally, the lottery agent may
retain the virtual lottery slip and the actual lottery slip as
records of the lottery entry.
[0057] A second option for facilitating receipt of the virtual
lottery slip by the designated lottery agent is illustrated in flow
chart 600 in FIG. 6c. At step 602, it is determined if the computer
(or network printer) of the designated lottery agent is connected
to the communication network and is available for communication by
the servers of the lottery entry service provider. At step 604, the
virtual lottery slip is pushed out to the designated lottery agent
computer (or networked printer). At step 606, the pushed virtual
lottery slip is printed onto corresponding lottery slip media using
a printer at the lottery agent location forming an actual lottery
slip including the user/player selections. At step 608, the actual
lottery slip is processed by a state lottery terminal and the
desired bet is transmitted to the state lottery system. At step
610, an office lottery ticket is printed by the state lottery
terminal. As step 612, the office lottery ticket is retained by the
lottery agent for subsequent pickup by the user/player.
Additionally, the lottery agent may retain the virtual lottery slip
and the actual lottery slip as records of the lottery entry.
[0058] Additional steps may be added to the method as desired and
required for adding additional functionality to the lottery entry
system 100.
[0059] In an embodiment, the state lottery commission may be
provided access to databases maintained by the lottery entry
service provider to locate owners of winning tickets, to authentic
a lottery entry, to very compliance with lottery commission rules
and regulations and state laws, etc.
[0060] In an embodiment, a registered user/player may be notified
of a winning lottery entry, for example through an electronic
communication that is automatically generated based upon stored
user/player historic lottery play data and winning lottery numbers.
The electronic communication could be, as an example, an email, an
automated voice mail message, an SMS message, etc. Further, the
registered user/play may be notified of large lottery drawings,
presented with offers, etc. using any method of communication
available according saved user/player contact information.
[0061] The above described embodiments make use of a web browser
installed on a networked computing device operated by a user/player
to access the lottery entry service providers system through a
website. Alternatively, a dedicated program may be made available
for downloading and running locally on the user/player's computing
device to facilitate user/player access and use of the lottery
entry service provider's systems for entry a lottery in a similar
manner as described above.
[0062] Other embodiments are possible. With reference to FIG. 7,
there is diagrammatically illustrated a lottery agent 104 including
a lottery slip transfer device (automatic document feeder) 130
operatively connected to printer 114 and operatively connected to a
lottery terminal 12 for receiving a printed lottery slip 132 from
the printer and transferring the printed lottery slip to the
lottery terminal 12 for processing. This arrangement provides for
the automation of transferring and processing of printed lottery
slips by a lottery terminal, thereby eliminates the need for the
manual labor of receiving printed lottery slips from the printer
and manually processing the printed lottery slips by a lottery
terminal.
[0063] Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 7, printer 114 may include
a plurality of paper sources, such as paper trays 134 and 136, each
including physical lottery slip media that is specific for a
different lottery draw. The number of paper sources may be expanded
as required. Alternatively or in addition, an external paper source
feeder may be operatively connected to the printer to provide paper
sources. Printer/paper source handling system may be implemented to
automatically route a virtual lottery slip to a designated printer
and/or paper source on the basis of the lottery game type and the
location of the corresponding physical media. In some instances, a
lottery agent 104 may include a software module operating to
provide a graphical user interface for the purpose of printer
configuration and virtual lottery slip routing configuration. The
software module may also operate to load balancing print jobs
between configured printers.
[0064] A number of embodiments of the present invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
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