U.S. patent application number 13/457621 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-01 for method for tracking lottery purchases and notifying winners electronically.
This patent application is currently assigned to E-SQUARED TECH, INC.. Invention is credited to Elmer Y. Cha, Sungyun Eric Yoo.
Application Number | 20120276976 13/457621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47068291 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120276976 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yoo; Sungyun Eric ; et
al. |
November 1, 2012 |
METHOD FOR TRACKING LOTTERY PURCHASES AND NOTIFYING WINNERS
ELECTRONICALLY
Abstract
A method for managing game data, comprising electronically
receiving and storing purchased lottery ticket data at a processor
from a user device. Electronically transmitting ticket confirmation
to the user device. Electronically receiving winning lottery number
data at the processor. Electronically comparing the winning lottery
number data with the stored purchased lottery ticket data with the
processor to generate outcome data. Transmitting notification data
to the user device that includes the outcome data.
Inventors: |
Yoo; Sungyun Eric; (Plano,
TX) ; Cha; Elmer Y.; (Dallas, TX) |
Assignee: |
E-SQUARED TECH, INC.
Dallas
TX
|
Family ID: |
47068291 |
Appl. No.: |
13/457621 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61480481 |
Apr 29, 2011 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/064 20130101;
G07F 17/329 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/17 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for managing game data, comprising: electronically
receiving and storing purchased lottery ticket data at a processor
from a user device; electronically transmitting ticket confirmation
to the user device; electronically receiving winning lottery number
data at the processor; electronically comparing the winning lottery
number data with the stored purchased lottery ticket data with the
processor to generate outcome data; and transmitting notification
data to the user device that includes the outcome data.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising: electronically
receiving a registration request from a user device using a
processor; and electronically transmitting a registration
confirmation to the user device.
3. The method of claim 1 further comprising: electronically
receiving a request for a mobile application from the user device
at the processor; and electronically transmitting the mobile
application to the user device from the processor.
4. The method of claim 3 further comprising: electronically
receiving initialization data from the mobile device when the
mobile device activates the mobile application for the first time;
and electronically prompting the user device for account
configuration data.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: electronically
receiving a request for access to lottery notification service from
a user account of a social network system; and electronically
configuring the user account of the social network service to
access the lottery notification service.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising: electronically
receiving a request to form a group account at the processor;
electronically receiving a plurality of identifiers of group
members at the processor; and electronically creating the group
account at the processor, wherein the group account includes the
plurality of identifiers of group members.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising: electronically
receiving lottery ticket data at the processor from a user account
associated with one of the identifiers of group members; and
electronically associating the lottery ticket data with user
accounts associated with the other identifiers of group members.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional
application No. 61/480,481, filed Apr. 29, 2011, which is hereby
incorporated by reference for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to gaming systems,
and more specifically to a system and method for tracking lottery
ticket purchases for users and for electronically notifying users
of winning tickets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Lottery tickets are sold in many countries to allow players
to purchase a chance to win a large prize pool. The lottery tickets
are typically paper tickets, and if a player loses the ticket or
forgets to check their number, then the prize for that ticket will
go unclaimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A method for managing game data, comprising electronically
receiving and storing purchased lottery ticket data at a processor
from a user device. Electronically transmitting ticket confirmation
to the user device. Electronically receiving winning lottery number
data at the processor. Electronically comparing the winning lottery
number data with the stored purchased lottery ticket data with the
processor to generate outcome data. Transmitting notification data
to the user device that includes the outcome data.
[0005] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and advantages be included within this
description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be
protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with
reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate
corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an algorithm for tracking lottery
purchases and notifying winners electronically in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and
[0008] FIG. 2 is a diagram of system for providing lottery tracking
and notification services in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In the description that follows, like parts are marked
throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference
numerals. The drawing figures might not be to scale and certain
components can be shown in generalized or schematic form and
identified by commercial designations in the interest of clarity
and conciseness.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an algorithm 100 for tracking lottery
purchases and notifying winners electronically in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Algorithm 100 can
be implemented in hardware or a suitable combination of hardware
and software, and can be one or more software systems operating on
a general purpose processing platform.
[0011] As used herein, "hardware" can include a combination of
discrete components, an integrated circuit, an application-specific
integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or other
suitable hardware. As used herein, "software" can include one or
more objects, agents, threads, lines of code, subroutines, separate
software applications, two or more lines of code or other suitable
software structures operating in two or more software applications
or on two or more processors, or other suitable software
structures. In one exemplary embodiment, software can include one
or more lines of code or other suitable software structures
operating in a general purpose software application, such as an
operating system, and one or more lines of code or other suitable
software structures operating in a specific purpose software
application. As used herein, the term "couple" and its cognate
terms, such as "couples" and "coupled," can include a physical
connection (such as a copper conductor), a virtual connection (such
as through randomly assigned memory locations of a data memory
device), a logical connection (such as through logical gates of a
semiconducting device), other suitable connections, or a suitable
combination of such connections.
[0012] Algorithm 100 begins at 102, where a user registers an
account. In one exemplary embodiment, the present disclosure
provides a method for electronically tracking lottery purchases and
notifying registered players of winning numbers by a short message
service (SMS) message, a mobile application notification, e-mail or
other suitable processes. As used herein, a mobile application
refers to a software program or programs that operate on a
computing device, where the computing device can be a cellular
telephone, a tablet computer, or other suitable devices that are
typically portable and that have low power requirements. A mobile
application can be optimized for use with such portable devices,
such as to reduce the computing and power requirements associated
with running the mobile application. However, a mobile application
can also or alternatively be operated on a general purpose
processing platform, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer,
a server computer, or other suitable systems.
[0013] A lottery player may check a purchased ticket for the
jackpot numbers only, and may be unaware that there are other
winning prizes offered. These prizes can range from reimbursement
of the cost of the lottery ticket to a few thousand dollars. Unless
the player checks for all winning numbers, the player may not
realize that their lottery ticket contains winning numbers.
Algorithm 100 allows lottery players to track their purchased
lottery tickets and to be notified after the drawings if they hold
winning lottery tickets, non-winning lottery tickets, or in other
suitable situations.
[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, a user can register an account
by accessing a website to electronically submit registration data,
such as to create a profile that includes a username, a password,
an email address, a mobile number, a type of mobile phone and other
suitable data. The algorithm then proceeds to 104, where it is
determined whether the user has a smart phone, a tablet computer, a
desk top computer or other processing devices that are capable of
providing complex functionality. In this exemplary embodiment, the
user may access a web server or application server in a number of
different ways. For example, if it is determined that the user is
using a smart phone, the algorithm proceeds to 106. The algorithm
can detect the use of a smart phone in a number of suitable
manners. In one exemplary embodiment, a user of a smart phone,
which can include an Apple iPhone device, a device that uses the
Android operating system, or other suitable personal communication
devices with enhanced computing capacity, can be prompted to access
a website at the point of purchase for a lottery ticket, such as by
a physical display at the point of purchase. In this exemplary
embodiment, the user can enter a website address into a web browser
application of the smart phone device, the user can scan a two
dimensional bar code tag that is translated by an application that
operates on the user's smart phone into an electronic device of a
web server or application server, or other suitable algorithmic
processes can also or alternatively be used. The smart phone can
include an image data device that generates a frame of image data,
that scans a field of view, that performs optical character
recognition (OCR), or that otherwise processes image data.
[0015] In this exemplary embodiment, the user can download a mobile
application to the user's smart phone once the user has accessed
the web site, and can then register electronically. After
downloading the mobile application, the user can execute the mobile
application using the smart phone operating system or in other
suitable manners. When the mobile application is executed for the
first time, the mobile application can execute one or more
algorithms for obtaining information from the user to establish an
account for the user, or to access an existing account for the
user. During this initial processing, the mobile application can
prompt the user to enter data through a plurality of data entry
fields, such as the user's name, a mailing address, an email
address, a cellular telephone number, an electronic communications
address, electronic payment account information, or other suitable
data. Likewise, the mobile application can be configured to
interface with a social network or other third party systems, such
that the mobile application can include one or more applications
program interfaces (API) to the social network, to allow the mobile
application to obtain account data from the social network. In
another exemplary embodiment, the mobile application can be
replaced by an application that operates within the social network
environment, such as to allow the user to access the functionality
of the mobile application without having to download the mobile
application to the user's smart phone or other device. Likewise, a
web server application can also or alternatively be used. After
registration of the application, a confirmation email, text message
or other electronic message can be sent to the user's email address
or other suitable communications applications to confirm account
registration.
[0016] If it is determined at 104 that a smart phone is not being
used, the algorithm proceeds to 110, where an SMS confirmation or
other suitable processes are used to confirm account registration.
In this exemplary embodiment, a user can use a cellular device with
limited processing capability to establish an account, such as by
sending an SMS message to an address that is identified on a
physical display, where the cellular telephone number of the user's
cellular telephone is used to establish an initial account profile.
The user can then be provided with a response SMS message that
instructs the user to access a web site through a web browser, to
call an operator, or to other provide additional account
information for access to enhanced functional features. In this
exemplary embodiment, the user can transmit lottery ticket numbers
by manually entering the numbers, by using an image data device of
the cellular telephone to transmit an image of the lottery ticket
to an application server, or to otherwise interface with a lottery
tracking and notification system.
[0017] Based on the information provided during registration, if
the player uses a smart-phone, an application link may be sent from
a server to the registered mobile number as SMS or email. When
player clicks on the link, the player may have the option to
install a mobile-application on the phone. However, if the player
does not have a smart-phone, the server may send an email to the
registered address, and an SMS message confirming the mobile number
and the inability to install the mobile application. Thus, a player
is distinguished as a mobile-application user if using a
smart-Phone or a non-mobile-application user if using a
non-smart-phone.
[0018] After registration, the algorithm proceeds to 108 or 112,
depending on the type of device operated by the user. In one
exemplary embodiment, the user can go to a retail store or online
to purchase a lottery ticket. At 108, the user can take a picture
of the ticket using an image data device of the smart phone, such
as a camera that generates a frame of image data, a scanner that
uses OCR to detect alphanumeric data, or in other suitable manners.
The image data, the OCR character data, global positioning system
(GPS) data or other location data, and other suitable data can be
transmitted to the server using the mobile application. The mobile
application user can also or alternatively transmit a file of image
data via multimedia messaging service (MMS) to a designated short
code, ticket data can be manually entered using the mobile
application, or other suitable processes can be used. At 112, the
user can take a picture of the ticket using a camera device of the
user's cellular telephone and can send the picture via MMS to the
designated short code, the user can manually type in the lottery
ticket information and send it to the server via SMS, or other
suitable processes can be used. The algorithm then proceeds to
114.
[0019] At 114, the application server, web server or other suitable
systems (such as a lottery tracking and notification system) can
convert the image data sent by the users into text using optical
character recognition (OCR). The algorithm then proceeds to 116,
where the OCR data generated at the web server, application server
or other suitable systems can be compared to the OCR data from a
smart phone, manually-entered data, or other suitable data, and if
discrepancies exist, an electronic message can be generated to
prompt the user to provide an electronic message that resolves the
discrepancies. In addition, the user can access a website to
resolve discrepancies, to manually enter lottery ticket
information, or to perform other suitable functions.
[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the web server, application
server or other suitable system can send the processed lottery
ticket information to the user using the mobile application, an SMS
message, an email message or other suitable message to prompt the
user to confirm that the processed lottery ticket information
matches the hard copy or purchased lottery ticket information. If
the information matches, no additional action from the user can be
required. If the information does not match, the user can correct
inaccurate numbers using the mobile application, can send the
corrected information via SMS message, can log on to a web site
through a web browser and modify the information using the website,
or can correct the information using other suitable processes. The
algorithm then proceeds to 118.
[0021] At 118, winning lottery numbers are obtained after the
drawing for the lottery game. In one exemplary embodiment, the web
server, application server or other suitable systems can include
one or more APIs that interface with a state lottery system or
other third party data sources to obtain the winning lottery
numbers and prize information. After the winning lottery numbers
have been obtained, the stored lottery ticket is compared with the
winning number data to determine whether any tickets are winning
tickets. In one exemplary embodiment, the lottery ticket data can
be stored in a relational database that has predetermined fields
that identify the lottery numbers from relevant fields of the
lottery tickets, such as the lottery ticket numbers, an enhanced
value field (such as when the lottery game allows a player to pay
an additional amount to multiply the prize amount), the drawing
date for the lottery ticket, and other suitable data. The values
stored in the database fields for each lottery ticket can then be
extracted using a suitable algorithm, such as a search algorithm
that compares each field number of the lottery ticket with the
winning lottery drawing numbers, an algorithm that updates a field
with the count of matching numbers, an algorithm that compares the
number of matching numbers with the prize amounts for the lottery
game, an algorithm that stores the prize amount with the lottery
ticket record, an algorithm that sums all prize amounts for all of
the user's lottery tickets for that drawing, or other suitable
algorithms. The algorithm then proceeds to 120, where a
notification message is transmitted to the user, such as using SMS,
a mobile application, an or email or in other suitable manners. The
notification can include the winning numbers and the amount won,
including non-jackpot-commission based winnings. If an insufficient
number of lottery ticket fields match the winning numbers to win a
prize, a suitable notification can be transmitted, such as a
reminder of the date of the next lottery game drawing, the new
jackpot amount, or other suitable data.
[0022] In addition, the algorithm can update the user's account
history to enable the user to see the previously played numbers,
results and other suitable information. In an alternate embodiment,
the mobile application can download the winning numbers, compare
them to the numbers in the user's ticket information, and notify
the user if the ticket includes a winning combination as well as
any amount won.
[0023] In operation, algorithm 100 allows a user to store lottery
ticket data to allow the lottery ticket data to be compared with
drawn lottery numbers for a lottery game and to receive a
notification with the results. Algorithm 100 helps to alert users
to lottery game winnings, to avoid the inadvertent loss of
awards.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a diagram of system 200 for providing lottery
tracking and notification services in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. System 200 includes lottery
tracking and notification system 202, player account system 204,
group account system 206, payment interface system 208, lottery
interface system 210, social network interface system 212, mobile
applications 214A through 214N, state lottery system 216 and social
network system 218, each of which can be implemented in hardware or
a suitable combination of hardware and software, and which can be
one or more software systems operating on a processor.
[0025] Lottery tracking and notification system 202 allows users to
set up accounts for providing information identifying lottery
tickets that are purchased by the user and for receiving
notifications regarding the results of associated lottery drawings.
In one exemplary embodiment, lottery tracking and notification
system 202 can be implemented as a website that allows a user to
set up an account using a web browser by entering account data into
data fields of a web page or in other suitable manners. In another
exemplary embodiment, lottery tracking and notification system can
me implemented as an application server with one or more associate
mobile applications, such as applications that operate on the
iPhone mobile platform, the Android mobile platform, or other
suitable smart phone platforms. In this exemplary embodiment, a
user can download the mobile application from a website, an
application store or other suitable sources, and can be prompted to
enter account information when the user activates the mobile
application for the first time. In another exemplary embodiment,
lottery tracking and notification system 202 can operate in
conjunction with a social networking system, such as Facebook,
where a user can activate an application with the social networking
system and can utilize the social network account data to provide
account data for lottery tracking and notification system 202.
[0026] Lottery tracking and notification system 202 can also
provide advertising data to users, such as based on nearby stores
in response to GPS data or other positioning data. In one exemplary
embodiment, lottery tracking and notification system 202 can create
reminders for user that routinely play a lottery game, and can
generate a notification for the user at a predetermined time (such
as two hours before the next drawing) to remind the user to
purchase a ticket. The notification can include directions to the
closest store that is selling lottery tickets, the closest store
that has paid a membership fee to be included in the notification
service, or in other suitable manners, such as where priority is
given to the closest member store, and where the closest non-member
store is provided if the closest member store is more than a
predetermined distance from the user. Other suitable advertising
can also or alternatively be provided. In one exemplary embodiment,
an advertising promotion can be targeted to users that have lottery
ticket numbers that match predetermined numbers (such as the scores
of each team at the end of a sporting event), users that have won
or lost the lottery drawing, based on the user's birthday or
location, or other suitable advertising.
[0027] In another exemplary embodiment, lottery tracking and
notification system 202 can electronically store ticket image data
in a secure manner, as insurance against ticket fraud, ticket
theft, ticket loss, ticket destruction or other events. In this
exemplary embodiment, lottery tracking and notification system 202
can include one or more security controls that may be mandated by a
state lottery agency to allow lottery tracking and notification
system 202 to be used in this manner.
[0028] Player account system 204 allows a user to store relevant
account data, purchased lottery ticket data and other suitable data
for managing lottery ticket data and notifications. In one
exemplary embodiment, player account system 204 can allow a user to
enter account data fields, to modify account data fields, to enter
lottery ticket data fields, to correct lottery ticket data fields,
to enter notification data fields, or to perform other suitable
functions. In this exemplary embodiment, the user can navigate to
user entry screens that provide a user interface for adding or
modifying account data, such as by entering an account identifier
and a password, by selecting navigation links, or in other suitable
manners.
[0029] In one exemplary embodiment, a user can select an account
setting that allows ticket image data that is submitted by the user
to be saved, so as to allow the user to edit or correct ticket
data. Likewise, the ticket image data and any corrections entered
by the user can also be used by lottery tracking and notification
system 202 to improve any OCR processing that is performed at
lottery tracking and notification system 202, such as by
application of a learning algorithm, neural network algorithm or in
other suitable manners.
[0030] Player account system 204 can also allow a user to configure
one or more controls. In one exemplary embodiment, the notification
processes can be configured by the user, such as to allow the user
to elect to receive an email message, SMS message, a notification
from a mobile application, an automated or live telephone call,
different message types for different award levels, or other
suitable notifications. Likewise, seeing impaired users can
configure player account system 204 to read entered lottery ticket
numbers, winning numbers or other suitable data back to the user,
in a user-selected language, or in other suitable manners.
[0031] In another exemplary embodiment, player account system 204
can allow a user to transfer title to a lottery ticket to another
user, or to promise another user a share in any lottery the
winnings. In this exemplary embodiment, the other users can receive
a notification of the transferred title or interest in winnings,
and the users can electronically sign agreements in conjunction
with the transfer of title or outcome interests.
[0032] Group account system 206 allows two or more users to
establish a group account for jointly holding lottery ticket
information. In one exemplary embodiment, group account system 206
can allow a first user to create a group identifier, and to add or
invite other users to be members of the group. In this exemplary
embodiment, the first user can be the group administrator, the
group administrator function can be transferred from the first user
to a subsequent group member, the group administrator function can
be assigned to a user or users that have obtained group
administrator certification or training, or other suitable
processes can also or alternatively be used. Users can be invited
by a suitable message, can be added by the group administrator by
entering user identifiers or by selecting from a list, or in other
suitable manners. In one exemplary embodiment, each group member
can be provided with a group identifier and unique password, or
each user can assign their own group identifier, can have a common
password, or other suitable group access protocols and procedures
can be used. In another exemplary embodiment, group members can use
social networking system functionality to add members or administer
group functions, proximity based protocols can be used to add
members, or other suitable procedures can be used. Group account
system 206 allows group members to buy lottery tickets for the
group and to upload lottery number data, ticket image data, or
other suitable data to avoid problems that can arise when a group
member separately owns a winning lottery ticket. Likewise, group
members can pool lottery tickets, such as where the percent
ownership in lottery award proceeds is determined as a function of
the number of lottery tickets contributed by each group member.
Other suitable processes can also or alternatively be used to
allocate winnings from non-jackpot awards, such as to randomly
assign the non-jackpot winnings to one or more group members, to
assign the non-jackpot winnings to group members on a round robin
basis, to allow group members to create a "lottery" type award for
jackpot or non-jackpot winnings with user-defined contractual
terms, to print tickets for group membership or winnings with
suitable unique identifiers, or to perform other suitable
functions.
[0033] Payment interface system 208 provides interface
functionality to payment systems for use by users, groups or other
suitable entities. In one exemplary embodiment, an API to a payment
service such as PayPal, a credit card payment processor or other
suitable services can be used to allow group members to contribute
to a lottery pool. In this exemplary embodiment, cash payments for
lottery tickets can be made by one or more group members, and other
group members can buy into the lottery pool using the payment
system, such as where non-cash payments for lottery tickets are
prohibited by law. Likewise, other payment mechanisms such as
social network payment accounts can also or alternatively be
used.
[0034] Lottery interface system 210 interfaces with a state lottery
system, a third party data system, or other suitable systems to
obtain lottery drawing data, lottery prize pool or award data, or
other suitable data. In one exemplary embodiment, an API or other
suitable interfaces can be used to obtain lottery data directly
from a state lottery system, a web page template can be used to
read predetermined data fields from a state lottery system website,
or other suitable processes can be used to obtain lottery data.
[0035] Social network interface system 212 allows a user, group or
other entities to interface with a social network. In on exemplary
embodiment, member data fields for members of a social network can
be used to identify prospective group members, such as social
network members that worked for a company, attended a school, or
other suitable groups. In another exemplary embodiment, a social
graph can be used to identify prospective group members. An API can
also or alternatively be used to interface system 200 to a social
network, such as where lottery prize data is posted to a social
network member's account, to allow system 200 to be operated in
conjunction with a social network (such as to be an application
within the social network), or in other suitable manners.
[0036] Mobile applications 214A through 214N (where N is an integer
greater than one) allow users to interface with system 200, such as
by creating and accessing user accounts, to submit image data for
purchased lottery tickets, to receive notifications of winning
ticket numbers, to review OCR data for tickets to confirm the
accuracy of ticket numbers, to receive related advertising, or for
other suitable purposes. In one exemplary embodiment, the ticket
data can be processed using OCR processing at the mobile
application 214, which can identify the ticket date and type, the
date and location where the ticket was purchased, the date and
location where image data for the ticket was submitted from, or
other suitable data.
[0037] State lottery system 216 provides winning lottery draw
numbers, prize amounts, and other suitable data. In one exemplary
embodiment, state lottery system 216 can validate ticket
information, such as the time and location where a ticket was
purchased, security code information on the lottery ticket, and
other suitable data. In this exemplary embodiment, state lottery
system 216 can validate, ticket data received from image data, so
as to improve the security of submitted ticket data and to prevent
fraud.
[0038] Social network system 218 provide data or other
functionality for use with system 200. In one exemplary embodiment,
social network system can 218 provide user account data, can
support group functionality, can provide a portal for access to
system 200, or can provide other suitable functions.
[0039] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments
are merely examples of possible implementations. Many variations
and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments
without departing from the principles of the present disclosure.
All such modifications and variations are intended to be included
herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the
following claims.
* * * * *