RU2424574C2 - Method and system for conducting instant lottery - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: information technology.

SUBSTANCE: system and method involves transmitting to a terminal the corresponding sets of presentations for the instant lottery associated with the corresponding results in the prize fund. The host on each presentation is connected with the corresponding record in the prize fund corresponding to the instant lottery. A request is received at the terminal for a first and a second instant lottery, wherein the instant lottery is selected from a plurality of accessible instant lotteries. The host determines the result of the selected instant lottery. Presentation data are used to issue instant lottery tickets at the terminal, and the game ticket is issued based on the result of the first and second record on the corresponding first and second lotteries.

EFFECT: high speed of operation and simultaneity of conducting several lotteries using a hardware and software complex for conducting lotteries.

33 cl, 14 dwg

Description

[001] Part of the essence of the invention of the present patent document contains material protected by copyright. The copyright holder does not object to the facsimile reproduction of the patent document or the description of the invention to the patent, as appears from the files or records of the Patent Office, but otherwise retains absolutely all copyrights.

[002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[003] Lottery lottery tickets are a purchased game card, usually in the form of a ticket, for subsequent coincidence with the result of the lottery that takes place after the purchase of such a card. Lotto and Keno are two examples of lottery lottery games. In the instant lottery, whether a ticket or a card is winning is determined before or at the time of purchase. So, the issuance of a prize or payment on a winning ticket of an instant lottery is usually carried out immediately. Known types of instant lotteries contain pre-printed tickets, such as tickets with a tear-off element, tickets with a detachable protective layer, or “scraping” tickets (“scratch” tickets). Instant lotteries can also be conducted using electronic devices, for example, as described in US patent 6241606 Riendeau.

[004] Pre-printed lottery tickets for instant lotteries can be cumbersome and expensive. For security reasons, it is necessary to use secret printing and distribution of pre-printed instant lottery tickets. In addition, instant lottery tickets are traditionally printed in bundles or books before they are distributed to sellers of lotteries and slot machines. To do this, the lottery operator needs to determine how many tickets need to be printed for a specific instant lottery before selling tickets to the instant lottery. Also, printing tickets before distribution and sale limits the speed and ease with which the lottery operator can change instant ticket lotteries.

[005] Draw lottery systems allow customers to generally purchase tickets at their respective lottery terminal at grocery stores or similar establishments where tickets are printed on request. Each respective lottery terminal communicates with a central lottery server to exchange information and instructions for a given lottery operation. According to US patent 5772510 Roberts, it is possible to print instant lottery tickets in a lottery terminal selling lottery tickets, but a special ticket board with pre-printed information is still required.

[006] Embodiments of the present invention allow the generation of universal and convenient tickets for instant lotteries that can be printed directly at the point of sale. New games and prize structures can be conveniently used without the need for a special ticket board.

[007] A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[008] FIG. 1 shows an example architecture of a client server system for providing instant lottery in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[009] Figure 2 shows an example of a lottery terminal of an embodiment of a client-server system architecture for providing instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[010] FIG. 2a shows an example of a game selection screen for an embodiment of a lottery terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[011] FIG. 2b shows another example of a game selection screen of an embodiment of the present invention.

[012] Figure 3 shows several options for instant lottery tickets for the BINGO lottery according to one embodiment of the invention.

[013] FIG. 3R shows the back side of one embodiment of an instant lottery ticket ticket for a BINGO lottery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[014] Figure 4 shows an example of a lottery ticket for the CROSSWORD lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[015] FIG. 5 shows the structure of a host or central system embodiment for an architecture version of a client server system for providing instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[016] FIG. 6 shows an example of a prize pool for an example instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[017] FIG. 6a shows an example entry in an embodiment of a prize pool according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[018] FIG. 7 shows an example of a data structure diagram for an instant lottery variant according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[019] On Fig shows a variant of the method of playing the instant lottery and its simplification according to a variant implementation of the present invention.

[020] Figure 9 shows an embodiment of a method for applying a new lottery according to an embodiment of the invention.

[021] Figure 10 shows an embodiment of a method for checking an instant lottery according to an embodiment of the invention.

[022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[023] Some embodiments of the invention may include both systems and methods. The methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may include methods for purchasing instant lottery tickets, methods for simplifying the purchase of instant lottery tickets, methods for introducing, using or creating new instant lotteries, and methods for checking instant lotteries. Embodiments of systems according to embodiments of the present invention may comprise both serviced and unattended instant lottery ticket sales terminals, terminals combining the functions of lottery and other terminals, a client server system for selling instant lottery tickets and a central host or control system for controlling methods used in operating instant ticket lotteries.

[024] Some embodiments of the present invention may allow the sale of instant lottery tickets at non-traditional points, for example, in ordinary lottery lottery terminals, in video kiosks, in video lottery terminals. Such sales can be carried out without the use of special pre-printed lottery tickets used in conventional "scratch" lotteries, instant lotteries with tickets with a detachable layer and with a tear-off element. This helps to avoid the huge costs of inventing, distributing and tracking games that use such regular instant lottery tickets.

[025] Some embodiments of the present invention may also provide rapid use and improvement of new instant games. Since new games and new prize structures can be introduced, improved and verified electronically and further distributed via the network to various terminals, the time taken to launch a new game can be significantly reduced.

[026] Embodiments of the invention may include a method for simplifying instant lottery games. The method may include receiving a set of presentations for an instant lottery. The method may further comprise linking the presentation kit to the prize pool. The method may further comprise linking each entry in the prize pool with a single corresponding result. The method may further comprise linking each presentation in the set of presentations with the corresponding result by linking the presentation to the corresponding entry in the prize pool associated with the corresponding result. The method may further comprise obtaining a second set of presentations for the second instant lottery. The method may further comprise linking a second set of presentations with a second prize pool. The method may further comprise linking each entry in the second prize pool with a single corresponding result. The method may further comprise linking each presentation from the second set of presentations with the corresponding result by linking the presentation to the corresponding entry in the second prize pool associated with the corresponding result. The method may further comprise receiving in the terminal a request for playing an instant lottery game, wherein the instant game is selected from the plurality of available instant lotteries. The method may further comprise determining the instant lottery result by randomly selecting the first entry in the prize pool, the first entry being associated with the first presentation from the set of presentations. The method may further comprise transmitting to the terminal information of the first presentation from the set of presentations. The method may further comprise using the information of the first presentation to issue an instant lottery game ticket. The method may further comprise issuing a prize according to the result associated with the first entry in the prize pool. The method may further comprise receiving in the terminal a request to play the second instant lottery, the second instant lottery being selected from the plurality of available instant lotteries. The method may further comprise randomly determining the second result of the second instant lottery by randomly selecting the second entry in the second prize pool, the second entry being associated with a second presentation from the second set of presentations. The method may further comprise transmitting to the terminal information of the second presentation from the second set of presentations. The method may further comprise using the information of the second presentation to issue the second game ticket of the second instant lottery. The method may further comprise issuing a second prize for a second result associated with the second entry in the second prize pool. It should be understood that a variant of the method can also be carried out for the third, fourth or subsequent instant lotteries.

[027] Embodiments of the invention may also include a method for simplifying instant lottery games. The method may further comprise obtaining a set of presentations for the instant lottery. The method may further comprise linking the presentation kit to the prize pool. The method may further comprise linking each presentation in the set of presentations with the corresponding result. The method may further comprise transmitting to the terminal the first presentation from the set of presentations.

[028] Embodiments of the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may further comprise linking each entry in the prize pool with a corresponding single result, wherein each presentation in the set of presentations for the instant lottery is associated with the corresponding result by linking the presentation to the corresponding entry in the prize pool associated with corresponding result.

[029] Embodiments of the embodiments of the present invention using first presentation information to issue an instant lottery game ticket. The methods may further comprise issuing a prize according to the result associated with recording the prize pool associated with the first presentation.

[030] Embodiments of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further comprise receiving a request to play an instant lottery game in a terminal, wherein the instant lottery is selected from a plurality of available instant lotteries. The methods may further comprise randomly determining the result of the instant lottery, selecting from a set of presentations the presentation associated with the result of the instant lottery, transmitting presentation information to the terminal and displaying the presentation information in the terminal.

[031] In some embodiments of the methods according to the embodiments of the invention, the result of the instant lottery can be determined by randomly selecting entries in the prize pool. In some embodiments of the invention, the record can be selected without returning. In some such embodiments of the invention, the prize pool may be structured to provide a predetermined guaranteed minimum payout at a predetermined interval. In other embodiments of the invention, the entry can be selected with return.

[032] In some embodiments of the methods of the embodiments of the present invention, presentation information may be transmitted to the terminal in response to a request to play the lottery. In some embodiments of the methods according to the embodiments of the invention, the presentation information may be transmitted to the terminal prior to a request to play the lottery. In some embodiments of the methods of the embodiments of the invention, the presentation may include a partial image of a lottery ticket. In some embodiments of the methods of the embodiments of the present invention, the presentation may comprise a [full] image of a lottery ticket.

[033] In some embodiments of the methods according to the embodiments of the invention, the presentation may comprise a set of encoded characters and location information of each of the encoded characters. Such characters may be in Unicode format.

[034] Some of the methods of the embodiments of the invention may further comprise printing instant lottery tickets as part of the presentation information display. Some of the methods of the embodiments of the invention may further comprise electronic display of information, for example, on a screen as part of a display of presentation information.

[035] Some embodiments of the present invention may contain features that facilitate verification. Some variants of the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may further comprise outputting the information of each presentation from the set of presentations and the result associated with each presentation. Some variants of the methods according to the embodiments of the present invention may further comprise confirmation by a legal entity, with the exception of the lottery operator, that each presentation is associated with the correct result.

[036] Some variations of the methods according to the embodiments of the invention may further comprise linking a plurality of price points to an instant lottery, and for each price point, linking another prize pool to an instant lottery.

[037] Some embodiments of the present invention may also comprise a multi-instant lottery game system. A variant of a game system may contain many prize pools, each prize pool contains many prize levels, each prize level is associated with a corresponding result, a lot of lotteries, each lottery is associated with one of the corresponding prize pools, many sets of presentations, and each set of presentations is associated with one of the many corresponding lotteries, each presentation in the set of presentations is associated with a lottery that is associated with one of the corresponding prize levels in the prize pool nde associated with the lottery.

[038] An embodiment of multi-instant lottery game systems according to some embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a terminal configured to receive a request to play the selected instant lottery in a first instant lottery from a plurality of instant lotteries, wherein the first instant lottery is associated with a first prize pool and the first set of presentations, and the server associated with the terminal, while the server is configured to randomly select entries from the first prize pool, with that record is associated with a first level of the first prize and the prize fund for transmission to the terminal that is to be displayed information from the first presentation of the presentation of the first set of presentations and associated with the first level of the first prize of the prize fund. In some such systems, the terminal may be configured to sell lottery tickets. In some such systems, the terminal may also be configured as a cash register for selling non-gaming services or goods. In some such systems, the terminal may be a video lottery terminal. In some such systems, the display comprises printing a lottery ticket. The display may include a display of the lottery ticket in electronic form. In some such systems, the terminal may be configured to receive a request to play the selected instant lottery in a second instant lottery from a plurality of lotteries, the second lottery being associated with a second prize pool and a second set of presentations, and the server may be further configured to randomly select an entry from the second prize fund, while the record is associated with the second prize level of the second prize fund, and for transmitting to the lottery terminal that presentation information from the second paragraph should be displayed ezentatsii second set of presentations and associated with the second level of the second prize-winning prize fund. In some such systems, at least one of the plurality of lotteries contains a plurality of prize points, wherein at least one lottery is associated with another prize pool of the plurality of prize pools for each prize point. In some such systems, information from the first set of presentations can be transmitted to the terminal in response to a request to purchase a ticket for the first lottery. In some such systems, information from the first set of presentations is transmitted to the terminal prior to the request to purchase a ticket for the first lottery. In some such systems, the server may be configured to receive a new set of presentations associated with the new lottery, so that the new presentations and the new lottery are associated with one prize pool from a plurality of prize pools, and to transmit presentation information from the new set of presentations to the lottery terminal.

[039] In some embodiments of such systems, the presentation information may comprise a ticket image.

[040] In some embodiments of such systems, presentation information may comprise a set of characters.

[041] In some embodiments of such systems, presentation information may comprise positional information for a character set. In some embodiments of such systems, presentation information comprises ordering information for a set of characters. In some embodiments of such systems, presentation information contains Unicode characters.

[042] Some of the systems of the embodiments of the invention may also include a verification reporting generator configured to display all the presentations in the set of presentations and their relationship with the prize level.

[043] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a client-server system architecture for providing instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although the system variant is shown as a client-server system, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in another way, for example, in an environment of completely autonomous games, in asynchronous batch processing of data (for example, through a system such as e-mail), via the Internet through the personal computers of customers as customers (in places that allow online gambling) or otherwise.

[044] An embodiment of the system may also include a host 1 that can be used to operate and manage lotteries. Host 1 can be used to sell instant lotteries, as described here, or to provide other services, such as the management of regular circulation instant lotteries or scratch instant lotteries, or to provide other types of transaction processing services. Although host option 1 is a large computer (mainframe), host functionality can also be distributed to small machines in a distributed system or provided locally.

[045] Management client 2 may be associated with host 1. Management client 2 may be combined with host 1 or may be located at some distance. Management client 2 can be used to manage the operation of instant lotteries through host 1, for example, give commands to install, start, stop or change games and provide reporting, monitoring and verification.

[046] An embodiment of the system may also include various types of settings for issuing and accepting instant lottery tickets for payment. These settings can transmit data over the network to host 1 through various types of network connections, for example, direct dialing, secure Internet or other intermediate host machines, through internal networks, etc. It should be understood that the host and remote devices can communicate in a safe, controlled and verifiable mode using conventional techniques, such as public key encryption, electronic signatures, recording operations in the archive, etc.

[047] An embodiment of the system may comprise a local management server or a hub 3 supporting one or more zones. These zones may contain various types of gaming devices 4, for example, video lottery machines or video poker games 4, which can be improved to issue instant lottery tickets according to the invention. The local management server 114 can serve to consolidate the connection between the gaming device 4 and the host through a single network connection and can also operate on a local network connection that connects the gaming devices 4 to the local management server 114.

[048] An embodiment of the system may also include unattended machines or kiosks for dispensing lottery tickets 5. Such kiosks 5 may be networked with host 1 or, alternatively, may be connected to intermediate or local hosts controlling multiple kiosks 5. Kiosks may also provide other services, such as issuing regular lottery tickets, issuing tickets for events, ATM functions, etc.

[049] An embodiment of the system may also comprise ticket terminals for regular lotteries 6. Such serviced lottery ticket terminals 6 can be configured to issue regular lottery tickets and can also be improved to issue instant lottery tickets according to the invention. Terminals for regular lottery tickets can be networked with host 1 both for issuing regular lottery lottery tickets and for issuing instant lottery tickets according to embodiments of the present invention. The lottery ticket terminals 6 can also be used to issue scratch tickets for instant lottery tickets or instant lottery tickets with a detachable protective layer, which usually require special books or packs of pre-printed tickets.

[050] A variant of the system may also include a dependent host 7. The dependent host 122 may separately and independently operate on unrelated lotteries. For example, the dependent host can be an operating computer for a lottery in one country or jurisdiction, while host 1 operates with an instant ticket lottery according to the invention for numerous jurisdictions.

[051] An embodiment of the system may also include other types of terminals for issuing instant lottery tickets. For example, the system may comprise conventional cash registers 8 improved for issuing instant lottery tickets. Since such cash registers in a multi-row cash register environment can be controlled using a single local management server 9, for cash registers 8 it will be more convenient to communicate through the management server 9 with host 1. The management server or host 9 in the room can also manage cash registers 8 for non-gaming applications, for example, for regular retail operations.

[052] Figure 2 shows an example of a lottery terminal according to an embodiment of a client-server system architecture for providing instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention. A standard serviced lottery ticket sales terminal, such as Altura, available through GTECH Corporation of Greenwich, RI, can be enhanced to facilitate instant online lottery ticket sales. It should be understood that other terminals for ordinary lottery tickets can be improved in a similar way. Alternatively, you can use regular terminals that sell tickets only for instant lotteries, or tickets for instant lotteries can be issued in other types of terminals, for example, video kiosks, gaming, machine or regular trading terminals.

[053] A variant of the terminal may include a processor 10. The processor can control the operation of various components of the variant of the terminal. Although in the terminal embodiment shown here, the terminal and other components are combined into a single chassis, it is possible to use other configurations, for example, slave components at a remote location.

[054] A variant of the terminal may comprise a memory 11. The memory may be part of a processor 10 or separate components. You can use various types of memory, including random access memory (RAM), ROM memory, flash memory, disks, optical memory, or any other type of storage medium suitable for storing data and programs used in operations of a terminal variant.

[055] Memory 11 can be used to store control programs for controlling the operation of the terminal when issuing game cards or instant lottery tickets. Also, the memory may contain either coded screens for controlling the terminal user, or codes or commands for creating a user interface operated by a variant of the terminal. For example, memory 11 may store various game selection screens 12. Such screens may allow a user, for example, a customer or an agent acting according to a customer’s instructions, to select a game type, for example, a lottery lottery, a regular instant scratch-off lottery, or one of instant interactive games disclosed in the invention. The memory 11 may also store one or more instant lottery selection screens 13 or instructions and data used to create such screens. The screens for selecting instant games 13 can be used to allow the player or agent acting according to the instructions of the player to select a specific type of instant lottery and, if desired, a price point for playing the selected instant lottery.

[056] The memory 11 may also contain presentation information 14. For example, the presentations may be pre-loaded ticket images or partial ticket images used to create instant lottery tickets in an embodiment of the lottery ticket terminal. Presentation information may also contain information used in all tickets of a certain game, for example, a background picture, frames, etc. Alternatively, in some embodiments of the invention, the presentation memory 14 may comprise encoded characters used to print instant lottery tickets.

Coded symbols can be used in combination with information or instructions received by the terminal, for example, from a central lottery server for making an instant lottery ticket. For example, in a BINGO game, such codes may be the characters used on the BINGO card and the algorithms used to determine their positions in certain positional codes of the card. For example, the characters may be Unicode and positional information may be a coded physical position on an instant lottery ticket. Alternatively, the positional information may be an encoded position associated with the instant play, for example, the position (x, y) in the BINGO lattice. The terminal will then receive from the central lottery host a list of characters and encoded positions; the terminal may further search for symbol information and encode positional information for making an instant lottery ticket.

[057] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may also include a customer data input device 15. Buyer data input device 15 can be used to select a game type, price point, etc. by a customer. For some games, the customer data input device 15 may also be used to enter game information, for example, the customer selecting numbers for games to match numbers. The customer data input device 15 may be a conventional keyboard, a conventional computer keypad, a touch screen, and other types of user data input devices.

[058] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may also include a customer data display device 16. The customer data display device 16 may be combined, such as in a touch screen or separate from the customer data input device 15. Any conventional display device, such as a display with cathode ray tube (CRT), light emitting diode (LED), printed display, LCD screen, etc.

[059] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may also include an agent 17 data display device. It should be understood that it is not necessary to separate the agent 17 data display device from the customer data display device 16, but, in many cases, for example, if the agent or cashier is located behind the counter and separate displays for the buyer and agent are directed in different directions, you may need a separate display.

[060] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may comprise an agent 18 data input device. Agent 18 data input device may be used to provide an agent or a cashier with a choice of game type, price point, etc. For some games, the agent 18 input device may also be used to enter game information, for example, a customer selecting numbers for games to match numbers. The input device of the agent 18 may be a regular keyboard, a regular computer keypad, a touch screen, or other type of user input device. The agent data input device can also be used for other purposes of the terminal, for example, as a data input device of a conventional cash register, if the terminal is also used as a regular cash register.

[061] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may include a ticket printing device 19. A ticket printing device 19 can be used to print instant lottery tickets. If the terminal is used for other purposes, the ticket printing device 19 can also be used for other purposes, for example, printing checks for instant lottery tickets, printing receipts for lottery tickets, printing ordinary cash register checks. Alternatively, separate printing devices may be provided for various purposes. In some applications, it is advisable to use special security paper and ink to protect it. In other applications, protection can only be ensured by the use of digital secret codes.

[062] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may also include a ticket reader 20. Ticket reader 20 can be used to read information from accepted tickets. The scanner 20 may be a conventional scanner for reading barcodes, if tickets with a barcode are used. Alternatively, you can use a flatbed scanner to scan an entire ticket. In some embodiments of the invention, the ticket reader 20 can be used for other purposes, for example, for reading lottery receipts.

[063] An embodiment of the lottery terminal may also include a network interface 21. The network interface can be used to communicate between the lottery ticket terminal and other systems or points, for example, directly or indirectly with the lottery host or central server. Communication can be a direct dial-up, via the Internet, through appropriate lines, through a local network and a local server, or using any other conventional client-server communication technique.

[064] FIG. 2a shows an embodiment of a game selection screen for an embodiment of a lottery terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. A variant of the game selection screen may be displayed on an agent data output device in a serviced lottery terminal, or on a customer screen in an unattended lottery terminal. Various types of selection tools are possible, for example, buttons on the touch screen. Button 22 may indicate that they are buying such an instant lottery, as described in the present invention. Button 23 may indicate that an instant lottery such as being sold by pressing button 22 should be accepted for payment. Button 24 may indicate that a regular lottery ticket of a lottery lottery must be purchased. Button 25 may indicate that a regular lottery ticket of a lottery lottery must be accepted for payment. Button 26 may display a hybrid ticket containing an instant lottery and a draw lottery to be issued. It should be understood that a huge variety of interfaces for choosing the action to be taken or the game purchased or presented for payment is possible when using the set of possible human-computer interfaces. For example, instead of entering data on the touch screen, issuing receipts with labels or other issuing receipts suitable for machine reading can be used, or the selection can be made using a keypad or pointing device, such as a mouse.

[065] FIG. 2b shows a second embodiment of a game selection screen according to an embodiment of the present invention. The screen shown allows the buyer (or agent acting according to the instructions of the buyer) to make a choice from a variety of instant games and price points of instant games. For example, BINGO, crossword and match games can be provided at $ 2, $ 5, and $ 10 price points. The button options are 27, 28 and 29 for playing BINGO for price points of $ 2, $ 5 and $ 10, respectively. Button options 30, 31 and 32 can be used to select a crossword puzzle game for price points of $ 2, $ 5 and $ 10, respectively.

[066] It should be understood that a wide range of other possible interfaces is possible for selecting and buying an instant game ticket using the input / output technique of any conventional computer.

[067] Figure 3 shows a variant of instant lottery tickets according to an embodiment of the invention. The lottery ticket options shown in FIG. 3 for a BINGO-type instant lottery that simulates a real BINGO game. It should be understood that tickets can be printed and issued, for example, on a special ticket board or plain paper, or tickets can also, in some other embodiments of the invention, be displayed in electronic form, for example, on the screen of a gaming terminal. Each ticket presents two types of presentation data. Presentation data can be used to play the selected game with the possibility of using it to determine the value and result of the instant lottery. For example, each ticket shown in FIG. 3 contains a set of numbers on a BINGO card 301a. Each ticket may also contain a set of circulation numbers 301b. The result of the selected game can be determined by comparing the numbers of the draw with the numbers on the card, similar to the usual BINGO game.

[068] FIG. 3R shows the back of one of the tickets shown in FIG. 3. In an embodiment in which presentation information is displayed on a video screen, the information on the reverse side can be recorded in electronic or printed form on a receipt or receipt of payment confirmation of a winning ticket.

[069] The flip side of the instant lottery ticket option may contain a game name or identifier 33. Identifier 33 may be text or graphic. It should be understood that information inherent in the type of game, rather than an individual ticket, can be reproduced using a regular program or general data used for any possible tickets in certain instant games. Such information may include conventional graphics, instructions, marketing information, and other types of information.

[070] The flip side of the instant lottery ticket may contain instructions 34. Instructions 34 may explain the rules of the game. For example, instructions 34 may indicate how to determine the cost of the ticket using the selected game, for example, the prize to be won is based on the pattern that is obtained when the called BINGO numbers match the BINGO card on the front side of the ticket.

[071] The option of the reverse side of an instant lottery ticket may include the purchase price of ticket 35. Different price points may be associated with different prizes and have different payment schemes.

[072] The flip option of an instant lottery ticket may include a ticket identifier 36. Such a ticket identifier 36 may contain secret information that can be used to verify the ticket when the ticket is presented for payment. Ticket identifier 36 may also be encoded on the ticket in machine-readable form 37, for example, as a barcode.

[073] It should be understood that the ticket may also contain other information, for example, marketing messages, date and time of purchase, expiration dates of [tickets], etc. It should also be understood that many other formats can be used to display information on a ticket.

[074] FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an instant lottery ticket according to an embodiment of the present invention. Another variant of an instant lottery ticket 38 may be for an instant CROSSWORD lottery.

[075] The instant lottery ticket 38 option may include a game name or identifier 39. Identifier 39 may be textual and / or graphic. It should be understood that information inherent in the type of game, rather than an individual ticket, can be reproduced using a regular program or general data used for any possible tickets for certain instant games. Such information may include conventional graphics, instructions, marketing information, and other types of information.

[076] The instant lottery ticket 38 option may include presentation data 40a and 40b. Presentation data 40 can be used to play the selected game for entertainment. The results of the selected game can show the result of an instant lottery. For example, presentation data 40a on the ticket shown contains a crossword puzzle grid with various words. Presentation 40b contains a set of called letters. The result of a game variant can be determined by matching the called letters with the words in the crossword puzzle to determine how many words were formed using a set of called letters.

[077] The instant lottery ticket 38 option may contain instructions 41. Instructions 41 may include game rules. For example, instructions 41 may indicate how to determine the value of a ticket using the selected game, for example, a prize is won based on the number of matching words.

[078] The instant lottery ticket 38 option may include the purchase price of ticket 42.

[079] The instant lottery ticket option 38 may comprise ticket identifier 43. Such ticket identifier 43 may contain secret information that can be used to verify the ticket upon presentation of the ticket for payment.

Ticket identifier 43 may also be encoded on the ticket in machine-readable form 44, for example, as a barcode.

[080] It should be understood that the ticket may also contain other information, for example, marketing messages, date and time of purchase, expiration dates of [ticket], etc. It should also be understood that many other formats can be used to display information on a ticket.

[081] Figure 5 shows the architecture of a host or central system variant for a client-server system architecture variant for providing instant lottery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[082] The host option may comprise a processor 45. The processor 45 may be a main computer (mainframe) or, for small games, a small host computer. It should be understood that the processor 45 shown here is abstract and may, for example, be a plurality of processors or computers operating various games in dispersed mode. The processor 45 may provide for other types of lotteries or other transaction processing services.

[083] The processor 45 may be combined with a network interface 46. The network interface 46 may be network processors, web servers, or other computers that provide an interface between the transaction processing services of the processor 45 and a network connecting the processor to various clients, such as described previously gaming terminals. The network interface can provide various services that simplify communication between host 1 and gaming terminals, for example, data flow control and congestion control, security, etc.

[084] The processor 45 may be accessible from one or more terminals 47. These terminals provide access to the processor 45 to control the system. For example, the control terminal 47 can be used to control the processor, support, provide new games, improve existing games, verify the operation of games and other management and support operations.

[085] The processor 45 may also be equipped with or have access to various types of memory 48. The memory 48 may be integrated into or separated from the processor 45.

[086] The memory may also be shared and shared with other processors. Memory 48 may comprise random access memory (RAM), flash memory, magnetic disks, optical disks, and other types of storage media, including read-only, read-write, and write-only types. The memory can be used to provide processing of various types of databases and operations both for instant game data processing services according to the embodiments of the present invention, and for other gaming applications and other non-game processing services.

[087] In memory 48, various types of information used to provide instant games according to embodiments of the present invention can be stored. Information can be stored in various formats, for example, relational databases, hierarchical databases, as C ++ or Java objects, or in any other form that provides access to processor data 45. Information can be stored as separate tables or sets of tables in relational database. The information may include a game index 49, a menu item index 50, game presentations 51, game prize pools 52, ticket sales registers 53, and some rules and programs 54.

[088] The variant of game index 49 may be configured as a database table with entries for each game. Each entry may contain a game code or identifier, the name of the game, and other information related to the game. A list of price points for the game may be contained, along with an identifier, pointers or other information identifying which prize funds are associated with the game with other prize points. A list of information identifying presentation sets for games may be contained, for example, as a pointer or identifier for a presentation set for a game with a specific prize item. Other information may also be necessary for operating a specific game, for example, links to rules or programs used in operating a game.

[089] The menu index option of item 50 may be configured as a database table with entries for each item. The item menu can identify for each item,

[090] which games an item, such as a terminal, is allowed to sell and pay on them. Other information, such as secret information, encrypted passwords for the item or a link to the item’s sales log may also be included in the entries for each item.

[091] The gaming presentation 51 option may be configured as a database table for each set of presentation information. Each entry may contain a complete set of presentation information for a particular game with a specific price point or may contain a link or identifier that allows the placement of such a set of presentation information. Other information related to a specific set of game presentations may also be contained, for example, a standard background for each presentation in a set of presentations, standard instructions, etc.

[092] A variant of the prize pool table of the game 52 may be configured as a database with entries for each prize pool. Each entry may represent the entire prize pool or, as an option, a link, identifier or other information that can be used to place and / or access a specific prize pool.

[093] Other information may be associated with a particular prize pool, for example, signs of a prize pool when it is reinstalled, generation of a prize pool with or without return, etc.

[094] A variant of the game ticket sales register 53 may track when, where, and at what price various tickets of the game variant were sold and paid. Such information can be used for verification, marketing, control and other management purposes.

[095] A variant of the rules and programs of the game 54 can be used to store the rules and / or programs for operating games, prize pools and presentations. For example, rules may be encrypted containing rules for refilling prize tables for a particular game. Similarly, you can store the rules for constructing various presentations using presentation information.

[096] It should be understood that the above information can be placed in various formats and types, using different data structures, provided that the information can be readily available for use when operating the instant lottery option, for example, the variant of the methods described later in the application. Some tables and / or fields may be omitted and other tables and / or fields may be added using conventional techniques for data structures and databases and data management.

[097] Figure 6 shows a variant of the prize pool for an instant lottery variant according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the above system, the prize pool may be stored in a central host system or may be otherwise accessible. However, it should be understood that the prize pool option can be stored at various points and in different forms, provided that it is available for use in methods used to simplify the game of the lottery. It should also be understood that a single prize pool can be used for one game, many games can have a single fund, or one game can have many prize pools, for example, with different price points.

[098] For clarity, the prize pool 55 is shown as a grid of squares. The prize pool option 55 contains many entries 56. It should be understood that the prize pool can be stored in a different form and / or using different data structures, for example, arrows, lists with links, C ++ and Java objects, in the form of one or many relational tables databases or in any other form that simplifies the use of the information contained in the prize pools in ways to simplify the game of the lottery. Although not so descriptive, it may be preferable for each row of prize pool 55 to match a certain level of prize pool. Each row does not need to be the same length.

[099] The prize pool 55 may contain entries 56. In this embodiment, the entry is a grid cell. In this embodiment, the prize pool contains 100 lattice cells and thus contains 100 entries. The record can be made randomly or based on other selection criteria, for example, to achieve the desired payout. The entry may be replaced or removed from the prize pool. A record may also be identified by a number. The entry may be randomly selected from the prize pool. The entry may be randomly selected from the prize pool by randomly selecting the serial number of the prize pool. The host can randomly generate a number and an entry in the prize pool identified by that number can be selected.

[0100] FIG. 6a shows a recording option 5b ′ of an embodiment of a prize pool according to an embodiment of the present invention. A record variant may comprise a record identifier variant 57a. A record may be identified by a special character or number or, alternatively, by reference or indication.

[0101] The recording option may also comprise a premium option 58a. Such a premium 58a may be a cash prize associated with the entry. In this option, the premium is $ 10. Alternatively, the premium 58a may be an identifier or an indicator linking the entry to a specific prize level or entry in a separate prize table. The prize may also be a credit for the purchase of goods or a prize in the form of an additional lottery ticket. The presentation of such “cash prizes” can be simplified by using references or identifiers in the record, rather than just numerical values.

[0102] The record option 55 may also comprise a prize level identifier variant 59a. It should be understood that depending on the desired principle of the game, some or even most of the entries may be associated with a zero prize. In the recording option shown, the prize level may be indicated as Division 4, and all prize level entries may be indicated as a bonus of $ 10. A number of other prize pool entries, referred to as Division 4, are also possible. Other prize level entries referred to as Division 4 may also be indicated with a bonus of $ 10. The prize level identifier can be used to simplify the management of the prize pool, even if the value of the prize is also contained in the record. For example, it is desirable to track or manage the number of prizes that have been issued from a particular prize level, or to change all the prize values for entries at a certain level. It should be understood that information about the value of the prize and the prize level can be tracked in a separate data structure, for which the record may contain a link. It would be preferable to organize a prize pool of levels, for example, each row in the data structure of many rows corresponds to a different prize level.

[0103] Other fields may also be included in the entry of the prize table 56. For example, fields may be provided to track the award of prizes by record; This feature is very useful for games in which prizes are awarded from a fixed fund without return. Fields can also track the time the last prize was issued, from where the prize or other information was issued, which may be useful for tracking, verification or marketing analysis. Record 56 may also contain a link to related presentation information. Alternatively, the prize table entry may contain related presentation information in the form of a field. For example, in a BINGO game, a separate table of cards and circulation numbers may be contained as a separate presentation data structure. Each entry can be further associated with a set of cards or a BINGO edition containing a link or identifier for a particular presentation in the prize table entry. Alternatively, the encoding of card or draw information can be incorporated directly into a prize table entry, for example, as a list of card entries or draw numbers.

[0104] A diagram of a data selection structure for an instant gaming variant is shown in FIG. 7 according to an embodiment of the present invention. A variant of data structures may include a data structure of a game 60, a data structure of a presentation set 61, a data structure of records of a presentation set 62, a data structure of a prize table 63, a data structure of a prize level 64, and a data structure of a prize record 64. Although the data are described here in relational database tables data, it should be understood that you can use other data structures, for example, arrows, lists with links, objects, etc. and additional data fields you can add and use placement options.

[0105] According to a variant of the proposed system, the data structure of the game 60 may contain entries for each game. In this embodiment, individual entries are listed for each type of game and prize item; There are separate entries for individual prize points of the same game. Each entry in the game data structure may contain an identifier, a game price point, a prize table identifier that associates the game with the data structure of the prize table 63, a presentation set identifier and a game status flag. Identifiers may be pointers, name identifiers, links, or any other element that can be used to identify related data structures that are associated with the game data structure. The game status flag can indicate whether the game is fully engaged, inaccessibility or limited availability of the game.

[0106] The presentation set 61 data structure may include a presentation set identifier, standard information shared by all presentations from the presentation set, such as instructions or background images and associations, such as links, indexes, or indexes for each presentation in presentation set 61. Presentations can be stored in various ways, for example, as a list with links, object arrows, etc., if they can be easily accessed if necessary. In this embodiment, they are stored in separate data structures of presentation records 62.

[0107] Each data structure of presentation records 62 may include an identifier that can be used to access, index, or identify the data structure of presentation records. In the shown embodiment, the data structure of the presentations 62 may contain a list of encoded characters and a list of character positions. The data structure of the presentations 62 may also contain an association, for example, a pointer or link or index to a related entry of the prize table 65 in the prize table 63, which is associated with the game 60 containing the presentation 61 containing the presentation record 62.

[0108] Each prize table in an instant lottery variant may contain a related data structure of the prize table 63. The data structure of the prize table 63 may contain a prize table ID or other structure used to access, index or identify the prize table. Flags may be encoded in the data structure of the prize table indicating the way the prize table is managed, for example, when or how often the prize table should be reloaded, whether the prize table should be selected with / without return, etc. The data structure of the prize table 63 may also comprise a set of associations with the data structure of the prize level 64, such as links, indexes, or pointers. Also, the data structure of the prize table 63 may contain a set of associations with entries in the prize tables, for example, links, indexes or pointers.

[0109] Each level of the prize table may contain a separate data structure 64. The data structure of the levels of the prize table 64 may contain a level ID, value of prizes associated with the level, and a method for identifying prize table entries associated with the prize level, for example, pointers, links or indexes.

[0110] Each entry in the prize table may contain a record data structure of the prize table 65. Each record data structure of the prize table 65 may contain an identifier of the prize table entries, for example, a numerical index indicating the position of an item in the prize pool. The data structure of the prize table 65 may also contain an identifier linking the entry of the prize table with the prize level, in which it contains, for example, a pointer or index of the data structure of the prize level 64. Each entry of the prize table 65 may also contain a value, if the prize is cash, or any another indication of the prize to be awarded when selecting an entry in the prize table. Each data structure of the prize table entries may also contain information on the status of the prize table entries, for example, a flag indicating whether the entry has been used or a prize has been issued since the last restart of the prize table.

[0111] FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a method for simplifying an instant lottery game. The instant lottery can be a lottery in which the buyer can choose the type of lottery and the amount of the bet in the selected lottery and the instant lottery ticket according to the lottery selected by the player and the bet is generated by the central lottery system. For example, a player does not need to wait for the next draw in order to determine if the winning lottery ticket.

[0112] On Fig shows a variant of the method in the form of three parallel flows of moves: 9 first moves can be made directly by the buyer or player, or through an agent in a serviced lottery terminal. The second parallel move may be made by a lottery terminal, kiosk, gaming terminal, or other operating device, such as a variant of the previously described lottery terminal. The third parallel move can be made by a host or a control system, such as a host in the previously described system architecture. It should be understood that the host or control system may be local, incorporated into the kiosk, or located away from the terminal. It should be understood that the variants of the systems are adapted to implement the variants of the methods, but the variants of the systems can implement other methods and other variants of the methods can be implemented by completely different architectures. In Fig. 8, small arrows show the control flow according to a variant of the method, while large arrows show the transfer of information between different methods and / or actors implementing the methods.

[0113] An embodiment of the method may begin when a user or a customer makes an attempt to purchase an instant lottery card by purchasing a printed instant lottery ticket or having an electronic lottery ticket displayed on the screen. Such a purchase can take place in a regular serviced lottery terminal, an unattended or automated lottery terminal, or a terminal or video kiosk of a different kind, or even in places that allow such a purchase, on the user's or purchaser's personal computer using a reliable transaction system.

[0114] The first move in an embodiment of the method shows an option to purchase, play, and present an instant lottery ticket for payment by the buyer.

[0115] At 66, a ticket purchase request may be made. Such a request can be made, for example, by entering the buyer information in the video kiosk. Alternatively, the buyer can communicate the information to the agent, who then enters it in the served lottery terminal. It should be understood that the variant of the method should not be isolated or autonomous. For example, the method may be part of other operations, such as the purchase of other lottery tickets, gaming or regular, non-gaming purchases.

[0116] At 67, an indication of the available lottery games and price points may be obtained. Such an indication may include a display of graphic images of instant lottery games that can be played, and bets for each lottery. It should be understood that the indication may be a textual explanation, a menu or graphic images of various instant lottery tickets. It should also be understood that there is no need to receive all information at the same time; for example, price points may be displayed after selecting a certain type of game.

[0117] In 68, a selection of an instant lottery type and a price point may be made by the buyer. Such a choice may include the selection of an instant lottery for the game and the amount of money that the player will bet on the selected lottery. A customer may select a lottery based on his / her gaming preference. The choice can be made in various ways, for example, the buyer can give instructions to the lottery agent or the cashier, who then enters the information in the served lottery terminal or by the buyer himself using a video kiosk to buy a lottery ticket with a certain rate.

[0118] At 69, the purchase price may be determined by the buyer. Such an offer may be made by the buyer by depositing a sum of money for a ticket or by the method may constitute part of other operations, such as purchasing lottery tickets, gaming or regular purchases. In places that allow such an offer, you can use credit or debit card transactions or money can be withdrawn from a player’s prepaid lottery account.

[0119] At 70, an instant lottery ticket can be obtained by the buyer. The instant lottery ticket provision may comprise printing a physical paper lottery ticket, or it may simply be a graphic image of the ticket on a terminal display. A lottery ticket may also be printed as part of another item, such as a cash register receipt or a lottery ticket. An instant lottery ticket may contain various information, such as a ticket number and / or secret code, a visual indication of whether the ticket is winning, information used in the selected presentation game, and various marketing information from the lottery organizer or ticket seller.

[0120] In 71, a selected game can be played on a ticket. For example, a ticket option may contain a BINGO card and simulated BINGO circulation numbers. A game may contain a reconciliation of simulated BINGO draw numbers with a simulated BINGO card. If the result generated for the ticket contained a prize of $ 5, the selected BINGO numbers and their placement on the BINGO card can bring a prize of $ 5 based on the rules of the related BINGO lottery. An almost unlimited number of selectable games may be contained. Playing a selected game may also include a bonus game, an additional game identical to the originally selected lottery, another lottery containing other rules or goals, or a lottery with a different price point.

[0121] At 72, it can be determined whether the ticket is a winning one. This can be determined by the buyer, following the instructions or rules of the lottery or by reading the winning status described by text or symbols. For example, the winning status can be determined in the BINGO lottery following the BINGO rules and if the selected numbers form a row, column or diagonal on the BINGO card displayed on the lottery ticket. Another option includes matching the numbers selected by the player with the numbers generated by the central lottery system. Alternatively, special machines may be provided to indicate to the user that the ticket is winning without accepting the ticket for payment, for example, the Express Point Plus system, available at GTECH Corporation, West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

[0122] In 73, an instant lottery ticket may be offered for a prize. Such an offer may include showing the winning ticket to the lottery agent, who then scans the ticket at the served lottery terminal. The offer may also include the player entering a ticket into a maintenance-free machine that allows payments on winning tickets or transmitting the serial number of a winning ticket or other identifier using a video kiosk or personal computer.

[0123] At 74, a prize may be awarded to a customer. Such a prize may include giving the player a lottery agent or video kiosk with cash, a loan, goods, or additional lottery tickets, a credit to the buyer's account, or other ways of giving prizes. It should be understood that large bonuses can be redirected for alternative payments, in which an additional thorough check is carried out to confirm the authenticity of the tickets, for example, by an official institution making lottery payments.

[0124] The second move shown in FIG. 8 depicts a variant of the method for simplifying the purchase and payment of an instant lottery ticket. The second move focuses on the method implemented by the terminal, such as an improved conventional lottery terminal, a lottery kiosk, a gaming machine, or another point of sale of tickets for an instant lottery.

[0125] At 75, a ticket purchase request may be received by the terminal. Such a request can be received in various ways, for example, a request to purchase a lottery ticket from a lottery agent in a served lottery ticket terminal or directly from a customer using a video kiosk.

[0126] It should be understood that other ways of receiving a purchase request are also being considered, for example, using a receipt for a product or game receipts, online requests via the Internet, and asynchronous requests by e-mail or other asynchronous communication means.

[0127] At 76, available lotteries and price points may be displayed in the terminal. Such a display may contain graphic images of various lottery tickets for various games, logos for various lotteries, or various names of games. The display may also contain various betting amounts available for each lottery. For example, the BINGO, BINGOZ, and Crossword lotteries can all be displayed. Each game can have its own rules and goals. Different amounts of bets may be available for each game. For example, bets of $ 1, $ 5 and $ 10 can be displayed in the terminal. In the lottery terminal, the display can be viewed by the lottery agent or the buyer, or the display can be in a video kiosk and viewed by the buyer.

[0128] At 77, the selection of a game and a price point may be obtained by the terminal from the buyer. Such a selection may include a lottery selected by the buyer based on his / her preferences. The selection may also contain the buyer's bid amount in the selected lottery.

[0129] At 78, ticket purchase information may be transmitted to the host. Such a transfer may comprise transmitting to the central lottery system information describing the selected lottery and the selected bet.

[0130] In 79, the information necessary to generate a lottery ticket can be obtained by the terminal from the central lottery system. The information necessary to generate such a ticket may contain a secret code or an authentication authorization code printed on the ticket, which can be used to confirm the authenticity or identification of the ticket upon presentation for payment. The information necessary to generate a lottery ticket may contain information provided by the presentation. For example, such information may contain a graphic image of the lottery ticket in such a way that when playing the ticket lottery according to the rules of the lottery the correct bonus is displayed. Alternatively, the presentation information may include an indication of the set of symbols previously stored in the terminal memory and information indicating related positions, for example, a set of numbers or playing cards or figures and their position in the BINGO game lattice.

[0131] At 80, a winning instant lottery ticket can be generated at the terminal. Such generation may comprise creating an image of a lottery ticket according to information obtained from the central lottery system. The image can be printed on plain paper or on security paper or on special paper. You can use a special ticket cardboard or special pre-printed tickets with special backgrounds. However, no special pre-printed tickets are required, such as those used in regular scratch games. For example, the generated withdrawal ticket may contain a printed BINGO lottery ticket. The ticket may contain a BINGO card and selected BINGO numbers. If the result generated for the ticket contained a prize of $ 5, the selected BINGO numbers and their location on the BINGO card can result in a prize of $ 5 based on the rules of the BINGO lottery. The generated withdrawal ticket may also contain a secret number or authorization authentication number, which was contained in the information received from the central lottery system. The serial number can be used to determine if the lottery ticket is a winning one and to issue a prize for the lottery ticket.

[0132] At 81, a ticket from a customer may be accepted for payment at a terminal. Such acceptance for payment may include the buyer's playing the instant lottery and determining, based on the rules of the game, whether the ticket is winning and scanning or entering a lottery ticket in a video kiosk. Such payment acceptance may further comprise scanning or entering the lottery ticket at the lottery terminal by the lottery agent.

[0133] At 82, ticket information may be transmitted to the host. Such a transfer may include transmitting information about the lottery played and bonuses for the lottery played, for example, a secret code printed on the ticket or an authorization authentication code.

[0134] In 83, authorization authentication can be obtained from the host. Such receipt may contain instructions from the central lottery system that a certain amount of winnings must be paid. Instructions on non-payment of a ticket can be sent if the ticket is not winning, is invalid or if the ticket was previously accepted for payment. It should be understood that large prize payments can be redirected to an alternative payment, which provides greater protection against counterfeiting, for example, in the main center for presenting lottery tickets for payment.

[0135] In 84, prize payment instructions may be generated in the terminal. Such an instruction may contain a payable prize amount. The instruction may contain the type of prize paid. For example, the prize may be cash, in the form of a product, a product credit, an entertaining game or figure, an additional lottery ticket or a lottery loan, or any other prize that may be of value to the buyer. The instruction may be sent as a visual indication to the agent in the served terminal. In a maintenance-free terminal, instructions for paying a prize can be sent to start automatic payment, for example, using an ATM or providing a loan.

[0136] A third parallel method for facilitating an instant lottery game may be performed by a host.

[0137] At 85, ticket purchase information may be received from the terminal. Information about buying a ticket may contain the lottery game selected by the buyer and the amount of the bet in the lottery.

[0138] At 86, ticket purchase information can be checked. Such verification of ticket purchase information may contain passwords or other information indicating that the ticket is made by an authorized item. If the ticket purchase information is verified, the ticket can be generated. You can determine the prize pool of the game and the price point. The prize pool may contain a numerical database with various data records and a bonus for each data record. It is understood that a prize may also imply a non-award of a prize. You can identify the prize pool from the many prize pools associated with the lottery. For example, different prize pools can be used for the same game with different price points, at different times or at different points.

[0139] In 87, the entry may be randomly selected from the prize pool. For example, the prize pool may be a grid and each cell of the grid may be a record in the prize pool that contains data. A record may be identified by a number. The host can randomly generate a number and you can select an entry in the prize pool identified by that number.

[0140] In 88, presentation information related to a prize pool result may be selected. Each entry in the prize pool may contain a result describing the award. Each presentation in the presentation kit for the lottery may contain information related to a specific result. For example, in a set of presentations for the BINGO lottery there can be ten different presentations associated with a $ 10 bonus. Each presentation associated with a $ 10 bonus may contain different cards and BINGO numbers, but when playing by the rules of the game, each of these games brings a prize of $ 10.

[0141] At 89, information indicating the selected presentation may be transmitted to the terminal. Such a presentation indication may contain information related to a particular presentation for the generated premium. It should be understood that presentation information can be transmitted to the terminal in various ways. For example, all possible tickets for the game can be pre-uploaded to the terminal in image format. In this case, the host only needs to transmit the identifier for the selected ticket to the terminal, which will then print a preloaded ticket image. The advantage of this method is the narrowing of the required channel width, but storage is required mainly in the terminal. Alternatively, the ticket image can be designed on the host and transmitted to the terminal upon request. This method requires processing mainly on the host and a larger channel width, but reduces the amount of storage in the terminal. Alternatively, encoded characters may be stored in the terminal along with a standard background image for the game. The host can then transmit a set of pre-encoded characters and positional information to a terminal that places the selected characters at the indicated positions on a pre-recorded (in memory) background to construct an image of the ticket, which can then be output in electronic form or printed.

[0142] For example, for the previously described BINGO game, images of tickets with cards and sets of called numbers BINGO can be stored in the terminal, designed on the host and transmitted to the terminal, or, alternatively, the host can transmit card numbers and their positions and called numbers to the terminal, which is then Constructs and displays a card with transmitted numbers.

[0143] In 90, the prize pool and ticket sales register may be updated. For the prize pool, if the prize pool is selected without return, the selected prize pool entry may be marked to indicate that a prize has been awarded. After marking the record, you can check for the existence of predefined conditions that lead to a reboot or refilling of the prize pool. For example, the prize pool can be reloaded when all prizes were awarded, when the main prize was awarded, when a certain part of the entries or prizes were issued at a certain level, etc. You can also update the ticket log. The ticket registration journal may contain information about each ticket sold. Ticket information may include: the identifier of the game for which the ticket is issued, the ticket identifier, time and place of sale, the prize value of the ticket, a presentation related to the ticket, and information indicating whether the ticket was accepted for payment, when and where. In addition to tracking individual tickets, information can also be tracked and / or reported by points of sale, games, etc. This tracking information can be used for marketing, management and verification.

[0144] In 91, information about accepting a ticket for payment can be obtained. Such information on acceptance for payment may be a unique identifier for the ticket, as well as the identification or secret code of the point at which the ticket is accepted for payment.

[0145] At 92, ticket information can be checked. Checking the ticket information may include an analysis of the serial number associated with the lottery ticket to determine that the ticket is genuine and should be accepted for payment. For example, a ticket already accepted for payment should not be re-accepted for payment.

[0146] In 93, instructions for the payment of a prize may be transmitted, for example, by a secret signal to the lottery terminal. Prize payment instructions can be generated on the host after the host checks the ticket information. For example, if the ticket information matches the ticket information in the host system, the ticket can be recognized as valid and instructions for paying for the ticket can be generated by the host. Alternatively, for large prizes, a ticket can be redirected to an alternative point for accepting a ticket for payment, which provides great protection against falsification, for example, to the main center for accepting lottery tickets for payment.

[0147] FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a method for creating a new or improved game according to an embodiment of the present invention. When creating the game, you can use the presentation data set and the prize pool, each of which can be new or reused.

[0148] A variant of the method comprises linking a set of presentations with a prize pool and linking each presentation in a set of presentations with an entry in the prize pool. A variant of the method can be carried out on the host of the previously described client-server system, for example, using a terminal that communicates with the management client associated with the host. It should be understood that the control system can be local, combined with the host or remote from it. 9, small arrows indicate a control flow of a method between different methods and / or actors implementing the methods. Rectangles indicate methods, and diamond shapes show decisions made during the process.

[0149] In 94, a set of presentations can be obtained, for example, by a host through a management client. The presentation set may include a set of ticket images, a set of partial ticket images, or a data set that can be used for instant lottery game tickets. Alternatively, a program executed on a host or remotely can be used to generate a set of presentations. For example, a lottery operator may select and offer a new lottery, such as the previously described BINGO game. The lottery operator can generate a set of BINGO cards and sets of called numbers for inclusion in tickets. This can be done manually and entered on the host, generated by the program on the host, or generated by the program remotely and transferred to the host. Presentations for game tickets can be stored in the form of images of whole tickets, number grids with attached sets of called numbers, or in the form of a regular data structure that indicates the number of cards and their positions and a list of related called numbers for each ticket.

[0150] At 95 price points, the host can receive. Price points indicate the amount of money that the buyer can choose to bet on the instant lottery and / or the selling price of the instant lottery ticket. The price point of the game and the ticket may differ if the ticket contains many games. Games of a certain type may have a single price point or a plurality of price points.

[0151] In 96, a set of presentations may be associated with a prize pool for a selected price point. The relationship may contain a definition of the prize pool, which identifies the potential outcome of the game for a bet made by the buyer, and then the relationship of a particular prize pool with a set of presentations. This can be repeated if the game contains many price points.

[0152] In 97, the use of a new or existing prize pool for a specified game and price point may be determined. If a new prize fund is required, it can be entered or created in 98. If not, the existing prize fund can be selected at 99. Whatever new or existing prize fund is selected, as soon as the prize fund is selected at 100, each entry in the presentation set can be associated with the corresponding entry in the selected prize pool. For example, a set of presentations for the BINGO lottery may exist with various presentations containing information for various BINGO cards, for example, various card entries and sets of called numbers. The entry in the prize pool associated with the presentation should further correspond to the result that must be obtained using a specific set of BINGO card entries and a set of called numbers for presentation. For example, a card that does not have BINGO or other matches may be associated with a prize pool record that does not imply a prize. The card on which all the numbers of the BINGO card coincide can be associated with the largest prize in the prize pool.

[0153] In 101, if all of the presentation entries were associated with prize pool entries for all game price points, the method variant can continue to 101. If not, the method variant can be returned to 96 to link the presentation set to the prize pool for another instant price point. games.

[0154] At 102, game information may be transmitted to the terminal. Depending on the implementation of the game, such a transfer may include transmitting a whole set of ticket images, transmitting partial ticket images, or transmitting background information common to all tickets and information used to interpret presentation information that will be transmitted by the host during ticket authorization. Other information that can be transmitted to gaming terminals may include information necessary to improve the game, and a set of price points to start selling the newly created game.

[0155] In 103, a ticket sales register may be initialized for a newly created game. This may also include bringing the prize pools to their original state and selecting the parameters for restarting the prize pool that control the selection of the prize pool and the time for restarting the prize pool.

[0156] At 104, a game may be activated. Once the game is activated, the terminals are allowed to sell game cards to customers.

[0157] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a method for verifying the sale of instant lottery tickets. A variant of the method can be implemented on the host or in the control system. The method may be carried out by the developer or the lottery operator, for example, as part of a troubleshooting / verification process. The method can also be carried out by individual legal entities, for example, to satisfy mandatory requirements. It should be understood that the host or control system may be local, incorporated into the kiosk, or remote from the terminal. 10, small arrows indicate a control flow of a method between various methods and / or actors implementing such methods. Rectangles show the methods, and all the diamond-shaped figures show the decisions made during the method.

[0158] At 105, a lottery check request may be received at the host. Such a review may include an assessment of premiums to determine if buyers are adequately paid the lottery premium.

[0159] In 106, all presentations for the lottery presentation set may be displayed. For example, in the case of a BINGO game, a BINGO presentation set may contain information for generating all BINGO cards in a specific game and the associated sets of card numbers. Presentations in a set of BINGO presentations can contain various BINGO cards, which when playing according to the BINGO rules gives a winning result for each of the various bonuses.

[0160] In 107, prize information associated with each presentation, for example, a prize pool record associated with each presentation, may be displayed. The prize pool entries associated with each presentation may be included, the prize level for the prize pool entries associated with each presentation, or other similar information indicating the same premium when selling a ticket with a presentation.

[0161] At 108, presentation information is evaluated to determine an appropriate prize level for each presentation in accordance with the rules of the game being tested.

[0162] At 109, the corresponding prize level may be compared to a prize actually associated with a recording associated with a presentation. Such a comparison can be made for each presentation.

[0163] At 110, a decision on the correctness of all prizes may be made. Such a decision may be positive if the verification is successful. If it is determined that not all prizes are correct, a problem may arise and verification may be considered unsuccessful and action must be taken to correct the problem.

[0164] Although the invention has been described in detail, including preferred embodiments, the description is for illustration only and it should be understood that changes and variations, including improvements, can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention.

Claims (33)

1. A method of simplifying an instant lottery game, including operations: receiving a first set of presentations for the first instant lottery by the host, wherein said first set of presentations is transmitted to the host from the management client,
connection by the host of the first set of presentations with the prize fund,
connection by the host of each entry in the prize pool with a single corresponding result,
the host connecting each presentation in the first set of presentations with the corresponding result by linking the presentation to the corresponding entry in the prize pool associated with the corresponding result,
receiving a second set of presentations for the second instant lottery;
connection by the host of the second set of presentations with the second prize pool,
connection by the host of each entry in the second prize pool with a single corresponding result,
the host connecting each presentation in the second set of presentations with the corresponding result by linking the presentation to the corresponding entry in the second prize pool associated with the corresponding result,
receiving in the terminal a request for an instant lottery game, wherein the instant lottery is selected from the many available instant lotteries,
determination by the host of the result of an instant lottery by randomly selecting the first entry in the prize pool, the first entry being associated with the first presentation from the set of presentations,
transmitting to the terminal information of the first presentation from the set of presentations,
using the information of the first presentation to issue an instant lottery on the game ticket terminal,
prize award based on the result of the first entry in the prize fund,
receiving in the terminal a request for playing the second instant lottery,
wherein the second instant lottery is selected from the many available instant lotteries,
random determination by the host of the second result of the second instant lottery by randomly selecting the second entry in the second prize pool, while the second entry is associated with the second presentation from the second set of presentations,
transmitting to the terminal information of the second presentation from the second set of presentations,
using the information of the second presentation to issue on the terminal a second game ticket for the second instant lottery, and
the issuance of a second prize based on the second result associated with the second entry in the second prize pool. 2. The method according to claim 1, in which the record is selected without returning. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the prize pool is structured to provide a predetermined guaranteed minimum payment at a predetermined interval. 4. The method according to. claim 1, in which the entry is selected with return. 5. The method according to claim 1, in which the presentation information is transmitted to the terminal prior to a request to play the lottery. 6. The method according to claim 1, in which the presentation contains a partial image of a lottery ticket. 7. The method according to claim 1, in which the presentation contains a complete image of a lottery ticket. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the presentation contains a set of encoded characters. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the presentation further comprises positional information for each encoded character in the set of encoded characters. 10. The method of claim 8, in which the characters are encoded in Unicode format. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the presentation information in the terminal further includes printing an instant lottery ticket. 12. The method according to claim 1, in which the display of information of presentations in the terminal further includes displaying information in electronic form in the terminal. 13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the operation of outputting information from each presentation of the set of presentations and the result associated with each presentation. 14. The method according to item 13, further comprising the operation of confirmation by the legal entity, with the exception of the lottery operator, that each presentation is associated with the correct result. 15. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the operation of connecting a plurality of price points with an instant lottery and for each price point connecting another prize pool with an instant lottery. 16. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting ticket request information for the instant lottery from the terminal. 17. The method according to clause 16, in which the information about the ticket request contains at least one game identifier, price point, number of tickets purchased and information selected by the buyer, for use in determining the instant lottery result. 18. A system with many instant lotteries containing
many prize pools, with each prize pool including many prize levels, with each prize level associated with a corresponding result,
many lotteries, each of which is associated with one of the corresponding prize pools,
many sets of presentations, with each set of presentations associated with a corresponding lottery from a lot of lotteries, and each presentation in a set of presentations is associated with a lottery associated with one of the corresponding prize levels of the prize pool associated with the lottery,
a host configured to receive from the client a certain first set of presentations from the set of presentation sets, and
with the possibility of transmitting some first presentation from the said first set of presentations to the terminal of the game client, while the host is connected to the terminal via a communication network,
and the terminal is configured to receive a request to play a selected instant lottery in some first instant lottery from the set of instant lotteries, said first instant lottery is associated with some first prize pool and said first set of presentations,
the host is also configured to randomly select an entry from said first prize pool, which is associated with a certain first prize level from said first prize pool, and informs the terminal that presentation information from some first presentation from said first set of presentations should be displayed associated with said first prize level of said first prize fund,
moreover, the terminal is also configured to use presentation information to display a ticket for the game in the instant lottery on this terminal,
the host is also configured to receive from the management client a new set of presentations associated with the new lottery, and to connect the new presentation and the new lottery with the first prize pool. 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the terminal is configured to sell lottery tickets. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the terminal is also designed as a cash register for selling non-gaming services or goods. 21. The system of claim 18, wherein the terminal is a video lottery terminal. 22. The system of claim 18, wherein the display includes printing a lottery ticket. 23. The system of claim 18, wherein the display comprises a display of the lottery ticket in electronic form. 24. The system of claim 18, wherein the terminal is further configured to receive a request to play a second instant lottery from a plurality of lotteries in a selected instant lottery, the second lottery being associated with a second prize pool and a second set of presentations, the server is randomly selected entries from the second prize pool, the entry being associated with the second prize level of the second prize pool, and for transmitting to the lottery terminal that presentation information from the second presentation of the second should be displayed set of presentations and associated with the second prize level of the second prize fund. 25. The system according to paragraph 24, in which at least one of the many lotteries contains many prize points, while at least one lottery is associated with another prize pool of a plurality of prize pools for each prize point. 26. The system of claim 18, wherein information is transmitted from the first set of presentations to the terminal in response to a request to purchase a ticket for the first lottery. 27. The system of claim 18, wherein information is transmitted from the first set of presentations to the terminal prior to a request to purchase a ticket for the first lottery. 28. The system of claim 18, wherein the presentation information comprises a ticket image. 29. The system of claim 18, wherein the presentation information comprises a set of characters. 30. The system of clause 29, in which the presentation information contains positional information for a set of characters. 31. The system of clause 29, wherein the presentation information comprises ordering information for a set of characters. 32. The system of clause 29, wherein the presentation information contains Unicode characters. 33. The system of claim 18, further comprising a verification report generator configured to display all of the presentations in the set of presentations and the associated prize level.

Images