GB1491780A - Electronic totalisator - Google Patents

Abstract

1491780 Electronic totalizators SWEDISH COMPUTER AB 17 Nov 1975 [21 Nov 1974] 47318/75 Heading G4A An electronic totalizator comprises a centra<SP>1</SP> computer 2 to store and evaluate information and arranged to control television equipment 20 and/or indicator boards 21, at least one terminal computer, e.g. 8, 9, 10, connected to the central computer 2, at least one teller terminal, e.g. 14-19, connected to the terminal computer(s), which teller terminal(s) includes a machine incorporating a ticket transport device, an optical reader, a printing means, a keyboard and an alphanumerical indicator. The machine, which may be controlled by a microcomputer, is operable in three different modes: (1) as a ticket issuing machine, wherein the machine generates a requested ticket following actuation of the keyboard and the printing means applies an inscription on the ticket, the cost of the ticket being displayed by the alphanumerical indicator; (2) as a ticket reader, wherein the machine reads filled-in pencil marking on a ticket and the central computer 2, having evaluated this information, instructs the printing means to apply an appropriate inscription on the ticket, which inscription is in the form of a machinereadable code for automated payment of winnings, and (3) as a cash register for payment of winnings, either by means of instructions entered via the keyboard or by automated payment following optical reading of a machine-readable code on a ticket. Each ticket is marked with a check number which is stored in the memories of the totalizator and which is used in the event of a win, information concerning winning tickets being automatically erased from the memories as winnings are cashed in. At least some of the terminal computers, e.g., as shown, terminal computer 8, may be connected to the central computer 2 via a telecommunication network to provide facilities for remote betting offices.