GB2042980A

GB2042980A - Card for Football Pools

Info

Publication number: GB2042980A
Application number: GB7943866A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-12-20
Filing date: 1979-12-20
Publication date: 1980-10-01
Also published as: DE2951724A1

Abstract

A card for football pools has a first area indicating date and number of the contest and the undertaking organisation; a second area indicating the list of the events concerning the contest; a third area for manual marking by the gambler for the selection on one or several columns of the values "1", "x", "2" by means of manual scoring of the same; a fourth area for the print in clear of validation of the scoring destined to be retained by the gambler; a fifth area for the printing in clear of the bets or stakes for notarial archives; a sixth area for printing with characters readable by an optical-electronic character reader bearing all the elements relating to the bets; a seventh area wherein there is applied the validation of the gambling, and areas arranged for the application of advertisements. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Card for Football Pools The present invention relates to a card for football pools, in particular for football pools based for example on "1", "x", "2" combinations which, as it is well known, are associated to sporting competitions, football, horse races, state lottery and the like, and to a system for processing such cards.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a card suitable for the automatized processing of the stake data, validation and acceptance by means of an "intelligent terminal" the structure of which does not fall within the present invention.

Another purpose of the present invention is the one of providing a card of the mentioned kind suitable for the automatized counting with consequent saving of work-force, greater control and safety for the gambler, the receivers, the management, and with greater efficiency and saving of costs.

Accordingly the present invention provides a coupon for use in a football pool comprising a first area showing data, number of contest, undertaking organisation; a second area showing the list of the football matches in the pool, a third area for manual marking of forecast results of the matches being tabulated for the selection of one or more columns of values "1", "2", "x", by means of manual annulment of markings against the match lines; said tabulated third area being delimited at the head of the columns by column marks which are adapted to co-operate with an optical reader of a receiving terminal, and laterally at one of the match lines with strobe marks adapted to co-operate with such optical reader, a fifth and sixth area for printing of the forecasts in clear by the user, a third and fourth area for printing of data relative to the stake and its validation.

The card according to this invention may be used both for single column gamblers and by system gamblers.

In the examples discussed herein the card comprises four columns, but it will be understood that a different number of columns is possible within the scope of the invention.

According to an aspect of the invention there is foreseen the use of a card predisposed for the mechanical processing of the data, associated to optoelectronic reading means, and a support for information which may be utilized as a "journal" for the recordal of all the data relating to the stakes in order to simplify the acceptance and validation operations and in particular the counting operations.

An aim of this invention is the one of providing a system suitable for the processing of the data relating to the stakes which offers a high degree of security both for the organisers of the stakes, and the gamblers.

According to an aspect of this invention it is foreseen to read out with optoelectronic means the data relating to a stake, to validate the data by means of a data processor and to provide means for the set up of a journal which records all the data relating to the stakes and allows fast counting of the stakes in order to accelerate those operations which up to now were performed manually, so that such operations may be performed entirely with electronic means free of human error, while preserving the possibility of a check for all the data by means of a human operator.

According to an aspect of this invention there is provided in combination a card suitable for the compilation by a gambler in terms easy for a layman, means for the read out of the data set up by the gambler, means for the interpretation of the stake and the validation of the stake and for the setting up of a journal apt to constitute a further check element and a means for the automatic counting of the stakes.

Accordingly the invention also provides a system for the acquisition and processing of data from cards for totalizator games, including a support for information on the stake comprising a field wherein the elements of the stake are shown, fields wherein data relating to the kind of game and organisation are impressed a matrix comprising the markings which must be scored by the gambler, a field comprising markings for adapting an electronic apparatus of a receiving and validation terminal to the kind of paper, intensity of print and the like; a strobe field for the single units of the stake, at least a field wherein there are impressed in clear the terms of the stake made by the gambler, and at least a field arranged for receiving a stamping containing the date of the stake, of the receiving place, the game, the amount of the stake and the like, said card being associated with a journal preferably in the form of a continuous strip comprising data for identification of the game and of the terms of the stake.

In another aspect the invention provides a system for the acquisition and processing of data for cards for totalizator games comprising an information support for the stake constituted by a card at disposal of the gambler; an optoelectronic reader for the readout of the stake made by the gambler and for the control of a processor which effects the validation of the card with printing in clear of the data of the stake and the contemporaneous printing of a journal which is preferably arranged as a continuous strip containing all the data relating to the game, kind of stake and data of the stake and which is arranged to be utilized by an opto-electronic reader for the counting of the stakes.

Some embodiments of the invention will now be disclosed with reference to the attached drawings, wherein, Figure 1 shows a blank card embodying the present invention, Figure 2 shows the card of Figure 1, after that a gambler has laid down a two column stake, Figure 3 shows the card of Figure 2 after that the same has been processed by a receiving terminal, Figure 4 shows a card relating to a system with multiple variants after having been subjected to processing by the receiving terminal, Figure 5 shows a blank card according to the present invention, Figure 6 shows the card of Figure 5 wherein a two column stake has been laid down by the gambler and after processing on a receiving terminal, Figure 7 shows a multiple variants card after processing on the receiving terminal, Figure 8 shows a typical betting card compiled for about 1/2 with a simple stake and for the remainder compiled as a system stake, useful for the system according to this invention, Figure 9 shows the same typical card subjected to the acceptance and validation operation by means of an intelligent terminal, Figure 10 shows a typical recordal journal for the stakes suitable for the counting with a mechanised system, Figure 1 OA shows a detail of the journal shown in Figure 3, Figure 11 shows the block diagram of the data acquisition system, and Figure 12 shows the simplified systematic diagram of the counting system.

With reference to Figure 1, the card comprises an area 1, bearing a printed form where the date, the number of the contest and the undertaking organisation are shown. The area 2 shows the list of the stakes concerning the contest, for instance of the bets relating to a contest such as a list of the football games the results of which are admitted to the contest, should the game refer to a football result forecasting; an area 3 which is for manual scoring or marking by the gambler for the selection on one or more columns of the scores "1", "x", "2"; an area 4 which is for the printing in clear of the validation of the marking destined to the gambler; an area 5 which is for the printing in clear of the stakes for the notarial archives; an area 6 of print of characters readable by an electronic or optoelectronic character reader, carrying information relating to all the elements of the game; an area 7 on which there is applied, by means of an apparatus forming part of the intelligent terminal, of the validation bearing the amount to be paid, the progressive numeration; and areas 8 for advertisements.

In Figure 2 there is shown the card of Figure 1 wherein the markings made by the gambler are shown by scoring with a pencil the selected symbols "1", "x", "2", which is shown as example as being effected on two columns.

In Figure 3 there is shown the card of Figure 2 after processing by an intelligent terminal. It can be noted how, in the areas 4, 5 there are printed in clear the selected symbols, while for the blank columns there appears a "void" represented by an asterisk. In the area 6 of the card, on the top there are printed data relating to the contest to which the compiled card refers, and symbols readable by an optical-electronic character reader of the data of the game. As one can see, it has been selected the symbol "1 " for "1", "x", "2" for "2" and "4" for "x".

The philosophy of this choice is that it permits selection of further numbers for the combinations deriving from system stakes, according to the following criteria: 3 for the stake 1 2 (1+2) 5 for the stake 1 x(1+4) 6 for the stake x 2 (4+2) 7 for the stake 1 x2 (1+2+4) 0 for the non staked columns With reference to Figure 6, the card includes first areas 11 and 12 bearing a printed form where the date, number of contest and undertaking organisation are shown. The area 13 shows the list of the stakes concerning the contest, for instance a list of the football games whose results are admitted to the contest, should the game refer to a football result forecasting.The area 14 is an area of manual scoring or marking by the gambler for the selection on one or more column of values "1", "x", "2". The areas 1 5, 1 6 are areas of clear print of the stakes meant to remain to the gambler and to the Notarial Archives, respectively. The area 1 7 is the cut area, bearing a stamping "watermark" or the like to eliminate possible counterfeiting attempts or undue manipulation. Areas 18, 19 are meant to receive validation data of the contest by the receiving terminal and concerning the stake as number of columns, amount to be paid, etc.

The area 14 of the scoring or marking is defined on the upper side and laterally by two fields 110,111.

As can be seen, the field 110 bears marks corresponding to the heads of the single columns of the score stub 14 arranged to "adapt" an optical reader of the receiving terminal to the quality of paper, intensity of print, etc. for optimising the optical reading. The field 111 includes marks corresponding to the lines of stub 4 which act as "strobe" during the optical reading of the card in the receiving phase of the terminal.

Fields 112, 113 are spaces for advertising.

In Figure 7 is shown a card staked on two columns.

The various symbols , x","2" of the area or stub 14 have been annulled and the combination staked is written in clear in the areas 15 and 16.

In areas 18, 1 9 data concerning the stake, receiving-office, amount of the stake and the like are referred.

When receiving the stake a "tape-journal" 114 is also mechanically compiled with means not shown, including a first field 1 15 with data relative to the stake; a secret code 1 16 for the operator, and a field 11 7 with the data relative to the actual stake.

Various fields 11 5, 1 16, 11 7 are divided into two parts A, B. Part A is in clear, namely readable by a human operator and corresponds to the stake according to the following code: to symbol "1" corresponds -1-, to symbol "2" corresponds -2-, to symbol "x" corresponds -4-.

The philosophy of this choice consists in making possible the selection of further numbers for the combinations deriving from system stakes according to the following criteria: 3 for the stake 1 2 (1 +2) 5 for the stake 1 x (1 +4) 6 for the stake x 2 (4+2) 7 for the stake 1 x 2 (1 +2+4) 0 for non staked columns.

Figure 3 shows a card, similar to that of Figure 2, but for a system stake with multiple variants.

Its structure is clarified by the foregoing and a detailed specification is not necessary.

With reference to Figure 9 there is shown a typical card for the use with a system embodying this invention. This card comprises a field 21 wherein the elements of the stakes are shown, for instance football games; fields 22 and 23 wherein appear data relating to the kind of stake and the pertaining organisation; a matrix 24 comprising the markings which must be scored by the gambler; a field 25 which comprises marks for adapting the optoelectronic apparatus of the receiving and validation terminal to the kind of paper, intensity of printing, and so on, in order to ensure the maximum of safety in the identification of the scorings; a field 26 of strobe of the lines relating both to the adapting markings and to the actual stake scores; a field 27 which constitutes the area of the card wherein there are printed in clear the terms of the stake made by the gambler, similarly the field 28 is printed in a manner identical to the field 27.

The fields 29 and 210 are arranged for riving a stamping of the kind of automatic mail stamping machines, containing the stake data, receivers data, the game, the amount of the stake and the like.

tnigure 10 there is shown a card similar to Figure 9 with markings, relating to a single column of stakes both simple and of the system type. A further detailed description is deemed not necessary.

With reference to Figure 11, therein it is shown a typical recordal journal for the stakes which is compiled jointly with the operation of acceptance and validation of the stake. The journal shown in Figure 11 is divided into an area of numbers readable by a human person, and an area of symbols which are readable by an optoelectronic reader.

This journal comprises a first field 221 relating to the data of the stake; a second field 212 relating to a secret code number as a further security system for all the parties involved and a field 213 relating to the data of the stake both in clear and in optoelectronic code. The fields 221', 212' and 213' relate to a subsequent stake.

It should be noted that for the various combinations "1", "x", "2", there is adopted a numerical code which allows, in a conventional digital combination to identify both the simple stake and the system stakes.

In Figure 12 there is shown schematically the philosophy of the acceptance and validation system embodying this invention. The data of the card of the gambler are sensed by an optical reader 200 connected with an electronic processor 201 which prints on the card the validation data by means of a device shown at 202, and which prints the previously mentioned journal by means of a device 203.

During an accounting operation, the journal from the device 203 is processed by an optoelectronic reader 204 associated with a processor 205 which effects the accounting operation electronically and through the unit 206 provides data relating to the stakes to a printer 207 for a print-out thereof.

Referring once again to the matter of the journal, this as it is shown in Figure 1 lAin a preferred embodiment comprises a strobe field 208A and data fields 208 and 208B. In the example shown, the fields 208, 208A and 208B bear graphical information, but it is possible for a person skilled in the art to conceive other embodiments, for instance, the field 208 could be a line of "sprocket" holes, and the fields 208A and 208B normal punchings conventional in the field of electronic processors.

Claims

1. A card for football pools or the like comprising a first area indicating date and number of the contest and the undertaking organisation; a second area indicating the list of the events concerning the contest; a third area for manual marking by the gambler for the selection on one or several columns of the values "1 ", "x", "2" by means of manual scoring of the same; a fourth area for the print in clear of validation of the scoring destined to be retained by the gambler; a fifth area for the printing in clear of the bets or stakes for notarial archives; a sixth area for printing with characters readable by an opticalelectronic character reader bearing all the elements relating to the bets; a seventh area wherein there is applied the validation of the gambling, and areas arranged for the application of advertisements.

2. A card for football pools according to Claim 1, characterised in that to the values "1", "x", "2" there are attributed in the sixth area the numerical values 1,2,4.

3. A card for football pools according to Claim 1 or 2, in which combinations or permutations of bets with multiple variants are applied in the sixth area with the following encodings: 3 for the stake 1 2 (1 +2) 5 forthestake 1 x(1+4) 6 for the stake x 2 (4+2) 7 forthestake 1 x2(1+2+4) 0 for the non staked columns.

4. A card for football pools comprising a first area showing date, number of the contest, undertaking organisation; a second area showing the list of the stakes concerning the contest, a third area for manual scoring or marking, being tabulated for the selection on one or more columns of values "1", "x", "2", by means of manual annullment of the same; said third area being delimited at the head of the columns by column marks to co-operate with an optical reader of a receiving terminal, and laterally by strobe marks corresponding to the lines of the area, a first and second area of printing in clear of the stakes, a third and fourth area of printing of data relative to the stake and its validation; and a separable counterfoil connected by an area having an anti-counterfeiting marking.

5. A card as claimed in Claim 1 in combination with an information support bearing stake data, the stake and optionally a secret code.

6. A football pools card according to Claim 1, in which to values "1", "x", "2", are given on said information support the numerical values 1, 2, 4.

7. A football pools card according to Claim 5 or 6, in which for permutations of betting, the following codes are applied for said information support: 3 for the stake 1 2 (1 +2) 5 for the stake 1 x (1 +4) 6 for the stake x 2 (4+2) 7 for the stake 1 x2 (1 +2+4) 0 for non staked columns.

8. A card as claimed in any of Claims 5, 6, or 7 in which said information support includes both characters readable by a human reader and by an optical code electronically readable.

9. A system for the acquisition and processing of data from cards for totalizator games, including a support for information on the stake comprising a field wherein the elements of the stake are shown, fields wherein data relating to the kind of game and organisation are impressed, a matrix comprising the markings which must be scored by the gambler, a field comprising markings for adapting an electronic apparatus of a receiving and validation terminal to the kind of paper, intensity of print and the like; a strobe field for the single units of the stake, at least a field and the like; a strobe field for the single units of the stake, at least a field wherein there are impressed in clear the terms of the stake made by the gambler, and at least a field arranged for receiving a stamping containing the data of the stake, of the receiving place, the game, the amount of the stake and the like, said card being associated with a journal preferably in the form of a continuous strip comprising data for identification of the game and of the terms of the stake.

1 0. A system according to Claim 9, in which said journal comprises a print area for subtantially clear characters readable by a human operator and characters readable by an electronic reader.

11. A system according to Claim 10, in which said characters readable by an electronic reader are constituted by a seif-strobing encoding enabling the read out with optoelectronic means.

12. A system for the acquisition and processing of data for cards for totalizator games comprising an information support for the stake constituted by a card at disposal of the gambler; an optoelectronic reader for the read out of the stake made by the gambler and for the control of a processor which effect the validation of the card with printing in clear of the data of the stake and the contemporaneous printing of a journal which is preferably arranged as a continuous strip containing all the data relating to the game, kind of stake and data of the stake and which is arranged to be utilized by an optoelectronic reader for the counting of the stakes.

13. A system as claimed in Claim 12 in which the means for the read out of the journal comprises an optoelectronic reader of the data appearing on said journal, a data processor for the counting of the stakes and a printing unit of the results.

14. A coupon for use in a football pool comprising a first area showing date, number of contest, undertaking organisation; a second area showing the list of the football matches in the pool, a third area for manual marking of the forecast results of the matches being tabulated for the selection on one or more columns of values "1", "2", "x", by means of manual annullment of markings against the match lines; said tabulated third area being delimited at the head of the columns by column marks which are adapted to co-operate with an optical reader of a receiving terminal, and laterally at one end of the match lines with strobe marks adapted to cooperate with such optical reader, a fourth and a fifth area for printing of the forecasts in clear by the user, and a sixth and seventh area for printing of data relative to the stake and its validation.

1 5. A coupon as claimed in Claim 14 in which said fifth and seventh areas are disposed on a separable stub, the area of the coupon bridging the division between the separable stub and the remainder of the coupon being marked with anticounterfeiting marks.

1 6. A combination of the coupon of Claim 14 or Claim 1 5 with an optical reader and a separate information carrier, the reader being operable to read the forecasts on said coupon, encode them and mark them on the information carrier.

1 6. A football pool card and/or system for using it substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.