JP4731604B2 - Wireless lottery management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless systems, and more particularly to a system for managing wireless lotteries.

  Lottery is generally known. In the lottery, several participants purchase tickets. Each participant represents an opportunity to win a prize. In some cases, a winning prize is provided by a portion of the revenue from ticket sales. Many states have lotteries, and lotteries are usually run by states. There are several different games in most of the states. For example, there are immediate win scratch games, daily games, and games where participants must choose at least 3 or 4 correct numbers to win a prize. Often, lottery systems have games with the highest possible payment or prize. The game usually involves choosing six correct numbers from a set of numbers (eg, 1 to 50).

  The odds of winning a prize can be calculated. The odds of choosing a single correct number depends on the number of possible numbers available and the number used. For example, if none of the 6 numbers are selected, there are 50 numbers that can be selected, and a total of 6 numbers are selected, there are 6 opportunities to select a specific number correctly. There are two. The odds of choosing one correctly is therefore 50/6, or 8.33: 1. Using similar calculations, it is possible to find the odds of correctly selecting another number after subtracting one number. There are 49 remaining numbers that can be selected, and five more are drawn. Thus, the odds of correctly selecting a number after subtracting one number is 49/5, or 9.8: 1. The odds can be calculated to choose the remaining numbers. The odds of selecting all six numbers are then calculated by multiplying all the odds of the individual numbers. The odds are 50/6 × 49/5 × 48/4 × 47/3 × 46/2 × 45/1 = 15,890,700: 1.

  The victory award (prize) can be obtained and paid by various methods. For example, a state lottery may have a $ 10 million jackpot. Actual ticket revenues are much higher than jackpots. There are usually additional prizes that must be paid. In addition, many states use the majority of lottery revenue to pay for various services and equipment. Lottery revenues can be used to pay for education, roads, disaster relief, human service programs, etc. When the amount of revenue remaining in the award is sought, the award itself can be paid in various ways (annual payments over several years, lump sum payments, etc.).

  Typically, lottery tickets are sold by state authorized retailers. A retailer is typically a store (such as a convenience store). Retailers are usually paid sales commissions based on specific parameters. The parameters may include percentage, sales amount, number of tickets sold, commission limit and bonus. For example, in New York, retailers are paid a 9% fee for selling lottery tickets. Typically, commissions are paid as a percentage of sales and are paid to retailers who sell.

  Certain embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a system for managing wireless lotteries. Tickets can be purchased using a wireless communication device. A problem arises in allowing a consumer to purchase a purchase ticket using a wireless device because there is currently no satisfactory way to determine how to pay a sales commission. For example, a customer does not purchase a ticket directly from a retailer when purchasing using a mobile phone. Thus, a retailer who may otherwise have sold a ticket to a customer without an acceptable solution as described in the various embodiments described herein and in the claims, You can lose sales commissions.

  In one embodiment, a contest system is provided. The system includes a contest platform operable to receive purchase information corresponding to the purchase of one or more contest entries. Purchases can be made using electronic communication devices. The system also includes a position determination module operable to determine the position of the electronic communication device. The contest platform is also operable to determine one or more sales fees associated with the purchase based at least in part on the location of the electronic communication device. The purchase can be, for example, a purchase of a lottery ticket.

  In another embodiment, an electronic communication device is provided that can be used to make a purchase (eg, purchase a lottery ticket). The device includes a receiver, a transmitter, and a data input device. The data input device receives input from the user. The input corresponds to the purchase of a contest entry. The transmitter is operable to transmit input to the contest platform and is further operable to transmit signals usable by the platform to determine the location of the electronic communication device. The platform may further determine a sales commission for the purchase based at least in part on the location.

  In another embodiment, a purchase system is provided. The purchase system includes a purchase management platform operable to receive purchase information corresponding to the purchase of one or more items. Purchases can be made using electronic communication devices. The purchasing system may include a position determination module operable to determine the position of the electronic communication device. The purchase management platform may be further operable to determine one or more credits associated with the purchase based at least in part on the location of the electronic communication device.

  In another embodiment, a method for determining sales credits using an electronic communication device is provided. One step involves the step of determining the position of the electronic communication device. Another step involves determining a credit based at least in part on the location.

  Various embodiments of the present invention may benefit from a number of advantages. One or more embodiments may benefit from some or all of the benefits described below, or may not benefit from the benefits described below.

  One advantage is that contest entries such as lottery tickets can be purchased over-the-air and the associated retailer fees can be fairly determined and distributed. Another advantage is an increase in purchase, at least in part, in the convenience of making purchases using electronic communication devices. Another advantage is the determination, capture, and storage of purchase related data, such as location data, to create additional relevant data and / or to allow execution of one or more events related to purchase information. And can be processed. Another advantage is that a retailer can send a message to a user making a purchase using an electronic device, where the message can be based at least in part on the user location and the item being purchased. Can also be related to the type (eg, lottery ticket).

  Other advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

  For a better understanding of the present invention and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following specification, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  Various embodiments generally relate to systems and techniques for providing lottery services, and in certain cases, services are performed wirelessly. Thus, the system can be configured to provide and manage wireless lottery activities. According to one configuration, the system is configured to determine a lottery retailer to lend for wireless sale of lottery tickets. For example, a user can view a wireless lottery option as a seamless transaction with no apparent distinction as a lottery ticket retailer. However, based on one or more parameters, the system determines one or more retailers that will or will lend for a particular sale of lottery tickets. This can be realized, for example, by determining the position of the wireless purchaser at the time of purchase. The system can then determine the appropriate lottery retailer to rent based on the purchaser's location. For example, the system can be configured to lend to a retailer closest to the purchaser at the time of the transaction. Optionally, the system can be configured to lend to all retailers within a particular range of buyers. Alternatively, the purchaser can set up a “home” retailer as the retailer that lends credit. The home retailer is then credited regardless of the purchaser's location.

  Alternatively, the system can be configured to allow a purchaser to purchase a ticket only if certain criteria are met. For example, a purchase can be made when a user is within a certain distance from an advertisement (eg, a signboard) and when the user enters an appropriate code on the device. In the foregoing case, the retailer associated with the advertisement / code can be lent out to sell lottery tickets. In another example, the system may be configured to determine when a purchaser has entered a particular estate (eg, a parking lot at a particular convenience store). Upon locating the purchaser within a specific boundary or within a specific range of a specific predetermined point, the system may allow the purchaser to purchase the ticket remotely (eg, from a car).

  According to certain related aspects, a wireless lottery ticket is sold, or the merchant whose sale is rented returns a message (eg, an advertisement) to the user who purchases the ticket within a certain range Can do. For example, if a user purchases a ticket, four brokers within 1/4 mile of the purchaser may be able to send a message (which can be viewed on the user's device) to the user. One of the merchants may, for example, send a message indicating that the merchant will provide free coffee to the user when the user visits. The message may also include directions to the merchant store. The wireless lottery service can be provided as an additional service or an accompanying service of the basic communication service.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the lottery system 10 includes one or more communication devices 12. Each has a display 14 to allow the user to interact with the system 10 as described herein and in the claims. The communication device 12 communicates with other components of the system 10 via the communication network 18. The system 10 also includes one or more retailers 30. Such retailers may be (for example) stores that sell goods and / or services. Retailer 30 may be lent to sales made through device 12 according to various parameters and techniques described herein. The system 10 also includes a lottery management platform 20. Platform 20 includes at least one processor 21, at least one memory 22, and at least one network interface 23. Platform 20 also includes a position determination module 24 that determines the position of one or more communication devices 12, and a fee determination module 26 that determines a fee for sales (or other credits) made using device 12.

  The communication device 12 may include any device capable of electronically transmitting and receiving information (such as voice and / or data information). The communication device 12 may include, for example, a display 14 that displays a graphic user interface (GUI) to allow a user to perform various operations permitted by the system 10. The various operations described above may relate to any of various aspects of purchasing a lottery ticket and communicating information between the device 12 and any of the other components of the system 10.

  While specific examples are illustrated by the sale of lottery tickets, various examples are applicable to the sale of any entry (including, without limitation, contest entries, state lotteries, scratch lotteries, and instant lotteries) It is. It can also be applied to the sale of entertainment tickets such as concert tickets and sports event tickets. It is also applicable to the sale of any other product or service that can pay a fee. This includes sales of goods and estates, sales of travel related services, sales of securities and other investment products, and the like.

  Although the communication device 12 can be a wireless communication device, the present invention is not so limited. The device 12 may include, without limitation, a mobile phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a computer, a minicomputer, and the like. The communication device 12 can send and receive information to and from the communication network 18. Information is also transmitted between the network 18 and the platform 20. Information can also be transmitted between any of the aforementioned components and one or more retailers 30.

  Information transmitted over network 18 may include any information in any form necessary or desirable for operation of the wireless lottery system. Information is transmitted in any form, including digital or analog, document or audio, all or in combination, and according to any known or future transmission technology (eg, may include wired or wireless technology) can do. Wireless technology may include, for example, approved technology or technology exempt from approval. Specific technologies that can be used include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x), Public Exchange This includes, but is not limited to, telephone network (PSTN), digital subscriber line (DSL), integrated digital communication network (ISDN), and cable modem technology. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these are examples only and that other types of communication techniques are within the scope of the present invention. In addition, additional components can be used to communicate information between users, retailers, and wireless lottery platforms. Such additional components include, but are not limited to, lines, trunks, antennas, switches, cables, transmitters, receivers, computers, routers, servers, fiber optic transmission devices, repeaters, amplifiers, etc. It can be a non-thing.

  According to one embodiment, the communication network includes a cellular network. The cellular network includes a plurality of base stations. Each base station has a corresponding coverage area. Base station technology is generally known. The base station can be of any type that exists in a normal cellular network. Base stations may have overlapping coverage areas. Furthermore, the coverage area may or may not be sectored. The network also includes mobile stations. The mobile station functions as a communication device 12 used by the user to access the lottery platform and participate in lottery activities. A user connects to a network of base stations via transmission and reception of radio signals. The communication network also includes at least one voice / data switch. The aforementioned voice / data switch can be connected to the wireless portion of the network via a dedicated secure landline. The lottery platform 20 can similarly be connected to a voice / data switch via a dedicated secure landline. For example, a voice / data switch can be connected to a base station wireless network via a mobile switching center (MSC), and a terrestrial communication line can be provided between the voice / data switch and the MSC.

  A user is in communication with a communication network and thus accesses the lottery platform and / or system via a mobile station that is part of the communication network. A mobile station can be any electronic communication device operable in connection with the aforementioned network. For example, in this particular embodiment, the mobile station may include a cellular telephone.

  For example, in the case of a cellular network, the lottery system can be enabled by using a private label carrier network. Each base station is programmed by a cellular carrier to send and receive secret secure voice and / or data transmissions to and from the mobile station handset. The handset is preferably pre-programmed with game software and carrier authentication software. The base station communicates with the switch via a dedicated T1 line. If required by the regulatory authorities, encryption can be done on the phone.

  A cellular network can be a dedicated closed system. The mobile station communicates with the base station, which connects to the central switch. In the switch, a voice call is transmitted locally or over a long distance. The service provider's lottery traffic is transmitted from the central switch to the lottery server at the host location.

  When a user initiates a lottery activity, the handset talks only to base stations that include cells or sectors that are intended to fall entirely within the jurisdiction that authorizes and / or controls the subject lottery. For example, a base station may not be able to communicate with the device if it is close enough to send and receive signals across state boundaries. If the customer uses the device for lottery activities, the system may prohibit sending and receiving voice calls as needed. Furthermore, it is possible to completely remove the sound if necessary. In addition, the device may not be allowed to “connect” to the Internet. This ensures that the purchase of lottery tickets within the boundaries of the subject lottery jurisdiction begins and ends, and that there is a high degree of certainty that it will not be possible to avoid or bypass a “dedicated” radio system. The In certain embodiments, some data and / or voice traffic can be communicated at least partially over the Internet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, other information regarding system lottery activity may be transmitted over routes that do not include the Internet, while certain non-lottery information may be transmitted over routes that include the Internet. In still other embodiments, lottery information can also be transmitted in whole or in part over the Internet. This can be the case, for example, within a jurisdiction that allows purchase of lottery tickets over the Internet.

  For example, in another embodiment, the communication network includes a dedicated wireless network. Dedicated wireless networks may include, for example, 802.11x (WiFi) network technology. Various WiFi networks may comprise a communication network. The network can provide a dedicated wireless network using other communication protocols, including but not limited to 802.16x (WiMax) technology. Furthermore, the system 10 may include a combination of networks. For example, the system 10 may include a combination of a dedicated wireless network, a cellular network (including multi-channel access devices or sectorized base stations), and a satellite network (including one or more satellites).

  With regard to dedicated wireless networks, dedicated wireless networks are particularly useful for location and identification information because specific techniques cover a smaller area (eg, in the range of 100-300 feet) and provide ultra-fast throughput. Well suited to the needs of any jurisdiction of verification. The overall structure and description of the lottery system 10 is intended to be exemplary only and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the system architecture of the lottery system is
(1) Wireless LAN (local access network) components that are mostly 802.11x (WiFi) technology and / or 802.16x WiMax technology. Robust security and authentication software, game software, mobile carrier approved handset with integrated Windows® or Symbian® operating system in it,
(a) CDMA technology secure against wireless data protection,
(b) at least two layers of user authentication (user authentication provided by the mobile carrier and user authentication provided by the lottery platform provider);
(c) Forced tunneling to game servers (static routing),
(d) end-to-end encryption at the application layer,
(e) Firewall and DMZ related technologies,
(2) MWAN (Metropolitan Radio Access Network). Permitted point-to-point links and permissive point-to-point links, as well as permissible point-to-multipoint technology and permissible point-to-multipoint technology,
(3) Dedicated MAN (Metropolitan Access Network) T-1 and T-3 lines to provide connectivity in places where wireless services are not reachable, and
(4) Redundant leased line communication from the mobile switch back to the lottery platform.

  As further shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 12 communicates with a lottery management platform 20 via a network 18. The lottery management platform 20 preferably includes one or more servers or processors 21. Various lottery applications and lottery management applications reside on the server or processor 21. Such applications may include, for example, a lottery sales application, a fee determination application, a position determination application, a lottery transaction tracking application, and an information transmission application. The aforementioned applications can be implemented in one or more software modules. Applications can be combined in any conceivable configuration. Furthermore, the applications described above are not exhaustive, and there may be other applications for providing the user with an environment related to either the aforementioned or potential lottery activities. The processor 21 is operable to execute any of the software, routines, applications, etc. associated with the various functions or modules described herein. The processor 21 may be any suitable processor, computer, server, etc., or any combination thereof.

Platform 20 also includes at least one memory 22. The memory 22 is operable to store any data, software, parameters, etc. necessary for the system 10 to perform various tasks described herein and in the claims. The memory 22 includes, for example, user IDs of various users of the communication device 12, percentages and other parameters used to determine fees, the location of fixed components of the system 10 (such as the location of one or more retailers 30), etc. Can be remembered. memory
22 Any suitable memory (one or more random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), fast cycle RAM (FCRAM), static RAM) (SRAM), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), including microcontrollers and microprocessors It can be.

  Platform 20 also includes at least one network interface 23 for transmitting and receiving information to and from other components or components within system 10.

  The lottery management platform 20 includes a position determination module 24 operable to determine the position of the communication device 12. An associated validation application is further provided to enable or disable purchase of a lottery ticket from a particular location (or performing other lottery activities) depending on whether the location meets one or more criteria. It may be operable. The criteria may be, for example, whether or not the location is in a predetermined area where lottery sales are legally permitted.

  The position determination techniques used in the determination module 24 include “network based” and / or “satellite based” techniques, but may not be limited to those described above. For example, network-based techniques can include techniques such as multilateration, triangulation, geo-fencing, and the like. For example, a satellite-based approach may include a global positioning system (GPS) approach.

  As described above, the cellular approach may include the use of at least one cellular network, mobile network, voice network, and data network. For lottery activities in specific jurisdictions, location methods include triangulation, global positioning satellite (GPS) methods, and / or geo- geography to eliminate the possibility of lottery activity outside the target boundary. Fencing can be involved. Triangulation can be used as a method for determining the position of the communication device 12. For example, triangulation can be accomplished by comparing signal strengths from a single mobile station, each received at multiple base stations having GPS coordinates. The position of the mobile station (that is, the communication device) can be accurately specified using the above-described method. The location can then be compared to a map or other resource to determine whether there is a mobile station user in the unapproved area.

  Any suitable type of position determination technique can be used to determine the position of the device 12 to determine whether it can participate in the various lottery activities described herein and / or Alternatively, sales credits can be determined based on the location of the device. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, the following.

One technique that can be used is “geo-fencing”. For example, geo-fencing can be used to disable devices that are not within defined boundaries. Geo-fencing does not locate, but rather ensures that the mobile station is within a particular boundary. For example, geo-fencing can be used to ensure that mobile stations beyond the state boundary do not access the lottery system 10. Another technique that can be used is triangulation. Triangulation accurately (or nearly) accurately locates the device. For example, the device can be triangulated between three base stations to determine the position of the device. Triangulation can be used to identify whether there is a device (such as a mobile station) in a particular area. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Phase
2 The position determination technique used in connection with the present invention can be defined to meet E911 requirements. Geological maps of the Geological Survey (GIS) can also be used to compare the identified coordinates of the communication device with features or components of the GIS map to determine whether the device is in a particular area. Any type of location verification (triangulation, geo-geometry) that can be used to ensure or provide acceptable confidence that a user is at a particular location or within a particular boundary. Fencing, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) techniques, signal strength comparison, time difference of arrival (TDOA) or any other type of position determination technique may also be used.

  In another embodiment, location verification is accomplished using channel address verification or location verification using certain other identification numbers or information indicating which network or network portion is being accessed by the communication device. If the identification number is used for this purpose, for example, according to one method of location checking, the participant accesses the lottery system with a mobile phone. The caller's connection to the mobile network is identified by the identification number of the cellular phone or the identification number of the network component being accessed by the cellular phone. The number indicates that the caller is within a defined area and is on a specific mobile network. A server application may be present on the mobile phone to communicate this information over the network to the lottery platform. In a related embodiment, the identification number or identification information is transferred from the first network provider to the second network provider. For example, the caller's home network may be provided by a second provider, but the caller is roaming on a network provided by the first provider (within a jurisdiction). . The first provider may allow the second provider to determine whether the caller is in a prescribed area that allows proper lottery activity or in a prescribed area that does not allow proper lottery activity. Transfer the identification information to the second provider. Preferably, the lottery platform maintains or accesses a database that maps various possible worldwide mobile network identification numbers to regions. The present invention contemplates the use of any number or proxy indicating a network, network portion or network component connected to a mobile phone. The identification number may include one or more of a base station, a base station group, a line, a channel, a trunk line, a switch, a router, a repeater, and the like.

  In another embodiment, when the user connects his mobile phone to the lottery platform, the lottery platform retrieves network identification information. Resident software on the communication device may incorporate functionality to determine the user's location (at least in part based on identification information) and send the message to the lottery platform upon user login or access. The identification number or identification information used to determine the location may be country specific, state specific, town specific, or certain other definable border specific.

  For any of the position determination techniques, the lottery platform can periodically update the position determination information. For example, this may be done during a lottery transaction or at predetermined time intervals, so that the movement of a communication device to an unauthorized area is detected during lottery activity, not just at login or initial access. Can be ensured.

  Thus, depending on the position determination method used, the determination of whether to allow or prohibit lottery activities is used to transmit information between the communication device, the lottery platform, or between the platform and the communication device. This can be done at any of the components of the telecommunications network (eg, base station).

  The lottery platform 20 also includes a fee determination module 26. In particular, fee determination module 26 determines the fee to be paid to one or more retailers. The determination can be made at least in part based on the position of one or more communication devices 12 (eg, determined by the position determination module 24). All modules and / or components shown within platform 20 may be separate, integrated, centralized, remote, overlapping, etc., as long as the functionality of the module is provided It may be configured as follows.

  The fee determination module 26 can determine that the sale of the ticket should be lent to the retailer 30 closest to the particular device 12 used to purchase the lottery ticket. Thus, that particular retailer is entitled to any eligible fee based on the sale of that ticket. The term “retailer” is not intended to be limiting. A retailer can be any distributor of lottery tickets (or other contest entries or other goods or services purchased). Retailers can be individuals, stores, government agencies, distributors, kiosks, and the like. According to another embodiment, the fee determination module may be located at one or more retailer locations within a certain distance from one or more communication devices 12 (such as a particular device 12 used for ticket purchase). It may be operable to determine a fee based on. For example, the position determination module 24 can determine the position of the device 12 used for ticket purchase. The fee determination module 26 may determine that there are two retailers 30 within a predetermined (eg, 5 miles) radius of the communication device 12. The fee determination module 26 can further determine that the ticket sales fee is distributed between the two retailers 30.

  Fee determination module 26 can use additional parameters to determine an appropriate fee. The foregoing parameters are not limiting and include the location of one or more devices 12, the location of one or more distributors 30, the distance from one or more devices 12 to one or more retailers 30, May include selected user preferences, day of the week, and daily information, zone boundaries, allocation parameters, percentages, etc.

  According to another embodiment, a predetermined zone can be set. If a purchase is made using a device in a particular zone, it can be determined that the sale is credited to all or a portion of the retailers in that zone.

  According to another embodiment, fee determination module 26 can allocate fees among multiple retailers based on their respective distance to device 12 used for purchase. According to a related example, module 26 determines the fee based on its predetermined percentage that various retailers (eg, all retailers within 5 miles of device 12) should obtain the right to the fee accordingly. be able to. For example, a particular store may get a greater percentage of rights than other stores.

  According to at least one embodiment, the user of device 12 may pre-select one or more retailers as “home” retailers. For example, this may be a retailer that users often visit. When that particular user purchases a lottery ticket using the device 12, the sale is credited to the home retailer. This feature may be independent or combined with other parameters described herein and in the claims. For example, sales can be loaned to a home retailer regardless of the location of the device 12. As another example, the home store is credited with additional retailers that are all within a certain distance from the device 12, but at a higher percentage than the aforementioned retailers.

  According to another embodiment, a user of device 12 may only be able to make a purchase using the device if the device is within a specific distance from a specific point. For example, a user may have to be within a certain distance from a billboard that has a lottery advertisement. If a purchase is made within a certain distance from the above point, a sale (and a fee, if applicable) is credited to a given recipient. In this case, the advertiser can lend a fee or a part thereof.

  According to a related aspect, the user may be presented with one or more possible codes that must be entered on the communication device GUI to make a purchase. For example, the code can be displayed on a signboard, an advertisement in a store, or an advertisement of a specific television station. If the user enters a specific code with the purchase of a ticket, sell to the entity associated with the code (eg, the advertiser, the store where the advertisement is placed, or the media entity providing the code), and The resulting fee is credited.

  The term “fee” is not limited to any particular type of fee. Fees may simply represent sales recognition or credits in certain embodiments. The fee may be, for example, a monetary fee paid as a percentage of sales. Fees may also include other types of incentives. Other types of incentives include other types of monetary incentives (such as bonuses) that are determined based on any suitable parameter.

  FIG. 2 shows an example of the operation of the position determination module 24 regarding the operation of the fee determination module 26. As shown, there are two communication devices 210 and 204, respectively. There are also two retailers 206 and 208, respectively. According to an example, a lottery ticket can be purchased using the device 210. The position determination module 24 can determine that the device 210 is in a particular position. Fee determination module 26 may retrieve information regarding the location of various retailers to determine that retailer 206 is the only retailer within a particular predetermined radius 203 of device 210. Therefore, it is possible to determine that the credit for selling the lottery ticket performed using the device 210 and the right to any fee resulting from the sale are obtained.

  In another example shown in FIG. 2, a lottery ticket can be purchased using the device 204. In this case, the position determination module 24 determines the position of the device 204. Fee determination module 26 can determine the location of various retailers (eg, based on stored information), with only retailers 206 and 208 being retailers within a particular radius 205 from device 204. This can be further determined. Fee determination module 26 can then determine that the credits and fees for the sale should be equally divided between retailer 206 and retailer 208.

  Alternatively, it can be determined that retailer 206 is a first distance 209 from device 204 and retailer 208 is a second distance 207 from device 204. It can be further determined that the second distance 207 is shorter than the first distance 209. The retailer 208 can be determined to be closer to the device 204 than the retailer 206, and thus the retailer 208 will be entitled to the fee.

  Alternatively, it can be determined that the second distance 207 is half of the first distance 209. The commission is split between retailer 206 and retailer 208, but it can be determined that 1/3 is assigned to retailer 206 and 2/3 is assigned to retailer 208. Numerous examples of determining fees based at least in part on retailer and user location may be incorporated into the various embodiments described herein and in the claims.

  FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method for determining a fee for selling a lottery ticket. Although the above method shows various steps in a specific order, the present invention is not limited thereto. Steps can be added, excluded and modified, and the order of the various steps can vary.

  In the illustrated example, the method begins at step 302 where a user makes a purchase using a communication device. The purchase can be, for example, a purchase of a lottery ticket. Any other type of purchase described herein and claims is envisioned.

  In step 304, the position of the user is determined. This can be accomplished using any of the components and techniques described in the specification and claims. Preferably, the position is determined based on the position of the user's communication device at the time of purchase. However, the location can be determined at another time or by other criteria.

  At step 306, a credit (eg, a sales commission) is determined based at least in part on the user location. Again, the credit can be any type of monetary or non-monetary credit, fee, payment, bonus, or reward. Credits can be determined by any of the techniques described herein and in the claims, as well as any of the additional parameters.

  In step 308, the credit determined in step 306 is distributed to one or more retailers. Allocation can be achieved by any suitable payment method (including cash, check, transfer or wire transfer). Other allocations corresponding to non-monetary credits are also envisioned. Credits can also be allocated by creating a record corresponding to the purchase and associating the retailer with the record (eg, using the retailer ID).

  Although various embodiments of the present invention and advantages thereof have been described in detail, those skilled in the art can make various modifications, additions and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the claims. Is possible.

  For example, according to certain aspects, at least certain embodiments can incorporate messaging functionality. The messaging function allows a retailer or lottery platform to send a message to one or more users. The message can be, for example, an alarm, an advertisement, a promotion, a confirmation, etc. The message can be predetermined based on the user's distance or proximity to one or more other components (eg, retailers) of the system 10. For example, a retailer to whom a fee for lottery sale made using the device 12 is rented can generate a message for the user of the device 12. The message may thank the user for making the purchase and invite the user for a free drink at the retailer location. The message may also include directions to the merchant's store. According to certain related aspects, a merchant selling a wireless lottery ticket can reply a message (eg, an advertisement) to a user who purchases the ticket within a specified range. For example, if a user purchases a ticket, four agents within 1/4 mile of the purchaser may be able to send a message to the user. This message can be viewed on the user's device.

  According to another aspect, the system can also be configured to determine when a user enters a particular estate (eg, a parking lot at a particular convenience store). The system may allow a user to purchase a ticket remotely (eg, from a car) when within a certain boundary or within a certain range of a certain predetermined point.

  According to another aspect, the lottery service described herein and in the claims may be provided as an additional service of the basic telecommunications service or as an accompanying service.

1 illustrates a wireless lottery system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the wireless lottery sales commission distribution plan by the Example of this invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless lottery method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (51)

A method for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the method comprises
Determining the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
Determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers; And determining the credit comprises:
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. Determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
Providing the credit to the one or more retailers, wherein the credit is evenly divided among the one or more retailers.   The method of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the credit is provided to a predetermined retailer regardless of the distance between the electronic communication device location at the time of the sale and the predetermined retailer. How to be.   The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving purchase information from the electronic communication device.   The method of claim 1, wherein the electronic communication device can be purchased only when it is in a predetermined zone.   The method according to claim 1, wherein the purchase is possible only when the position of the electronic communication device is within a specific predetermined distance from the predetermined second position.   The method of claim 1, wherein determining the credit comprises defining at least one zone and determining at least one retailer within the zone, wherein the location is within the zone. The way it is.   The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a message to a user of the electronic communication device. A method for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the method comprises
Determining the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
Determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers; And determining the credit comprises:
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. Determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
Providing the credit to the one or more retailers; (a) a position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale; and (b) a position of each of the one or more retailers. A method in which the credit is divided among the one or more retailers according to a predetermined percentage based on the determined distance between.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the credit is provided to a given retailer regardless of the distance between the location of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and the given retailer. How to be.   The method of claim 9, further comprising receiving purchase information from the electronic communication device.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein the electronic communication device can be purchased only if it is in a predetermined zone.   9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the purchase is possible only when the position of the electronic communication device is within a specific predetermined distance from the predetermined second position.   9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the credit comprises defining at least one zone and determining at least one retailer within the zone, wherein the location is within the zone. The way it is.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising sending a message to a user of the electronic communication device. A method for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the method comprises
Determining the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
Determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers; And determining the credit comprises:
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. Determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
Providing the credit to the one or more retailers; (a) the determination between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers A method in which the credit is allocated among the one or more retailers based on a determined distance.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein the assignment is based on a relative distance from each of the one or more retailers to the location of the electronic communication device at the point of sale.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the credit is provided to a given retailer regardless of the distance between the location of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the given retailer. How to be.   16. The method of claim 15, further comprising receiving purchase information from the electronic communication device.   16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the electronic communication device can be purchased only if it is in a predetermined zone.   16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the electronic communication device can be purchased only if the position of the electronic communication device is within a specific predetermined distance from the predetermined second position.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein determining the credit comprises defining at least one zone and determining at least one retailer within the zone, wherein the location is within the zone. The way it is.   16. The method of claim 15, further comprising sending a message to a user of the electronic communication device.   4. The method of claim 3, wherein the purchase information includes a code. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of determining the credit is performed based at least in part on the code. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the code is associated with a subject and at least a portion of the credit is provided to the subject.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the subject is an advertiser.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the subject is a media provider. 28. The method of claim 27, wherein the code is provided on media distributed by the media provider.   6. The method of claim 5, wherein the predetermined second position corresponds to an advertisement position.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the message is a promotion.   8. The method of claim 7, wherein the message is a purchase confirmation.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the purchase information includes a code. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein determining the credit is performed based at least in part on the code. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the code is associated with a subject and at least a portion of the credit is provided to the subject.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the subject is an advertiser.   35. The method of claim 34, wherein the subject is a media provider. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the code is provided on media distributed by the media provider.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein the predetermined second location corresponds to an advertisement location.   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the message is a promotion.   15. The method of claim 14, wherein the message is a purchase confirmation.   The method of claim 18, wherein the purchase information includes a code. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein determining the credit is performed based at least in part on the code.   27. The method of claim 26, wherein the subject is an advertiser.   27. The method of claim 26, wherein the subject is a media provider. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein the code is provided on media distributed by the media provider.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein the predetermined second location corresponds to an advertisement location.   23. The method of claim 22, wherein the message is one of a promotion and a purchase confirmation.   16. The method of claim 15, wherein the position of the electronic communication device is determined using triangulation, geological research mapping, global positioning satellite technique, signal strength comparison, and arrival time difference technique. An apparatus for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the device is
A function of determining the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) a function for determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
A function of determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers. And the function of determining the credit is
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. A function including a function of determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
An apparatus configured to provide the credit to the one or more retailers, wherein the credit is evenly divided among the one or more retailers. An apparatus for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the device is
A function of determining the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) a function for determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
A function of determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers. And the function of determining the credit is
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. A function including a function of determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
A function of providing the credit to the one or more retailers, comprising: (a) a position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale; and (b) a position of each of the one or more retailers. A device configured to perform the function of dividing the credit among the one or more retailers according to a predetermined percentage based on the determined distance between. An apparatus for determining credits for sales made at the time of using an electronic communication device, wherein the credits are determined by executing software stored in a lottery management platform comprising at least one processor and a position determination module. And the device is
A function of determining the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale by the position determination module;
For each of a plurality of retailers, (a) a function for determining, by the at least one processor, a distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers. ,
A function of determining the credit by the at least one processor based at least in part on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and the position of each of the retailers. And the function of determining the credit is
(A) based on the determined distance between the position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale and (b) the position of each of the retailers of the electronic communication device at the point of sale. A function including a function of determining one or more of the plurality of retailers within a predetermined range of locations;
A function of providing the credit to the one or more retailers, comprising: (a) a position of the electronic communication device at the point of sale; and (b) a position of each of the one or more retailers. An apparatus configured to perform the function of assigning the credit among the one or more retailers based on the determined distance between.

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