WO1999024130A1

WO1999024130A1 - Identification process of secured markings in scratchable zone of instant win lottery tickets

Info

Publication number: WO1999024130A1
Application number: PCT/IB1998/000367
Authority: WO
Inventors: Serge Mersilian
Original assignee: Pacific Horizon International, Ltd.
Priority date: 1997-11-12
Filing date: 1998-02-03
Publication date: 1999-05-20
Also published as: CA2217419A1; AU6111498A

Abstract

A lottery ticket which is made by the printing of a coated aluminium laminate (3) or a coat of opaque ink on a paper substrate (2). This serves as a screen for detecting the symbols or other indicia used to determine if a ticket is a winning ticket printed on the coated aluminium laminate. Coat of varnish which may have ultraviolet detectable characteristics (UV varnish) may be printed to prevent damage or alteration of the symbols or indicia. The varnish may also be provided with windows (13) or openings which will allow any chemical used to dissolve the ink to bleed under the varnish and obliterate the printed symbols or indicia revealing that tampering was attempted and making the ticket (1) worthless. A scratchable ink layer (8) is provided with patterns, or marking grids which are printed on the varnish at the same time as the scratchable ink layer. These patterns, or grids or other items have specific design features which intersect with companion designs on the ticket surface and make it virtually impossible to align a replaceable ink layer for redressing. In addition, these particular patterns, or grids may be open space or printed areas which may include carbon to provide selectable resistance characteristics for single tickets or groups of tickets so that electrical verification of tickets may be accomplished.

Description

IDENTIFICATION PROCESS OF SECURED MARKINGS IN SCRATCHABLE ZONE OF INSTANT WIN LOTTERY TICKETS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the invention This invention relates to a ticket structure and printing procedure for providing secured instant win lottery tickets using coats of scratchable ink and other secured features. More specifically, the invention relates to a ticket on which the codes, the patterns, the index, the marking grids, etc., must correspond, that is, be positioned, to line up substantially registered with the codes, the patterns, the index, the marking grids, and other elements. These are printed at the same time as the zone of symbols and other indicia, which is defined and printed before the coat of varnish is applied, protecting the zone of symbols and other indicia . 2 Background of the Invention.

Lottery tickets are available throughout the world and consist of a series of indicia mounted on or printed in reference zones and covered with a scratchable ink. Depending on the particular rules, specific combinations or patterns of symbols, specific individual symbols or other indicia are designated as winning indicia. The purpose of the scratchable zone is to obscure or conceal winning indicia patterns from non-winning indicia patterns. Thus, a purchaser of a ticket does not know if he has purchased a winning ticket until the scratchable ink has been removed. There are unfortunately many unscrupulous individuals who are willing to cheat. The seller of such tickets can prior to sale remove the scratchable ink with a solvent or by the action of scratching to identify a winning ticket and then redress the loosing tickets by simply transferring a new scratchable ink layer identical to that previously removed without anyone being able to detect the transfer. The purchaser of such tickets is guaranteed to only purchase loosing tickets. Such replacement scratchable ink layers may be printed, in reverse, on wax or any other releasable surface and transferred to the used ticket by rubbing the releasable surface opposite the scratchable ink layer. Thus, a losing ticket can be reconstituted as required and then resold to the public. This practices results in a fraud on the customer buying what is believed to be a new lottery ticket and deprives the legitimate lottery of revenue from the sale of new additional tickets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention comprises a lottery ticket which is made in the usual way except that specific layers are provided for security. These layers may be printed in the conventional manner. The tickets made with this invention provides multiple degrees of protection as follows:

The creation of the ticket commences with the printing of an aluminum laminate or a coat of opaque ink on a paper substrate. This serves as a screen for detecting the symbols or_^ other indicia used to determine if a ticket is a winning ticket. The aluminum laminate is coated to prevent deterioration and to provide a printable surface upon which the symbols or indicia will be printed. Thereafter a drawing or other illustration of the theme of the game is printed.

Thereafter the symbols or game indicia is printed in a scratchable zone. An additional coat of varnish which may have ultraviolet detectable characteristics (UV varnish) may be printed to prevent damage or alteration of the symbols or indicia. Tampering may occur by transferring symbols or indicia from other tickets to a selected ticket to make a winning combination. A UV light will cause the UV varnish to glow and fine cuts which interrupt the surface of the vamish, indicative of tampering may be detected. The varnish may also be provided with windows or openings which will .allow .any chemical used to dissolve the ink to bleed under the vamish and obliterate the printed symbols or indicia revealing that tampering was attempted and making the ticket worthless. A red dye or other pigment could be printed into the window thereby adding color which bleeds under the varnish as well with the same result.

Finally one or more coats of scratchable ink are applied over the scratchable are in order to hide the symbols or indicia. It is this layer that the purchaser scratches off to determine the results underneath.

The scratchable ink layer is smaller than the underlying varnished area and is provided with patterns, or marking grids which are printed on the varnish at the same time as the scratchable ink layer. These patterns, or grids or other items have specific design features which intersect with companion designs on the ticket surface and make it virtually impossible to align a replaceable ink layer for redressing. In addition, these particular patters, or grids may include carbon to provide selectable resistance characteristics for single tickets or groups of tickets. So that electrical verification of tickets may be accomplished.

The patterns, grids or other items, may be provided with designs or graphics which contr.ast with the scratchable ink but match the patterns at the interface points and therefore are visually detectable if tampering is attempted. The initial printing of the scratchable zones may be

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP so controlled that the patterns, or grids are simply open spaces which expose the varnish underneath but the open space corresponds with pads on the ticket. This also prevents the proper alignment of replacement scratchable ink if redressing is attempted and tampering can be readily detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is perspective view of a ticket showing the various layers comprising the ticket. Figure 2A-2B .are perspective views of the coated aluminum laminate layer with various elements in place, including pattern intersecting pads and solvent detection regions.

Figure 3A-3B are perspective views of the varnish layer with solvent detection windows. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the varnish layer having a scratchable ink layer and indicia patterns thereon.

Figure 5A and 5B are a perspective view and a side view of the varnish layer having a scratchable ink layer and open indicia patterns therein.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION As shown in Figure 1, the ticket 1 of the instant invention is made-up of a paper substrate

2 on which an aluminum laminate or a coat of opaque ink is added to serve as a screen 3, preventing the detection of the symbols or other indicia 5 in the protected zone from the rear of the ticket or by intense illumination or other techniques. A protective coating, known in the art, is applied over the screen 3, in the region where the symbols or other indicia 5 are to be printed forming a reference zone 6 This coating minimizes the oxidation of the screen 3 .and provides a surface which accepts ink so that the symbols or other indicia 5 can be printed on the reference zone 6. This coating can be any material which accepts print and protects the screen 3. Then, a general drawing or image 4 of the games theme is printed on the ticket around the area of the reference zone 6. Then, the symbols or the indicia 5 are printed in the reference zone 6. The indicia 5, according to the rules of the game, defme a winning combination on a selected ticket

1. An additional coat of varnish 7 which may have detectable ultraviolet characteristics (a UV

Varnish) is printed on the ticket 1 over the reference zone 6 in order to protect the results or the indicia 5 from alteration or damage. Finally, one or more coats of scratchable ink layers 8

(which may be latex or any other suitable opaque material) is applied over the reference area in order to hide the results of indicia 5. After the purchase, the holder of the ticket 1, removes the coat of latex 8 by scratching, to uncover the results of the game. It has been discovered that the

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP different existing zones on an instant win tickets could be utilized as security devices. Thus, as shown on FIG. 2, the reference zone 6 on which the printed the symbols or other indicia 5 is printed becomes a vehicle to provide improved security. Similarly, the varnish zone 7 which protects the reference zone 6 which includes the symbols and other indicia 5 can be utilized to provide a solvent detection zone 9 -and 9'. Finally, the scratchable ink layer 8 itself serves as, secured identification reference zone with respect to the symbols and other indicia 5.

This scratchable ink layer 8 is of inferior dimension to, that is, smaller than the varnish layer 7, the screen 3 or the reference zone 6 in order to permit precise detection of the patterns, marking grids, and other elements, 10, 11, .and 12 which are printed on the varnish zone 7 and on the scratchable ink zone 8, and the interface with those used as pads 10 and 10' for termination or interface with the pads 11 and the security paths 12 as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5.

As shown in Figure 2, The area in which the symbols -and other indicia 5 are printed is used as the reference zone 6 and patterns or marking grids 10 are printed thereon, at the same time as the symbols and other indicia 5 are printed. In addition a solvent detection zone 9 consisting of an ink or other substance which has substantially the same solvent reaction characteristics as the scratchable ink layer 8 is also printed at the same time.

All of the elements (symbols, codes, patterns, index, grids, solvent detection zones and other indicia) are defined by the lottery's security service for the printing of the ticket 1.

The positioning of the patterns 12 and pads 11 and 10-10' and the solvent detection zone 9-9' as illustrated in FIG.'s 1 .and 2 are determined in a variable way in order to create a unique identification for each ticket 1 or each series of tickets 1.

The printing of protective varnish 7 covering the entire reference zone 6 may include a window or a zone where no varnish is printed. This zone is called the solvent detection window 13-13' as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3. The solvent detection window 13-13' is positioned in precise alignment over the solvent detection zone 9-9'. The solvent detection window should be sufficiently large to permit solvent applied to the scratchable zone 8 to penetrate the varnish 7 to cause the solvent detection zone to dissolve and bleed through and under the vamish 7.

The function of this solvent detection window 13-13' is to allow, at the use of a solvent to remove the scratchable ink layer 8, the solvent to bleed over and eliminate the printing in the solvent detection zone 9-9' and to let the screen 3, of the ticket appear. Since the screen 3 is m-ade up of aluminum or a coat of opaque ink it is readily apparent. In addition, the solvent entering the solvent detection zone 9-9' may bleed under the varnish and obscure or obliterate

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) A/EP adjacent symbols or other indicia 5. While single windows 13 and 13' have been shown, multiple windows registered with corresponding solvent detection zones may be used.

As shown in Fig. 4, secured visual identification is obtained by the printing of patterns, grids, codes, indexes or virtually any other type of graphic or number, on the scratchable ink layer 8, which must correspond, be positioned, located and aligned exactly with patterns, grids, codes, indexes or virtually any other type of graphic or number already printed on the reference zone 6 (the elements printed on this zone being disposed in a variable fashion for each ticket 1 or series of tickets) thus preventing any possibility of redressing due to multiple alignment issues. The printing of codes, patterns, index, grids, or virtually any other type of graphic or number can be done by using a black scratchable ink with a formulation of pigments with a carbon, graphite or electrically conductive base, allowing its identification through the measure of its electrical resistance.

As shown in FIG. 5, secured tactile identification elements are achieved by printing of scratchable ink layer 8 of which patterns, grids, codes, indexes or vir ally any other type of graphic or number are formed by printing of a plurality of adjacent scratchable ink layers 8 which align to form open areas which must correspond, be positioned, be located and aligned exactly with patterns, grids, codes, indexes or virtually any other type of graphic or number already printed in the reference zone 6. This printing process allows the holder of the ticket to recognize and visually align the elements on the reference zone to insure that the ticket 1 has not been tampered with.

In addition, since the scratchable ink layer 8 now comprises a plurality of adjacent scratchable regions, this system prevents any possibility of redressing the scratchable ink layer 8 since the scratchable ink zone is divided into^* several sections via the application of open areas 14 compounding the difficulty of .alignment. This is further complicated by printing, in a variable f-ashion, in the reference zone 6, one or several pattems, grids, codes, indexes or virtually any other type of graphic or number corresponding to the patterns, grids, codes, indexes or virtually any other type of graphic or number which leaves the underlying pattems apparent and visible.

In accordance with the above described invention what is claimed is:

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP

Claims

1. Process allowing the securing of the scratchable zone of instant win lottery tickets by the printing, in the Reference Zone, of codes, pattems, index, grids, etc., of the visual identification zone or the tactile security, these zones being separated by a solvent detection zone.

2. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing of codes, patterns, index, marking grids and a solvent detection zone, in the Reference Zone at the same time as the symbols and other indicia.

3. Process, as defined in claim 1 , of a printing of a protective vamish (UV) covering the whole of the Reference Zone, including an imprinted zone positioned exactly on the solvent detection zone of the Reference Zone.

4. Process, as defined in claim 2, of a printing of a protective varnish (UV) covering the whole of the Reference Zone, including an unprinted zone positioned exactly on the solvent detection zone of the Reference Zone.

5. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing of codes, pattems, index, marking grids, etc., on the scratchable ink coats.

6. Process, as defined in claim 2, of a printing of codes, pattems, index, marking grids, etc., on the scratchable ink coats.

7. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing of a scratchable ink coats of which the codes, pattems, index, marking grid, are not printed (reserved).

8. Process, as defined in claim 2, of a printing of a scratchable ink coats of which the codes, pattems, index, marking grid, are not printed (reserved).

9. Process, as defined in claim 5, of a printing of a scratchable ink coats of which the codes, patterns, index, marking grid, are not printed (reserved).

10. Process, as defined in claim 6, of a printing of a scratchable ink coats of which the codes, pattems, index, marking grid, are not printed (reserved).

11. Process, as defined in claim 1, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

12. Process, as defmed in claim 2, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

13. Process, as defined in claim 3, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

14. Process, as defined in claim 4, allowing the positioning of .all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

15. Process, as defmed in claim 5, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, patterns, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

16. Process, as defmed in claim 6, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

17. Process, as defined in claim 7, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

18. Process, as defmed in claim 8, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, patterns, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

19. Process, .as defined in 9, .allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

20. Process, as defined in 10, allowing the positioning of all of the elements (codes, pattems, index, marking grid, solvent detection zone) in a variable fashion in order to create a distinct identification for each ticket or series of tickets.

21. Process, as defmed in claim 1, identifying of precise codes in the reference zone as well as in the tactile and visual identification zone. 22. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, .allowing to identify visually the .said grid or grids thus printed.

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) ISA/EP

22. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed.

23. Process, as defined in claim 2, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids^" corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed.

24. Process, -as defined in claim 7, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed. (8)

25. Process, as defined in claim 8, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed. (8)

26. Process, as defmed in claim 9, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed. (8)

27. Process, as defined in claim 10, of a printing in the Reference Zone, of one or several grids corresponding to one or several grids of the tactile identification zone, allowing to identify visually the said grid or grids thus printed. (8)

28. Process, as defined in claim 1, of a printing of scratchable ink having a formulation of pigments with a carbon, graphite, etc. base, allowing its identification through the measure of its electrical resistance.

29. Process, as defined in claim 5, of a printing of scratchable ink having a formulation of pigments with a carbon, graphite, etc. base, allowing its identification through the measure of its electrical resistance.

30. Process, as defined in claim 6, of a printing of scratchable ink having a formulation of pigments with a carbon, graphite, etc. base, allowing its identification through the measure of its electrical resistance.

31. Process, as defined in claim 1 , of a printing of codes, pattems, index, marking grids, etc., on the scratchable ink coats which can be identified or validated.

32. Process, as defined in claim 2, of a printing of codes, patterns, index, marking grids, etc., on the scratchable ink coats which can be identified or validated by the instant win lottery ticket issuer

33. A gaming ticket comprising:

a. a base,

b. indicia mounted on said base for indicating whether said ticket is a wining ticket or a loosing ticket, and

c. at least one section of scratchable ink covering said indicia which has at least one unique selectable characteristics.

34. A gaming ticket as described in cl-aim 33 wherein said ticket further comprises:: at least one chemically soluble region adjacent said indicia which is adapted to obscure at least a portion of said indicia when .said scratchable ink is chemically removed.

35. A gaming ticket as described in claim 33 wherein said selectable characteristic is at least one of resistive material overlaying said scratchable ink having a predetermined resistance

36. A gaming ticket as described in claim 35 wherein said trace terminates in conductive pads on said base.

37. A gaming ticket as described in claim 33 wherein there are a plurality of sections of scratchable ink and said selectable characteristic is at least one trace overlaying said base between said scratchable ink sections which terminates in pads at either end of said trace on said base..

38. A gaming ticket as described in claim 37 wherein said trace is an open space

39. A gaming ticket as described in cl-aim 37 wherein said trace is a scratchable ink having visual surface characteristics different from said scratchable ink.

40. A gaming ticket as described in claim 33 wherem .said ticket further comprises:: a chemically soluble region adjacent said indicia which is adapted to dissolve and expose at least a portion of the underlying surface when said scratchable ink is chemically removed.

41. A gaming ticket as described in claim 33 wherein .said selectable characteristic is at least one continuous trace of resistive material overlaying said scratchable ink having a predetermined resistance

42. A gaining ticket as described in claim 35 wherein .said continuous trace terminates in conductive pads on said base.

43. A gaming ticket as described in claim 33 wherein there are a plurality of sections of scratchable ink and said selectable characteristic is at least one continuous trace overlaying said base between .said scratchable ink sections which terminates in pads at either end of said trace on said base.

44. A gaming ticket as described in claim 37 wherein said continuous trace is an open space.

45. A gaming ticket as described in claim 37 wherein said continuous trace is a scratchable ink having visual surface characteristics different from said scratchable ink.