WO2015118350A1

WO2015118350A1 - Improvements relating to authentication of tickets

Info

Publication number: WO2015118350A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/050347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralph Mahmoud Omar
Original assignee: Omarco Network Solutions Limited
Priority date: 2014-02-07
Filing date: 2015-02-09
Publication date: 2015-08-13
Also published as: GB201402156D0

Abstract

A pre-printed ticket for redeeming a value/prize is disclosed. The ticket comprises a substrate comprising a plurality of redemption areas, wherein one area has valid redemption information provided thereon; and a plurality of opaque layers each overlaying a different one of the redemption areas, wherein each opaque layer is removable to reveal information provided underneath including one opaque layer which is removable to reveal the valid redemption information, wherein each of the plurality of opaque layers has provided thereon selection information, the selection information differentiating between different non-removed opaque layers and facilitating the use of a security method which enables user-selection of the opaque layer overlying the valid redemption information for a validly authenticated ticket.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO AUTHENTICATION OF TICKETS

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention concerns to improvements relating to authentication of tickets. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a system and method for authenticating pre-printed tickets for example, instant-prize scratch cards.

BACKGROUND

At present, pre-printed tickets (e.g. instant win prize scratch cards or gift vouchers printed before they reach the point of sale) typically have a value in their distribution chain which is a problem as the tickets can be stolen. Further, instant prize scratch cards or gift vouchers have to be sold at a point of sale in order to generate the required revenue. Therefore, security (for example, secure storage of unsold scratch cards) has to be maintained up to the point of sale and purchase by the user. This disadvantageously increases the cost of the scratch card as retailers have to be paid for sale of the cards.

Additionally, a gift voucher or winning scratch card has no further security once sold in that if there is a time delay between purchase and redemption. The bearer of the ticket is generally able to redeem the value of the prize or gift. For example, the card could be lost or stolen and then redeemed by anyone.

The present invention seeks to address at least some of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to pre-printed instant redemption tickets and method of and systems for authenticating and processing such tickets. More specifically according to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a pre-printed instant- redemption ticket for redeeming a value/prize, the ticket comprising: a substrate comprising a plurality of redemption areas, wherein one area has valid redemption information provided thereon; and a plurality of opaque layers each overlaying a different one of the redemption areas, wherein each opaque layer is removable to reveal information provided underneath including one opaque layer which is removable to reveal the valid redemption information, wherein each of the plurality of opaque layers has provided thereon selection information, the selection information differentiating between different non-removed opaque layers and facilitating the use of a security method which enables user-selection of the opaque layer overlying the valid redemption information for a validly authenticated ticket.

The ticket may further comprise a visible unique identifier which is used in the security method to facilitate remote selection of the one opaque layer overlaying the valid redemption information. The selection information on each opaque layer may comprise a plurality of different items and the security method provides information identifying one of the different items for selection of that opaque layer.

The plurality of different items may comprise a plurality of different non-alphanumeric symbols. This is advantageous in that these symbols are relatively easy to communicate and understand and so not require the user to be literate.

The plurality of different items may be provided on a scratchably-removable layer. More particularly, each of the plurality of different items may overlays an activation code provided on the substrate, the activation code in use being revealed on removal of a portion of the removable layer directly overlying the activation code. In some embodiments the scratchably removable layer comprises latex.

Each of the opaque layers may be comprised of a tear-off strip to facilitate relatively easy removal in use. In some embodiments each of the plurality of opaque layers is removable to reveal invalid redemption information apart from the one opaque layer which is removable to reveal the valid redemption information.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of authenticating and activating an instant redemption pre-printed ticket for a value/prize, the method comprising: receiving a request from a user to activate the ticket, the request comprising a unique identifier of the ticket; using the unique identifier to retrieve, from a database of ticket records, a predetermined activation key associated with the unique identifier, wherein the predetermined activation key has associated therewith valid activation information in the ticket record; sending the predetermined activation key to the user; receiving redemption information from the user; determining whether the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record corresponding to the activation key; and activating the ticket for use in the event that the received redemption information corresponds to the activation information provided in the ticket record. The activation key may comprise an activation symbol which corresponds to one of a plurality of activation symbols provided on the ticket.

The received redemption information may comprise an activation code associated with one of a plurality of activation symbols provided on the ticket.

The method may further comprise receiving information associated with the issuance of the ticket and updating a corresponding record in the database of ticket records to indicate that the corresponding ticket has been issued. The determining step may further comprise checking the corresponding ticket record to confirm that the ticket has been issued to enable the activation of the ticket to occur. Furthermore, the ticket may comprise a pre-printed ticket as described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a server for authenticating and activating an instant-redemption pre-printed ticket, the server comprising: a database of ticket records, each record comprising a ticket identifier, a predetermined activation key and associated valid activation information; a receiver for receiving a request from a user to activate the ticket, the request comprising a unique identifier of the ticket; a retrieval module arranged to use the unique identifier to retrieve, from the ticket record corresponding to that unique identifier, the predetermined activation key associated with the ticket, wherein the predetermined activation key corresponds to selection information provided on one opaque layer, of a plurality of opaque layers present on the pre-printed ticket, which is removable by the user to reveal redemption information, a transmitter for sending the predetermined activation key to a user device; wherein the receiver is arranged to receive redemption information from the user; and the server further comprises: a determining module for determining whether the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record corresponding to the activation key; and an activation module for activating the ticket for use in the event that the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record. The transmitter can be arranged to transmit a message to the user indicating the successful activation of the pre-printed ticket. This acts as a confirmation of an authenticated ticket and can be presented to a redemption machine or person to facilitate receipt of the instant prize or value.

The present invention also extends to a combination of a ticket as described above, a terminal for issuing the ticket and a server for authenticating the ticket as described above. The combination may further comprise a mobile device for receiving the predetermined activation key from the server; and for sending the redemption information to the server.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for activating an instant-redemption pre-printed ticket for a value/prize, the method comprising: receiving at a server a message from a terminal confirming the issuance or sale of the pre-printed ticket to a user; enabling an issuance field in a database record corresponding to the pre-printed ticket; receiving an activation request from a mobile device of the user; determining whether the issuance field of the database record corresponding to the activation request is enabled; retrieving a corresponding activation symbol from the database record; sending activation symbol to the mobile device of the user; receiving from the mobile device an activation code revealed on the pre-printed ticket by the user; verifying that activation code belongs to the same database record as the sent activation symbol; activating the pre-printed ticket if the activation code is verified as corresponding to the activation code stored in the database record; and sending a confirmation to the mobile device of the user for a valid activation code.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an environment in which an activation system according to an embodiment of the invention operates;

Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the activation system of Figure 1 including a ticket database and a user database;

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ticket database of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the user database of Figure 2;

Figure 5(a) is a schematic top view of a ticket according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view of the ticket of Figure 5(a) through line A-A;

Figure 6(a) is a schematic top view of an instant prize scratch card according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of the instant prize scratch card of Figure 6(a) through line B-B;

Figure 6(c) is a cross-sectional view of the instant prize scratch card of Figure 6(a) through line C-C; Figure 7(a) is a schematic top view of a gift voucher according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the gift voucher of Figure 7(a) through line D-D; Figure 7(c) is a cross-sectional side view of the gift voucher of Figure 7(a) through line E-E; Figure 8 is a flowchart of an authentication process according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 9 is a flowchart of an authentication process carried out on the activation system of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present embodiment provides a system for activating and authenticating pre-printed tickets such as scratch cards and gift vouchers. The system is arranged to enable users to activate tickets that are issued by a vendor and to provide users with the option to register tickets. The present embodiment also includes a new type of instant win scratch card or gift voucher which has increased security over the prior art. Figure 1 shows a ticket activation system according to an embodiment of the invention and an environment 100 in which the ticket activation system 102 operates. A user 104 is considered for this description to have in their possession a ticket 106 and a mobile device 108 (e.g. a mobile phone, tablet computer or laptop PC). A cellular communication network 1 10 is shown represented by a cellular tower, and is configured to communicate wirelessly with the mobile device 108. The cellular communication network 1 10 is operatively connected to the Internet 1 12. Further, the activation system 102 and a point of sale terminal 1 14 (e.g. a terminal at a newsagent) are each operatively connected to the Internet 1 12. The point of sale terminal 1 14 is arranged to facilitate the sale of pre-printed tickets to users at a point of sale location (e.g. a newsagent, a supermarket or a market stall). For example, in Figure 1 , the ticket 106 has been issued 1 16 to the user 104 using the point of sale terminal 1 14. The point of sale terminal 1 14 communicates to the activation system 102 that the ticket 106 has been issued. However, the ticket 106 has no value until it is activated at the activation system 102. The ticket 106 may be activated by the user 104 by using the mobile device 108 to communicate with the activation system 102 as will be explained in more detail below.

The activation system 102 is arranged to enable users to activate issued or purchased pre-printed tickets with the option of registering the tickets for another function of the ticket or for later redemption. In other embodiments, the point of sale terminal 1 14 wirelessly communicates with the Internet 1 12 via the cellular communication network 1 10. Figure 2 shows the activation system 102 in greater detail. The activation system 102 comprises a controller 140, a communications module 142, a validation module 144, a ticket database 146 and a user database 148. The communication module 142, the validation module 144, the ticket database 146 and the user database 148 are each connected to the controller 140. The communication module 142 is configured to communicate data to and receive data from point of sale terminals 1 14 and mobile devices 108 via the Internet 1 12.

The ticket database 146 is arranged to store information associated with the tickets and is discussed in greater detail with reference to Figure 3. The user database 148 is arranged to store information associated with users, including any reference to any tickets registered to users, and is discussed in in greater detail with reference to Figure 4.

The validation module 144 is configured to receive requests to activate and/or authenticate tickets 106 based on information stored in the ticket database 146. If a user chooses to register a ticket during activation, then the user database 148 ticket is associated with the user 104 (or an identification of the user).

Figure 3 shows the ticket database 146 in greater detail. The ticket database 146 comprises information associated with each ticket, including a unique identifier 180 (e.g. a serial number), an activation symbol 182, an activation code 184, an issued field 186 indicating whether the ticket has been issued, and activation field 188 indicating whether the ticket has been activated and an redeemed field 190 indicating whether the ticket has been redeemed.

Figure 4 shows the user database 148 in greater detail. The user database 148 comprises information associated with users, including a user ID number 200, a name 202, contact details 204 (e.g. phone number and address) and the unique identifiers of tickets 206 that have been issued to the user. Each user ID 200 has a corresponding name 202, contact details 204 and tickets field 206 to make up a user record 208. Figure 5(a) shows the front face of the ticket 106 in greater detail. The ticket comprises a unique identifier 252 and, in this embodiment, four prize rows 254, 256, 258, 260. Each prize row comprises a plurality of symbols 262, 262a, 262b. Figure 5(b) is a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of the ticket 106 at through line A-A along a first prize row 254. The other prize rows 256, 258 and 260 each comprise substantially the same layered structure as described below as the first prize row 254. The plurality of symbols 262, 262a, 262b are printed onto a scratch-off layer 282. At least one of the plurality of symbols is the activation symbol associated with the ticket. Portions of the scratch-off layer 282 can be selectively removed by the user by scratching the scratch-off layer 282 with a hard object, for example, a coin or a finger nail.

The scratch-off layer 282 overlies a plurality of potential activation codes 286 which are printed on an opaque layer 288. Each potential activation code 286 is arranged below a corresponding symbol of the plurality of symbols 262, 262a, 262b on the scratch-off layer 282.

The opaque layer 288 is arranged to overlay redemption information 290 which is printed on a substrate backing 292, for example card or plastic. The opaque layer 288 is non- permanently affixed to the substrate backing 292 using pressure-sensitive adhesive. Accordingly, the opaque layer 288 can be cleanly removed from the substrate backing 292 by action of the user peeling the opaque layer 288 off. Doing so would remove the opaque layer 288 as well as the scratch-off layer 282 thereon, revealing the redemption information 290 to the user.

The redemption information may comprise details of prizes won (or not won), and how to redeem the prize or gift voucher value. To activate a ticket, the user communicates the unique identifier 252 of the ticket 106 to the activation system 102. The activation system 102 then returns the activation symbol from the ticket database 146 corresponding to a symbol 262, 262a, 262b on the scratch- off layer 282. The user then scratches off the activation symbol to reveal the activation code below. The user then provides the activation code to the activation system 102. The validation module 144 checks whether the activation code from the user corresponds to the pre-stored activation code 184 in the ticket database 146. If the activation codes match, then the ticket is activated, authenticated as genuine and is marked up as activated in the ticket database 146.

Figure 6(a) shows a ticket 106 according to another embodiment which is in the form of an instant win prize scratch card 300. The instant win prize scratch card 300 is shown with the opaque layer 288 of a third prize row 258 removed to reveal the redemption information 302, and the symbol 262a on a fourth prize row 260 scratched off to reveal the activation code 304. Figure 6(b) shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of the instant win prize scratch card 300 through line B-B along the fourth prize row 260. The scratch-off layer 282 comprises a gap 306 revealing the activation code 304. Specifically, the heart symbol (f) 262a has been scratched off to reveal the activation code "23" which corresponds to the activation symbol 182 and activation code 184 associated with the unique identifier 180 of the instant win prize scratch card 300 in the ticket database 146.

Once the instant win prize scratch card 300 has been activated by the user, the user can then remove one or more of the opaque layers 288 of the other prize rows 254, 256, 258, 260 to reveal the redemption information underneath.

In other embodiments, there is a predetermined threshold of opaque layers 288 that can be removed from the other prize rows 254, 256, 258, 260 before the instant prize scratch card is invalidated. If a user removes fewer than the predetermined threshold of opaque layers 288 and finds that the instant win prize scratch card is a winning ticket, the user can redeem the corresponding prize from a point of sale location. After redemption, a vendor at the point of sale location may remove the remaining opaque layers 288 or tear the ticket in order to intentionally invalidate the ticket. This prevents re-use of the ticket and mitigates against potential fraud opportunities, for example, further attempts at redeeming the prize of the winning ticket. If the user removes more than the predetermined threshold of opaque layers 288 to find winning redemption information 302 (e.g. after finding that he had not won a prize whilst within the predetermined threshold), then the ticket would not be valid and the user would not be able to claim the prize at the point of sale location. In some enbodiments the user may only be permitted to remove a single opaque layer for a valid ticket, with the threshold being one in this case. Figure 6(c) shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of the instant win prize scratch card 300 through line C-C along a third prize row 258. The opaque layer 288 has been removed such that the redemption information 302 is visible to the user. In this example, the redemption information 302 indicates that the instant prize scratch card is a winning ticket.

Figure 7(a) shows a ticket 106 in the form of a gift voucher 350. The gift voucher 350 is shown with the opaque layer 288 of a third prize row 258 removed to reveal the redemption information 352, and the symbol 262b on a second prize row 256 scratched off to reveal the activation code 354.

Figure 7(b) shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of the gift voucher 350 through line D-D along the second prize row 256. The scratch-off layer 282 comprises a gap 356 revealing the activation code 354. Specifically, the computer folder symbol (□) 262b has been scratched off to reveal the activation code "54" which corresponds to the activation symbol 182 and activation code 184 associated with the unique identifier 180 of the gift voucher 350 in the ticket database 146.

Figure 7(c) shows a cross-sectional view (not to scale) of the gift voucher 350 through line E-E along the third prize row 258. The opaque layer 288 has been removed such that the redemption information 352 is visible to the user. In this example, the redemption information 352 comprises a numeric code that may be used at a merchant to redeem the value of the gift voucher. Once the gift voucher 350 has been activated by the user, the user can then remove one or more of the opaque layers 288 of the prize rows 254, 256, 258, 260 to reveal the redemption information underneath. In this embodiment, the different redemption information 352 is present underneath the different prize rows. Only one of these redemption codes is valid. In this case, the purchaser of the gift card would have to either let the recipient activate the card as has been described above or activate it themselves and inform the recipient of the symbol scratched off (for validation if the recipient is queried about this information on redemption. In other embodiments, a gift voucher may consist of one prize row. In other embodiments, different redemption information is provided in each prize row, and during the activation process (process 400 described below) the activation system 102 communicates to the user which opaque layer 288 to peel off to reveal the valid redemption information. Figure 8 shows a process 400 of a ticket being issued and activated. The process begins with the tickets 106 being established at Step 402. This involves a plurality of tickets 106 being manufactured and distributed to one or more points of sale 1 14. Each ticket 106 comprises a unique identifier. Manufacturing the tickets 106 includes establishing the ticket database 146 with the unique identifiers 180 of the tickets along with their associated activation symbols 182 and activation codes 184.

Then the user 104 obtains at Step 404 a ticket 106. The user 104 may purchase the ticket, be gifted the ticket, or be given the ticket in an advertising promotion.

When the ticket 106 is issued, the point of sale terminal 1 14 communicates at Step 406 to the activation system 102 that the ticket has been issued. The activation system 102 then updates at Step 408 the ticket database 146 accordingly. Both Steps 406 and 408 may be carried out in batches or in real-time as each ticket 106 is issued.

The user 104 can activate the ticket obtained in Step 404 at a time that is most convenient to them. To activate the ticket 106, the user provides at Step 410 the unique identifier 252 of the ticket 106 to the activation system 102. The unique identifier 252 may be provided to the activation system 102 via a mobile app or web browser on the mobile device 108. In other embodiments, the unique identifier 252 is sent to the activation system 102 by the user 104 in an SMS message to a predetermined SMS gateway. In response to receiving the unique identifier 252, the validation module 144 of the activation system 102 checks the ticket database 146 to confirm that the ticket has been issued but has not previously been activated or redeemed. Assuming these checks are clear, the validation module 144 then retrieves the activation symbol 182 associated with the unique identifier 252. The activation system 102 then communicates at Step 412 the activation symbol 182 back to the user device 108 for display to the user. It is to be appreciated that the activation system 102 can also communicate the symbol 182 back to the user via other channels. For example, if the unique identifier has been send to the activation system 102 via a mobile phone (e.g. via an SMS message), then the same communications channel can be used to provide the symbol 182 back to the user. Then the user locates the activation symbol 104 from the plurality of symbols 262, 262a, 262b on the ticket 106. Then, the user 104 scratches off at Step 414 the scratch-off layer 282 at the activation symbol 262a, 262b to reveal the activation code 304, 354 on the opaque layer 288.

The user provides at Step 416 the activation code 304, 354 of the ticket 106 to the activation system 102. This is carried out in a similar way as in Step 410, for example by SMS message, a web browser or a mobile app but can also be via the point of sale terminal 1 14. In some embodiments, the unique identifier 252 of the ticket is re-sent with the activation code 304, 354.

The validation module 144 of the activation system 102 the checks at Step 418 the ticket database 146 to retrieve the activation code 184 associated with the unique identifier 252. The validation module 144 then compares at Step 420 the activation code 184 from the ticket database 146 against the activation code 304, 354 supplied by the user.

If, following the comparison at Step 420, the activation code 184 from the ticket database 146 does not match the activation code 304, 354 supplied by the user then at Step 422, the user 104 is informed by the activation system 102 that the code supplied at Step 416 is invalid. Accordingly, this informs the user 104 that there was either an error in the process of the ticket is fake. Again this communication is sent back via the same communications channel as the request for authentication was made.

If, following the comparison at Step 420, the activation code 184 from the ticket database 146 matches the activation code 304, 354 supplied by the user, then the validation module 144 of the activation system 102 updates at Step 424 the ticket database 146. Then at Step 426, the user 104 is informed by the activation system 102 that the code supplied at Step 416 is valid, and that the ticket 106 has been activated as it is an authentic ticket.

Once the ticket has been activated, the user can then peel off at Step 428 one or more opaque layers 288 in accordance with any instructions for the ticket. If the ticket is a gift voucher or a winning instant prize card, then the user 104 can redeem the gift or prize by presenting the ticket. On redemption of a gift voucher or a winning instant prize card, the bearer (i.e. the user 104) has not only to provide the ticket 106 but also identify the activation symbol 262a, 262b they were asked to scratch off. This verifies that the person who activated the card is the same person who is redeeming it. Also, in embodiments where a predetermined threshold of opaque layers 288 that can be removed from the prize rows 254, 256, 258, 260 before the instant win prize scratch card 300 is invalidated, inspection of a ticket will ensure that not all of the strips have been pulled off otherwise the card is invalid.

The use of a mobile device (using SMS, an app or a browser) as an activation terminal for the issuance of tickets greatly increases the security required for storage of the cards and also reduces the costs of distribution. Tickets according to the embodiments described herein advantageously do not require any particular security measures for storage as the tickets are valueless without being activated. Even after activation, the tickets still require authentication prior to prizes being able to be redeemable.

In other embodiments, the activation system 102 is arranged with an optional ticket registration process. Following successful validation of the activation code at Step 420, the user can provide personal information to register the ticket 106 to them. The personal information supplied during registration is stored in the user database 148. Registration provides further security as only the registered user of a ticket would be authorised to redeem the gift or prize.

Figure 9 shows a process 500 carried out by the activation system 102 to activate and authenticate tickets. Once the tickets are manufactured, entries for each ticket are created at Step 502 in the ticket database 146 with the unique identifiers 180 of the tickets along with their associated activation symbols 182 and activation codes 184.

Then the activation system 102 receives at Step 504 a request from a user to authenticate a ticket. The request comprises the unique identifier of a ticket. Then the validation module 144 checks at Step 506 whether the ticket has already been activated or redeemed by checking the entries corresponding to the unique identifier in the activated field 188 or the redeemed field 190 in the ticket database 146. If the ticket has already been activated or redeemed, the activation system 102 sends at Step 510 an error message to the user. The error message may detail the cause of the error.

If the ticket has not previously been activated or redeemed, then the process 500 continues and the activation system 102 retrieves at Step 512 the activation symbol 182 from the ticket database 146. The retrieved activation symbol is sent at Step 514 to the user.

The activation system 102 then awaits and then receives at Step 516 a code from the user in response. The user obtains the code by scratching off the symbol from the ticket to reveal the code. The validation module 144 retrieves at Step 518 the activation code 184 corresponding to the ticket from the ticket database 146. The validation module 144 compares at Step 520 the received code from Step 516 against the retrieved activation code from Step 518.

If the code from Step 516 does not match the retrieved activation code from Step 518, then the activation system sends at Step 510 an error message to the user. The error message may detail the cause of the error. If the code from Step 516 matches the retrieved activation code from Step 518, then the activation system sends at Step 524 confirmation to the user that the ticket has been successfully activated.

Many modifications may be made to the above examples without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

For example, the user may pay for the ticket as part of the process 400 of issuing and activating tickets. If the unique identifier 252 send to the activation system 102 in Step 410 is sent by SMS, the sending of the SMS message makes a charge to the user's mobile phone account or deducts a value from the prepaid mobile phone account of the user. Or if an app or web browser is used to submit the unique identifier 252 in Step 410, a payment step could be added to charge the user for the ticket.

This would allow tickets to be given away as promotions with part payment or full payment. In the event that they are to be part paid or fully paid then in addition to the unique identifier printed on the ticket, a transaction number given by the vendor or and/or promotional code given by the promoter will signify a degree of payment.

In another embodiment, the activation code 184 and the activation symbol 182 in the ticket database 146 are not predetermined for a given ticket. Instead, the ticket database 146 stores all of the possible activation codes on the opaque layer 288 and their corresponding activation symbols on the scratch off layer 282. When the user sends the unique identifier to the activation system 102, the activation system 102 randomly selects an activation symbol to return to the user at Step 412 of process 400. In another example, the ticket may have strips with printed symbols on a scratch-off layer that when removed reveal different symbols or strips with different numbers that when removed reveal yet more numbers. In addition, symbol strips can conceal printed numbers and number strips, symbols. All these variants mean that a removal not under instruction risks removing the wrong strip and invalidating the ticket.

In another embodiment the opaque layers 288 are provided with overhangs at each side at a particular side or set of sides of the ticket, awaiting tear off at instruction. Again, only the activation system 102 knows the application sequence and therefore which strip can be torn off without risking pulling the other strips off and can instruct the user appropriately for the relevant ticket. The addition of a properly scored cover sheet allowing for a correct tear off to occur prevents transport damage etc. In addition to this, the sheet could be of a less adherent nature and opaque colour so that the user knows not to buy this ticket if the sheet is not there. The user takes off the opaque sheet which reveals a pre-scored transparent cover sheet below and then pulls at the relevant instructed tab. If they pull the wrong tab they risk pulling away more than required, thereby invalidating the ticket.

The plurality of symbols 262, 262a, 262b may be Unicode, pictographs, in the Wingdings font or Emoji. The unique identifier 252 may be accompanied by a corresponding barcode or QR code or may be in the form of such a barcode or QR code.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A pre-printed instant-redemption ticket for redeeming a value/prize, the ticket comprising:

a substrate comprising a plurality of redemption areas, wherein one area has valid redemption information provided thereon; and

a plurality of opaque layers each overlaying a different one of the redemption areas, wherein each opaque layer is removable to reveal information provided underneath including one opaque layer which is removable to reveal the valid redemption information,

wherein each of the plurality of opaque layers has provided thereon selection information, the selection information differentiating between different non-removed opaque layers and facilitating the use of a security method which enables user-selection of the opaque layer overlying the valid redemption information for a validly authenticated ticket.

2. The ticket of Claim 1 , wherein the ticket further comprises a visible unique identifier which is used in the security method to facilitate remote selection of the one opaque layer overlaying the valid redemption information.

3. The ticket of Claim 1 or 2, wherein the selection information on each opaque layer comprises a plurality of different items and the security method provides information identifying one of the different items for selection of that opaque layer.

4. The ticket of Claim 3, wherein the plurality of different items comprise a plurality of different non-alphanumeric symbols.

5. The ticket of Claim 3 or 4, wherein the plurality of different items are provided on a scratchably-removable layer.

6. The ticket of Claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of different items overlays an activation code provided on the substrate, the activation code in use being revealed on removal of a portion of the removable layer directly overlying the activation code.

7. The ticket of Claim 5 or 6, wherein the scratchably removable layer comprises latex.

8. The ticket of any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the opaque layers is comprised of a tear-off strip to facilitate relatively easy removal in use.

9. The ticket of any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein each of the plurality of opaque layers is removable to reveal invalid redemption information apart from the one opaque layer which is removable to reveal the valid redemption information.

10. A method of authenticating and activating an instant redemption pre-printed ticket for a value/prize, the method comprising:

receiving a request from a user to activate the ticket, the request comprising a unique identifier of the ticket;

using the unique identifier to retrieve, from a database of ticket records, a predetermined activation key associated with the unique identifier, wherein the predetermined activation key has associated therewith valid activation information in the ticket record;

sending the predetermined activation key to the user;

receiving redemption information from the user;

determining whether the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record corresponding to the activation key; and

activating the ticket for use in the event that the received redemption information corresponds to the activation information provided in the ticket record.

1 1 . The method of Claim 10, wherein the activation key comprises an activation symbol which corresponds to one of a plurality of activation symbols provided on the ticket.

12. The method of Claim 1 1 , wherein the received redemption information comprises an activation code associated with one of a plurality of activation symbols provided on the ticket.

13. The method of any of Claims 10 to 12, further comprising receiving information associated with the issuance of the ticket and updating a corresponding record in the database of ticket records to indicate that the corresponding ticket has been issued.

14. The method of Claim 13, wherein the determining step further comprises checking the corresponding ticket record to confirm that the ticket has been issued to enable the activation of the ticket to occur.

15. The method of any of Claims 10 to 14, wherein the ticket comprises a pre-printed ticket according to any of Claims 1 to 9.

16. A server for authenticating and activating an instant-redemption pre-printed ticket, the server comprising:

A database of ticket records, each record comprising a ticket identifier, a predetermined activation key and associated valid activation information;

A receiver for receiving a request from a user to activate the ticket, the request comprising a unique identifier of the ticket;

A retrieval module arranged to use the unique identifier to retrieve, from the ticket record corresponding to that unique identifier, the predetermined activation key associated with the ticket, wherein the predetermined activation key corresponds to selection information provided on one opaque layer, of a plurality of opaque layers present on the pre-printed ticket, which is removable by the user to reveal redemption information,

A transmitter for sending the predetermined activation key to a user device;

Wherein the receiver is arranged to receive redemption information from the user; and the server further comprises:

a determining module for determining whether the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record corresponding to the activation key; and

an activation module for activating the ticket for use in the event that the received redemption information matches the activation information provided in the ticket record.

17. A server of Claim 16, wherein the transmitter is arranged to transmit a message to the user indicating the successful activation of the pre-printed ticket.

18. A combination of a ticket according to any of Claims 1 to 9, a terminal for issuing the ticket and a server for authenticating the ticket as claimed in Claim 16 or 17.

19. A combination according to Claim 18, further comprising a mobile device for receiving the predetermined activation key from the server; and for sending the redemption information to the server.

20. A method for activating an instant-redemption pre-printed ticket for a value/prize, the method comprising: Receiving at a server a message from a terminal confirming the issuance or sale of the pre-printed ticket to a user;

Enabling an issuance field in a database record corresponding to the pre-printed ticket;

Receiving an activation request from a mobile device of the user;

Determining whether the issuance field of the database record corresponding to the activation request is enabled;

Retrieving a corresponding activation symbol from the database record;

Sending activation symbol to the mobile device of the user;

Receiving from the mobile device an activation code revealed on the pre-printed ticket by the user;

Verifying that activation code belongs to the same database record as the sent activation symbol;

Activating the pre-printed ticket if the activation code is verified as corresponding to the activation code stored in the database record; and

Sending a confirmation to the mobile device of the user for a valid activation code.