CN101903900A - Method and system for multi-lane lottery sales at a retail store - Google Patents

Abstract

A lottery sales method and related system utilize lottery sales computing equipment within a channel connected to a point-of-sale terminal to determine when the terminal has identified a code corresponding to a desired lottery product. A request for identifying the desired lottery product is transmitted to a central lottery system device used to manage and coordinate the sale of lottery products.

Description

Method and system for multi-lane lottery sales at a retail store

priority statement

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/014,962, filed December 19, 2007, and US Patent Application No. 12/333,408, filed December 12, 2008.

technical field

The present invention relates to lottery tickets, and more particularly to a method and system for lottery lottery sales in multiple lanes at retail outlets.

Background technique

Lottery tickets are sold at a variety of retail outlets, including stores such as grocery stores, grocery stores, etc. Many such stores feature one or more checkout points, often referred to as checkout lanes, where each checkout lane is equipped with a point-of-sale (POS) terminal. In contrast, lottery tickets are usually sold at separate lottery point-of-sale terminals in the same retail store. This system typically requires additional personnel to configure the lottery ticket POS terminal, or store clerks to divide their time and responsibilities between the lottery POS terminal and the store POS terminal. Conventional systems and methods also require separate accounting accountability and tracking systems for lottery ticket sales, thereby significantly increasing the cost and burden of providing lottery tickets to players at retail locations.

The present invention, called Lottery InPlay, provides a system and method for offering lottery tickets for sale at multiple POS terminals inside a retail store, with significant advantages over traditional methods.

Contents of the invention

Part of the objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, or will be obvious from the description, or learned by practice of the invention.

A system and method are provided that can support the sale of lottery products in multiple checkout lanes at a retail location. The system and method can advantageously reduce wait times because lottery consumers do not have to go to a separate lottery point-of-sale terminal to purchase lottery products. In addition, the retailer can benefit by reducing labor costs, as employees at the checkout lane can perform some or all of the work that would otherwise be performed by employees at one or more lottery point-of-sale terminals.

In some embodiments, an in-lane lottery sales computing device is connected to a point-of-sale device at each checkout lane. The lottery customer presents a barcode or machine-readable lottery "token" to the cashier. The token can be any type of readable device, such as a coupon, ticket, chip, etc., and is scanned using the point-of-sale terminal, which then captures the lottery ticket data as a "token" in-lane lottery sales computing device at the point-of-sale terminal checkout. Additionally or alternatively, the request may be entered at the point-of-sale terminal in any other suitable manner, for example, by entering a Item Price Comparison Number (PLU), manually entering Universal Product Code (UPC) data, and/or pressing a mapped Touchscreen "buttons" or specific keys to specific lottery products.

In any case, the request data can be forwarded to the central lottery system for processing the request. Then, if a positive response or confirmation is obtained from the central lottery system, one or more corresponding lottery tickets are printed in the lane on suitable material, such as secure lottery stock paper.

The data obtained by scanning or reading the tags can be used to process the sale of lottery tickets in the same way as other inventory items. That is, the amount of lottery sales can be tracked through a retail point of sale system that can be used to process funds for lottery sales and can provide consumers with an integrated shopping experience.

In some embodiments, an in-lane system can advantageously avoid the considerable changes to retail point-of-sale systems that would otherwise be required to integrate lottery and retail. Alternatively, by using a loosely coupled interface, it can be considered in some respects similar to the CONVENIENCE CENTRAL SYSTEM offered by Scientific Games, Inc. of Alpharetta, Georgia, at a retail point-of-sale system or terminal Lottery-specific software is not running. As a result, system startup, configuration, and maintenance can be performed much faster than if loosely coupled interfaces were not employed.

In some embodiments, an in-lane lottery system may include one or more monitors for direct interaction with players (or potential players) in the lane for sales or other messages. For example, for a checkout lane that includes a sales display, one or more monitors may be placed at or near the display for players to view the entrance to the checkout lane. Additionally or alternatively, a monitor may be located on or above the checkout counter for viewing as the customer checks out. In some embodiments, retailers may be permitted to use lottery monitors to display point-of-sale transaction information, advertising, or other purposes.

Description of drawings

A full and enabling disclosure for those of ordinary skill in the art, including the best mode for practicing the appended claims, is set forth in more detail in the remainder of the specification. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in the specification, in which:

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of several example checkout lanes at a retail establishment;

Figure 2 shows a block diagram of components in an exemplary checkout lane and other in-store components;

3 shows a flowchart of exemplary parallel steps that occur after validation of a lottery product in a checkout lane of a retail establishment, configured in accordance with some subject matter of the present invention.

Detailed ways

The following will refer in detail to various and variant embodiments and the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote substantially identical structural elements. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, features described or illustrated with respect to one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Accordingly, the invention is intended to cover these and other equivalent modifications or alterations of the embodiments described and shown within the scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates several example checkout lanes 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 at a retail location. For example, a checkout lane may be located near an entry/exit location, it being understood that a checkout lane may be located at one or more other locations inside or even outside of the retail establishment.

In this example, each of checkout lanes 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , and 104 - 3 includes one or more conveyors 114 and bagging area 115 . Items may be selected by a person at a retail location and placed on a conveyor 114 that moves the items to a location within reach of a cashier. The approximate location of each cashier for each lane is shown at C1, C2, C3 and C4. Patrons/lottery game players R, Q, R and S are displayed on each respective lane.

Each cashier passes items through a scanning device 106, which is operatively linked to point-of-sale computer equipment, typically via a point-of-sale terminal at each checkout lane. In FIG. 1, a point-of-sale terminal 108 is displayed on each aisle. Scanning device 106 may include, for example, a barcode scanning device that employs reflected laser light to recognize machine-readable barcodes, such as UPC codes on items. However, scanning device 106 may identify machine-readable information about an item in any suitable manner, and barcode scanning devices need not be included in all embodiments.

Additionally, each of the aisles 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , and 104 - 3 includes a sales area 116 . Each sales area 116 may include, for example, one or more luggage racks, racks, or other display devices for presenting items to people in line at the checkout lane. For example, in a grocery store, sales area 116 may be used to sell candy, magazines, and other impromptu products.

Checkout lane 104 - 4 is configured as a stand without conveyor 114 , bagging area 115 , or sales area 116 . For example, checkout lane 104-4 may include a table or other area where point-of-sale operations may be provided. Lane 104-4 is intended to indicate what suitable shape or arrangement a checkout lane may take, and need not necessarily include an elongated area with a conveyor belt in all embodiments. In some embodiments, the inventive subject matter can be used alongside checkout lanes (also known as "self-service" lanes) that are not each served by a cashier.

In this example, each checkout lane also includes a checkout writing station 110 . For example, each table 110 may include a flat area that serves as a writing surface for those who need to write checks. In addition, each check writing station in this example also supports a card terminal 112 . For example, each card terminal 112 includes a magnetic or other card reader and keypad. The card terminal can interface with a point-of-sale terminal (/or other suitable system at a retail location to facilitate the use of electronic payment cards, such as check cards, credit cards, gift cards, and the like.

In this example, each checkout lane also includes a lottery printer 118 that can be used to provide one or more lottery products 120 to interested customers at the checkout lane. Accordingly, it is not necessary for a customer to visit a separate lottery point-of-sale terminal to purchase each type of lottery product. In an alternative embodiment, lottery tickets may be purchased at a checkout lane, wherein customers are directed to a central station, such as a kiosk, to select their lottery tickets. This configuration is desirable because it reduces the number and complexity of hardware components. The central station may be located, for example, near the exit of the store or at a service desk.

Additionally, each checkout lane 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 , 104 - 3 also includes a lottery monitor 122 in this example. In lane 104-1, monitor 122-1 is located at the end of conveyor 114-1. In aisle 104-2, monitor 122-2 is located in sales area 116-2. In lane 104 - 3 , monitor 122 - 3 is located in the same general area as check writing desk 110 . As will be noted hereinafter, the lottery monitor 122 may be used to promote lottery products or provide information to lottery customers.

Each lane also includes an in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 connected to the central lottery system 202 via a router 204 via a connection 166 . In this example, the connection 166 includes a wireless connection, and the retail location includes a wireless router 204 for communicating with the in-lane lottery sales computing system and providing the connection 167 to the lottery central system 202 . In this example, the retail location includes a lottery administration/sales terminal 205 coupled to a router 204 . Lottery terminal 205 may include any suitable computing system. In some embodiments, lottery terminal 205 may include a built-in wireless router or replace or supplement the functionality of router 204 .

As will be noted hereinafter, the in-lane lottery computing device 119 collects data from the respective point-of-sale terminal devices 108 on each lane to facilitate in-lane lottery sales. Additionally, the connections between the in-lane lottery sales computing devices 119 and respective printers 118 and monitors 122 are also shown. It will be appreciated that, for clarity, not all possible connections between components are shown in FIG. The connection between, and the connection between each track and the background system is not shown.

Referring then to Figure 2, details of the in-lane point-of-sale system and the lottery sales system will be discussed in greater detail below. This example utilizes a block diagram to represent various components that may be found in a checkout lane, eg, one or more lanes 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4.

Additionally, additional components, systems 200 and 202 , that are not required in the checkout lane are shown in double lines in FIG. 2 . However, systems 200 and 202 are generally not co-located with each other. For example, connection 162 represents a local area network or other connection to retail back office system 200, such as may include one for tracking sales, inventory, and other stored data and activity based on data obtained from one or more POS terminals 108. server or other systems. Back-office system 200 may be connected to other systems, such as a retailer's enterprise-level accounting, inventory, and merchandising systems, through additional connections, such as LAN/WAN connections.

As noted above, a checkout lane may feature a point-of-sale device (POS device) 108 . Device 108 may include a general or specialized computer system running one or more programs to facilitate the purchasing process. For example, POS device 108 may be associated via connection 150 with a barcode or other scanning device 106 that can identify an item so that the cashier does not need to manually enter product information. Typically, the UPC barcode is read using a laser-based scanning device, which is then associated with a list of items that can be retrieved from the back office system 200 . Items may also be identified using PLUs, manual entry, special keys, and the like. The items are credited to the rungup and/or after the purchase is complete, the POS device 108 may provide data to the retail back office system indicating which items were sold, the amount sold, etc.

The POS device may also be: connected to a scale 106A for weighing items (e.g., at a supermarket), connected to a keyboard 109 for user input, connected to one or more printers 111, connected to one or more displays 107 for cash register clerks and/or customers check out sales and other activities at the checkout lane. Display 107 may include, for example, a black and white or color monitor employing CRT, plasma, LCD, or other suitable technology, LCD, LED, or other text display, and the like. Additionally, some checkout lanes may include card terminals and keypads 112 that may be used by cashiers and/or customers to enter data for payment by credit, debit, gift card, or other card. For example, the card terminal and keypad 112 may include a magnetic stripe reader and digital tablet, as well as a capture area for capturing an electronic signature.

A number of point-of-sale terminal components may be connected to POS device 108 in any suitable manner. Such connections include, but are not limited to, USB, RS-232, IEEE 1394, and other serial/parallel or other data connections.

The above description of example aspects of checkout lanes and POS terminals 108 is for purposes of example only and is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the particular arrangement and setup of checkout lanes, POS terminals, and back-office systems depends on the needs of the retailer or other entity.

In summary, FIG. 2 also illustrates additional exemplary components that may be used to provide in-lane sales of lottery products in accordance with one or more aspects of the present subject matter. In this example, the checkout lane also includes an in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 , one or more lottery monitors or displays 122 , and one or more lottery printers 118 . Monitor and printer 118 are connected with lottery sales computing device 119 in the channel via any suitable connection, and these connections include but are not limited to USB, RS-232, IEEE 1394 or other serial or parallel or other data connections.

In-lane lottery sales computing device 119 may comprise any suitable type of computing system. In some embodiments, device 119 is a streamlined computer with minimal memory, and processing and other functions can be placed at a checkout counter or other unobtrusive location. In-lane lottery sales computing device 119 is also connected to POS device 108 via connection 164 . Connection 164 may, for example, represent a separate wired connection between the computer comprising POS device 108 and the computer comprising in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 . Any suitable connection standard/data format supported by POS device 108 may apply. As will be discussed below, connection 164 may be used by in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 to "view" lottery products processed by POS device 108 .

The in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 is connected to a router 204 not shown in FIG. 2 through a connection 166, which may be located away from the checkout lane, and the connection 166 includes a local area network, a district loop, or the like. Then, in some embodiments, connection 166 is a wireless connection to wireless router 204 that interfaces to lottery central system 202 through connection 167, which may represent a wide area connection. The in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 may accordingly include suitable hardware to support Wi-Fi such as IEEE802.11 or other wireless communication protocols.

Lottery central facility 202 may also be connected, for example, via connection 167, router 204 and local area connection 166, to one or more terminals or devices 205 at the retail location for managing and coordinating lottery product sales at the retail location. Terminal 205 may be used, for example, to track sales and similar events at retail locations and/or to dispense lottery products and prices. Lottery central system 202 may also be connected to other suitable systems operated by lottery outlets or providers to track and authenticate sales of lottery products at multiple locations. In some embodiments, the lottery central system 202 can be configured to support aggregated reporting, so that lottery sales reports from multiple in-lane lottery sales computing devices can be displayed in a single store report.

The in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 is configured to "observe" the activity of the POS device 108 to see when the POS device 108 has processed a barcode or other suitable identification of a lottery product. For example, lottery sales computing device 119 may be programmed to recognize different data formats and/or communication protocols used by POS device 108 to communicate sales data to back office system 200 .

When the data indicates that the POS device 108 has processed a lottery product, the in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 may transmit to the lottery central system 202 a request for the particular lottery product processed. For example, when connection 166 is a wireless connection, data identifying the requested lottery product is transmitted to lottery system 202 for verification. Assuming the request is appropriate, the lottery system 202 may confirm the request to the in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 . The in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 may then send appropriate data/instructions to the in-lane printer 118 to print the appropriate lottery product 120 .

For example, in some embodiments, printer 118 includes a thermal printer that has access to secure lottery stock paper. When an instant lottery ticket is requested, the in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 may utilize the printer 118 to provide instant lottery tickets in the lane.

In-channel purchases of lottery products may be facilitated in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, shoppers are provided the opportunity to access lottery "tokens" corresponding to different products. This token may represent any particular game required for in-channel sales. The indicium may be placed within the aisle for the player to pick up while waiting to check out, for example, in the sales area 116, and/or at one or more other locations at the retail establishment.

Each particular lottery product can have a unique identifier that can be recognized by the point-of-sale system used at the retail location. For example, if a UPC barcode is used at a retail location, the point-of-sale system can be configured such that each lottery product sold in an aisle is marked with a corresponding UPC barcode. This allows the sale of lottery products to be tracked using the same point-of-sale software and systems that retailers use to track other products. In addition, accounting and payment processing (eg bids, tenders) for lottery products and other products can be integrated. Retailers can use the sales data assembled by existing point-of-sale systems to separate lottery sales and perform any required settlements, tender transfers, etc. In addition, lottery sales reports obtained from lottery central system 202 may facilitate settlement and reconciliation of lottery sales and other sales.

In general, using the loosely coupled interfaces discussed in this article greatly simplifies the integration of lottery sales with a retailer's existing point-of-sale system. For example, as noted above, by using a point-of-sale lottery computing device within each channel, only a single connection needs to be established between the lottery computing device and the POS terminal device. In order to integrate the system, the lottery computing device need only be configured to recognize data sent using the data interface standard used by existing retail sales systems. This is in contrast to tightly coupled systems, which typically require lottery-specific applications at the POS terminal and/or retail back-office systems.

Briefly, FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an example process 250 that includes parallel steps triggered by processing a lottery product at a point-of-sale terminal. The steps performed by lottery specific systems such as in-lane lottery sales computing devices, lottery central facilities, etc. are on the right side of the page.

In step 252, the point-of-sale terminal scans or otherwise captures data showing the lottery product code. For example, it may be noted from the above that a UPC code corresponding to a lottery product may be scanned by a laser barcode scanner. In step 254, the point-of-sale terminal adds lottery products to the current sale. In step 253, the in-lane lottery sales computing device routes a request to the lottery central facility. The request could simply include a UPC or other code for lottery products in some embodiments. However, in other embodiments, the in-lane lottery sales computing device may associate the UPC with a particular lottery product, and the request identifies the lottery product and any specific options for the lottery product, etc.

Additional products, such as lottery or non-lottery tickets, may be scanned or otherwise identified at the point-of-sale terminal based on other purchases (if any) made by the shopper. Each lottery product sold within the lane, when identified, can trigger a corresponding request to the lottery system based on data from the point-of-sale system. In step 256, the sales volume is totaled by the point of sale and the bid is accepted. In step 258, the point of sale system updates the sales/bid totals and other data in the retail back office system.

In step 255, after making the appropriate request to the lottery system (assuming the request is authenticated), the in-lane lottery printer provides the requested lottery product. For example, online lottery tickets can be printed on secure lottery stock paper. The numbers above are derived from the lottery central system.

Of course, the in-lane lottery sales computing device and/or lottery central system/terminal can be configured to meet common point-of-sale situations, such as situations where lottery sales are temporarily prohibited, implementing other rules (such as verification of age for ticket sales) , and handle the situation where the ticket fails to be printed or the ticket cannot be obtained. Additionally, the system can be configured to not print tickets, etc. until the appropriate payment has been verified.

As noted above, in some embodiments, a checkout lane may include one or more lottery monitors 122 connected to lottery sales computing devices 119 within the lane. Monitor 122 may include, for example, one or more LCD or other flat panel displays. Employing one or more such displays may advantageously allow in-aisle sales of lottery tickets or other products. As noted above, the lottery ticket display may be located at one or more locations at the checkout desk, in the sales area, or in the packing area. In some embodiments, multiple monitors are provided at each checkout lane.

The use of such monitors also provides incentives for retailers to encourage in-aisle sales of lottery tickets. For example, an in-lane lottery sales computing device may be configured to provide sales information specified by a retailer for some or all of the lottery screens. Additionally, the lottery display screen may be configured to support input from a retailer's point-of-sale terminal (eg, POS device) for displaying sales totals, item descriptions, and the like. This functionality may supplement or replace the display functionality provided by the point of sale system display 107 . The point of sale display data may be provided through the connection between the lottery monitor 122 and the POS device 108 and/or through the in-lane lottery sales computing device 119 .

The aforementioned lottery tickets include, for example, instant win tickets. However, the subject matter of the present invention may be used to sell any suitable type or variety of lottery products that may be printed by an in-aisle printer. For example, the system may be configured to support in-lane sales and print "quick pick" tickets that randomly select numbers for one or more lottery draws.

The technologies discussed here relate to systems, servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, and the actions taken and information received or sent by these systems. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for numerous possible configurations, combinations, and splitting of functions and tasks between various components. For example, servers or other processes discussed herein may be implemented by a single server, multiple servers, or other devices working together. Databases and applications can run on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can run serially or in parallel.

When data is acquired or accessed between the first and second computer systems or components thereof, the actual data may pass between the systems, directly or indirectly. For example, if a first computer accesses files or data from a second computer, that access may include one or more intermediary computers, proxies, or the like. The actual files or data can be moved between computers or one computer provides pointers or metafiles for other computers to use to access the actual data from more distant computers.

The various computer systems discussed herein are not limited to any particular hardware architecture or configuration. Embodiments of the methods and systems presented herein may be implemented by one or more general purpose or special purpose computing devices adapted in any suitable manner to provide the required functionality. For example, by accessing software instructions provided in computer readable form, one or more computing devices can be adapted to provide the desired functionality. Furthermore, the device is adapted or configured to provide additional functionality that may be complementary or unrelated to the subject matter of the present invention.

When software is used, any suitable program, script, or other type of language or combination of languages can be used to implement the teachings contained herein. However, the software need not be used exclusively, or even without the software. For example, some embodiments of the methods and systems described herein may be implemented in hardware logic or other circuitry, including but not limited to application specific circuitry. Of course, combinations of computer-implemented software and hardware logic and other circuitry are also suitable.

Embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may be performed by one or more suitable computing devices. It may be noted from the above that such devices have access to one or more computer-readable media containing computer-readable instructions which, when executed by at least one computer, cause the at least one computer to perform the inventive subject matter One or more embodiments of one or more methods. Additionally or alternatively, a computing device may include circuitry such that the device is operable to perform one or more methods of the inventive subject matter. Additionally, components of the presently disclosed technology, such as databases for storing lottery sales data, other lottery campaign data, and other data, may be implemented using one or more computer-readable media.

The presently disclosed subject matter may be implemented or practiced using any suitable computer-readable medium, including but not limited to magnetic disks, drives, and other magnetic-based storage media, optical storage media, including magnetic disks, including CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and Variations thereof, flash memory, RAM, ROM, other storage devices and the like.

The invention also relates to relaying communication data over one or more communication networks. It will be appreciated that network communications may include sending and/or receiving information over one or more networks of various forms. For example, a network may include a dial-up network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, an intranet, or other types of networks. A network may include any number and/or combination of hardwired, wireless, or other communication links.

The material particularly shown and described above is not limiting but rather serves to illustrate and teach several exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. As indicated in the appended claims, the scope of the invention includes combinations and sub-combinations of the various features discussed herein, as well as variations and modifications thereof which will occur to those skilled in the art.

Claims (11)

1. A lottery ticket sales system, comprising: A lottery ticket sales computing device in the channel, the lottery ticket sales computing device in the channel is configured to: being connected to a point of sale terminal and determining when said point of sale terminal has recognized a code corresponding to a desired lottery product; and A request for identifying said desired lottery product is transmitted to a lottery central system facility for managing and coordinating the sale of lottery products. 2. The lottery ticket sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a printer; Wherein, the in-channel lottery sales computing device is further configured to send data to the printer so that the printer prints the required lottery product. 3. The lottery ticket sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a printer; Wherein, the in-lane lottery sales computing device is further configured to send data to the printer so that the printer prints a mark for redeeming the desired lottery product. 4. The lottery sales system according to claim 1, further comprising a lottery central system device connected to said in-lane lottery sales computing device through a wireless connection. 5. The lottery sales system of claim 4, comprising a plurality of in-lane lottery sales computing devices, each in-lane lottery sales computing device located on a respective checkout lane at the same retail location. 6. A computerized method for providing one or more lottery products, said method comprising: Connected to point-of-sale terminals; determining when the point-of-sale terminal has recognized a code corresponding to a desired lottery product; and A request for identifying said desired lottery product is transmitted to a lottery central system facility for managing and coordinating the sale of lottery products. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Sending data to a printer causes said printer to print an indicia for redemption of said desired lottery product. 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: Sending data to a printer causes said printer to print said desired lottery product. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: Waiting for an acknowledgment of the request from the lottery central system equipment; Data is not sent to the printer until the request is confirmed, so that the printer prints the desired lottery product. 10. The method of claim 6, wherein said determining when said point-of-sale terminal has recognized a code further comprises reading a code displayed during a transaction scanned by a scanner associated with said point-of-sale terminal. or multiple barcodes or other identifying data. 11. The system of claim 1, further comprising: At least one computer monitor or display within view of customers as they move through the checkout lane; Wherein said monitor is used to advertise lottery and/or non-lottery products.

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