JP2002519777A - How to make it easier to buy fractional lottery tickets - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] According to the present invention, a storage control device determines an amount such as an amount of extra change for a customer. The storage controller also selects a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers. Thereafter, the storage control device purchases at least one lottery ticket based on the amount and the ticket number of the set. Next, the storage controller outputs the information to the point-of-sale terminal, and the point-of-sale terminal prints a number of lottery tickets that can be refunded for a part of the prize money of the lottery ticket. The fractional lottery ticket includes a ticket number and a fractional lottery ticket value based on the amount. The value of a fractional lottery ticket can be, for example, a value rounded to a coin equal to or close to the value. After the lottery ticket lottery date, if the prize is due for payment, the customer will typically refund a number of lottery tickets at the point of sale terminal. The point-of-sale terminal communicates with the store control device, which receives the ticket number and the fractional lottery ticket amount. From the received information, the store control device can determine the award amount of the corresponding lottery ticket. Customers receive a portion of the prize money based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention was filed on March 20, 1998, and filed on March 20, 1998, entitled, "METHOD AND APPARATUS FO"
R FACILITATING THE PLAY OF FRACTIONAL L
OTTERY TICKETS UTILIZAING POINT-OF-SA
Pending U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 09/045, under the name LE TERMINALS)
No., 036, filed Mar. 21, 1997, entitled "System and Method for Executing Lottery Ticket Transactions Using In-store Terminals" (METHOD AN
D SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING LOTTERY TICKET TRANSACTIONS UTILIZING POINT-OF-SALE TERMINALS), pending patent application Ser. No. 08 / 822.70.
No. 9 filed on Aug. 26, 1997, entitled "Method and System for Handling Complementary Product Sales at Point-of-Sale Terminals" (METHOD AND SYS)
TEM FOR PROCESSING SUPPLEMENTARY PRODU
CT SALE AT A POINT-OF-SALE TERMINAL, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 920,116, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. .

[0002] The present invention relates to the following United States patent applications: "Method and Apparatus for Managing Offers Provided at Point-of-Sale Terminals" filed on March 20, 1998 (METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR)
CONTROLLING OFFERS THAT ARE PROVIDED A
U.S. Patent No. 09 / 045,084 entitled "TA POINT-OF-SALE TERMINAL";"METHOD AND APPARAT" filed March 20, 1998, entitled "METHOD AND APPARAT"
US FOR PROCESSING A SUPPLEMENTARY PROD
U.S. Patent No. 09 / 045,518 entitled UCT AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL; filed on March 20, 1998, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Controlling the Execution of Complementary Processing in In-Store Terminals" AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROL LING THE PERFORMA
NCE OF A SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESS AT A POI
No. 09/045, titled NT OF SALE TERMINAL)
No. 386, filed March 20, 1998, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Processing Complementary Product Sales at Point-of-Sale Terminals" (METHOD AND APPARATUS FO).
R PROCESSING A SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT S
No. 09 / 045,347, entitled "ALE AT POINT OF SALE TERMINAL"; and "Methods and Systems for Selling Complementary Products in Point-of-Sale Terminals" filed on March 21, 1998. FOR SELLING SUPPLEMENTARY PRODU
U.S. Patent No. 09 / 083,689, entitled CTS AT POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, each assigned to the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to point-of-sale terminals, and more particularly to point-of-sale terminals that facilitate purchase of lottery tickets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lotteries are an extremely popular pastime that brings significant revenue to the sponsoring states that provide them. In a typical lottery, a purchaser (ticket holder) purchases a lottery ticket engraved with a ticket number and a series of numbers. The ticket number allows both the ticket holder and the lottery authority to identify whether the ticket holder has won a prize. The series of numbers uniquely identifies the lottery ticket and is typically recorded by the lottery authority so that the lottery ticket can be valid. For example, it may be used to establish whether a number engraved on a ticket using a series of numbers matches the ticket number recorded by the lottery authority in connection with the lottery ticket.

[0005] A typical lottery ticket has a six-digit ticket number each selected from a range, for example, a range from 1 to 49. The six digit ticket number is selected by the ticket holder or arbitrarily selected by the lottery counter terminal printing the ticket at the request of the ticket holder. On the day of the lottery, the lottery authority arbitrarily chooses a six-digit ticket number that appears to be "winned." A lottery ticket having a winning ticket number or a ticket number matching all of them is a winning ticket, and a holder of the lottery ticket wins a prize.

[0006] A system and method for executing a lottery ticket transaction using a point-of-sale terminal filed on March 21, 1997, which is an application before the second generation of this patent application (SYSTEM AN).
D METHOD FOR PERFORMING LOTTERY TICKET
TRANSACTIONS UTILIZING POINT-OF-SALE
US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 822,709, entitled TERMINALS, discloses a system and method that allows a customer to sell multiple lottery tickets at a point-of-sale (POS) terminal in exchange for legitimate change. I have. For example, a customer may bring a purchase to a POS terminal, and the POS terminal may calculate the purchase to be $ 4.74. If the purchase price is rounded as close as possible to $ 1, fishing is $ 5.00- $ 4.74 = $
0.26. Thus, customers could sell a 26% share of the $ 1 lottery instead of change. If a lottery ticket is won, the customer will be paid 26% of the corresponding price.

Providing fractional lottery tickets instead of change has a number of advantages. Filed August 26, 1997, the parent application of this patent application, entitled "Method and System for Handling Complementary Product Sales at Point of Sale" (METHOD AND SYSTEM F
OR PROCESSING SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT SA
Distributing and collecting coins is costly and cumbersome, as described in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 920,116, entitled LES AT POINT-OF-SALE TERMINAL. In addition, many customers consider coins dirty and do not like to handle them. For this reason, many customers find it highly desirable to exchange change for fractional lottery tickets.

[0008] Unfortunately, some state lottery authorities are reluctant to change practice by issuing lottery tickets for fractional amounts. Such lottery authorities prefer instead to provide tickets with a very small predetermined rounded amount, such as tickets for only $ 1, $ 2, and $ 5, for example. In some cases, being able to offer fractional lottery tickets may require significant modifications to the lottery counter hardware and software used across one or more states. Although such a change could ultimately be profitable, the initial cost would be considered unduly burdensome, and the ultimate benefits obtained could seem too speculative. In summary, issuing fractional lottery tickets by state lottery authorities does not appear to be practical in all environments.

[0009] It would therefore be advantageous to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets without requiring significant changes in existing lottery organizations.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets without significantly altering existing lottery organizations.

According to the present invention, the control device of the store detects a monetary value such as an extra change amount to be paid to the customer. The store controller also selects a ticket record that includes the set of ticket numbers. Thereafter, the control device of the store purchases at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers. Next, the control device of the store outputs the storefront terminal information, and the storefront terminal prints a fractional lottery ticket that can be randomly selected for a part of the prize money of the lottery. The fractional lottery ticket includes a fractional lottery ticket value based on a monetary value. The value of a fractional lottery ticket is, for example, equal to the monetary value or the monetary value rounded up to the nearest coin.

[0012] After the lottery ticket lottery date, the customer, when the prize is paid, typically draws a fractional lottery ticket at the point of sale terminal. The point-of-sale terminal communicates with the control device of the store, and the control device receives the ticket number and the value of the fractional lottery ticket. From the received information, the store controller can determine the prize value of the corresponding lottery ticket. The customer receives a portion of the prize value based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket.

According to the present invention, a store issues a fractional lottery ticket to a customer and then obtains at least one lottery ticket having the same ticket number as the fractional lottery ticket. I do. Fractional lottery tickets have a "value" that defines a portion of the lottery ticket. A share of any prize money for winning the lottery ticket is provided to the customer. Fractional lottery ticket values may be expressed as a monetary value, eg, $ 0.34, and / or as a percentage, eg, 17%. For example, a customer has a value of $ 0.34 and $ 2.00
When receiving a fractional lottery ticket that defines a portion of the lottery ticket, the customer receives 17% ($ 0.34 / $ 2.00 = 17%) of any prize won by the lottery ticket
Receive.

[0014] Typically, the store offers a fractional lottery ticket to the customer, and then obtains a group of corresponding lottery tickets before the lottery date. The prize money won by the group lottery ticket is received by the store, which then pays the customer a prize share based on the fraction defined by the value of the fractional lottery ticket. Stores need only purchase conventional lottery tickets, thus facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets without requiring significant changes to existing lottery authority practices.

The portion defined by the fractional lottery ticket is based on the amount of change to be paid in connection with the transaction at the point of sale terminal. Such an embodiment is advantageous because many customers are welcome as an alternative to receiving change. Furthermore, it is more attractive to customers to receive something with a high perceived value, for example a fractional lottery ticket instead of change.

Referring to FIG. 1, the network 8 includes a store control device 10.
Communicates with the lottery server 12 and the in-store terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20. In-store terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20, typically cash registers, can initiate and / or complete fractional lottery ticket transactions. Although four store terminals are shown in FIG. 1, any number of store terminals may communicate with the store control device 10. The point-of-sale terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20 may be located in the same store, different stores in a chain store, or other locations.

The store control device 10 instructs the operation of the store terminals 14, 16, 18, and 20,
It stores data from there or transmits data to it. The store control device 10 itself may be a point-of-sale terminal or another computer device that can communicate with one or more point-of-sale terminals. The lottery server 12 is typically managed by state lottery authorities and responds to requests from the store controller 10. For example, the lottery server 12 can issue a lottery ticket at the request of the shop control device 10 and provide a winning number to the lottery date.

Referring to FIG. 2, the store control device 10 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a processor 22 such as, for example, one or more conventional microprocessors. Processor 22 is in communication with a data storage device 24, such as a suitable combination of magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. Processor 22 and storage device 24 are each (i) located entirely within a single computer or other computing device, (ii)
) May be interconnected by a telecommunications link such as a series of port cables, telephone lines, or radio frequency transceivers, or (iii) a combination thereof. For example, store controller 10 may comprise one or more computers in communication with a remote server computer to maintain a database.

The storage device 24 stores a program 26 for controlling the processor 22. The processor 22 executes the instructions of the program 26 and thus operates according to the invention, in particular according to the methods described herein. In addition, program 26 includes the necessary program elements, such as, for example, an arithmetic system and "device drivers" that allow processor 22 to interface with the peripheral devices of the computer. Suitable device drivers and other necessary program elements are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here.

The storage device 24 also includes (i) a ticket record database 30; (ii) a transaction database 32; (iii) a fraction ticket database 34; (iv) a winning lottery ticket database 36; and (v) a regular purchaser database 38. (Vi) the ticket supply database 39 is also stored. Databases 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 39 are described in detail below and are illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the schematic drawings and accompanying descriptions of the databases provided herein are exemplary arrangements of stored representative information.
Many other arrangements besides the one shown can be employed. Similarly, the illustrated entrance shows an example of information, but the contents of the entrance may differ from those shown here.

Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of the store terminal 40 is shown in FIG.
18 and 20 are shown. The point-of-sale terminal 40 includes a processor 42, such as one or more conventional microprocessors. The processor 42 is in communication with a data storage device 44, such as a suitable combination of magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. Processor 42 and storage device 44 are each (i) located entirely within a single computer or other computing device; (ii) telecommunications such as, for example, serial port cables, telephone lines, or radio frequency transceivers. They may be interconnected by links or (iii) a combination thereof.
In addition, point-of-sale terminal 40 may comprise one or more computers in communication with a remote server computer to maintain a database.

The input device 46, the printer 48 and the display device 50 each include a processor 42
Is in communication with Input device 46 preferably includes a keyboard for sending an input signal to processor 42, such as a signal indicating a purchase. Input device 46 may also comprise an optical barcode scanner for reading barcodes and sending signals indicating these barcodes to processor 42. Printer 48 registers the indicia of paper or other material and prints fractional lottery tickets when commanded by processor 42. The display device 50 is preferably a video monitor that displays at least alphanumeric characters to the customer and / or the cashier operating the point-of-sale terminal 40. Many types of input devices, printers and display devices are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here.

The storage device 44 stores a store terminal program 52 for controlling the processor 42. The processor 42 executes the instructions of the point-of-sale terminal program 52 and thereby operates according to the invention, in particular according to the method described in detail herein.
The point-of-sale terminal program 52 further includes the necessary system, such as a computing system and "device drivers", to enable the processor 42 to interface with computer peripherals, such as, for example, the input device 46, printer 48, and display device 50. Contains program elements. Suitable device drivers and other necessary program elements are well known to those skilled in the art and need not be described at length here.

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the point-of-sale terminal 58 showing the point-of-sale terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20 shown in FIG. The controller 60 is in communication via a communication medium 62 with a system 64 for printing fractional lottery tickets, receipts and / or coupons. The controller 60 includes an input device 46 (FIG. 3) and a display device 50 (processor 66 in communication with FIG. 3.) The printing system 64 communicates with the storage device 44 (FIG. 3) and the printer 48 (FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the controller 60 may be a cash register, and the system 64 may be an electronic device that prints tickets according to data received from the cash register. It is understood by those skilled in the art.

The following description is arranged into the following items: That is, it is the creation of fractional lottery tickets, the acquisition of lottery tickets, and the lottery portion of lottery tickets.

Creation of Fractional Lottery Tickets Referring to FIG. 5, the ticket record database 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes columns 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88, each indicating an entry into the ticket record database 30. Each entrance defines a set of ticket numbers contained in one or more fractional lottery tickets. Thus, each entry defines one or more lottery tickets to purchase. In particular, each entrance
i) a ticket record identifier 90 that uniquely identifies the entrance, (ii) a lottery date 92 indicating when the winning ticket number will be announced, (iii) the ticket number, and (iv) the corresponding ticket number. A total amount 96, which is the sum of all the values of the fractional lottery tickets having, and (
v) Include the amount 96 to round up, which is the minimum amount that, when added to the total amount 96, produces a sum that is a multiple of the amount of the corresponding lottery ticket.

The total value amount indicates for each entry how much lottery tickets with the same set of corresponding ticket numbers should be purchased. In one embodiment, the number of lottery tickets to purchase depends on the price of the lottery ticket. In particular, the total number of lottery tickets purchased for an entrance may be the smallest integer of tickets such that the total price of the purchased lottery tickets is greater than the corresponding total value. For example, if the total value is $ 7.84 and the price of the lottery ticket is $ 1.00, the eight lottery tickets are $ 8.00, which is $ 7
. Greater than 84, but $ 7.00 for 7 lottery tickets, which is $ 7.
84 or less. Therefore, the minimum number of lottery tickets that result in a total price of $ 7.84 or more is eight lottery tickets, and therefore eight lottery tickets should be purchased. As another example, if the total value amount is $ 5.51 and the price of the lottery ticket is $ 2.00, three lottery tickets are $ 6.00, which is more than $ 5.51 , Two lottery tickets are $ 4.00, which is less than $ 5.51. Therefore, $ 5
. The minimum number of lottery tickets resulting in a total price of 51 or more is three lottery tickets, so three lottery tickets should be purchased.

Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown an example of data in the ticket record database 30 (FIGS. 2 and 5) before and after a fractional lottery ticket is issued. Table 110 shows the ticket record database before the transaction indicated by the round-up amount 130. Table 120 shows the ticket record database 30 after the transaction indicated by the round-up amount 130. Round-up amount 130
Is $ 0.35, which corresponds to a transaction in which the customer exchanges change ($ 0.35) for a fractional lottery ticket. Fractional lottery tickets define a part of the lottery ticket, and that part is ＄
Based on an amount of 0.35. Reference number 132 indicates a set of ticket numbers, which can be selected by the customer or formed by the storefront.

As mentioned above, each of the entrances shown in Table 110 corresponds to a set of ticket numbers. The ticket number of the group indicated by the reference number 132 is the ticket number “01, 20, 30, 16, 28”.
, 13 ". The entrance 135 in Table 110 is also used for the ticket number “01, 20, 30, 16,
20, 13 ". Thus, the entrance 135 is selected and the corresponding total value amount is increased by $ 0.35. Entrance 140 in Table 120 has a total value of $ 0.35
Ticket number "01,20,30,
16, 28, 13 ".

Referring to FIG. 7, the transaction database 32 shown in FIG.
154, 156 and 158, each column indicating an entry into the transaction database 32. Each entrance stipulates a transaction by a store terminal. In particular, each entrance has (i) a transaction number that uniquely identifies the transaction, (ii) a storefront identifier that uniquely identifies the storefront that initiated the transaction, (iii) a purchase price, and (iv) a purchase price. Rounding factor 165, used to indicate the amount by which to round up (v)
A round-up amount, which is an amount used to purchase a fractional lottery ticket, and (vi) an instruction 168 as to whether or not an offer for the fractional lottery ticket has been accepted, (vii)
Customer number 170, which identifies the customer using the customer card for the transaction (vii
i) the date of the transaction 172, and (ix) the round-up amount and a fractional lottery ticket identifier 174 that identifies the fractional lottery ticket to be offered in exchange.

The round-up amount 166 is an amount used to purchase a fractional lottery ticket.
In one embodiment, the value of the fractional lottery ticket is equal to the round-up amount 166.
For example, the customer has a change (round-up amount) of $ 0.62 from purchase and can use the change to obtain a fractional lottery ticket that defines the $ 0.62 portion of the lottery ticket. However, the value of the fractional lottery ticket need not be equal to the amount used to purchase the fractional lottery ticket. In some embodiments, the value of a fractional lottery ticket is based on a round down (or round up) amount. For example, a customer has $ 0.62 change from purchase and can use that change to obtain a fractional lottery ticket. Fractional lottery tickets may have $ 0.60 (when $ 0.62 is rounded down to the nearest coin). It can also be rounded down to other multiples such as, for example, the nearest 10 cents, 25 cents, or 1 dollar, with the rounded amount defining the value, ie the value of a portion of the lottery ticket. The difference between the change and the truncated amount on which the fractional lottery ticket is based may be reserved as a utility fee for the person selling the fractional lottery ticket.

The value of a fractional lottery ticket may be based on the amount in yet another form. For example, the value may be double the amount. Providing such value may be advantageous if the customer purchases certain products, or certain types of products, or if the customer has used a customer card. For example, if a customer has a change of $ 0.62 and purchases a product from a particular manufacturer, the customer will have a fraction of $ 1.24 (2x $ 0.62) in exchange for the change. You can receive lottery tickets.

Referring to FIG. 8, tables 180 and 190 show records of fractional lottery ticket database 34 (FIG. 2). Typically, the fractional ticket database 34 is, for example, a table 180
And a plurality of records as shown at 190. Fractional lottery ticket database 34
Each defines a fractional lottery ticket.

The record shown by table 180 defines a fractional lottery ticket identified by identifier 185 (identifier “1001”). Table 180 includes an entrance 187 that defines a portion of the lottery ticket included in fractional lottery ticket “1001”. The entrance 187 has (i) a ticket identifier 182 that uniquely identifies the lottery ticket, and (ii) a fractional lottery ticket “1”.
001 "and a portion 184 indicating a part of the lottery ticket included in the lottery ticket.

Similarly, the record indicated by table 190 has an identifier 195 (identifier “1003”)
Specifies the fractional lottery ticket identified by. Table 190 shows entry points 197 and 1
98, each entrance having (i) a ticket identifier 192 and (ii) an assignment portion 19
4 is included. The fractional lottery ticket “1003” may include portions from other than one lottery ticket that exceeds the maximum price of one lottery ticket if collected. Therefore, the value of the fractional lottery ticket “1003” can exceed the maximum price of one lottery ticket.

As described above, a fractional lottery ticket has a “value” that defines a part of the lottery ticket or parts of one or more lottery tickets. In one embodiment, the ticket number of the fractional lottery ticket is not selected by the customer, but rather at the end of the store or in the store controller 1.
0 (FIG. 1) is automatically selected. In one embodiment, the ticket number is selected from a set of ticket numbers in ticket record database 30 (FIG. 3). This ticket number can be selected in several ways. For example, the ticket record database 30 can be arbitrarily selected, and therefore the ticket number of the fractional lottery ticket is arbitrarily selected.

Alternatively, the entrance may be selected based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket and the respective amount to round up. In one embodiment, an entrance having at least the same amount to round up as the value can be selected. Similarly, a set of entrances each having at least the same amount to round up as value can be determined. For this set of entrances,
The entrance with the smallest amount to round up is selected. The following description further clarifies this method of selecting an entry from a ticket record database.

Referring to FIG. 9, a table 200 shows an example of data of the ticket record database (FIGS. 2 and 5). Table 200 includes entrances 202, 204, 206 and 208. {0.
The round-up amount 220 of 60 corresponds to a transaction in which a customer exchanges a change ($ 0.60) for a fractional lottery ticket. Fractional lottery tickets have a value of $ 0.60. To select an entry in the ticket record database 30 that defines the ticket number of the fractional lottery ticket, the store controller 10 detects the entry in a set, each having a round-up amount of at least $ 0.60. This set of inlets includes inlets 204, 206 and 208. The lottery ticket with the smallest round-up amount is selected from the entrance of this set. Entrance 204, 206
And 208, the entrance 208 has a minimum round-up ($ 0.61). Thus, the entrance 208 is selected and the corresponding total value amount is increased by $ 0.60 (
That is, from $ 3.39 to $ 3.99), the corresponding amount to be rounded up is adjusted to reflect the increase in total value (i.e., to $ 0.01).

In another embodiment, the customer selects the ticket number manually or at the time of a transaction via a ticket number stored on a card such as a smart card or customer card with a magnetic strip. sell. In such an embodiment, the customer can obtain a fractional lottery ticket with his favorite or "lucky" number. The ticket record database is searched to determine if the entry has already indicated the ticket number selected by the customer. If so, the total value is increased according to the value of the fractional lottery ticket, and the amount to be rounded up is adjusted to reflect the increased total value as described above. If the entry does not indicate a customer selected number, a new entry is created in ticket record database 30. The new entry includes (i) a unique ticket record identifier, (ii) an appropriate lottery date, (iii) a ticket number selected by the customer, (iv) a total value equal to the value of the fractional lottery ticket, and (v) ) Including the appropriate amount to round up.

Once the fractional lottery ticket is determined, the point-of-sale terminal prints a ticket indicating the fractional lottery ticket to the customer, for example, upon receipt. The printed ticket proves that the customer has the right to the indicated portion of any prize for the indicated ticket number. Such printed tickets have a corresponding (i) fractional lottery ticket identifier, (
ii) ticket number, (iii) part of lottery ticket included in fractional lottery ticket, (iv)
And (v) an encrypted code based on any combination. Such an encrypted code may be used to verify that the printed ticket remains unchanged. The encryption technology was published in 1996 by Bruce Schneier, "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and Source Code, Second Edition C" (Applied Cryptog).
uraphy: Protocols, Algorithm and Source
Code in C, Second Edition). For those skilled in the art, the encrypted code is determined by a cryptographic algorithm such that it is almost impossible for a counterfeiter to generate a valid code, let alone a code indicating a ticket number. It is understood that.

The printed ticket may also include terms and conditions, such as a clause that conveys the right to the indicated portion of the prize to the indicated ticket number to the customer. Also, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, additional matters such as fractional lottery ticket lottery dates and expiration dates can be included in the printed ticket. It is also desirable to print a bar code designating any or all of the above information to facilitate entry of the information using a bar code scanner.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 240 for creating a fractional lottery ticket. In one embodiment, the method 240 is performed when a customer accepts an offer to exchange his extra change for a fractional lottery ticket. At step 242, the value of the fractional lottery ticket is determined. For example, a point-of-sale terminal calculates the change amount and rounds this amount down to the nearest coin. The store terminal sends the truncated amount to the storage controller, and the storage controller determines whether the amount is the truncated amount. The storage controller selects the entrance of the ticket record database 30 indicating the ticket number for the fractional lottery ticket (step 244). As described above, the customer may arbitrarily select, for example, to allow the arbitrarily selected ticket number to be used in his fractional lottery ticket. Alternatively, the entrance may be selected based on value as described above. If the fractional lottery ticket should include a customer selected ticket number not shown in the ticket record database 30, a new entrance is created and selected.

The selected entry is adjusted based on value (step 246). For example, the corresponding total value amount is increased by the amount, and the corresponding amount to be rounded up is adjusted to reflect the increased total value amount. At step 248, the fractional ticket database 34 (FIG. 2) is also adjusted to form a new record defining fractional lottery tickets. Next, the storage controller outputs the ticket number and the value of the fractional lottery ticket (step 250). The storage controller typically sends the ticket number and value to the point-of-sale terminal, which prints a fractional lottery ticket based on them. The point-of-sale terminal may print the ticket number and other desired information such as lottery date on the fractional lottery ticket.

Acquisition of Lottery Tickets As described above, each entry in the ticket record database 30 (FIG. 2) defines one or more lottery tickets to purchase. The storage controller 10 (FIG. 1) sends a signal to the lottery server 12 (FIG. 1) to purchase the lottery. In particular, enough lotteries are purchased before the lottery date to ensure that each fractional lottery ticket corresponds to a lottery portion.

The lottery ticket may be stored, for example, at the end of each trading day and / or in the storage controller 10.
May be purchased during a predetermined period, such as at the request of the operator. Furthermore, for example, lottery 1
It is desirable to purchase all necessary lottery tickets at a predetermined time before the lottery, such as two hours ago. In such an embodiment, no additional lottery tickets will be issued for such a draw after such a predetermined time. However, it is still possible for a customer to purchase a lottery ticket for a later lottery.

In another embodiment, a lottery ticket for each entrance in the ticket record database 30 (FIG. 2) can be purchased if the rounded-up amount of the entrance is less than or equal to a predetermined value. For example, each time the round-up amount at an entrance is $ 0.02 or less and the number (if any) of the lottery tickets already purchased corresponding to the entrance is insufficient for the total value, More than one additional lottery ticket is purchased.

Referring to FIG. 11, the ticket supply database 39 (FIG. 2) has entrances 251, 252, 2
Each entry defines the number of lottery tickets having the same set of ticket numbers, including 53 and 254. Each entrance has (i) ticket number 255, (ii) ticket price 256, and (ii)
i) Includes the number 257 of lottery tickets purchased. As shown in FIG. 9, each entrance of the ticket supply database 39 corresponds to an entrance of the ticket record database 30. Further, the number of tickets for each entry in ticket supply database 39 defines the number of lottery tickets purchased that is sufficient for the total value of the corresponding entry in ticket record database 30. For example, the entrance 254 defines four lottery tickets each purchased for $ 1.00. Thus, there is a sufficient ticket with the ticket number "10, 19, 24, 29, 36, 39" for the total value up to $ 4.00 (4 $ 1.00 = $ 4.00). . Four tickets are sufficient because the corresponding entrance 208 indicates a total value amount of $ 3.39.

Refunds for Some Lottery Tickets The business or other entity that obtains and maintains the supply of lottery tickets checks each to determine which is a winning ticket. If it is a winning ticket, the winning ticket is drawn to the prize as soon as possible so that the prize can be used to pay the customer having the corresponding lottery ticket. The winning ticket number may be manually input to the storage control device 10 (FIG. 1) when it is available. Ideally, the storage controller 10
Receives the ticket number won for each lottery date from the lottery server 12 (FIG. 1). The storage controller can store the winning ticket number in the winning lottery ticket database 36 (FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 12, the winning lottery ticket database 36 includes entrances 260, 262 and 264, each of which defines a winning ticket number for the lottery date. Each entrance has (i) corresponding lottery date 266, (ii) ticket number 268, and (ii)
i) Includes prize money 270. The winning lottery ticket database 36 should include entrances for all lottery dates corresponding to fractions of valid and refundable lottery tickets. For example, if a fractional lottery ticket can be refunded one year after the corresponding lottery date,
At least the entry for each lottery date in the past year should be remembered. Prize 2
70 may be, for example, an amount of money that matches all the winning ticket numbers. More prizes may be specified for each entrance. For example, 5 out of 6-digit winning ticket number
The prize money in the case of matching only the numbers may be defined for each entrance.

When the winning ticket numbers are received by the storage controller 10 (FIG. 1) for the lottery date, the storage controller 10 simply stores them in the winning lottery ticket database 36, where they are fractions. Accessed when lottery tickets are redeemed by customers. However, the storage controller 10 may also determine which fractional lottery ticket includes the winning lottery ticket portion. Next, the corresponding record in the fractional ticket database 34 (FIG. 2) may be modified to indicate that the fractional lottery ticket includes a winning lottery ticket portion. Further, if these fractional lottery tickets have been purchased using the customer card, the corresponding customers are notified.

Referring to FIG. 13, customer database 38 includes entrances 280, 282, 284 and 286, each entrance being a customer who used a customer card for a transaction.
Specify the customer. In particular, each entrance has (i) a customer number 288 that uniquely identifies the customer, (ii) a customer address 290, and (iii) a customer telephone number 292.
, (Iv) customer's name 294, and (v) customer's E-mail address 29
6 inclusive. Such stored information allows the customer to be notified by mail, telephone, e-mail, or other form of notification, as desired. In addition, the customer can then use the customer card or be notified by the store terminal. Providing the customer with the additional benefit of notification is advantageous because it can encourage customers to become regular customers. As a result, these customers may become regular following the related transaction.

As another motivation to become a regular customer, it may be desirable to provide a machine that only purchases fractional lottery tickets to customers. For example, a fractional lottery ticket may be provided only during a transaction in which the customer card is used.

To refund a fractional lottery ticket, the customer preferably provides a printed ticket indicating that he or she has the indicated right to win the prize. The printed ticket confirms that it is valid and has not been changed. For example, if the printed ticket is valid, the fractional lottery ticket identifier engraved on the printed ticket indicates recording of the fractional lottery ticket database 34 (FIG. 2). The record points to the corresponding information on the printed ticket. Further, the encrypted code can be verified.

Referring to FIG. 14, a method 300 for refunding a fractional lottery ticket includes (i) a ticket number,
(Ii) The process starts by receiving a part identifier for identifying an allocated part of a lottery ticket (step 302). Such an identifier can be received by manually entering one or more identifiers into a point-of-sale terminal, from which the identifier is sent to the storage controller 10 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the barcode scanner of the point-of-sale terminal reads the barcode of the printed ticket and stores the barcode in the storage controller 10.
Send to The entered identifier can indicate the fractional lottery ticket identifier,
The identifier may be used to retrieve the corresponding ticket identifier and the identifier of the assigned portion from the fractional lottery ticket database (FIG. 2). The store control device thus receives the ticket identifier and the part identifier.

[0055] Once the identifier is received, thereby identifying one or more lottery tickets and the assigned portion, the award amount of the lottery ticket is determined (step 304). As aforementioned,
The prize amount can be detected by comparing the number of the lottery ticket with the winning ticket number stored in the winning lottery ticket database 36. Also, as described above, the portion of the prize to be provided to the customer is determined by the assigned portion of the lottery ticket. This portion of the prize is typically provided to the customer by providing cash from a cash register or by writing or printing a check payable to the customer (306).
Stage).

A purchased lottery ticket may have zero or more unallocated portions.
Such winning lottery tickets have a portion of the prize money that is not paid to the customer. This portion of the prize is stored by the entity and may be used for various incentives to the customer. For example, a portion of the stored prize money may be refunded to the customer in the form of a fractional lottery ticket (eg, purchasing a fractional lottery ticket of $ 0.50 for a change of $ 0.05).

The business entity may save the prize money of another winning ticket by providing a portion of one winning amount to the winning ticket. For example, a customer may be given a share of "a prize pooled at the end of a win" (for example, all of the winning ticket numbers match the six-digit number). Other prizes are kept by the entity. Such restrictions should be explained to customers through advertisements or information printed on fractional lottery tickets.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art can make various substitutions for these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is noted that. For example, the present invention is applicable to various kinds of games other than the lottery in which a prize is provided. Further, in some embodiments, the data stored in the storage controller may be stored in a point-of-sale terminal instead. Similarly, some of the functions performed by the storage controller may be performed by a point-of-sale terminal, or vice versa.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a network of in-store terminals provided by the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a storage control device of the network shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a point-of-sale terminal of the network shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the point-of-sale terminal of the network shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a ticket record database of the storage control device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram including an example of data for the ticket record database shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a transaction database of the storage control device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of recording of a database of fractional tickets of the storage control device shown in FIG. 2;

9 is a schematic diagram including another example of data for the ticket record database shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for creating a fractional lottery ticket.

11 is a schematic diagram of a ticket supply database of the storage control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a winning lottery ticket database of the storage control device shown in FIG. 2;

13 is a schematic diagram of a customer database of the storage control device shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method of selecting a fractional lottery ticket.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 09 / 107,971 (32) Priority date June 30, 1998 (June 30, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) ( 81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, K, EE, ES, FI, GB, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG , UZ, VN, YU, ZW

Claims (27)

[Claims] Claims: 1. A method for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: determining an amount; selecting a ticket record including a set of ticket numbers; A fraction comprising: a step of purchasing at least one lottery ticket based on an amount and a set of ticket numbers; and a step of outputting a ticket number and a fractional lottery ticket value based on the amount. To make it easier to buy lottery tickets. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the amount comprises determining the amount based on a change amount worth the purchase. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting comprises creating a ticket record. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting comprises randomly selecting a note record. 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a signal indicating the selected ticket number. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein selecting comprises searching a plurality of ticket records to select a ticket record indicating the selected ticket number. 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising increasing the total value of the selected ticket records according to the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising adjusting a rounding amount based on the increased total value amount. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of selecting comprises selecting a ticket record having an amount rounded up to at least the fractional lottery ticket amount. 10. The step of selecting comprises: determining a set of voucher records each having an amount rounded up to at least the same amount as a fractional lottery ticket; Selecting from a set of ticket records. 11. A method for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising the steps of: determining a change amount corresponding to the purchase; and determining the amount based on the change amount. Selecting a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers; purchasing at least one lottery ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers after the selecting step; Outputting a value of the lottery ticket. A method of making it easy to purchase a fractional lottery ticket. 12. The step of determining the amount comprises: rounding the change amount to a predetermined multiple, thereby generating a rounded change amount; and determining the amount equal to the rounded change amount. Setting. The method of claim 11, further comprising: setting. 13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the step of rounding the change amount includes the step of rounding down the change amount to a predetermined multiple, thereby generating the rounded change amount. the method of. 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising outputting an offer to exchange change and fractional lottery tickets. 15. A method for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising the steps of: determining an amount; selecting a ticket record including a set of ticket numbers; Afterwards, purchasing at least one lottery ticket based on the value and a set of ticket numbers, outputting a fractional lottery ticket value based on the ticket number and the amount, and at least one lottery ticket A method of facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket, comprising: detecting a prize amount of the ticket; and providing a portion of the prize amount based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 16. A method for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: determining a total value amount corresponding to a set of ticket numbers; Obtaining at least one lottery ticket having a set of ticket numbers. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein said obtaining is performed within a specified time. 18. The method of claim 16, wherein said obtaining step is performed at a predetermined time before a lottery. 19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of determining an amount to be rounded up based on the total value amount, wherein the obtaining step is performed when the amount to be rounded up is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein 20. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device stores a program for controlling the processor. And the processor determines a value, selects a ticket record including a set of ticket numbers, and, after the selecting step, purchases at least one lottery ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket, which is operated by a program that outputs a ticket number and a fractional lottery ticket value based on the amount. 21. A computer readable medium encoding processing instructions for performing a method for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point of sale terminal, the method comprising: determining an amount; Selecting a voucher record including the voucher number, and after the selection step, purchasing at least one lottery voucher based on the voucher amount and the set of voucher numbers; and a fraction based on the voucher number and the voucher amount. And outputting the value of the lottery ticket. 22. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device stores a program for controlling the processor. The processor determines an amount of change that is worth the purchase, determines an amount based on the amount of change, selects a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers, and, after the selecting step, value At least one lottery ticket based on the ticket number and a set of ticket numbers, and operated by a program that outputs the ticket number and the value of the fractional lottery ticket based on the amount. A device that makes it easy to purchase tickets. 23. A computer readable medium encoding a processing instruction for performing a method for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: determining an amount of change corresponding to the purchase. Determining the amount based on the change amount; selecting a ticket record including a set of ticket numbers; and after the selecting step, at least based on the amount and the set of ticket numbers. A medium comprising a step of purchasing one lottery ticket, and a step of outputting a ticket number and a value of a fractional lottery ticket based on the amount. 24. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device executes a program for controlling the processor. Storing, the processor determining a value and selecting a ticket record including a set of ticket numbers; and after the selecting step, at least one ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers. Purchase the lottery ticket, output the ticket number and the value of the fractional lottery ticket based on the amount, determine the prize amount of at least one lottery ticket, and determine the prize amount based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket A device for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, which is operated by a program that provides a part. 25. A computer readable medium encoding processing instructions for performing a method of facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: determining an amount; Selecting a voucher record that includes a voucher number, and after said selecting step, purchasing at least one fractional lottery ticket based on the value and a set of voucher numbers; Outputting the value of the fractional lottery ticket based on the value of the lottery ticket; determining the value of the prize money of at least one lottery ticket; and providing a portion of the prize value based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket. And a medium comprising: 26. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, wherein the storage device executes a program for controlling the processor. Storing, the processor determining a total value amount corresponding to the set of ticket numbers, and obtaining at least one lottery ticket having the set of ticket numbers based on the total value amount. A device that facilitates the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, which is activated by a program. 27. A computer readable medium encoding processing instructions for performing a method of facilitating the purchase of a fractional lottery ticket using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: providing a total number corresponding to a set of ticket numbers. Determining a value amount of the lottery ticket, and obtaining at least one lottery ticket having a set of ticket numbers based on the total value amount.