Patent ID: 6565006
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
A lottery ticket identification and recording method for allowing the user to safely and conveniently have their lottery ticket purchase recorded comprising, in combination:providing a central information data base location for storing lottery ticket information; providing a remotely located electronic lottery machine comprising an input keypad and an indicia reader and a processor and a ticket printer and a screen and an electronic communication means to connect the lottery machine to, and to allow the transmission of information to and receipt of information from, the central information base storage location; performing a first information entry step including having an indicia reader with the indicia that is being read being selected from the class containing bar codes and driver's license identification coding, the indicia reader allowing a purchaser to insert an indicia carrying item into the indicia reader, such an indicia carrying item being selected from the class containing such items as driver's licenses and financial cards including credit cards and debit cards, with the indicia reader scanning and reading the identification coding of the item and storing such information for transmission, the information stored being from the class of information containing name and address and indicia decoding; performing a second information entry step whereby the user employs the keypad and inputs lottery information into the indicia reader for transmission, such information being from the class containing selected number sequences and randomly generated number sequences being generated by the lottery machine and word sequences and value amounts of a lottery purchase; providing a first communication step whereby the remote lottery machine communicates electronically with the central information base and uploads for transmission and transmits the information acquired by the lottery machine by indicia reader and purchaser input to the central information data base; performing a first processing step whereby the information data base location downloads from the remote lottery machine and takes in the information transmitted by the lottery machine and attaches an identification sequence to such information and stores such information, the data base then approves or disapproves the purchase of the lottery sequence as received, with such approval being determined by a class of parameters including valid driver's license information determination and valid financial card information determination; providing a second communication step whereby the information data base location transmits an identification sequence along with an approval code or disapproval code back to the lottery machine at the remote location; performing a second processing step whereby the lottery machine receives the electronic transmission of the code and responds, the response being one of the class including a rejection of the user's information with termination of purchase and acceptance of user's information with continuation of processing, with the remote lottery machine displaying the information collected in the transaction; performing a third information entry step whereby the user makes his selection from the class of choices which includes an acceptance or a termination of the lottery ticket purchase; providing a third communication step whereby the remote lottery machine transmits the user's selection to the data base computer; performing a third processing step whereby the data base acts on the user's selection by performing one of the group of responses which includes a termination and a continuation and transmission of approval to the remote lottery machine; performing a fourth processing step whereby a financial card account is charged the purchase price of the lottery sequence selection; performing a printing step whereby the lottery machine prints a lottery ticket with the user's individual sequence and a data base identifying sequence; conducting a lottery sequence drawing to determine the winning sequence; concluding a determination at the central data base of the owner of the winning lottery sequence; and providing for notification of the winner.