Deploying a plurality of planar layers for lottery tickets

A system and method for providing instant games in both physical scratch-off and virtual forms wherein at least a portion of the winning value of the instant game is determined by a plurality of planar layers with the concordance of the planar layers determining value enhancements. The distribution and composition of the concordance of the plurality of planar layers is configured to ensure compliance with a predetermined prize outcome prize fund.

BACKGROUND

Many different types of lottery tickets may be employed. Lottery tickets may be employed in both physical and virtual environments.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for producing instant lottery tickets, wherein the method includes creating and storing in a first database inventory control and validation numbers for the instant lottery tickets, wherein the validation number for each instant lottery ticket is associated with one of a plurality of different predetermined values for the instant lottery tickets; generating and storing in a second database a plurality of first planar layers, wherein each first planar layer includes a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; generating and storing in the second database a plurality of second planar layers, wherein each second planar layer includes a set of variable indicia when placed in concordance with the first planar layer cells of the grid corresponds to one of a plurality of different values; and storing in the second database displayable images of the first and second planar layers flattened together. The method further includes synchronizing and storing in a third database composite flattened planar data for the instant lottery tickets, wherein for each instant lottery ticket the composite flattened planar data for that instant lottery ticket includes the inventory control and validation numbers for that instant lottery ticket synchronized with the flattened planar layers; and obtaining from the third database the composite flattened planar data to create the instant lottery tickets.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for producing instant lottery tickets, wherein the method includes creating and storing in a first database inventory control and validation numbers for the instant lottery tickets, wherein the validation number for each instant lottery ticket is associated with one of a plurality of different predetermined values for that instant lottery ticket; generating and storing in a second database a plurality of first planar layers, wherein each first planar layer includes one of a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; generating and storing in the second database a plurality of second planar layers, wherein each second planar layer includes one of a plurality of different sets of variable indicia, wherein each set of variable indicia for the second planar layer is selected based on one of the predetermined values and a concordance with one of the grids of one of the plurality of the first planar layers; generating and storing in a third database composite flattened planar data for the instant lottery tickets, wherein for each instant lottery ticket the composite flattened planar data for that instant lottery ticket includes the inventory control and validation numbers for that instant lottery ticket synchronized with one of the plurality of first planar layers and one of the plurality of second planar layers; and obtaining from the third database the composite flattened planar data to create the instant lottery tickets.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for producing an instant lottery ticket, wherein the method includes: determining, via a processor, a predetermined value for the instant lottery ticket from a plurality of different predetermined values; determining, via the processor, a first planar layer for the instant lottery ticket, the first planar layer includes one of a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; determining, via the processor, a second planar layer for the instant lottery ticket, the second planar layer including one of a plurality of different sets of variable indicia, wherein the set of variable indicia for the second planar layer is selected based on the predetermined value for the instant lottery ticket and a concordance with the set of cells of the grid of first planar layer; generating the instant lottery ticket based on the determined first planar layer and the determined second planar layer; and storing data regarding the generated instant lottery ticket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present disclosure.

The words “a” and “an” mean “at least one.” The term “Random Number Generator” or “RNG” mean all forms of random number generation. For example, “True Random Number Generator” or “TRNG,” “Pseudo Random Number Generator” or “PRNG” (e.g., Mersenne Twister algorithms, “Linear Congruential Generators” or “LNGs”), etc. could all be referred to as RNGs in the present disclosure. The terms “user,” “player,” or “consumer” all refer to a human individual utilizing the present disclosure.

The terms “instant game piece” or other “instant document,” may be referred to as an “instant ticket” or simply a “ticket”, which can be embodied as either a physical paper instant scratch-off ticket or a virtual digital ticket with the reveal occurring on a digital device (e.g., smart phone, tablet, or laptop). Additionally, when referring to the physical paper instant scratch-off ticket embodiment, the terms “full-color” and “process color” are also used interchangeably as terms of convenience for producing a variety of colors by discrete combinations of applications of pigmented primary inks or dyes “CMYK” (i.e., Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and blacK), or in some cases six colors (e.g., Hexachrome printing process uses CMYK inks plus Orange and Green inks), or alternatively eight colors—e.g., CMYK plus lighter shades of cyan (LC), magenta (LM), yellow (LY), and black (YK).

The words “image” or “print” are used equivalently when referring to the physical paper instant scratch-off ticket embodiment and mean that whatever indicium or indicia is or are created directly or indirectly on any substrate may be done by any known imaging or printing method or equipment. The terms “imaging” or “printing” describing a method and “imaged” or “printed” describing the resulting indicium or indicia are used equivalently and correspondingly to “image” or “print.” The term “inkjet” while typically meaning a digital printer in which droplets of ink are sprayed onto a substrate to create an image, may also refer generically to other mechanisms for digitally printing an image on a substrate (e.g., laser printing, solid ink printing, monochromatic ink jet, or process color ink jet).

The terms “multi” or “multiple” or similar terms means at least two, and may also mean three, four, or more, for example, unless otherwise indicated in the context of the use of the terms. The term “variable” indicium or indicia refers to printed imaged or digital indicia which indicates information relating a property, such as, without limit a value of a document, for example, a lottery ticket, coupon, commercial game piece or the like, where the variable indicium or indicia is or are typically hidden by a SOC until the information or value is authorized to be seen, such as by a purchaser of the document who scratches off the SOC, revealing the variable indicium or indicia. Alternatively, in digital embodiments, variable indicium or indicia has a similar meaning with the variable indicium or indicia typically appearing on a display screen rather than in a physical paper embodiment. Examples of variable indicium include letters, numbers, icons, or figures.

The word “Gen” is a known abbreviation for “game generation.” The term refers to the digital process employed by an instant ticket manufacturer where prizes are assigned to individual tickets first in an orderly manner to facilitate auditing and then shuffled through a second digital process to pseudo-randomly distribute the prizes throughout a print run among tickets with sequentially assigned inventory control numbers to achieve a predetermined theoretical payout and prize distribution. This Gen process can include a plucking algorithm that removes any “over seeded” tickets (i.e., redundant printed tickets with high-tier prize values printed to ensure that at least a minimum number of high-tier prize valued tickets remain after culling any printing defects from the print run) prior to packaging. Ultimately, a Gen produces a multiplicity of instant tickets for a lottery game where each “instant ticket” in the game represents one predetermined outcome (e.g., “not a winner,” “$1 winner,” “$5 winner,” “$20 winner,” etc.) in the game where the totality of Gen tickets payout is in accordance with a theoretical prize fund. In the context of the present disclosure, the term “instant ticket” refers to one prize outcome (or lack thereof) from the Gen process where the “instant ticket” may be embodied as a physical paper scratch-off ticket or a digital instant reveal (e.g., digital scratch-off ticket, digital pull-tab, slot machine reel stoppage).

The term “variable imaging,” refers to methods of physically printing from a digital-based image directly to a variety of documents having a SOC (e.g., instant lottery ticket). Thus, as its name implies, “variable imaging” can vary from document-to-document and may include text, icons, drawings, photographs, etc. Any of the commercially available off-the-shelf digital printers (e.g., Memjet, Hewlett Packard or “HP” Indigo, Xerox CiPress series, Kodak) are capable of performing the “variable imaging” as described by the present disclosure.

Before describing the present disclosure, it is useful to first provide a brief description of the current state of instant ticket production and validation. This description of the current state of instant ticket production and validation is provided in the discussions ofFIGS.1A,1B, and1C. Though, the following description specifically discloses the production, distribution, sales, and validation of physical paper instant tickets, it should be understood that similar processes are practiced for the production, sales, and validation of digital embodiments of instant tickets with differences in the associated logistics (e.g., inventory control barcode, shipping of books, retailer activation, and SOC removal).

FIG.1Adepicts a representative example of a known variable human readable inventory control number101and the associated barcode102on the back100′ of a known printed lottery-type instant ticket100. As shown inFIG.1A, the variable printed human readable inventory control number and the associated barcode are imaged on the ticket back100′ and therefore accessible (by design) to the retailer prior to purchase of the lottery ticket. Also presented inFIG.1Ais a taxonomy of a typical instant ticket's human readable inventory control number's101data structure: starting with a three or four decimal digit game number103identifying the game (three decimal digits as shown inFIG.1A), followed by a variable length sequential book number104(six decimal digits as shown inFIG.1A), a one or two digit modulo check number105(one decimal digit as shown inFIG.1A), and a variable sequential digit ticket number106(three decimal digits as shown inFIG.1A) uniquely identifying the ticket to the lottery system. The taxonomy of the instant ticket's barcode102data is similar to the human readable inventory control number101with the barcode102and human readable images embodying identical inventory control data103through106; however, the barcode102optionally can embody other data in addition to the inventory control data.

As previously stated, the instant ticket inventory control data103through106typically found on the back100′ of a lottery ticket100is accessible to the retailer and others prior to purchase and play of the ticket (i.e., removal of the Scratch-Off Coating or “SOC”). This is because, as its name implies, the instant ticket inventory control data103through106embodied as human readable inventory control number indicium101and barcode102indicium are used for tracking the individual ticket through its life cycle of production, warehouse storage, shipping, book activation by the retailer, optionally sale, and redemption. Therefore, for security reasons against retailer pick-out, there is no cleartext win or lose information embedded in the instant ticket human readable number101or machine-readable barcode102. However, in some known tickets, win or lose validation information is included in the machine-readable barcode102, but this information is encoded as ciphertext and not accessible in a cleartext format on an unplayed ticket.

FIG.1Bdepicts representative examples of a known front elevation views of an un-played instant lottery ticket110and a played instant lottery ticket110′ with all SOC removed. As shown inFIG.1B, the variable validation number111is imaged beneath the ticket's SOC113and is therefore only accessible after the ticket has been purchased and played. Included as part of the validation number111, is a series of three or four boxed decimal digits112that can be used to verify that the ticket has been properly played during validation and redemption. Since the validation number111and associated boxed digits112are covered by the SOC of unpurchased tickets, this data is theoretically inaccessible until the ticket is purchased and played. In addition to the validation number111, human readable game play indicia116are also imaged under the SOC providing the human with game play and associated win or lose information. The validation barcode115can also be imaged under the SOC, thereby enabling expedited redemption of winning tickets by scanning. As before, this validation barcode115is covered by the SOC on unsold tickets preventing it from being scanned until the ticket is purchased and played.

Also typically found on both ticket front views110and110′, is the imaged ticket number117and117′ that should be identical to the ticket number106(FIG.1A) imaged on the ticket back100′. This double back100′ and front110and110′ (FIG.1B) ticket number117and117′ imaging is presented to aid the retailer in inventory control, as well as to provide a quality assurance check during production to ensure that the front and back imagers are in synchronization.

Referring toFIG.1C, at the system level125, known logistical tracking, activation, and validation of lottery-type instant tickets100are accomplished by grouping tickets together in books126. A magnified view of instant ticket backs100is provided inFIG.1Aand a magnified view of the Ship127and Validation128files is provided inFIG.1D. The quantity of tickets per book (one hundred as illustrated by the human readable ticket numbers106, incrementing from “000” to “099”) will vary depending on the game and ticket retail value, but all tickets100in a book126will typically have sequential inventory control numbers101(FIG.1A) assigned by the Gen. There are several reasons for arranging lottery-type instant tickets in books, a primary reason is that instant tickets100(FIG.1C) are ordered and shipped in books126with the book126being the fundamental unit of reconciliation. Since instant tickets100are shipped in books126, the book126is also the fundamental unit of activation on the overall instant ticket system125. In other words, there is typically no individual (ticket) level of activation, and the smallest quantization of activation on a typical instant ticket system125is at the book126level. Thus, when a retailer receives a new book of tickets126, the retailer must first activate the book126on the system125before placing the tickets on sale. Book126level activation thereby enables instant tickets to be shipped via common carrier since un-activated or stolen books126can be automatically flagged on the system125with any tickets100in the book126detected as probably stolen if redemption was attempted. Additionally, by arranging instant tickets in books, a minimum payout per book may be algorithmically programmed, typically spread over a plurality of low-tier winning tickets—a.k.a. Guaranteed Low End Prize Structure or “Gleps.”

In addition to shipping, reconciliation and activation, some games may be structured at the Gen such that there are a specified minimum number of and/or types of winners within a book126. For these games, the arrangement of winning tickets is not truly random, but are randomly distributed within a defined structure to ensure that all retailers receive approximately the same number of low- and mid-tier winners per book as well as to aid in ensuring sufficient cash is on hand for paying low- and mid-tier prizes at the retailer's establishment.

A given quantity of books126are then arranged on the Gen system125as a pool129. The purpose of a pool129is to reconcile all low- and mid-tier (and possibly high-tier) prizes into a predetermined prize structure. While the size of a pool129can vary from game-to-game, it is desired that a pool129be sufficiently large to inhibit tracking unsold winning tickets by the public.

All of the produced books126for a given game are logged in a digital ship file127by the ticket manufacturer and loaded on the system125prior to the game being placed on sale. The ship file contains a listing of all the manufactured books126and137(FIGS.1C and1D, respectively) identifying (typically by omission) any book126and137numbers that were destroyed or omitted in the manufacturing process. As a game is placed on sale the ship file is routinely expanded with information such as: “book ‘X’ shipped to retailer ‘Y’, “book ‘X’ activated,” “book ‘X’ stolen,” etc. Thus, the ship file enables logistical tracking of all manufactured books126in an instant ticket game; however, the ship file127does not contain any win or lose information and cannot be linked (without appropriate cryptographic seeds or keys) to the validation file128.

The validation file128contains the validation numbers or codes111and136(FIGS.1B and1D, respectively) for all tickets within a game with the validation numbers or codes111and136effectively providing pointers to the prize value (if any—e.g., callout135ofFIG.1D) of a ticket110and110′ on the system125(FIG.1C). Since the validation numbers or codes111and136essentially function as pointers to the prize values135, every validation code111and136must be unique within the validation file128. Typically, once the unique validation numbers or codes111and136are generated, a separate ticket mixer or shuffle algorithm determines the (typically one byte) prize code135assigned to each validation code111and136thereby determining each ticket's value (if any).

As previously discussed, the printed validation code111(FIG.1B) is inaccessible with unplayed or unsold tickets due to it being covered by SOC113. In some known versions, the validation code can also be embodied in a barcode115hidden under the SOC113that cannot be scanned until the ticket is played; in other versions, there is additional validation file128data (other than inventory control) in the ticket back barcode102(FIG.1A) in an encrypted format where the boxed digits112(FIG.1B) enable decryption, etc. However, in all such versions, the validation code111is inaccessible on unplayed or unsold tickets100. Therefore, the security of the system125(FIG.1C) is derived from the validation file128being unassociated with the ship file127, as well as the physical unplayed tickets' inventory control information101and102(FIG.1A).

Both the ship127file and the validation file128are generated by the instant ticket manufacturer before the tickets are shipped to the lottery. Known lottery logistical and validation systems125currently require the ship file127and validation file128to be loaded on the system125prior to instant tickets being placed on sale. Once loaded onto the system125, the basic validation file128typically cannot be altered (other than optional flagged additions—e.g., paid, redeemed, stolen, etc.), thereby ensuring the integrity of the instant ticket game and its predetermined payout.

Reference will now be made in detail to examples of the present disclosure, one or more embodiments of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure, and not meant as a limitation of the present disclosure. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used with another embodiment to yield a further embodiment. It is intended that the present disclosure encompass these and other modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method and system for enabling “instant” game play for lottery tickets including both physical scratch-off and virtual tickets (such as tickets available through the internet) wherein at least a portion of the winning value of the instant game is determined by at least two planar game layers with the concordance (or lack thereof) of the planar game layers determining the ultimate value (if any) of the instant ticket. The plurality of game play layers creates at least a secondary game play associated with the reveal of the instant game's variable indicia. The concordance of the plurality of planar layers are arranged to ensure compliance with a predetermined prize outcome. The present disclosure therefore greatly enhances game play features in instant tickets and creates unique consumer or user experiences that heretofore have not been possible.

In various embodiments, a method and system are provided for creating paper or virtual digital instant tickets wherein a concordance of a plurality of gaming planar layers are arranged over a multiplicity of instant tickets to ensure prize fund compliance with a predetermined prize outcome. In accordance with these embodiments, a large set of theoretical patterns are pre-generated to ensure that a sufficient pool of outcomes (e.g., non-winner, $1 winner, $10 winner, and $100 winner) are available for the overall game generation or “Gen” process, thereby creating a multiplicity of instant ticket images suitable for printing or revealing on the Internet that can be completely compliant with a theoretical prize structure. The set of patterns are sufficiently large to ensure that the repetition of the pre-generated patterns is not apparent to an average consumer or player of the instant game (for example, two identical patterns would not be repeated in the same book). In addition to ensuring variety of game play, the multiplicity of the pre-generated patterns are sufficiently large in quantity to safeguard against illicit “pin-pricking”, “microscratching”, or other “pick-out” attacks of unplayed or unpurchased physical paper scratch-off tickets where a store clerk attempts to determine which unsold tickets are winners and thereby only selling losing tickets to the general public.

In various embodiments, the system generates a plurality of gaming planar layers and stores them individually via a separate process with the concordance of the plurality of gaming planar layers only combined at the time of the game Gen process. These embodiments provide the advantage of greater variation as well as ensuring enhanced security against pin-pricking, microscratching, and/or pick-out attacks for physical paper instant tickets, since the combination of at least two layers occurs for both non-winning and winning tickets in a random or pseudorandom order such that no “tell” can be derived by recognizing one of the gaming layers through illicit methods such as pin-pricking.

In alternate embodiments, the system generates a multiplicity of game layer combinations randomly or pseudo-randomly at the time of the Gen process for each ticket until a resultant prize value outcome that exactly matches the desired Gen process prize value (if any) is created. These alternate embodiments provide the advantage of greater variation with the potential disadvantage of much greater computational complexity.

In various embodiments concerning paper scratch-off tickets, the system uses a process color imager (e.g., Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and blacK or “CMYK”) to physically print the flattened or composite layer secure variable indicia game play area(s). The use of process color readily enables human differentiation of the planar game layers when printed on a common substrate as well as providing a computationally simple methodology for algorithmically combining the multiple layers with concurrence. In alternative embodiments, physical paper scratch-off tickets can be printed with a monochromatic or multiple spot color imager that provides the advantage of lower production costs and the disadvantages of possibly confusing displays and less esthetically pleasing tickets.

In various embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing instant lottery tickets, wherein the method includes: (1) creating and storing in a first database inventory control and validation numbers for the instant lottery tickets, wherein the validation number for each instant lottery ticket is associated with one of a plurality of different predetermined values for the instant lottery tickets; (2) generating and storing in a second database a plurality of first planar layers, wherein each first planar layer includes a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; (3) generating and storing in the second database a plurality of second planar layers, wherein each second planar layer includes a set of variable indicia when placed in concordance with the first planar layer cells of the grid corresponds to one of a plurality of different values; (4) storing in the second database displayable images of the first and second planar layers flattened together; (5) synchronizing and storing in a third database composite flattened planar data for the instant lottery tickets, wherein for each instant lottery ticket the composite flattened planar data for that instant lottery ticket includes the inventory control and validation numbers for that instant lottery ticket synchronized with the flattened planar layers; and (6) obtaining from the third database the composite flattened planar data to create the instant lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets and a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets.

In various other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing instant lottery tickets, wherein the method includes: (1) creating and storing in a first database inventory control and validation numbers for the instant lottery tickets, wherein the validation number for each instant lottery ticket is associated with one of a plurality of different predetermined values for that instant lottery ticket; (2) generating and storing in a second database a plurality of first planar layers, wherein each first planar layer includes one of a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; (3) generating and storing in the second database a plurality of second planar layers, wherein each second planar layer includes one of a plurality of different sets of variable indicia, wherein each set of variable indicia for the second planar layer is selected based on one of the predetermined values and a concordance with one of the grids of one of the plurality of the first planar layers; (4) generating and storing in a third database composite flattened planar data for the instant lottery tickets, wherein for each instant lottery ticket the composite flattened planar data for that instant lottery ticket includes the inventory control and validation numbers for that instant lottery ticket synchronized with one of the plurality of first planar layers and one of the plurality of second planar layers; and (5) obtaining from the third database the composite flattened planar data to create the instant lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets and a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets.

In various other embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method for producing instant lottery tickets, wherein the method includes: (1) determining, via a processor, a predetermined value for the instant lottery ticket from a plurality of different predetermined values; (2) determining, via the processor, a first planar layer for the instant lottery ticket, the first planar layer including one of a plurality of different sets of cells of a grid; (3) determining, via the processor, a second planar layer for the instant lottery ticket, the second planar layer including one of a plurality of different sets of variable indicia, wherein the set of variable indicia for the second planar layer is selected based on the predetermined value for the instant lottery ticket and a concordance with the set of cells of the grid of first planar layer; (4) generating the instant lottery ticket based on the determined first planar layer and the determined second planar layer; and (5) storing data regarding the generated instant lottery ticket. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets. In various such embodiments, a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are physical scratch-off lottery tickets and a plurality of the instant lottery tickets are digital lottery tickets.

Described below are a number of mechanisms and methodologies that provide practical details for reliably implementing a plurality of planar layers into the game play of both physical paper and virtual instant tickets. In various embodiments, these mechanisms and methodologies ensure security against pin-pricking, microscratching, and/or pick-out attacks for physical paper tickets while providing new gaming dynamics.

FIGS.2A and2Btaken together, provide an example of an embodiment of the present disclosure for enabling “instant” game play (including both physical paper scratch-off and virtual digital tickets) wherein at least a portion of the winning value of each instant ticket is determined by at least two planar game layers with the concordance of the planar game layers determining the ultimate value (if any) of the instant ticket. The example embodiment disclosed inFIGS.2A and2Binvolves two planar game layers where the first game layer contains variable indicia that determine a given instant ticket's value (if any) with the second, lower background, layer providing a randomly or pseudo-randomly positioned “X” pattern that can increase the value of any winning concordance indicium present in the first game layer grid in a position overlapping the “X” pattern in the secondary grid. In this example, depending on the color or shade of the “X” pattern, the concordance of winning indicium can increase its value by two, five, or ten times.

FIG.2Adepicts an exemplary color embodiment200suitable for both physical paper scratch-off and virtual digital tickets with the multiplier value of the secondary layer “X” pattern determined by the color of the “X”.FIG.2Bprovides an alternative exemplary grayscale embodiment200′ where the grayscale shading of the “X” pattern secondary layer depicts the multiplier value. The grayscale embodiment200′ ofFIG.2Bcan be employed, for example, for physical paper scratch-off tickets produced with a monochromatic imager.

As shown, the exemplary color embodiment200ofFIG.2Adepicts a key match game produced by the system and method of the present disclosure where if the winning indicia numbers202appear in the respective “Your Numbers” sections of the tickets203,204, and205the consumer or user would win the respective prize shown. The system and method further provide a multiplier game feature in a second layer where any winning indicium on the first level in concordance with an “X” pattern on the second layer qualifies for a multiplier of the winning indicium prize level depending on the color of the “X” pattern. As illustrated, the human readable instructions201of this exemplary color embodiment200state “If any of the winning numbers fall into an “X” pattern. . . multiply the win for the amounts that fall on the “X”: Red “X”=2 times, Yellow “X”=5 times, and Green “X”=10 times.” Thus, the example “Your Numbers” grouping203would win a total of $108 (i.e., one “1” non-multiplier for $1, one “1” 2X multiplier for $2, one “2” non-multiplier for $5, and one “5” 2X multiplier for $100) with the remaining numbers including losing indicia. The “Your Numbers” grouping204would win a total of $507 (i.e., two “1” non-multipliers for a total of $2, one “2” non-multiplier for $5, and one “5” 10X multiplier for $500). The “Your Numbers” grouping205would win a total of $65 (i.e., two “1” 5X multipliers for a total of $10, one “2” non-multiplier for $5, and one “5” non-multiplier for $50). These wins are different even though the same numbered indicia are arranged in the exact same grid positions for these three examples. The difference is that the “X” multiplier pattern embedded in the second layer position and color and its concordance with the first layer's variable indicia. Thus, even though the first (variable indicia) and the second (“X” pattern) layers include different artwork (e.g., the first layer variable indicia possibly including fonts with the second layer “X” pattern possibly including vector glyphs), method and system determines the overall value when the two layers are overlaid based on the concordance or lack thereof.

FIG.2Bdepicts the same arrangement (203′,204′, and205′) of three “Your Numbers” grids asFIG.2A; however, the exemplary embodiment200′ ofFIG.2Bis rendered in grayscale and consequently is suitable for physical paper scratch-off tickets created by monochromatic imagers. As shown, exemplary grayscale embodiment200′ illustrates the same key match game with a second feature in a second layer where any winning indicium on the first layer in concordance with an “X” pattern on the second layer qualifies for a multiplier of the winning indicium prize level depending on the grayscale shading of the “X” pattern. TheFIG.2Bhuman readable instructions201′ are similar to the color embodiment200with a description of the grayscale imaging replacing the color multiplier feature. Similarly, the “Your Numbers” grouping203′ would win a total of $108 with the “Your Numbers” grouping204′ winning a total of $507 and Your Numbers” grouping205′ winning a total of $65 with the same winning numbered indicia arranged in the exact same grid positions.

FIG.2Cdepicts an alternative exemplary color embodiment210suitable for both physical paper scratch-off and virtual digital tickets with the multiplier value of the secondary layer determined by the color of the secondary layer grid cell (if any) that the variable indicium overlays.FIG.2Dprovides an alternative exemplary grayscale embodiment210′ where the grayscale shading of the grid cell secondary layer depicts the multiplier value. The grayscale embodiment210′ ofFIG.2Dcan be employed for physical paper scratch-off tickets produced with a monochromatic imager.

The exemplary embodiment210illustrates the same key match game212with an alternative second feature in a second layer where any winning indicium on the first layer in concordance with a colored grid cell in the second layer qualifies for a multiplier of the winning indicium prize level depending on the color of the grid cell. The human readable instructions211are similar to the color embodiment200(FIG.2A) with a description of the coloring of the grid cell replacing the “X” pattern. Respectively, (1) the “Your Numbers” grouping213ofFIG.2Cwould win a total of $59 (i.e., one “1” non-multiplier for $1, one “1” 3X multiplier for $3, one “2” non-multiplier for $5, and one “5” non-multiplier for $50); (2) “Your Numbers” grouping214would win a total of $57 (i.e., two “1” non-multipliers for a total of $2, one “2” non-multiplier for $5, and one “5” non-multiplier for $50); and (3) “Your Numbers” grouping215would win a total of $215 (i.e., one “1” non-multiplier for a total of $1, one “1” 4X multiplier for a total of $4, one “2” 2X multiplier for $10, and one “5” 4X multiplier for $200) with the same numbered indicia arranged in the exact same grid positions as in the previous examples.

The exemplary embodiment210′ ofFIG.2Dillustrates the same key match game212′ with an alternative second feature in a second layer where any winning indicium on the first layer in concordance with a grayscale shaded grid cell on the second layer qualifying for a multiplier if the winning indicium prize level is in concordance with one of the grayscale shaded grid cells. The human readable instructions211′ are similar to the color embodiment210′ (FIG.2C) with a description of the grayscale shaded grid cell replacing the “X” pattern. Correspondingly, the “Your Numbers” grouping213′ (FIG.2D) would win a total of $59 with the remaining numbers include losing indicia, and the “Your Numbers” grouping214′ would win a total of $57 with the “Your Numbers” grouping215′ winning a total of $215 with the same winning numbered indicia arranged in the exact same grid positions as in the previous examples.

While the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS.2Athru2D demonstrate the human discernable concept of concordance of at least a second gaming planar layer altering a first layer variable indicia's value while ensuring compliance of a predetermined prize outcome, these exemplary embodiments do not include an automated process that detects concordance and, more to the point, identifies when the prize value of the instant ticket was enhanced by at least another gaming planar layer prior to printing or displaying the ticket.FIG.2Eprovides an example embodiment217where the identification of concordance between gaming planar layers alters first layer winning indicia prize value(s) that can be provided by an automated system of the present disclosure. As shown inFIG.2E, embodiment217illustrates the previous second planar layer 5×5 cell grids of the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS.2A(203″ thru205″) and2C (213″ thru215″) showing the colored multiplier cell second layer of the previous examples. The illustration of exemplary embodiment217omits the first planar layer (variable indicia) for simplicity and highlights the embedded metadata for each grid cell of the second planar layer. In this exemplary embodiment217, each grid cell includes metadata in the form of a 4-bit hexadecimal number differentiated by the “16” subscript. The 4-bit hexadecimal number present in each grid cell denotes the multiplier value of a given grid cell. Therefore, in this particular exemplary embodiment217, the multiplier value is depicted by the hexadecimal number in a given grid cell resulting in a grid map covering every possible cell in the second layer two-dimensional play area with each cell's metadata identifying its multiplier value (if any) from zero to a possible maximum of fifteen different multipliers in this example.

For example, the three separate planar layer 5×5 cell grids (203″ thru205″) illustrate three different secondary layer multipliers (such as a red times two multiplier in203″, a green times ten multiplier in204″, and a yellow times five multiplier in205″) arranged in an “X Pattern.” This also shows the three separate planar layer 5×5 cell grids (213″ thru215″) illustrating three different secondary layer multipliers (i.e., a red times two multiplier, a green times four multiplier, and a yellow five times three multiplier) in a “Box Pattern” with the remaining cells in all examples offering no multiplier increase. Thus, the geometric 5×5 grid second planar layer in these examples is defined by a corresponding two-dimensional 5×5 metadata array, which is machine readable. Consequently, based on the geometric placement of first layer winning variable indicia over the secondary grid, concordance can be automatically determined by simply accessing the equivalent grid cell's metadata in the corresponding metadata array. The present disclosure contemplates that there are multiple other methodologies (such as one byte metadata per cell, static additional value denoted by the second layer when in concordance with the first layer variable indicum, three or higher dimensional metadata arrays defining additional planar layers, second layer metadata decreasing first layer indicum value, or variable indicia with point values where concordance with an additional layer increases the points accumulated with no monetary consideration) that may under some circumstances be employed instead of the above embodiment.

FIG.2Fillustrates a front view of a first example of a physical paper instant ticket compatible with the “X Pattern” representative example embodiment ofFIGS.2A and2Bin both unplayed220and completely scratched-off221views. The unplayed view220and the completely scratched-off221views of the exemplary ticket ofFIG.2Ffeature detailed instructions222with the unplayed ticket220play area covered by a SOC223and the completely scratched-off ticket221play area revealing the variable indicia224. A magnified view of the instructions222is also provided222′ in the same figure. As explained by the instructions222/222′, with the enhanced multiple layer game play feature in this example, the consumer would win if the consumer revealed one or more clover leaf indicium (“”) over an “X” pattern with the value of the prize being determined by the color of the “X” pattern. Thus, the concordance of the clover leaf indicium (“”) from the first layer with an “X” pattern from the second layer enables a secondary method of winning a prize in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown in224, no prizes were awarded on this particular ticket221with the conventional three of a kind row match game. However, with the secondary game, the second layer “X” pattern225would win $100 since the “X” is colored red and is beneath (i.e., in concordance) the two clover leaf indicium (“”) from the first layer with the green and yellow “X” patterns (226and227, respectively) representing non-winning patterns since no first layer clover leaf indicium (“”) is in concordance with these patterns.

Since only the concordance of the first layer clover leaf indicium (“”) and the second layer “X” pattern defines any prize value in this example, the secondary game enabled by this disclosure acquires a certain level of immunity to “pick-out” (e.g., pin pricking, microscratching) security problems inherent in physical paper scratch-off tickets. In other words, it is much more difficult to identify winning physical tickets through very small pin holes or scratches if the errant perpetrator must identify both an “X” pattern and specific overlapping indicia than it would be to only identify either the “X” pattern or the indicia by itself. It should be noted, that the game maker of any of the first and second level game configurations provided by the present disclosure can ensure countermeasures are included to “pick-out” threats for physical paper tickets by varying the positions of the second layer “X” pattern from ticket to ticket as well as ensure that there is a plurality of non-winning indicia present on every ticket.

FIG.2Gillustrates a front view of an example of a physical (scratch-off) ticket compatible with the “Box Pattern” representative example embodiment ofFIGS.2C and2Din both unplayed240and completely scratched-off241views. The unplayed and scratched-off views of the exemplary ticket ofFIG.2Gfeature detailed instructions242with the unplayed ticket240play area covered by a SOC243and the completely scratched-off ticket241play area revealing the variable indicia244. A magnified view of the instructions242is also provided242′ in the same figure. As shown by the instructions242/242′, with the enhanced multiple layer game play feature in this example the consumer would win a multiplier if the consumer revealed one or more winning numbers over a colored grid cell with the value of the multiplier being determined by the color of the grid cell. Thus, the concordance of a key number match from the first layer with a colored grid cell from the second layer controls a secondary method of multiplying a prize provided by the present disclosure. As shown in244, a key number match occurs245/245′ in concordance with a yellow grid cell thereby multiplying the $5 key number match prize by five for a total prize winnings of $25. Again, to provide additional protection against “pick-out” attacks, the positions of the second layer colored grid cells can vary from ticket to ticket as well as there can be a plurality of non-winning indicia present on every ticket.

FIGS.3A and3Btaken together, provide exploded top perspective views of the embodiment ofFIG.2Fillustrating both printing plate applied ink film layers as well as three coplanar layers (separate inFIG.3Aand flattened inFIG.3B).FIG.3Aillustrates an exploded top perspective view of the front of the ticket detailing the digitally imaged or plate printed display300, the first coplanar layer of grid cells302, the second coplanar layer of variable indicia303, and a background301that could be plate printed or imaged as an additional layer as well as the printing plate applied upper security scratch-off coatings and overprint304.FIG.3Billustrates the same printing plate applied ink layers and digitally imaged data asFIG.3Awith the discrete planar layers flattened onto one homogeneous plane suitable for digital imaging of a scratch-off ticket or document on a printing press enabled by this disclosure such as shown inFIG.6.

Returning toFIG.3A, the ticket substrate (such as 10-point paper) can be coated with a primer (not shown inFIG.3A) to: (a) ensure better adhesion of the digital imaging to the surface, (b) increase the digital image durability, and (c) help reduce bleeding of the digital image ink into the paper substrate when imaging color digital documents or tickets. The type and amount of primer applied to the substrate can vary depending on the type of digital imager utilized. In the specific case of process color pigmented inkjet digital imagers (e.g., Memjet Duralink® imagers), the Michelman ink company's JetPrime® WB 1100 primer series applied at 3.6 BCM (“Billion Cubic Microns”) can function as an acceptable primer for scratch-off ticket or document applications in accordance with the present disclosure. Next on top of the substrate and primer a series of lower security ink layers are plate printed in the general area that will be under the SOC.

The display300can be plate printed or digitally imaged with the same imager that prints the flattened coplanar layers. The remaining scratch-off and overprint ink film layers304are applied plate printed on top of the variable indicia303second coplanar layer. Like the lower security ink film stack, these upper security and decorative layers are configured to isolate and protect the variable indicia second303and first302coplanar layers.

The same exemplary instant ticket is illustrated inFIG.3Bwith all of the coplanar layers flattened onto one homogeneous virtual plane305with the plate printed upper security and overprint layers304′ and plate printed or imaged display300′ that is suitable for one pass hybrid printing plate and digital imaging of scratch-off ticket or document printing. Thus, by flattening the plurality of discrete coplanar layers onto one homogeneous plane file305, the instant ticket can be printed with one pass through a digital imager.

FIGS.4Athru4D taken together, provide examples of an example embodiment of the method and system of the present disclosure for creating paper or virtual instant tickets wherein a concordance of a plurality of gaming planar layers are arranged over a multiplicity of instant tickets to ensure predetermined prize outcomes. The exemplary embodiment400shown inFIG.4Ais illustrated as an overall flowchart producing the layered instant games ofFIGS.2Athru2G by generating a multiplicity of flattened layered outcomes in advance of prize value assignments for physical (such as paper) instant ticket embodiments. The exemplary general embodiment400′ shown inFIG.4Bis a similar overall flowchart of the system and method that generate a multiplicity of layered outcomes in advance of prize value assignments for virtual digital instant ticket embodiments.FIG.4Cprovides a representative example of a possible structure of the Game Pattern Database411and411′ ofFIGS.4A and4B, respectively. Finally,FIG.4Dprovides a representative example of a possible structure of the Sync Instant Ticket Database413and413′ ofFIGS.4A and4B, respectively.

As shown in the general embodiment400ofFIG.4A, the system for generating physical paper instant tickets where at least a part of any winning value is derived from a plurality of concordant planar game layers starts with the generation of working papers403(i.e., contract between the lottery and instant ticket provider) describing the technical details of the instant tickets to be printed as well as any associated artwork. The executed working papers403are then used to specify Game Generation404programming (i.e., the digital variable indicia imaging of instant tickets ultimately resulting in a winning and losing distribution over a multiplicity of tickets) as well as the manufacture of any static printing plates407(e.g., flexographic, Gravure) used primarily to print the security ink film layers of the instant tickets. As part of the Game Generation prize codes (e.g., callout135ofFIG.1D) are assigned to validation numbers136associated with separate inventory control numbers137, ultimately generating an instant ticket data file406(FIG.4A) for on-press digital printing as well as the foundation of the digital validation and ship files (e.g.,FIG.1Dcallouts128and127, respectively). All of the generated Instant Ticket Data406(FIG.4A) can be stored encrypted as ciphertext in a secured database.

At this point, the additional processing enabled by the general embodiment of the present disclosure400is added to the instant ticket production process. First, based on the specifications defined in the Working Papers403, a series of winning and losing variable indicia as well as background grids are positioned in separate gaming planar layers and flattened410for digital imaging on behalf of the pending Game Press Run409. While, in theory for press runs with few variations in planar layers, this selection process could conceivably be completed by a manual human process; in certain embodiments that enable greater pattern selection precision, accuracy, and accommodate large numbers of variations in graphics, the Game Pattern Generation process410will be automatically executed by digital algorithms based on theoretical rules as defined by the Working Papers403—e.g., generate at least one pool of instant tickets including non-winning as well as all prize levels flatten images for the play area. Regardless of the pre-generated flattened gaming planar layers process410utilized, the generated images are then converted into at least one format that is compatible with the on-press RIP408(e.g., Portable Network Graphics or “PNG”, Joint Photographer's Expert Group or “JEPG”, Tag Image File Format or “TIFF”, Portable Data Format or “PDF”, Kodak Ink Jet Printer Data Stream or “IJPDS”) with the converted individual flattened images saved in a Game Pattern Database411, each image with its own unique metadata pattern header—e.g., value of the image and an inventory control number.

One possible exemplary structure for the Game Pattern Database411is provided inFIG.4C. As shown, the exemplary database structure425is primarily arranged by prize value (e.g.,428,429, and430) with pluralities of individual instant ticket images427and associated headers426grouped together based on their prize value (or lack thereof). For example, all of the Non-Winning (“NW”)428images and associated headers are arranged sequentially starting with the first NW entry431and progressing sequentially432to the last nth NW entry433. Similar groupings are also provided for every possible prize level—e.g., $1 Winners429are arranged sequentially starting with the first $1 entry434, progressing to a second entry434, and ending with the last nth $1 entry436with this arrangement continuing in an organized fashion up to the highest possible prize430again arranged sequentially starting with the first $250,000entry437and progressing to the last nth $250,000 entry439. The exact number of entries per prize level in the database425will vary from game to game and could theoretically have an entry for every ticket to be printed for the game based on the prize structure. However, as a practical matter, this maximum number of images is unnecessary so long as a sufficient number of images are pre-generated to ensure that a winning or losing pattern would most likely not be obvious to even a frequent consumer or user, thereby providing enhanced security against “pick out.” As a minimum, this quantity would equate to at least enough images to ensure that no two images repeated in the same book with enough images pre-generated to populate an entire pool without repetition. Finally, as illustrated inFIG.4C, the Game Pattern Database425is arranged sequentially for ease of access as well as audits. This is possible with minimal security concerns, because the pseudo randomization of images on tickets and consequently prize distribution is performed by a separate process—i.e., Game Gen404FIG.4A.

Returning toFIG.4A, after the Game Pattern Database411is pre-generated as specified by the Working Papers403, the Game Pattern Database411is synchronized412with the Instant Ticket Data406, thereby linking the Gen's winning and losing predetermination of value by ticket inventory control and validation numbers with the appropriate (i.e., correct prize value) predetermined image in the Game Pattern Database411. This Game Data Synchronization412can be accomplished by acquiring each image from the Game Pattern Database411in a serial sequence within each prize value grouping as needed. In this embodiment, acquired Game Pattern Database411serial sequence can automatically roll over to the first image within a prize value grouping after all the images in a given prize level have been initially exhausted. Alternatively, each Game Pattern Database411image can be selected for a given Instant Ticket Data406inventory control and validation number valuation pair by an RNG algorithm (e.g., Linear Congruential Generator or “LCG”, Mersenne twister) that randomly or pseudo-randomly selects an image within a given prize value grouping from the Game Pattern Database411such that the sequence of selected images from within a given prize value would appear unpredictable. While this alternative image selection process may appear to be superfluous, it potentially enhances security against insider and very large data gathering attacks. Regardless of the Game Pattern Database411image selection process, the synchronized Gen inventory control and validation numbers and the linked Game Pattern Database411images can be saved (such as ciphertext) in a separate Sync Instant Ticket Database413.

The exact arrangement of the synchronized data saved in the Sync Instant Ticket Database413can vary from one print run to another (e.g., game type, number of separate scratch-off areas), but the database can be primarily arranged around the inventory control numbers. For example,FIG.4Dillustrates one possible Sync Instant Ticket Database413architecture450where all ticket digital data for an upcoming press run is saved sequentially by its inventory control number (451thru454). As shown in database architecture450, grouped with each inventory control number (451thru454) is the ticket's Validation Number455, Ancillary Data456, and at least one Flattened Play Area Image457with these grouping repeated for all tickets in a Game Press Run409(FIG.4A). The inventory control number (451thru454—FIG.4D) providing each database grouping's game, book, and ticket number thereby establishing its position in the upcoming Game Press Run (e.g., callouts101and103thru106ofFIG.1A). The associated validation number455(FIG.4D) is assigned to the inventory control number as part of the Game Gen process (404ofFIG.4A) essentially functioning as a pointer to the Val File414that is shipped to the lottery after the tickets are printed409. The Flattened Play Area Image457(FIG.4D) portion of the database contains digital imager ready graphic files for transmission to the Raster Image Processor (“RIP”)408(FIG.4A) at the time of the Game Press Run409. Lastly, the Ancillary Data portion456(FIG.4D) includes at least other per ticket imaging data (e.g., the ticket back inventory control number human readable and barcode embodiments101and102ofFIG.1A, the boxed digits overlay112and validation barcode115ofFIG.1B).

Finally, when printed tickets or document are required, the Sync Instant Ticket database413(FIG.4A) imaging data is optionally decrypted and downloaded to the RIP408for the physical printing of the Game Press Run409. Prior to starting the Game Press Run409, any required fabricated static plates407are mounted on the press with each plate in its own individual printing station (e.g.,602and605ofFIG.6). After completion of the Game Press Run409(FIG.4A) the physical tickets or documents as well as the associated ship and validation files414are sent to the lottery or other cognizant authority for distribution, sales, and validation.

System or method400′ ofFIG.4Bdiffers from the previous embodiment in that the system400′ ultimate output is virtual digital instant tickets for consumption on a consumer's digital device419instead of the physical paper scratch-off tickets of the previous embodiment400(FIG.4A). Otherwise, system or method400′ ofFIG.4Bis virtually identical to the previous embodiment.

As before, system or method400′ starts with the generation of working papers403′ describing the technical details of the virtual digital instant tickets to be generated as well as associated artwork. The executed working papers403′ are then used to specify traditional Game Generation404′ programming as well as the concordance of a plurality of planar gaming layers. As part of the Game Generation prize values (codes) are assigned to validation numbers associated with separate inventory control numbers with separate inventory control numbers, ultimately generating the Instant Ticket Data406′ database, which is stored encrypted as ciphertext405′ effectively assigns prize values (codes) to the validation numbers associated.

At this point, additional processing enabled by the general embodiment of the present disclosure400′ is added to the instant digital ticket production process. First, based on the specifications defined in the Working Papers403′, a series of winning and losing variable indicia from at least two gaming planar layers is pre-generated410′ and the generated image frames are then converted to at least one format that is readily compatible with the consumer's device419(e.g., Portable Network Graphics or “PNG”, Joint Photographer's Expert Group or “JEPG”, Tag Image File Format or “TIFF”) with the converted individual frames saved in a Game Pattern Database411′, each image with its own unique metadata pattern header. However, with the digital instant ticket system or method400′, the at least two gaming planar layers may or may not be flattened depending on the reveal or animation mechanism enabled for the digital game. The Game Pattern Database411′ database structure for digital instant tickets is similar to the previous paper ticket embodiment and consequently is illustrated425inFIG.4C.

After the Game Pattern Database411′ (FIG.4B) is pre-generated as specified by the Working Papers403′, the Game Pattern Database411′ is synchronized412′ with the Instant Ticket Data406′, thereby linking the Gen's winning and losing determination by ticket inventory control and validation numbers with the appropriate predetermined image in the Game Pattern Database411′. As before, this Game Data Synchronization412′ can be accomplished by acquiring each grouping from the Game Pattern Database411′ in a serial sequence within each prize value as needed or can be selected by an RNG algorithm that pseudo-randomly selects a frame within a given prize value grouping from the Game Pattern Database411′. Regardless of the Game Pattern Database411′ image selection process, the synchronized Gen inventory control and validation numbers and the linked Game Pattern Database411′ image groupings are then saved (such as ciphertext) in a separate Sync Instant Ticket Database413′. Again, the exact arrangement of the synchronized data saved in the Sync Instant Ticket Database413′ can vary from one game to another, but the database can be primarily arranged around the inventory control numbers as exemplified inFIG.4D.

Since system or method400′ produces virtual digital instant tickets, the Working Papers403′ can also specify game programming parameters such that an animated consumer game application can be produced415and compiled into an executable image416that is compatible with (e.g., Hyper Text Mark-up Language 5 or “HTML 5”, JavaScript, Flash) and can be downloaded to the consumer's personal device419(e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop) for gameplay. Once the consumer game application is loaded on the consumer's device419, game play can be initiated by the consumer where the game application instructs the consumer's device to retrieve a predetermined outcome via the Internet thereby determining the conclusion of the game. The consumer's device can be directed to a specific static Internet address controlled by a firewall418. Assuming the predetermined outcome request is formatted correctly and authenticates, the firewall418forwards the predetermined outcome request to the Outcome process417where it is confirmed that the request is a paid purchase that has not been previously played and if so, fetches a predetermined game result with associated graphics from the Sync Instant Ticket Database413′, optionally decrypting the predetermined outcome before transmission to the consumer's device419. The retrieved predetermined outcome then causes the game to visually playout to the predetermined outcome's conclusion. Similar to the Game Data Synchronization412′ process, the Outcome417fetching process can be accomplished by either acquiring each outcome sequentially from the Sync Instant Ticket Database413′ or the fetched outcome can be selected from the Sync Instant Ticket Database413′ by an RNG pseudorandom algorithm.

FIGS.5A and5Btaken together, provide examples of another embodiment of the method and system of the present disclosure for creating paper or virtual instant tickets wherein a concordance of a plurality of gaming planar layers are arranged over a multiplicity of instant tickets to provide a predetermined prize outcome. The exemplary general system and method500disclosed inFIG.5Ais illustrated as an overall flowchart producing the layered instant games ofFIGS.2Athru2G by generating a multiplicity of at least first layer planar grids in advance of prize value assignments for physical paper instant ticket embodiments. The system and method500′ disclosed inFIG.5Bis a similar overall flowchart generating a multiplicity of layered outcomes in advance of prize value assignments for virtual digital instant ticket embodiments.

As shown in the system and method500ofFIG.5A, the system for generating physical paper instant tickets where at least a part of a winning value is derived from a plurality of coordinate planar game layers starts with the generation of working papers503describing the technical details of the instant tickets to be printed as well as associated artwork. The executed working papers503are then used to specify Game Generation504programming as well as the manufacture of any static printing plates507. As part of the Game Generation504process, prize codes denoting value to the validation numbers associated with inventory control numbers are assigned, ultimately generating an Instant Ticket Data file506as well as the foundations of the digital validation and ship files. All of the generated Instant Ticket Data506are stored encrypted as ciphertext in the database.

At this point, the additional processing enabled by the optional embodiment of the present disclosure500are added to the traditional instant ticket production process. Based on the specifications defined in the Working Papers503, background grid patterns for at least the first gaming planar layer are generated by a separate process510and stored in the Planar Layer Database511. Next, a series of winning and losing indicia are generated515individually—i.e., created, but not assigned to any winning or losing pattern on the first planar layer. The Instant Ticket Data506includes predetermined outcomes and associated validation numbers as well as inventory control numbers are transferred to a Second Layer Variable Indicia process516, which arranges the pre-generated variable indicia from process515into various winning and losing groupings in concordance with the first layer grid cells depending on the received Instant Ticket Data506predetermined outcome (e.g., in a key match game a non-winning ticket would have zero matches, a $1 winner might have one match) with each selected indicium's metadata denoting its initial assigned value. However, depending on the specifications of the Working Papers503, it may not be possible to group the pre-generated variable indicia into an arrangement that would payout to the specified predetermined outcome for a given instant ticket. In this event, the Game Data Synchronization process512would select another gaming planar layer background grid pattern from the Planar Layer Database511that would modify the winning first layer indicium's prize value to the value stipulated by the Instant Ticket Data's506predetermined outcome. Additionally, even if the Instant Ticket Data's506predetermined outcome for a given ticket is available from some grouping of variable indicia on the second planar layer, a RNG random or pseudorandom function resident in the Second Layer Variable Indicia process516can opt to create the specified predetermined outcome via a concurrence combination of the second planar layer's variable indicia and the first planar layer's background grid pattern.

For example, the exemplary scratch-off ticket241ofFIG.2Gillustrates a key number match game with matching indicum “20” shown in the played portion (245and245′) of the ticket241printed over a yellow grid cell (“5X” multiplier) resulting in a total prize value of $25 with no indicium available in the game with a $25 value. In this example, the Game Data Synchronization process512can automatically select a first gaming planar layer background grid pattern from the Planar Layer Database511such that the concurrence combination of the second planar layer's variable indicia and the first planar layer's background grid pattern display the correct prize value as shown inFIG.2Gcallout245.

Returning toFIG.5A, the Planar Layer Database511structure (unlike the Game Pattern Database411and411′ ofFIGS.4A and4B) functions as a central depositary of theFIG.2Eembedded metadata for each grid cell in any additional planar layer, mapping each grid cell's concordance value (if any) for the game being processed. The functionality of the concordance mapped metadata value will vary from game-to-game but will always be specified in the Working Papers503(FIG.5A). For example, in the exemplary embodiment221ofFIG.2F, the concordance mapped metadata value would represent static values (i.e., “$100”, “$500”, or “$1,000” as described in the instructions222/222′) while with the exemplary embodiment241ofFIG.2Gthe concordance mapped metadata value would represent multiplier values (i.e., “2X”, “5X”, or “10X” as described in the instructions242/242′). Once the plurality of planar layers are selected for each given ticket in the Game Press Run509that is in compliance with the Instant Ticket Data506(FIG.5A) predetermined outcome, the Game Data Synchronization process512then concludes by forwarding the paired multiple planar layers for each ticket to the Flattening & Conversion process517. The Flattening & Conversion process517first flattens the paired multiple planar layers into a single layer gaming planar layer for each ticket. Next, each flattened single layer gaming planar layer is converted to at least one imaging format that is compatible with the on-press RIP508with the converted individual flattened images saved in a Sync Instant Ticket Database513in a format where each ticket image includes its own unique metadata pattern header—e.g., value of the image and an inventory control number.

Finally, when printed tickets are required, the Sync Instant Ticket database513converted imaging data is optionally decrypted and downloaded to the RIP508for the physical printing of the Game Press Run509. Prior to starting the Game Press Run509, any required fabricated static plates507are mounted on the press with each plate in its own individual printing station. After completion of the Game Press Run509the physical tickets as well as the associated ship and validation files514are sent to the lottery or other cognizant authority for distribution, sales, and validation.

System and method500′ ofFIG.5Bdiffers from the previous embodiment in that the system and method500′ ultimate output is virtual digital instant tickets for consumption on a consumer's digital device522instead of the physical paper scratch-off tickets of the previous embodiment500(FIG.5A). Otherwise, the system and method500′ ofFIG.5Bis virtually identical to the previous embodiment.

As before, the system and method500′ starts with the generation of working papers503′ describing the technical details of the virtual digital instant tickets to be generated as well as associated artwork. The executed working papers503′ are then used to specify traditional Game Generation504′ programming as well as the concordance of a plurality of planar gaming layers. As part of the Game Generation504′ prize codes are assigned linking predetermined outcomes to the validation numbers associated with separate inventory control numbers, ultimately generating the Instant Ticket Data506′ database, which is stored encrypted as ciphertext.

At this point, the additional processing enabled by the optional embodiment of the system and method500′ is added to the instant digital ticket production process. First, based on the specifications defined in the Working Papers503′, a series of winning and losing indicia are generated515′ individually. Additionally, background grid patterns for the first gaming planar layer are also generated by a separate process510′ and stored in the Planar Layer Database511′. The Instant Ticket Data506′ consisting of predetermined outcomes, validation numbers, and inventory control numbers are transferred to a Second Layer Variable Indicia process516′, which arranges the pre-generated variable indicia from process515′ into various winning and losing groupings depending in concordance with the first layer grid cells on the received Instant Ticket Data506′ with each selected indicium's metadata denoting its initial assigned value. However, depending on the specifications of the Working Papers503′, it may not be possible to group the pre-generated variable indicia into an arrangement that would pay out to the specified winning amount for a given ticket. In this event, the Game Data Synchronization process512′ can select another gaming planar layer background grid pattern from the Planar Layer Database511′ that modifies the winning second layer indicium's prize value to the value stipulated by the Instant Ticket Data's506′ predetermined outcome. Additionally, even if the Instant Ticket Data's506′ predetermined outcome for a given ticket is available from some grouping of variable indicia on the second planar layer, a RNG random or pseudorandom function resident in the Second Layer Variable Indicia process516′ can opt to create the specified predetermined outcome via a concurrence combination of the first planar layer's variable indicia and at least one other planar layer's background grid pattern.

The Planar Layer Database511′ functions as a central depositary of the embedded metadata for each grid cell in the first planar layer, mapping each grid cell's concordance value (if any) for the game being processed. In this example embodiment, the functionality of the concordance mapped metadata value will vary from game-to-game but will always be specified in the Working Papers503′. Once the various planar layers are selected for each given ticket in compliance with the Instant Ticket Data506′ predetermined outcome, the Game Data Synchronization process512′ then concludes by forwarding the combined multiple planar layers for each ticket to the Conversion process517′. The Conversion process517′, if necessary, converts the plurality of gaming planar layers for each instant ticket into at least one format that is compatible with the consumer's device522with the converted images saved in a Sync Instant Ticket Database513′ including an unique metadata pattern header—e.g., value of the image and an inventory control number.

Since system and method500′ produces virtual digital instant tickets, the Working Papers503′ would also specify game programming parameters such that an animated consumer game application can be produced518and compiled into an executable image519that is compatible with and can be downloaded to the consumer's personal device522(e.g., smart phone, tablet, laptop) for gameplay. Once the consumer game application is loaded on the consumer's device522game play can be initiated by the consumer where the game application instructs the consumer's device to retrieve a predetermined outcome via the Internet thereby determining the conclusion of the game. The consumer's device can be directed to a specific static Internet address controlled by a firewall521. Assuming the predetermined outcome request is formatted correctly and authenticates, the firewall521forwards the predetermined outcome request to the Outcome process520where it is confirmed that the request is for a paid purchase that has not been previously played and if so, fetches a predetermined game result and associated graphics from the Sync Instant Ticket Database513′, optionally decrypting the predetermined outcome before transmission to the consumer's device522. The retrieved predetermined outcome then causes the game to visually playout to the predetermined result conclusion. Similar to the Game Data Synchronization512′ process, the Outcome520fetching process can be accomplished by either acquiring each outcome sequentially from the Sync Instant Ticket Database513′ or the fetched outcome can be selected from the Sync Instant Ticket Database513′ by an RNG random or pseudorandom algorithm.

The present disclosure contemplates that multiple other methodologies can under some circumstances be employed for the above embodiment. For example, an alternate embodiment can generate a plurality of game layer combinations randomly or pseudorandomly at the time of the Gen process for each instant ticket until a resultant prize value outcome that exactly matches the desired Gen process prize value (if any) is created.

One exemplary press configuration capable of producing the physical paper ticket or document embodiments ofFIGS.2F and2Gis illustrated600inFIG.6. TheFIG.6press configuration600featuring two sets of process color digital imagers, one for the front display and game play variable indicia603(shown magnified as callout609) and the other for the back of the ticket604(shown magnified as callout614).

As shown inFIG.6, press configuration embodiment600illustrates a modified hybrid flexographic and digital imager printing press used to produce variable indicia SOC secured tickets or documents. The industry press600unravels its paper web substrate from a roll601and flexographically prints602lower security layers in the scratch-off area as well as optionally primer. At this point, the press web enters a secured imager room where the front game play variable indicia are applied by imager603. However, as disclosed herein with magnified view609, the front game play variable indicia and display are digitally imaged as process colors with the separate Cyan610, Magenta611, Yellow612, and blacK613print heads synchronized together to produce a common process color (“CMYK”) display and game play variable indicia image on the front of the ticket. Imager604(shown magnified in614) is utilized to digitally image CMYK process colors (615,616,617, and618—respectively) on the instant ticket's back. Next, a subsequent series of flexographic print stations605printing the upper security layers as well as any decorative overprint. At this point, the web would be rewound into a roll606for storage and ultimate processing by a separate packaging line.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art in view of this description that various modifications and variations may be made present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. It is intended that the present disclosure include such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims.