Patent Publication Number: US-2016220894-A1

Title: Probability game ticket with enhanced security, associated gaming system and method for reading a probability game ticket

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the field of probability games, and in particular to a probability game ticket with enhanced security. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A probability game is based on the purchase by a player of a probability game ticket comprising a plurality of game regions covered by scratch-off films, wherein a limited number of the games regions have to be select by the user by removing the scratch-off films of these game regions. Game data are printed in the game regions below the scratch-off films. Upon reading the game data of the scratched-off game regions, the player can determine whether his/her selection is a winning selection or not according to the game rules. 
     A problem with a probability game ticket is that each probability game ticket is a potential winner because winning or not depends on the selection of game regions made by the player. The risk then arises that perpetrators may attempt to tamper a probability game ticket to determine which game regions have to be scratched-off to provide a winning ticket. A perpetrator may for example try to micro scratch the scratch-off film on the games regions to read the game data determine which game regions have to be scratched-off to provide a winning ticket. 
     US 2002/0047259 A1 discloses a probability game ticket comprising multiple layers provided on the game regions for allowing a ticket validating machine to detect any attempt to tamper the probability game ticket. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the invention is to provide a probability game ticket with enhanced security drastically reducing the risk of fraudulent tampering of the probability game ticket. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a gaming system comprising a ticket reading machine for reading such a probability game ticket and a method for determining the result of such a probability game ticket. 
     According to one aspect of the invention, a probability game ticket comprising a plurality of game regions a portion of which is to be selected by a player, the result of the probability game depending on the selected game regions, wherein the probability game ticket is deprived of human interpretable data printed on the probability game ticket and allowing the player to determine the result of the game by reading the ticket after selection of the game regions. 
     In a specific embodiment, game regions are to be selected by removing a scratch-off film on the game region. 
     In a specific embodiment, game regions game regions to be selected by entering a mark. 
     In a specific embodiment, the probability game ticket comprises machine readable encoded game data associated to each game regions, the encoded game data being printed on the game ticket and allowing a ticket reading machine to determine the result of the game by reading the encoded game data. 
     In a specific embodiment, each encoded game data is printed in the associated game region and covered by a scratch-off film to be removed by a player for selecting the game region. 
     In a specific embodiment, no game data associated to each game region is printed on the probability game ticket. 
     In a specific embodiment, the probability game ticket comprises unique ticket identification data printed on the probability game ticket. 
     In a specific embodiment, the probability game ticket comprises several grids of game regions, each grids being associated to a probability game, the grids being independent or correlated. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a gaming system comprises: 
     a probability game ticket comprising a plurality of game regions a portion of which is to be selected by a player, the result of the probability game depending on the selected game regions, wherein the probability game ticket is deprived of human interpretable data printed on the probability game ticket and allowing the player to determine the result of the game by reading the ticket after selection of the game regions; and 
     a ticket reading machine comprising an optical reader device operable to capture a digital image of the probability game ticket, an image analyzer operable to process the digital image to determine which game regions are selected by the player, and a result analyzer operable to determine the result of the game based on the selected game regions. 
     In a specific embodiment, the ticket reading machine further comprises a man-machine interface device, the image analyzer being operable to request the player to confirm the selection of game regions via the interface device. 
     In a specific embodiment, the image analyzer is configured to read encoded game data printed in the game regions. 
     In a specific embodiment, the encoded game data of each region is visible only selection of the game region by removal of a scratch-off film covering the game region. 
     In a specific embodiment, the image analyzer is configured to read ticket identification data printed on the probability game ticket. 
     In a specific embodiment, the result analyzer is configured to retrieve game data associated to the game regions and stored in a ticket database. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a method for determining whether a probability game ticket is winning or not, the probability game ticket comprising a plurality of game regions a portion of which is to be selected by a player, the result of the probability game depending on the selected game regions, wherein the player is not able to determine the result of the game by reading the ticket after selection of the game regions, only a ticket reading machine being able to determine the result of the game. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The invention and its advantages will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with references to the appended drawings. 
         FIGS. 1 and 2  represent a probability game ticket before and after selection of game regions by a player. 
         FIG. 3  represents a ticket reading machine operable to read the probably game tickets to determine whether the probability game ticket is winning or not. 
         FIG. 4  is a result report printed by a printer of the reading machine 
         FIGS. 5 and 6  represent another probability game ticket before and after selection of game regions by a player. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates steps of a method for determining whether a probability game ticket is winning or not. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The probability game ticket  2  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  comprises a physical substrate  4  onto which is printed an assembly or grid of game regions  6 , a portion of which has to be selected by a player to make a selection of game regions, some games regions  6  remaining unselected, according to the rules of the probability game. In the illustrative embodiment, the probability game ticket comprises eight game regions  6  and the player has to select three game regions. In other words, the player draws game regions in the assembly or grid. 
     Each game region  6  is associated to a game data, e.g. a symbol or a number. The result of the game ticket depends on the combination of game data resulting from the selection of game regions. The game data of the game regions selected by the player form a combination of game data resulting from the player&#39;s choice of game regions. 
     A prize table lists the winning combinations of game data and the associated prizes. If the player selects game regions corresponding to a winning combination of game data, the player is rewarded with a prize. Each combination of game data awards a respective prize. The prize may be e.g. money or a right to participate to another game, e.g. a lottery game. 
     Probability games are also referred to as “winning choice game” or “winner&#39;s choice” game. 
     Numerous probability game tickets  2  are printed. The game data of each game region  6  at a location on the probability game tickets  2  varies from a probability game ticket  2  to the other, such that, for a specific probability game ticket  2 , the player does not know in advance the game data associated to each game region  6 . However, each probability game ticket has game regions allowing to select winning combinations of games regions. Each probability game ticket potentially allows the player to win provided the player chooses a winning combination of game regions. 
     Conventionally, the game data associated to each game region is printed in the game region and covered with a scratch-off film. The player selects a game region by removing the scratch-off film. Upon removing the scratch-off film, the player can read the game data associated to the game region. By reading the game data of the selected game regions, the player can determine whether his selection is a winning selection or not. 
     In the probability game ticket of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the probability game ticket  2  is deprived of human interpretable data printed on the probability game ticket  2  and allowing the player to determine the result of the game by reading the ticket after selection of the game regions  6 . The ticket is deprived of printed human interpretable data allowing the player to read the game data associated to each selected game region. The result of the game associated to the selection of game regions can only be obtained from a ticket reading machine. 
     In the probability game ticket of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , each game region is covered with a scratch-off film to be removed by the user for selection the game region  6 . On  FIG. 1 , the probability game ticket  2  is intact. The scratch-off films of the game regions  6  are intact. On  FIG. 2 , the scratch-off films of three selected game regions  6  are removed. 
     The probability game ticket of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is printed with game data  8  in each game region  6  below the scratch-off film. The game data  8  printed in a game region  6  is visible only after removal of the scratch-off film. The game data  8  is encoded such that the player cannot read and interpret the game data  8 . In the present case, the game data  8  is printed in the form of dots distributed over the game region  6 . 
     The probability game ticket  2  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  is printed with a unique identification data  10  univocally identifying the probability game ticket  2 . The identification data  10  is for example a serial number encoded in a bar code. In a variant, the identification data is encoded in a matrix code or a QR code. In another variant, the serial number is printed in alpha numeric characters. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a ticket reading machine  12  configured for reading the probability game ticket  2  and determining the result of the game based on the selection of game regions  6  operated by the player. 
     The ticket reading machine  12  comprises an optical scanner or reader device  14  for capturing a reliable digital image of the probability game ticket  2  and an image analyzer  16  for reading the probability game ticket  2  by processing the image captured by the optical reader device  14 . The optical reader device is adapted to read heavy scratch-off tickets with potentially particles of removed scratch-off film. 
     The image analyzer  16  is configured for detecting the game regions  6  with removed scratch-off film and for decoding the game data  8  of each game region  6  with removed scratch-off film. A game region  6  with removed scratch-off film is detected for example because the game data  8  of this region appears on the ticket image. The image analyzer  16  is also configured for reading the identification data  10 . 
     The ticket reading machine comprises a result analyzer  18  configured to determine whether the probability game ticket is winning or not based on the selected game regions  6 . The result analyzer  18  determines the result based on the game data and the identification data provided by the image analyzer  16  and as a function of the probability game rules. The probability game rules comprise a prize table listing the winning combinations of game data. 
     Ticket data of each of the printed probably game ticket are stored in a ticket database  20 . The identification data is also used to update the ticket database with indicating that the probability game ticket has been played. 
     In one embodiment, the game data  8  associated to each game region  6  of the probability game ticket  2  is stored in the ticket database  20 . The identification data  10  is used by the result analyzer  18  to retrieve from the ticket database  20  the game data  8  associated to each game region  6  of the probability game ticket  2  and then determine the result of the game. 
     The ticket reading machine  12  comprises a man-machine interface device  22  for outputting data to the player and/or receiving input data from the player. 
     For example, in one embodiment, the image analyzer  16  is configured to display the data read by the image analyzer  16  via the man-machine interface device  22  and to request confirmation to the player, the confirmation being inputted by the user via the interface device  22 . 
     Besides, the player may have unintentionally selected at least one game region  6  in excess according to game rules. The image analyzer  16  may also not be able to automatically determine the selected regions for any reason, e.g. because the probability game ticket was altered by folding it. 
     In one embodiment, the image analyzer  16  is configured for requesting the player to confirm, complete or correct the selection, by selecting an additional game region  6  or removing a game region  6  in excess from the current selection. In practice, it is possible for the player the present the probability game ticket intact to the ticket reading machine  12 , and to make his selection via the interface device  22 . 
     The ticket reading machine  12  comprises a printer  24  for printing a result receipt associated to the probability game ticket, the result receipt having the result printed thereon. 
     The optical reader device  14 , the interface device  22 , the image analyzer  16  and the result analyzer  18  may be incorporated in a same electronic device, e.g. an electronic terminal at a retailer or a personal computer of a player or a telecommunication user terminal of the player such as a smartphone. In such a case, the game rules and/or the prize list may be stored locally in the electronic terminal or personal computer to be accessible by the result analyzer  18  or may be alternatively stored in a distant central database or a distant central computer system or server in communication with the electronic terminal or computer via a telecommunication network. 
     In a variant, as illustrated on  FIG. 3 , the optical reader device  14 , the interface device  22  and the image analyzer  16  may be incorporated in a same electronic terminal  26 , the result analyzer  18  and the database  20  being hosted in a remote game computer server  28  in communication with the electronic terminal  26  via a communication network  30 , e.g. Internet, a LAN or a wireless communication network. The electronic device may be a player&#39;s personal electronic device such as a personal computer, a tablet or a smartphone, or a retailer&#39;s electronic device. The game rules and/or the prize list may be stored locally in the computer server  28  to be accessed locally by the result analyzer  18  or may be alternatively stored in a central database or a central computer system or server. 
     The image analyzer  16  and the result analyzer  18  are implemented as computer programs stored in a computer memory and executed by a central processing unit of an electronic device or a computer system or server. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a result receipt  32  corresponding to the game ticket of  FIG. 2 . The result receipt  32  is printed with the game data associated to each game region, the selected game regions being highlighted, here with being encircled, and with the result, here an awarded prize of amounting to 25. 
     As illustrated on  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the probability game ticket comprises a chance area  34  having printed thereon a chance value  36  and covered by a scratch-off film such that the value is not visible by the user at the time of purchasing of the probability game ticket. The chance value  36  is printed to be read and interpreted by the player. However, the chance value  36  is not one of the game regions  6  to be selected by the player to make his/her selection. The chance value  36  does not allow the player to determine whether his/her probability game ticket is winning or not base on the selection of game regions. The chance value  36  does not determine whether the selection is winning or not. The chance value  36  only impacts the amount of the prizes associated to the winning selections. The chance value  36  is e.g. a maximum prize value associated to the ticket. 
     In the result receipt of  FIG. 4 , the prize amounts for example to 25 which is inferior to maximum prize amounting to 50 because only two selected game region have the same symbol (here “5”). This is only an illustrative example. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a probability game ticket  2  according to another embodiment. In this embodiment, the probability game ticket  2  is printed with game region to be selected by entering a mark on the probability game ticket. The game regions  6  are boxes to be marked by the user for selecting them. The boxes are deprived of any game data. The probability game ticket is deprived of any game data associated to the game regions  6 . The game ticket is printed with identification data  10 . 
     The image analyzer  16  of the ticket reading machine  12  is configured for determining which game regions are selected and the result analyzer  18  is configured to retrieve the game data associated to the game regions  6  based on identification data  10  and to determine whether the probability game ticket  2  is winning based on the selected game regions  6  and the associated game data. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a method of determining whether a probability game ticket is winning or not. 
     In a scanning step S 1 , the optical scanner scans the probability game ticket. 
     In an image analyzing step S 2 , the image analyzer processes the ticket image captured by the optical scanner to determine the selected game regions and the identification data. 
     Optionally, if at least one selected game region is missing, if at least one selected game region is in excess and/or the image analyzes is faulty, in a correction step S 3 , the image analyzer requests inputs from the player via the interface data. 
     Optionally, in a confirmation step S 4 , the image analyzer requests inputs from the player via the interface data to validate the reading. 
     In a result analyzing step S 4 , the result analyzer determines whether the selection of game regions operated by the player is a winning selection or not. 
     In an announcing step S 5 , the machine provides the results to the player, by displaying on the interface device and/or by printing a result ticket. 
     A probability game ticket deprived of human interpretable data allowing the player to determine the result of the game after selection of the game regions enhances security of the game. Indeed, it becomes useless to try and tamper the probability game ticket as this will not provide the perpetrator with any interpretable information on which game regions have to be selected for obtaining a winning selection. 
     In the embodiment in which game data associated to each game region is printed on the probability game ticket, the game data are encoded such that it is not human interpretable whereby the player cannot decode the game data. 
     In the embodiment in which game data associated to each game region is not printed on the probability game ticket, the physical ticket is not even provided with the game data which are only stored in a ticket database in association with the probability game ticket. 
     The probability game tickets of the above examples comprise one single assembly or grid of game region to be selected for making a player&#39;s choice. 
     In other embodiments, the probability game ticket may comprise several assemblies or grids of game regions. In one embodiment, the grids are independent and the player can decide to play one or several grids independently. In another embodiment, the grids are correlated, which means that a first grid is associated to at least one prize which allows the player to choose to play to a second grid. Preferably, the prize allows the player selectively to play to a second grid if and only if he wants to or to be redeemed with a gain. Gains of successively played grid may cumulate. 
     In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments and examples thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner rather than a restrictive sense.