Method and Apparatus For Checking A Ticket Status From A Random Draw Game

Abstract

Mobile computer device configured with instructions that upon execution uses the camera in a web-enabled PDA, cellular phone or smart phone to capture a two-dimensional encapsulated code printed on a random draw game ticket, convert the code image to a unique digital representation, pass the digital representation through a database query using cellular data service to a remote computerized database to generate a result set of win/loss data as to the game ticket, and returning the result set to the PDA device for display.

Description

The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/756,880, filed Apr. 8, 2010, a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/535,935 filed Aug. 4, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to random draw games having a plurality of tickets for play. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods for players of random draw games to check a status of game tickets in the random draw game to assist the game players in recognizing a winning game ticket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Random draw games involve selecting randomly a ticket from a plurality of tickets in the game, so that a person having possession of a matching ticket to the selected ticket wins a prize. Tickets are typically sold for a nominal value, and each ticket potentially has a greater future value (or prize) based on at least one ticket being selected randomly as a winner.

There are a number of types of random draw games. Terminal generated lottery games are popular point-of-purchase activities for many people. These involve drawing/numbers games marketed as Powerball, Mega Millions, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, Pick 6, and Lotto games. In such games, a lottery consumer picks a sequence of numbers, or alternatively, the lottery consumer directs the generating terminal to randomly select a sequence of numbers. The terminal generates a lottery ticket that displays the sequence of numbers. In addition, the lottery ticket includes a printed barcode or identifier. These barcodes identify the date the ticket was purchased, the location of the purchase, the numbers selected and a validation number for lottery validation purposes.

After a drawing for the particular game, if all or some of the numbers match, the lottery player holding the lottery ticket wins a prize. The lottery player can compare the published results of the game drawing to determine if the lottery ticket is a winning ticket. Alternatively, the lottery consumer can present the lottery ticket to a lottery ticket vendor for evaluation. Typically, the evaluation is made using a barcode or identifier printed on the lottery ticket. The vendor uses an electronic scanner to scan the barcode. The scanned barcode information is communicated to a central database of lottery number winners, and the response enables the vendor to determine whether the scanned ticket is a winning ticket.

Millions of dollars in unclaimed prizes are accumulated by lotteries across the country. Some prizes are unclaimed because of lost or damaged tickets, but the majority of unclaimed prizes come from lack of player awareness. The game players sometimes fail to recognize the ticket was selected as a winning ticket and some game players do not realize that in jackpot draw games, a player can win prizes for matching a few of the selected numbers; for example, picking 5 of 6 selected numbers, picking 4 of 6 selected numbers, or even 3 of 6 selected numbers in a drawing event of the game, can result in winning a prize albeit of a lesser value than picking all of the numbers selected. Some players are unaware that the ticket being held is a winning ticket and discard.

Oftentimes, a lottery player fails to realize that the lottery ticket is a winning ticket, because the player missed the drawing, did not check the numbers on the lottery ticket, mis-read (and thus mis-compared) the winning numbers and the numbers on the ticket, or did not realize a winning ticket may be based on matching fewer than all of the numbers in the drawing. From time-to-time, winning lottery tickets are merely discarded. As noted above, a player could return any lottery ticket to the vendor for scanning to determine its status. However, there is an inconvenience in having to return to the retail location of the vendor just to check a lottery ticket for winning combinations. Also, in some instances, a clerk improperly tells the lottery player that the scanned lottery ticket is not a winning ticket, only to palm the winning ticket and then redeem the ticket after the lottery player leaves.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved method and apparatus by which a player of a random draw game checks the winning status of a ticket held by the player. It is to such that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention meets the need in the art by providing a method for checking a results status of a ticket held by a player from a random draw game having a plurality of tickets each ticket associated with selected game numbers and bearing a unique identifier, which selected game numbers when matching to numbers selected at random as winning numbers during play of the random draw game define the ticket as a winning ticket by which the player in possession thereof wins a prize, comprising the steps of:

(a) imaging a code printed on a ticket from a random draw game, which ticket is associated with selected one or more game numbers and the code encapsulating at least a game identifier and the game numbers, with an imager of a mobile computer device;

(b) creating a digital representation of the code;

(c) communicating the digital representation with a communications device connected to the mobile computer device to a remote computer that maintains a database of random draw games and the numbers selected at random during a play of the random draw game as winning numbers;

(d) interrogating the database as to the status of the ticket by comparing the game numbers of the ticket with the wining numbers for the random draw game;

(e) receiving from the remote computer a response indicating the status of the ticket based on the interrogation; and

(f) displaying the response on a display screen of the mobile computer device.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a system for checking the results status of a ticket held by a player from a random draw game having a plurality of tickets. Each ticket has a plurality of associated selected numbers for play in the random draw game. If the selected numbers match numbers selected at random during a drawing event of the random draw game as winning numbers, the player in possession thereof wins a prize. The system comprises a remote computer server and at least one mobile computer device. The remote computer server maintains a database of a winning numbers associated with a random draw game having a plurality of tickets each having selected numbers for play during the random draw game. If the selected numbers of the ticket match numbers selected randomly as winning numbers during play of the random draw game, the player in possession of the ticket wins a prize. The mobile computer device includes an imaging device for imaging, a communicator for communicating with at least the remote computer server, and a display screen for displaying a response from the remote computer server. The mobile computer device is configured with a computer application having a sequence of instructions for being executed by the mobile computer device to image the identifier of a ticket in the possession of a player of a random draw game, convert the imaged identifier to a representative number, communicate the representative number to the remote computer server for interrogating the database as to the status of the ticket, and displaying on the display screen a response from the remote computer server indicating the status of the ticket.

Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile computer device with an internal imaging device configured as an embodiment of the present invention and a lottery ticket with a barcode of a first type for being checked for a winning status.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mobile computer device shown in FIG. 1 capturing the lottery ticket image.

FIG. 3 illustrates the mobile computer device shown in FIG. 1 displaying the captured ticket image and displaying the converted bar code information as a numeric code or digital representation for submission to a winning ticket database for determining the status of the lottery ticket.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mobile computer device shown in FIG. 1 in the process of capturing an information barcode of a second type on a lottery ticket.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment according to the present invention of an apparatus for a lottery player to determine the status of a lottery ticket.

FIG. 6 illustrates the mobile computer device shown in FIG. 1 displaying the results of the interrogation of the winning ticket database.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of an alternate embodiment of a system having an apparatus for a lottery player to determine the status of a lottery ticket.

FIG. 8 illustrates a data record configured for use in the system illustrated in FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have like reference numerals, FIG. 1 illustrates a mobile computer device 10 configured with a built-in imaging device (depicted schematically in operation by dashed lines 11), a data connection (depicted schematically as 12) for communication with a computerized database of winning ticket numbers from random draw games, and a display screen 13. The illustrated embodiment relates to lottery tickets and lottery games sponsored by a lottery game service, but this embodiment is exemplary and not of limitation

The illustrated mobile computer device 10 is a mobile or cellular telephone configured for executing an application having a set of computer instructions (shown schematically as 15) for determining the status of a lottery ticket 14 having an identifier or barcode 16. The status of the lottery ticket 14 can be “win”, for a ticket that was selected randomly as a winning ticket from a pool or plurality of tickets (or from a pool of prizes) in the random draw game; “no-win”, for a ticket not selected as a winning ticket; or “undetermined”, for a game that has not yet selected a winning ticket. In an alternate embodiment, the mobile computer device 10 comprises a computer-based intelligent telephone, a computerized personal data assistant (PDA) device, a personal computer, or other similar portable computer device, configured with an imager and a data communications device, as discussed below.

The application is provided to the mobile computer device 10 in a conventional manner. For cellular telephones, for example, the application is provided by downloading the application 15 from a web site via a mobile network data service, which application is configured for the particular operating system of the mobile computer device.

The application 15 of the present invention can be programmed for multiple device formats and/or operating systems. For example, the iPhone®, Blackberry® and Motorola® telephones each have their own development platforms for mobile applications. It is noted that some such mobile computer devices support J2ME (Java Mobile edition) or other application drivers.

An illustrated embodiment of the application 15 uses an open source application ZXING (provided by Zebra Crossing) and licensed under the Apache License v2.0 for the executable code that implements the illustrated embodiment, and particularly, to capture an image of a barcode 16 on the lottery ticket 14 using the built-in camera of the mobile computer device 10 and convert the barcode image to a numerical representation for interrogation of the lottery ticket database, as discussed below. The lottery ticket 14 displays the lottery numbers generally 18, the name of the lottery game 20, the date of the game and the drawing of winning numbers 22, the purchase cash value 24 of the lottery ticket, the date of purchase 26, and the barcode 16. In FIG. 1, the barcode 16 is printed as a first type of barcode. Promotional information 30, such as other lottery games that can be played, can be displayed on the lottery ticket 14.

FIG. 2 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 capturing an image 32 of the identifier or barcode 16 from the lottery ticket 14 by using the imaging device of the mobile computer device. FIG. 2 depicts the barcode 16 as a first type of barcode shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 displaying the captured ticket image 32 and displaying the barcode 16 converted into a numeric code or digital representation 34. The mobile computer device thereafter submits the digital representation 34 to a winning ticket database for determining the status of the lottery ticket.

FIG. 4 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 capturing an image 32 of a second type of identifier or barcode 16 printed on a lottery ticket 14a by using the imaging device of the mobile computer device. The display screen 13 displays the viewed image of the ticket 14a including the imaged barcode 16. The mobile computer device 10 displays a cross-hairs field 17 to facilitate the player centering the barcode 16 for image capture.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of the illustrative embodiment using the mobile computer device 10 to communicate 36 with a remote computer 38 that operates a database 40 of winning tickets of lottery games. The database 40 includes a ticket record 52a, 52b, . . . 52n including ticket code, purchase location, retailer identification number, purchase date and time, selected numbers, purchase amount, game identification, drawing date (collectively, generally 53). The mobile computer device 10 communicates 36 the digital representation 34 to the remote computer 38 to determine the status of a particular lottery ticket. The result of the interrogation of the database 40 communicates 48 to the mobile computer device 10. The results are selected from the set of (win/no-win/drawing not yet occurred). The remote computer 38 typically is operated by the lottery game service and provides conventional secure access to the database. In an alternate embodiment, the remote computer 38 and database 40 are minors of computers and databases of the lottery game service protected from access such as by firewalls and other conventional data security systems, in order to protect the integrity of the computer systems of the lottery game service.

FIG. 6 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 displaying the results of the interrogation of the winning ticket database 40.

With reference to FIG. 1, the lottery player operates the mobile computer device 10 to execute the application 15 according to the present invention for checking the status of the lottery ticket 14. The built-in camera on the mobile computer device 10 is operated 11 to image the barcode 16 from the lottery ticket 14. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the display 13 presents the cross-hair field 17 for centering the image of the barcode 16 for imaging. The imaging button of the mobile computer device 10 is operated to capture the image of the barcode 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the captured image 32 is displayed on the display screen 13 of the mobile computer device 10. Once the image is captured, the application interprets the captured image to obtain the information from the barcode 16. The application converts the information to the unique code of the lottery ticket. As shown in FIG. 3, the digital representation 34 of the unique code can be displayed with the captured image.

With reference to FIG. 5, the unique ticket code thus identified can be used as a parameter in an SQL script. The mobile computer device 10 communicates 36 the script using the data connection 15 to access the remote computer 38 in order to query the database 40 of purchased lottery tickets. The database 40 includes at least a game identifier 42 and winning numbers 44 from the drawing made on the drawing date of the particular game. The query extracts the unique ticket code of the lottery ticket 14, and cross references the selected numbers in the ticket code with the winning numbers data from the drawing of the lottery game 42. The remote computer 38 after interrogating the database 40 creates a result set of response data 46 that communicates 48 or returns back to the mobile computer device 10. The application executing on the mobile computer device 10 receives the result set 46 and assembles the result set with the appropriate message on the display of the mobile computer device 10. FIG. 6 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 displaying that the lottery ticket is a winning ticket.

As discussed below, the mobile computer device 10 also communicates a unique mobile identification number 50 associated the particular device 10 to the remote computer 38. The mobile identification number 50 is used to communicate the return message to the player using the mobile computer device 10. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the database 40 may also include the ticket records 52a, 52b, . . . 52n including ticket code, purchase location, retailer identification number, purchase date and time, selected numbers, purchase amount, game identification, drawing date. In an alternate embodiment, the application executing instructions to operate the database 40 can associate a ticket code with a particular player. In that embodiment, the ticket code is associated with the mobile identification number 50, as discussed below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the string number representing the information about the lottery ticket 14 is encrypted and embedded as a parameter in a SQL string. The string queries specific information about that purchased lottery ticket. Each terminal generated lottery ticket is assigned specific information designed to determine the outcome of a lottery drawing. As noted above, this information includes: location of purchase, retailer id number, date/time of purchase, numbers selected for ticket, dollar amount paid for ticket, drawing date for the ticket, and game type. This data about the lottery ticket sold by a vendor to a lottery consumer is recorded and maintained in a central computerized database either with the lottery provider or with the contracted lottery ticket vendor.

It is to be appreciated that illustrated embodiment of the present invention is not designed to validate tickets for redemption. Validation must still occur through the closed network lottery terminals operated by the lottery provider and the lottery retail locations selling lottery tickets. It is to be appreciated that results of the interrogation may not be accurate, but the present apparatus and methods provides an alternative method of determining win/loss outcome of a lottery ticket. The present invention thus supplements current methods by which players determine win/loss by a) watching the drawing live, b) checking publications following the drawing, c) visiting the lottery website to pull up a historical list of winning numbers or d) visiting one of the retail lottery vendors to check the lottery ticket against the system.

Even though lottery computerized databases can be configured for READ ONLY access, for security reasons, a lottery provider may not allow the SQL script query to be sent directly to the lottery server that stores and maintains the ticket information. In those instances, the lottery provider can supply a regular export/dump of limited ticket information into a third party secure database server for interrogation in accordance with the present invention. Use of such third party database would reduce possible compromise of the lottery ticket database and potential counterfeiting of winning combinations.

It is contemplated that the apparatus and method of the illustrated implementation would limit access to certain information fields of the lottery ticket and protect the transmission of the winning codes. The lottery ticket holder and the lottery database are the only locations of a specific lottery ticket serial (barcode) number. That serial number is the key for securing and validating a winning ticket. By encrypting that number before embedding into the SQL string query, any intercepted communications will be secure. The exported data from the lottery winning ticket server can be a matching encrypted number, rather than the actual serial number. This method would still allow for the query to pull the proper data, without compromising the security of winning ticket data. However, in the event that someone improperly gains access to the database, counterfeit lottery ticket can not be generated without the unique serial number. There are various methods of encryption that can be employed to assure security of the process.

In an alternate embodiment, the lottery ticket terminal prints a separate unique barcode on the terminal lottery ticket for imaging and interrogation in accordance with the present invention. The separate barcode would have its own unique serial number. The lottery ticket would retain the lottery provider barcode 16 assigned by the lottery provider by which the winning ticket is validated for redemption through the secure lottery ticket terminal network.

There are several methods of distribution for the interrogation application of the present invention. For example, an application configured for use with iPhone® telephones would be available for download from the Apple App Store. Each service provider for mobile data networking has a similar application store/site that connects directly through the respective mobile computer device. Further, the lottery provider may elect to distribute application directly or through a remote dedicated download web site. The lottery player would use the camera enabled mobile computer device to download the application from the specific location.

Upon installation on the mobile computer device, the lottery player can run the application. The application initially determines if the mobile computer device has the proper hardware installed. The application detects for the built-in camera and for the open data connection. If either of these elements is missing or inoperative, an error code alerts the user that the application is unable to function.

Once all hardware features are detected and functioning, the lottery player is prompted to capture a ticket. In reference to FIG. 1, the built-in camera is enabled and the viewer window appears in the screen 13. The user is instructed to align the lottery ticket barcode within the viewer depicted by the cross-hairs (line 17 as shown in FIG. 2). This ensures an aligned clear image. The player is then prompted by the software to keep as steady a hand as possible and push the button to take the picture.

If the captured image is illegible or unreadable, a response message will appear asking the lottery player to reimage the barcode. The viewer window with cross-hairs returns and the lottery player realigns the lottery ticket to image the barcode 16 again. If the captured picture is readable, the application then converts the image to the numeric representation, as shown in FIG. 3.

Once the numeric representation of the ticket serial number is generated, the application converts that representation to an encrypted string. The encrypted string is embedded as a parameter in an SQL script. With reference to FIG. 5, the application attempts a connection using the data connection 12 to the remote computer server 38 where the lottery winning ticket information is stored. If the mobile computer device 10 cannot make a connection, the mobile computer device displays an error message telling the lottery player that a connection is not available. In an alternate embodiment, the lottery player does not have to start over. Rather, the SQL script is stored in the mobile computer device until a data connection can be made. The application can be configured to attempt automatically checking on the status of the lottery ticket.

Once a data connection is made to the remote computer server 38, the query script communicates 36 and the application executing on the mobile computer device 10 waits for a response. If the encrypted serial number does not match a lottery ticket number in the database 40, an error is returned. In such event, the mobile computer device 10 presents a message to the user; for example, “Sorry, your lottery ticket does not match a live lottery ticket in the database. Please check your ticket at an authorized Lottery retailer.” If the interrogation correctly matches the encrypted number, the remote computer returns the information within the database regarding the imaged lottery ticket.

The information in the ticket database 40 uses the drawing date field of the ticket record to reference a table of winning numbers. If the remote computer determines that the drawing date assigned to the lottery ticket has “not yet occurred”, an appropriate message will appear on the mobile computer device inviting the lottery player to check again after that date/time.

In an alternate embodiment, the application can be set to alert the lottery player if any winning numbers are matched with lottery tickets that are scanned and held for evaluation. This embodiment automatically checks the remote database 40 on a periodic schedule until the drawing occurs so the application can return a result. The lottery player does not have to reimage the ticket as the data will be stored until the drawing occurs and the query returns a win/loss result.

The application 15 includes a search feature by which a user can search by date or by game. The date for game events is selected, for example, by entering the date in a date field, using pull-down menus to select a date, or using a date scroll wheel having three columns for month, day, and year. In another alternate embodiment, the player can search by game type. The application displays a selection window of the available games. The display screen includes active links, so the player pushes the link in order to connect through the data connection with the selected game. The selected game displays the price of a ticket in the game, what choices are made in the game, the drawing days and times, and a list of prizes, chances of winning, and current prize amount.

Once a win/loss result set 46 is determined, the application compiles the result information into a graphically appealing display to alert the lottery player, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment (not illustrated), the results are displayed in a replication of the physical lottery ticket. Winning numbers are highlighted. If the result is any of the possible winning combinations for that game (eg Powerball—6 of 6, 5 of 6, 4 of 6, 3 of 6) a banner appears that reads “WIN”. This display also highlights the numbers that match and the display indicates the winning amount for that combination. In yet another alternate embodiment, the mobile computer device 10 emits a sound through the speaker. The application selectively has selectable different choices of audio files for “winning” chime and “non-winning” chimes. Further, if there are multiple plays on a lottery ticket, the application highlights on the display the winning combinations for the lottery ticket 14, and calculates the individual prize amounts for display together with a sum total for the lottery ticket.

It is to be appreciated the display may include a disclaimer, for example, at the bottom of the display. The disclaimer in one embodiment states that “This win information has been determined based on the information provided and does NOT validate your possession of an actual winning ticket. You must still present the physical winning ticket to an authorized lottery retailer for validation and claim of your prize.”

Users of the application can pre-scan and store their ticket information prior to a drawing date. With the automation feature set, the application will send the query after the drawing date and automatically alert the user of the results once verified. Using the Win/Loss chime audio setting, the device will sound based on outcome. The message notification will appear on the player's phone and will indicate a message attached to the application icon.

With reference to FIG. 5, the database structure 40 for the application indexes on a key that is populated by the unique identification 50 built in to the user's mobile computer device. This is how the application identifies the user to return the request. The structure however provides an additional benefit by helping to identify the owner of a paper lottery ticket. Currently there are no systems known to register lottery tickets. If a lottery ticket is lost or stolen, there are no safeguards to identify the rightful owner of the lottery ticket. Accordingly the present invention features as an added benefit ‘registering’ lottery tickets at the same time as checking a win status. As shown in FIG. 5, the database 40 can maintain an association between the ticket code and the player in reference to the mobile identification number. In this embodiment, a registration form incorporated into the initial set up of the application on the mobile computer device 10 provides lottery ticket player information such as name, address, and contact information, for the database.

The barcode evaluation software uses an image or photographic representation to interpret the one dimensional or two dimensional barcode identifiers. An alternate embodiment uploads a photographic image of the lottery ticket for storage in the database. This provides additional security for a lottery to resolve disputes and possibly rebuild a lost ticket.

In an alternate embodiment, game sweepstakes offered by commercial establishments to promote business, for example, a fast-food restaurant chain offering a scratch-off or peel-off prize ticket, may gainfully use the present invention as a mechanism for consumers to determine whether the ticket is a winner. Other random draw games similarly may apply the present invention for players to determine ticket status.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a system having the mobile computer device 10 by which the lottery player determines the status of the lottery ticket 14. An application provider 82 maintains a database 84 having a plurality of data records 85 of game information and game play date 86 and winning numbers 88 selected by random during play of the game. The application provider 82 updates the database 84 using 89 public information 90 provided by the game operator. This public information includes the game and its play date 42 and the winning numbers 44 associated with the particular play of the game. The application provider 82 determines the status of the game ticket 14 upon request of the player who transmits the code 16 to the application provider.

In one embodiment of the system, the application provider 82 may maintain a separate database 92 of records 94 of player game tickets 14. The records 94 as discussed below contain the digital representation of code 16 from the ticket 14 communicated to the application provider 82 by the player. Periodically the application provider 82 compares the digital representation record 94 with the game database 84 to determine the status of the player's ticket, as discussed below. The application provider populates the database 92 only with those tickets 14 scanned by a player in accordance with the present invention.

In an alternate embodiment discussed below, the game provider may act as the application provider and the game operator collects the ticket information for the database 92 at time of sale of the game ticket 14. Thus, the database 92 in this embodiment maintains information on each ticket sold for play in the random draw game. Alternatively, the game provider may practice the former embodiment in which the database 92 contains ticket information for player-scanned tickets only.

The databases 84 and 92 maintain records containing digital representations of the winning game information 42, 44 and the player's ticket information held in the ticket code 16, respectively. As discussed above, FIG. 4 illustrates the mobile computer device 10 displaying the image of the barcode 16 that in the illustrated embodiment is a two-dimensional code. Such codes include, for example and not by limitation, QR Code, Datamatrix, and PDF417. Such codes are more complex than conventional one-dimensional barcodes and may contain significantly more information. For example, QR Code may hold up to 7,000 numeric characters and as shown in FIG. 4 is readily readable by camera-enabled mobile phones or other mobile computer devices. The two-dimensional code 16 provides in encapsulated form the ticket information necessary to determine specific result information in order to provide a response to a ticket status request by the player.

The encapsulated code 16 on the ticket 14 represents the unique data relevant to the particular game ticket 14 on which the code is printed such as when the ticket is purchased from a ticket retail vendor or otherwise selected by the player and obtained from the game operator. This data includes, but is not limited to, game type (MegaMillions, Powerball, Lotto, etc), drawing date, multidraw (number of consecutive draws purchased), and numbers selected for each play, as well as the unique identifier assigned to the ticket by the game provider. Such game information may be represented primarily in numeric or alphanumeric (for example, base 16) format. Using a fixed position field string, such pertinent unique ticket data may be represented in a sequence of fewer than 100 characters. Generally, one-dimensional barcodes may not support this volume of characters, while the illustrated two-dimensional codes have a greater capacity.

FIG. 8 illustrates a data record 94 of a digital representation of the code 16. The digital representation is used for checking the ticket status against the winning play of the random draw game maintained in the game database 84. The data record 94 includes a unique game number 96 pre-assigned to the particular random draw game and a play or drawing date 98 for the random draw game. The data record 94 also includes a multidraw code 100 and at least one set of game numbers 102 associated the player's ticket 14 for play of the game. In the illustrated embodiment, five sets of game numbers 102 are depicted as set 102a-102e. These sets 102 correspond to the game drawing numbers during play of the random draw game on the selected date printed on the ticket 14.

In accordance with the present invention, the two-dimensional code 16 contains the encapsulated ticket information necessary to determine specific result information and provide a response as to ticket status to the player. The digital representation of the code 16 passes from the mobile computer device 10 directly into the web-accessible database server of the application provider 82. Thus, the player does not require the transfer of that ticket data from the lottery system in order to check the status of the ticket.

In one embodiment of the present system, the game operator is the application provider 82. The game operator collects the game ticket information at time of sale of the ticket to the player. The collected information populates into the data record 94 included in the ticket database 92.

The system employs a software module implemented into the existing lottery terminal software for sales and validation of game tickets. The module collects the required information about the game ticket sold to the player, which information is necessary to return winning results. This information includes the unique number identifier assigned to the game. For example, MegaMillions could be represented as “123456”. The drawing date for play of the ticket purchased by the player may be represented by in a MMDDYYYY (month day year) format. The multidraw code 100 indicates the number of consecutive drawing dates or plays of the random draw game during which the ticket is to be played during the game. Typically multiple plays are referred to as “MultiDraw”. The number of consecutive draws is represented by a two digit number as most random draw games allow a player to play multiple consecutive draws on a single game ticket. For example, a multidraw code of “03” indicates the ticket is playable for three drawings: first on the drawing date and second on the next two drawing dates for the random draw game.

The sets of numbers 102 include a play code 104 and selected number subfields 106. The play code in the illustrated embodiment is alphabetical and corresponds to the nth game of a multiple game play ticket, where n is the game drawing number ranging from 1 to the number of games selected by the player for play on the single ticket 14.

It is to be appreciated that while not illustrated, the data record 94 may also include information about any exotic combinations or add-on features of the random draw game. For example, some lotteries have draw games called ‘Daily Games’. These are typically “Pick 3” or “Pick 4” number games. Also, these games may have upgrade purchase combinations like “Back Pair” or “Combo” plays that pay off different winnings in the event of specific outcome. These exotics may similarly be represented in 2 digit number codes. Then the actual number selections for each individual play. A lottery ticket may have up to five different plays on a single ticket. Each play is separated by an alpha number.

The final sequence of numbers encapsulated in the two dimensional code will vary based on the specifics of the ticket and the random draw game. The more characters to be encapsulated results in a more dense and complex code. With more complex codes, the printed image needs to be larger in order to be recognized during imaging by the camera in the mobile computer device. The larger the image, however, the more paper consumed by each lottery ticket or space occupied by the code 16 on the ticket. In view of such constraints, the present invention preferably uses the fewest characters possible to create the unique digital sequence.

In one aspect, elimination of unnecessary characters may be accomplished by a defined ‘fixed position’ string or sequence as discussed above. Logic in the application instructions on the back end make the necessary associations between the alphanumeric data and populating the data record 94, rather than using conventional database-friendly strings that rely on delimiters to separate field data. For example, the method uses a fixed position format so the instructions define positions 1-6 to represent the game number. Using ‘if-then-else’ statements the method employs the necessary logic to determine the rest of the positions. For example, in an embodiment of the system, the MegaMillions game is identified by the game number equal to 123456, and the instructions are configured for particular defined record fields for that particular game. In this example, the selection for each draw will contain six 2-digit numbers and the sixth number in each selection set 102 will be the “MegaBall”.

In the embodiment in which the player submits the digital representation of the code 16, the communication also includes a device identifier that uniquely identifies the mobile computer device. This enables the application provider 82 to communicate a ticket status to the player.

In the embodiment in which the application provider 82 maintains the database 92 of player ticket information, the application provider inserts the identifier into the data record 94 maintained on the database 92. Periodically, the application provider 82 compares the player ticket information in the records 94 with the winning game information in the database 84. When ticket information in the record 94 matches with one of the game number and play date 86, the application provider 82 compares the winning numbers 88 in the database 84 with the numbers in the record 94 of the player's ticket. Using the identifier held in the record 94, the application provider 82 returns the status of the ticket 14 to the mobile computer device 10 of the player.

In addition to the code developed for the mobile phone application and the remote server side database, additional code must be created for the lottery system terminal to create the number string and convert to the two-dimensional code. A QR Code generation application can be licensed to convert the string into the QR Code image. But this software add on eliminates the need to transfer all the purchased ticket information to the remote server in order to provide results back to the mobile device.

With reference to FIG. 7, the present invention provides a method for the player to image the barcode 16 from a lottery ticket 14, interpret the encapsulated unique data of that ticket into the digital representation, and communicate the digital representation to the remote server of the application provider 82. The application provider 82 interprets the digital representation and compares the ticket information with winning game information in the database 84. The application provider returns the status of the ticket to the mobile computer device.

With reference to FIG. 4, the code 16 encapsulates the game information printed on a lottery ticket 14a. Using the imaging device of the mobile computer device 10, the player images the code 16. The display screen 13 displays the viewed image of the ticket 14a including the imaged barcode 16. The mobile computer device 10 may display cross-hairs field 17 to facilitate the player centering the barcode 16 for image capture.

In an alternate embodiment, the mobile computer device stores in a memory device a saved selected game play having player-selected game tokens or numbers for one or more plays of the random draw game, as a “fantasy play”. Another patent application of the applicant filed concurrently with the present application discloses an apparatus and method by which a player uses a mobile computer device to select numbers for play in a random draw game and saving such selected play in the memory device. The fantasy play information is not an authenticated ticket. Subsequently, the player may recall the saved selected game play for checking whether such player selected numbers would have matched numbers selected as winning numbers during play of the random draw game. In an alternate embodiment, the mobile computer device is configured for periodic checking the status of such saved game play numbers.

The apparatus and methods disclosed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the apparatus of this invention have been described in terms of illustrated embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus and in the process described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for checking a results status of a ticket held by a player from a random draw game having a plurality of tickets each ticket associated with selected game numbers and bearing a unique identifier, which selected game numbers when matching to numbers selected at random as winning numbers during play of the random draw game define the ticket as a winning ticket by which the player in possession thereof wins a prize, comprising the steps of:

(a) imaging a code printed on a ticket from a random draw game, which ticket is associated with selected one or more game numbers and bearing a unique ticket identifier and the code encapsulating a game identifier, the game numbers, and the ticket identifier, with an imager of a mobile computer device;

(b) creating a digital representation of the code;

(c) communicating the digital representation with a communications device connected to the mobile computer device to a remote computer that maintains a database of random draw games and the numbers selected at random during a play of the random draw game as winning numbers;

(d) interrogating the database as to the status of the ticket by comparing the game numbers of the ticket with the wining numbers for the random draw game;

(e) receiving from the remote computer a response indicating the status of the ticket based on the interrogation; and

(f) displaying the response on a display screen of the mobile computer device.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the game identifier includes a game number associated with one of a plurality of random draw games and a play date for the random draw game on which date the selected game numbers associated with the ticket are to be compared with winning numbers selected during play of the random draw game.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the mobile computer device comprises a cellular telephone and step (a) images the code using a built-in camera of the cellular phone.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the step (a) comprises enabling an imaging operating mode of the mobile computer device, aligning the code of the ticket within a designated viewer displayed on the display screen, and operating a switch to record an image of the code.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the code is a two dimensional barcode.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

populating a player database by the remote computer with the game identifier, the game numbers, and the ticket identifier encapsulated within the digital representation and an identifier of the portable computer device that communicated the digital representation;

periodically comparing the game numbers of the digital representation with winning numbers stored in the database of plays of the random draw game; and

communicating a signal to the portable computer device associated with the digital representation upon identifying the numbers in the digital representation as matching winning numbers in one of the plays of the random draw game.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the digital representation in a storage media of the mobile computer device; and periodically repeating steps (c)-(f).

8. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of emitting a sound from a speaker of the mobile computer device upon receiving the response indicating that the ticket matches a winning ticket from the random draw game.

9. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the steps of associating an unique user identification with the digital representation, communicating the user identification with the digital representation to the remote computer; and recording the user identification in association with the digital representation.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the digital representation is encrypted prior to step (c).

11. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of storing in a memory device the image created in step (a).

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the result is undetermined due to a selection event to draw the winning ticket not yet occurring, further comprising periodically repeating steps (c) and (d) until the winning numbers in the play of the random draw game are selected and the status of the ticket is determined, then steps (e) and (f).

13. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the random draw game comprises a lottery game.

14. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the random draw game comprises a game offered by a commercial establishment.

16. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of registering an owner of the ticket in association with a key that identifies the mobile computer device communicating the digital representation to the remote computer.

17. A system for a player of a random draw game to determine a results status of a ticket held by the player, which ticket has associated selected game numbers for play in the random draw game encapsulated in a two-dimensional code, which selected game numbers when matching to numbers selected at random as winning numbers during play of the random draw game, define the ticket as a winning ticket and the player in possession thereof wins a prize, comprising:

a remote computer server that maintains a database of a plurality of random draw games and numbers selected as winning numbers during a play of one of the random draw games;

at least one mobile computer device having an imaging device for imaging, a communicator device for communicating with at least the remote computer server, and a display screen for displaying a response from the remote computer server; and

a computer application having a sequence of instructions for being executed by the mobile computer device to image the encapsulated code of a ticket in the possession of a player of a random draw game, convert the imaged encapsulated code to a digital representation, communicate the digital representation to the remote computer server for interrogating the database as to the status of the ticket, and displaying on the display screen a response from the remote computer server indicating the status of the ticket.

18. The system as recited in claim 17, wherein the database maintained by the remote computer server is populated in response to accessing a report of winning numbers from a play of the random draw game.

19. The system as recited in claim 18, wherein the report is provided by an operator of the random draw game.