Abstract: The present invention relates to a two overlapping layer element for cash bill and prize game applications, comprising: a first paper module, specifically designed for a cash bill use; a second paper module specifically designed for a prize game use; and coupling means for coupling the top side edge of the second module to the bottom side edge of the first module overlapped thereon.The second module is provided with a top surface which comprises a plurality of portions of the winning or not-winning type, which portions can be seen only upon removing the first module.

Abstract: A fund raising pull tab or break-open ticket game that provides the player a chance to win an instant monetary prize and qualify for a chance on the seal card prize or bonus board award on the same ticket, enabling the game operator full security and game integrity. Security and game integrity is achieved by printing a serial number which is assigned to a game set of tickets at two or more separate locations on the ticket. This would enable the game operator to separate an instant win/qualifier ticket into two or more separate parts should the player reveal symbols on the ticket indicating this to be an instant winning/qualifying ticket. The game operator would then separate the ticket, payout the instant win portion of the ticket, and retain it for accounting purposes. The player would keep the other half or remaining parts of the ticket until the qualifying bonus round of the game.

Abstract: A probability game having multiple game pieces which has areas that are covered with removable concealer and that contain void and/or win areas. The game is controlled by player-made choices with respect to selecting areas to uncover on the game pieces that are potential winners.

Abstract: A game material set is provided for playing a game of chance for monetary prizes and includes a plurality of individual playing cards each having one or more groups of game symbols printed thereon and selectively concealed under break-open windows. The game symbol groups provide a first level of game play whereby players with winning game symbol groups can receive instant prize awards. A master game card is provided which includes a sign-up area for players having contingent money-match bonus prize qualifier symbols printed on their individual play cards. A master card window selectively conceals a winning bonus prize symbol list comprising a subset of the contingent money-match bonus prize qualifier symbols. Opening the master game card window to expose the winning bonus prize symbol list identifies the players who receive prizes in the bonus level of play.

Abstract: A game ticket assembly is provided with a printed band whereby game symbols printed on the ticket are obscured and a commercial entity associated with the ticket is promoted. The trade name or logo of the commercial entity is printed on the band in a repeating confusion pattern and is observable by players.

Abstract: Replicas of a surface relief hologram, or other light diffraction pattern, are coated with a transparent material having substantially the same refractive index as the holograms to conform to the surface relief patterns and thus hide the hologram. The coating is pealed by hand off of the surface relief pattern in order to reveal an image visible in light reflected from the hologram. Such hidden holograms can be attached to a greeting card to reveal a greeting when the coating is removed, attached to pages of magazines or books to carry an advertising message, and the like. Other uses include making lottery tickets or other indications of a prize from such holograms, since the indication of any prize won by the holder remains hidden until the coating is pulled off, even though the coating is optically transparent.

Abstract: A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a "scratch-off" or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller's identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement and sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing hand-marked cells from a lottery selection slip. The lottery slip includes a conventional play region of cells (labelled sequentially from 1 to 49, for example) for receiving indicia to be captured, after receiving indicia said play region of cells includes a plurality of occupied cells defined by marked cells and a plurality of non-occupied cells defined by unmarked cells. The lottery slip also includes row-identifier bar codes located at opposite boundaries of the play region. The bar codes are electro-optically scannable and readable and are arranged in a plurality of ordered rows tiered along the transverse direction over the transverse distance of the play region.

Abstract: A method of producing a lottery ticket and lottery tickets produced thereby wherein an overprint region is provided over at least a scratch-off layer, the overprint region comprising an image obtained from a design in which the colors in the design have been separated into half tone images of each color and are superimposed on at least the scratch-off layer of the lottery ticket.

Abstract: Interactive, computer-activated games or other activities are disclosed. Included among the disclosed embodiments are systems employing not only a computer program, but also a ticket that, if a "winner," must be modified prior to redemption to include information gleaned by executing the program. The ticket additionally may include an activation code for input into the computer program.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a multi-layered gaming device that can be used for a variety of different purposes including, but not limited to, winning prizes, education and advertising. The gaming device comprises a base panel having multiple overlapping strips removably attached to the base panel. In response to a series of questions, a user selectively removes one or more of the overlapping strips until a final image or answer is revealed.

Abstract: Alternative benday patterns for cards and tickets and methods of producing such patterns are disclosed. The alternative patterns enhance the effectiveness of conventional devices by avoiding use of rotating print cylinders, with fixed repeats, in their creation. The attendant reduction in, or elimination of, benday repetition inhibits vertical ticket splitting and other manner of compromise. Desired images, including play indicia, promotional content, or both, can also be visibly encoded in the benday patterns, if desired.

Abstract: A seal card game is provided which includes a set of individual play cards each having symbol combinations printed thereon and concealed under break-open windows. A plurality of the individual playing cards include symbol combinations which qualify their holders for advanced level play. The seal card includes a break-open window which conceals the identity of a seal winner, who is then entitled to play a next level. A plurality of advanced play levels are provided on the seal card and each level includes a plurality of windows. Each level includes a symbol which enables the previous player to proceed and other symbol combinations which identify other players who are entitled to play at the next level.

Abstract: A game of chance is provided in association with a mass mailing publication. The game of chance includes particular indicia identified on a mailing label and prize indicia identified at a selected location within the publication in correspondence with certain identified prizes. In order to win such identified prizes, all the player needs to do is to verify that the assigned indicia on the mailing label matches the prize indicia. The player may then claim his or her prize.

Abstract: A lottery card comprising a given number of fields, arranged in a successive order. Each field is divided into a given number of frames. At least one of the frames of every field contains a mark. All marks are related to each other according to a successive order, and are concealed by being coated with a removable coating.

Abstract: A piece of printed material has preprinted, hidden data and includes a structure which prevents premature or unauthorized revealing of the hidden lottery or gaming data. For example, an instant scratch-off lottery ticket according to the invention includes a substrate, an ink layer disposed on the substrate, the ink layer including hidden lottery data. An ink-receptive layer is provided between the ink layer and the substrate and includes a first security mechanism for preventing unauthorized detection of the hidden data. A second security mechanism is disposed between the ink-receptive layer and the substrate which further prevents unauthorized detection of the lottery data.

Abstract: A seal card game with multiple advanced level contestants includes a plurality of individual playing cards with multiple graphical and numerical symbol combinations concealed thereon under break-open windows. Certain symbol combinations provide instant winner prizes, while others qualify a player for an advanced contest phase of play. A seal card includes a qualified advanced contestant identification area utilizing a sign-up register, an advanced contestant identification area utilizing break-open windows and an advanced contest prize area utilizing break-open windows. The seal card includes a sequence for the advanced contestants to open respective windows concealing prize amounts.

Abstract: Security of game cards such as instant lottery tickets can be improved by locating a confusion pattern below a primer layer on the game cards substrate and by locating another confusion pattern on a release coat above the game card play indica. Game card security can be further enhanced by using confusion pattern ink that bleeds through the game card in response to the application of various solvents.

Abstract: Game systems, superficially similar to bingo, which employ combinations of multiple variables from different sets (for example colors; symbols such as numbers of letters; and geometric shapes such as circles, diamonds and squares) to increase the number of pattern permutations on individual game faces, in combination with random selection apparatus. Compared to ordinary bingo, the number of players may be greatly increased without resulting in games that are unduly short, and various version controls allow control over the mathematical probabilities of winning. Each game face has a plurality of individual positions organized as columns and rows. Within each column, the individual positions are filled with a random sequence of elements from each of at least two of the sets, and each column has a unique column designation. Random selection apparatus is disclosed, which is particularly useful when employed in combination with the game faces.

Abstract: A break-open card with tamper proof seal (10) to prevent surreptitious tampering with and presentment of tampered game cards as valid prize winning cards by providing at least one readily frangible seal (28) to irreversibly evidence that tampering.

Abstract: A golf scorecard for keeping score of the game of golf and automatically totalling a player's score without the need of a writing instrument. The scorecard has one or more series of consecutive numbers printed thereon along a predetermined pattern. Each of the numbers is concealed by formation made of a coating of opaque material adherable to the scorecard and capable of being removed by scraping a rubbing same to reveal the number thereunder. When in use, a user scrappes only those formations indicative a score made on each consecutive hole of a game of golf by adding consecutive formations from the last scraped formation until it totals his score on every hole. The numbers identified under the formations that are scraped reveal his cumulative total score at each consecutive hole of the game of golf. In particular, the scorecard is for use with a miniature golf putting course.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.Alternatively or additionally, the cards may be embossed for added security. Raising portions of the secure area of a card above the remainder of its surface produces irregular features, thereby inhibiting both improper removal of the upper latex or other coating and photo reproduction of the card. The varying card height caused by embossing further inhibits heat-based tampering, as heat transfer to the irregular surface is no longer uniform.

Abstract: Information can be retrieved from lottery tickets and lottery ticket security can be improved by printing electronic circuits or circuit elements on the ticket. Conductive or semiconductive ink can be printed on the ticket by using gravure, relief, planographic, letter press or flexographic methods to form the circuit elements. In one embodiment the circuit elements are printed over play indica and under a scratch-off coating so that they are removed when the ticket is played. An electronic verification machine can then be used to determine which portions of the scratch-off coatings coveting the play indicia have been removed. A second group of circuit elements can also be printed under the play indicia which improves security by blocking light that may be shined through the ticket and by being tested, along with the first group of circuit elements, for integrity by the electronic verification machine.

Abstract: A novel method of entering a pictorial competition of the type in which the position of an object omitted from a picture is required to be identified is in the form of a sheet on which a multiplicity of crosses or other indicia are displayed, the crosses being applied to a pictorial entry coupon in the position selected by the entrant. The crosses may be in the form of transferable markings on the sheet or the sheet itself, bearing the crosses, may be adhesively secured to the coupon by the entrant.

Abstract: Pop-up items are provided which can either be mounted in three-dimensional form on a suitable supporting surface by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive carried by the item or can be affixed to facing panels of a letter or pages of a book. Some preferred items include a pop-up element in the form of one or two panels carrying strategically located pressure-sensitive adhesive which permits instant mounting, e.g. between facing panels so that, upon opening, the pop-up element assumes a three-dimensional configuration as a result of the pressure-sensitive adhesive bonding to the surfaces of facing panels or pages. The 3-dimensional pop-up can also be mounted to a suitable supporting surface. A variety of methods for the mass production of such pop-up elements from a continuous web, e.g., a printed and die-cut web from a web press, facilitate their inexpensive fabrication. These pop-up elements are preferably marketed or distributed in groups, e.g.

Abstract: A "pull-tab" gaming machine for dispensing game tickets with imprinted symbols or indicia that cannot be viewed without removing a cover strip and cannot be mechanically scanned to reveal the indicia. A ticket supply, such as a continuous roll of tickets, is installed in the machine together with an electronic memory module that contains a ticket record for each ticket in the supply. The memory module is read sequentially to obtain a ticket identifier and ticket indicia data. The ticket identifier from the memory module is compared with a machine-readable identifier encoded onto each physical ticket and, if a match is found, the ticket is dispensed and its indicia data, as obtained from the memory module, are displayed on a screen. Winning combinations of indicia are detected electronically and used to actuate a winner light on the machine.

Abstract: Cards and methods of securing hidden symbols on cards are disclosed. The cards, such as instant-win lottery tickets, utilize continuous overprint inks that mask the boundaries between their "secure" and "unsecure" portions to inhibit unscrupulous players from successfully tampering with them. By reformulating the overprint inks to permit a single set to be applied to both portions of a card, more vibrant and aesthetically-pleasing graphics may be displayed as well while utilizing fewer printing stations during the printing process.

Abstract: A method and system for playing a player interactive lottery type game includes a gaming piece which includes a predetermined code having data indicating whether the player wins or loses the game, the data being unrecognizable to the player, such that the player does not know the outcome of the game prior to play of the game. The code is entered by the player into a processor. The processor presents a game of chance to the player on a display for interactive play by the player, and the player controls game play by inputting game parameters to the processor. The processor controls the outcome of the game of chance played by the player based upon the code entered by the player. A display provides an indication to the player of a game win or a game loss based upon the code.

Abstract: Disclosed is a game ticket with a base card displaying play results on a playing surface, an inner exposure device, and an outer exposure device. The inner exposure device is located so as to conceal at least one of the play results, and is removable to reveal the play results it conceals. The outer exposure device is located so as to conceal both the inner exposure device and the play results not covered by the inner exposure device, and is removable to reveal the inner exposure device and play results that it conceals.

Abstract: A piece of printed material has preprinted, hidden data and includes a structure which prevents premature revealing of the hidden data. For example, an instant scratch-off lottery ticket according to the invention includes a substrate, an ink layer disposed on the substrate, the ink layer including hidden lottery data. An elemental-metal-free ink-receptive layer is provided between the ink layer and the substrate, whereby the metal-free layer prevents migration of ink from the ink layer through the substrate when the substrate has been contacted with a solvent.

Abstract: A card, such as a lottery ticket or game piece, lacking a foil laminate is disclosed. To simulate the appearance of such a laminate, however, the card includes a substrate onto which metal particles are adhered. The particles are permanently suspended in a resinous ink binder, thus forming neither a sheet of material nor a continuous, solid film. To enhance the reflectivity of the card, a clear overcoat may be applied.

Abstract: A flash device has a flash tube which generates light in response to electrical energy. The amount of light emitted by the flash tube is monitored by a circuit which is connected to means for adjusting the electrical energy supplied to said flash tube when a predetermined amount of light has been emitted to thereby increase the effective life span of the flash tube and maintain intensity level of the flash tube within a given tolerance.

Abstract: A lottery ticket is described having a front sheet which defines a plurality of windows and includes a plurality of bars separating said windows from one another and a plurality of closure panels closing the windows, a rear sheet and an intermediate layer for selectively bonding the front sheet and the rear sheet together. The side of the rear sheet which faces the front sheet bears a plurality of game symbols arranged in sets of symbols, with each set of symbols located within a respective window and including a set of winning symbols located in a winning window. The lottery ticket incorporates a first security indicia which comprises the occurrence in a set of winning symbols of all but one symbol of a uniform size and one symbol of a visibly larger or smaller size. This security indicia may be used alone or in combination with a second security indicia, for example, a printed word indicating that the ticket is a winning ticket.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the appeal of a sporting event at which wagering is allowed utilizes a dual-function ticket having two parts to produce a collectible souvenir having true rarity. A first ticket part records details of a placed bet, and is arranged to be cashed in to collect on a winning bet, while the second ticket part identifies the sports event and the participant on which the bet was placed, thereby serving as a souvenir having potential value as a collectible. Rarity of the souvenir ticket part is assured in that it can be obtained only through placing a bet, and the integrity of a collectibles aftermarket in the souvenir ticket parts is maintained by providing authentication means on the ticket to foil counterfeiting.

Abstract: A hidden entry system comprises a document having a first substrate bearing a localized latent image spaced apart from a removable image-developing device comprising a second substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second substrate bearing a chromogenic composition comprising an image-forming co-reactant, the image-forming co-reactant being a chromogen or a color developer, the second surface of the second substrate bearing a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The image developing device is in superposed relation with the first substrate with the pressure sensitive coating being releasably attached to the first substrate.

Abstract: A lottery play slip and lottery ticket jacket for protectively holding one or a plurality of play slips and lottery tickets. The device is formed of three preferably transparent flat panels connected along three edges one to another. The forth or upper margin of each panel is unconnected to facilitate slidable insertion of the play slip between two of the panels sized similar to the play slip and insertion of the smaller lottery ticket between the second and third panels, the third panel being smaller in size and similar to that of the lottery ticket.

Abstract: A game piece and a method of simulating a player selection lottery game using the game piece. The game piece is made from a substrate. The game piece has predetermined playing groups of digits and at least two matching groups of digits printed thereon. The game piece also has, for each matching group of digits, a predetermined prize indicia. These prize indicia represent prizes associated with each of the matching groups. Either the playing or matching groups (or preferably both) are covered with, for example, aluminum permeated latex. The player scratches off the latex from a playing and a matching group, and depending upon the relevant match type, compares the groups accordingly. The relevant match types include a potential exact order match to a selected playing group, an any order match to a selected playing group, a plurality match to a selected playing group, and a single digit match to a selected playing group.

Abstract: A lottery ticket is produced by first photographing by a user a plurality of images, printing the photographed images onto a carrier, providing on the carrier a plurality of numbers corresponding to the images so that when the player crosses out several images he identifies several numbers to play in a lottery, and arranging on the ticket symbols which identify the player.

Abstract: A hidden entry system comprises a document having a first substrate bearing a localized latent image spaced apart from a removable image-developing device comprising a second substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface of the second substrate bearing a chromogenic composition comprising an image-forming co-reactant, the image-forming co-reactant being a chromogen or a color developer, the second surface of the second substrate bearing a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The image developing device is in superposed relation with the first substrate with the pressure sensitive coating being releasably attached to the first substrate.

Abstract: A bingo-game marker comprises revealable, concealed imprints of symbols or indicia covered with an opaque coating which is removable to reveal imprints which provide a sweepstakes-play mechanism for enhancement of the attraction of the game and for promotional purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: Equipment and methods of entering and playing a prize drawing game of chance are disclosed, some of which do not require the participant to make a purchase in order to enter. The five ways of entering the game include the use of a written entry form which is printed, at intervals, along the length of a cash register tape, such that the entry forms are disseminated among customers when cash register receipts are generated by the use of the tape and are given to customers.

Abstract: A game resembling a maze is disclosed. The game is formed of a substrate onto which distinct grids are printed, each containing multiple numerals or other suitable symbols. Opaque coatings cover both grids, concealing the symbols printed on the substrate, and adjacent boxes of one grid create multiple pathways from one border of the grid to another. In use, a player removes selected portions of the opaque coatings to determine whether adjacent boxes containing certain exposed symbols form a continuous path connecting separate borders of the grid.

Abstract: A lottery-type gaming system having multiple levels of play. The gaming system includes a plurality of playing cards and a master game card. Each of the playing cards includes at least one game symbol displayed thereon. Game symbols which are winning game symbols are displayed upon at least one of the playing cards. The master game card includes a plurality of playing levels. Each playing level includes at least one winning game symbol. At least one winning game symbol present in a first playing level is absent from successive playing levels. Each successive playing level includes a winning game symbol present in each previous playing level.

Abstract: Interactive games provide a player with an opportunity to use skill and knowledge of conventional game strategy to facilitate greater player interest. The games described herein include simulated versions of blackjack, draw poker, Hold'Em, pick seven and roulette which are playable on video display terminals, scratch-off cards or pull tab cards interchangeably. Each casino game described herein has been modified for use with the card and video format to provide a simulated game which incorporates the strategy of the related casino game.

Abstract: A printed document, such as a lottery ticket, includes a thermochromic layer at least over the imprinted data region. The printed document can be authenticated by applying heat to the thermochromic material and observing the presence or absence of a reversible color change.

Abstract: An efficient hand-held scanner simultaneously isolates and blocks out all but a single row of numbers on a lottery ticket at a time for ready comparison with winning lottery number displayed on the scanner. The multipurpose scanner has windows and displays for accommodating a six number weekly lottery game and a five number daily lotto game. The convenient scanner also has a support member, which preferably comprises an inclined flap, to support and guide lottery tickets past the windows of the scanner.

Abstract: A recording target includes targeting information printed on a substrate offset from a visible target and masked from the weapon operator by a thermal clearing masking layer. The operator aims at the visible target and the simulated weapon applies a focussed pulse of intense visible light to the masked targeting information to reveal the relevant targeting information by being converted into infrared radiation, by the thermal clearing masking layer and/or a portion of the masked targeting information thereunder, which clears or renders transparent the portions of the thermal clearing masking layer illuminated by the focussed visible light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an imaging device and method for developing, duplicating and printing graphic media. The imaging device of the present invention is utilized in devices such as copiers, printers, game cards and the like, and comprises a substrate bearing an infrared image producing layer, a thermal image forming layer and a light source. A brief but intense flash of visible light from the light source causes latent heat properties of the infrared layer to generate heat and convert visible light into far infrared light. This far infrared light develops or marks portions of the thermal layer which are adjacent the infrared layer.

Abstract: A game card for playing rounders or bingo. The game card comprises a matrix having a plurality of polygons interfitted to define a multiplicity of intersections formed by adjacent angular portions of contiguous polygons. Each angular portion of a polygon carries a number or a blank with no number. Alternatively, the game card may also be used for promotional purposes by covering the intersections and numbers surrounding the intersections with a removable opaque coating.