Abstract:
A method and associated substrate provide for deterring and detecting fraudulent removal of a scratch-off coating (SOC) from a substrate that is formed with at least one scratch-off area and a background area surrounding the scratch- off area. A scratch-off coating is applied to the scratch-off area. A visually distinguishable design is applied over the scratch-off coating and onto the background area. Attempts to lift and replace/reapply the SOC results in misregistered {i.e., misaligned) portions of the design, thereby providing a visual indication of attempts to remove and reapply or tamper with the scratch-off coating.
Abstract:
Improved scanner designs are provided to improve imaging and reduce errors during the scanning process. Embodiments disclosed include, for example, the use of dual cameras to improve imagery and reduce the scanner enclosure size, synchronized lighting techniques during the scanning sequence, shielded lens for the camera scanner, a scanner enclosed on at least three sides, adjustments to scanner lighting based on the levels of ambient lighting, a combined branding and scanner apparatus, a gimbaled scanner mount, and a tilted platen with stop for document alignment.
Abstract:
A method is provided wherein purchasers of products are offered an incentive to register their products with a central registration site. The purchaser provides an identifier associated with their product for registration, and the identifier is input into the central registration site and validated. If the identifier is determined to be valid and not previously registered, the identifier is registered with the centra! registration site and the player is awarded the incentive offered for registering their product. If the identifier is determined to be valid but previously registered, or if the identifier is determined to be invalid, then a request is issued to the purchaser to provide logistical information concerning purchase of the product prior to providing the incentive to the purchaser. The logistical information is maintained and may be used for detection of forgery activities related to the product.
Abstract:
A method and associated system for Internet play of an instant lottery game includes supplying instant lottery tickets for purchase by players, with each of the instant lottery tickets having a game authorization code. The winning or loosing status of the instant lottery tickets is unknown to the players at the time of purchase. Each of the instant lottery tickets is provided with a unique prize claim code separate from the game authorization code. A web site is provided wherein a player enters the game authorization code via an Internet device to initiate play of the instant lottery game. The outcome of the game is then randomly determined and presented to the player via the web site. The value of a winning outcome is credited to a running tally associated with the lottery ticket and, upon the player cashing out to end the lottery game, a monetary value is assigned for the running tally associated with the unique prize claim code. The prize claim codes are stored and at defined periodic intervals, the prize claim codes are transferred to a lottery system central computer. For redemption of an instant lottery ticket, the player presents the prize claim code to a lottery redemption location wherein the presented prize claim code is verified with data from the transferred prize claim codes to determine a payout to the player for the lottery ticket.
Abstract:
Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display and a card interface adapted to receive a game card having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display. Also described are lottery tickets or game cards that are adapted use with the game devices along with methods of manufacturing the game cards.
Abstract:
Described are a number of mechanisms that can reduce transaction costs and increase the economic viability of a number of products. Included is a combination instant lottery ticket and debit card that makes it possible to issue prepaid debit cards having a relatively low monetary value. Also included is a combination on-line ticket/ receipt and debit card that can automate the prize paying process, simplifying the retailer's responsibilities while reducing the potential for fraud. Various cash flow and authentication techniques such as age and location verification, nano payment methods and spam filters based on these mechanisms are also described. In addition, instant lottery tickets, and in particular, losing tickets can be provided with a small residual value by placing account information on the ticket. In another version, a lottery ticket can be combined with a payment card that operates as a closed payment system whereby the payment card can only be used with a specified vendor
Abstract:
An electronic game machine is provided that may be used in association with standard or special type lottery tickets to enhance a lottery players game experience. The machine may be configure for single or plural play options and may be recharged for reuse. Game play data may be entered manually or automatically. Game machines may be manufactured as generic devices and programmed with game specific information as needed.
Abstract:
Described is a player activated game system, particularly adapted for playing instant lottery type games, that includes a game device (200) having a computer containing at least one game, an electronic display (280) and a card interface adapted to receive a game card (202) having data that represents a particular game outcome such that connection of the card to the interface can result the game being played by the device with the particular outcome displayed on the display (280).
Abstract:
A method of embedding an optical signature in a document and document produced therefrom. The optical signature is an optical pattern generated from a known value, such as a mathematical, geometric, trigonometric, size, phase, and the like, and the same value can be generated from examination of a document having the embedded optical pattern. The document can be validated, authenticated, or the determination of a valid copy of an original document with the embedded optical signature made through comparison of the known value and the value generated from the optical pattern on the document. The optical pattern can also be generated from other identification codes on the document.
Abstract:
A method (and associated substrate) is provided for deterring and detecting fraudulent removal of a scratch-off coating (SOC) from a substrate having a scratch-off area. A scratch-off coating is applied over the scratch-off area. An overcoat material is applied over the scratch-off coating. The overcoat material is formulated with a reactant that reacts with chemicals used in assisted mechanical lift attempts and produces a visual indication of the use of such chemicals in an attempt to tamper with the SOC to discern images or indicia underlying the SOC.