Method for optically decoding a debit or credit card

Abstract

A method for collecting and transmitting information desired for a commercial transaction from a debit or credit card uses a processor configured with optical character recognition (OCR) capability. At least one optical image of the debit or credit card is collected by the processor. The edges of the card are algorithmically defined from the collected image. Predefined offsets are applied to the algorithmically defined edges of the debit or credit card to algorithmically locate an area in the collected image having the desired transactional data. The transactional data within the located area is encoded and transmitted for further processing of the commercial transaction.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 596,385, filed Feb. 8, 2012.FIELD OF THE DESCRIBED METHODS[0002]The present subject matter relates to methods and systems for performing all logistical functionality (e.g., activation, sales, validation, etc.) of lottery and contest type tickets (e.g., instant lottery tickets, on-line lottery tickets, promotional materials, etc.) using existing infrastructures without the need for additional lottery or game specific hardware installed at a retailer's location. Additionally, the use of the aforementioned infrastructures also enables street vendors to readily: activate, sell, and validate lottery tickets, and to pay applicable prizes of lottery games. The proposed methodologies and systems enable the sale / processing of lottery and contest tickets, as well as interchange of other data (e.g., check clearing, authentication, etc.) between the retailer to a central processing hub withou...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]Described herein are a number of mechanisms illustrating the practical advantages of as well as the details of reliably utilizing existing interchanges to eliminate the logistical need for any custom hardware at a retailer POS. The disclosed mechanisms thereby offering substantial savings (in eliminating hardware costs and maintenance) while at the same time reducing the clutter on retailer's counters as well as simplifying the retailer interface.

Problems solved by technology

However, after decades of growth, the sales curves associated with traditional games seem to be flattening out with the existing retailer base appearing to plateau.

However, attempts by lotteries and their service providers to recruit these new retailers have not succeeded.

The main reasons for the lack of success is that lottery products are too labor intensive and require special equipment.

Additionally, aside from the added cost of the special equipment, its placement may require big box and drug store retailers to have a separate lottery sales / redemption location possibly requiring extra staff.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,621), however all of these systems have required the addition of special scanning or dispensing hardware that consequently incur significant costs.

Images