A lottery apparatus and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a lottery ticket device and a running method thereof. The lottery ticket device comprises a shell forming a paper running channel, a transparent plate arranged at an observation window, a camera for image acquisition, a rubber roller device for conveying paper, a ticket feeding sensor and a position sensing assembly for detecting a paper feeding state, a marking device for marking paper feeding, and a controller. The controller performs unified image acquisition and identification processing on a handwritten betting slip, a computer ticket and an instant ticket through the camera, and controls the marking device to perform printing marking or punching marking according to an identification result. The running method comprises paper feeding detection, image acquisition, type determination and corresponding processing flow. Through the adaptive adjustment structure of the paper feeding channel, the single-camera image identification and the collaborative design of the single-module double-marking structure, the application realizes the integrated operation of automatic identification, classification processing and marking of multiple types of tickets, and significantly improves the processing efficiency while simplifying the equipment structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lottery equipment technology, and in particular to a lottery equipment and its operating method. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued development of the lottery industry, the mainstream lottery sales method in the market is still mainly manual operation. Currently, lottery buyers rarely use standardized handwritten betting slips. The mainstream method involves handwriting the betting numbers and then having ticket sellers manually enter them into the system one by one to complete the betting. This significantly increases the workload of ticket sellers, and this method is highly dependent on the skill level of the ticket sellers, resulting in low manual data entry efficiency. At the same time, there are differences in the prize redemption marking methods between instant lottery tickets and computer-generated lottery tickets. The former is usually marked by punching holes, while the latter is marked by printing. However, existing equipment usually has separate marking modules for each, making the lottery equipment structure relatively complex. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. This application provides a lottery device and its operating method, capable of automatically identifying and processing multiple types of paper feeds.

[0004] The lottery device according to the first aspect of this application includes: First outer shell; The second housing, together with the first housing, forms a paper feeding channel, which has a first inlet and a second inlet; the second housing has an observation window, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the paper feeding channel and the external environment. A transparent panel, wherein the transparent panel is disposed at the observation window; An extended curved shell, one end of which is connected to the second outer shell, and the other end is equipped with a camera, which is positioned facing the observation window and is used to capture images of the paper feed; A rubber roller device, comprising a rubber roller assembly and a drive component, wherein the rubber roller assembly is disposed near the paper feed channel and is connected to the output end of the drive component to drive the paper feed to move within the paper feed channel; A ticket feed sensor is located at the first inlet and is used to detect whether paper is being fed into the paper feed channel. A position sensing component is located on the paper feed channel near the observation window, and is used to obtain the position information of the paper feed in the paper feed channel; A marking device is disposed within the paper feed channel; The controller is communicatively connected to the ticket sensor, drive component, position sensing component, camera, and marking device. The controller is configured to perform unified image acquisition and processing through the camera for handwritten betting slip recognition, computer ticket anomaly detection, and prize redemption recognition of computer tickets and instant tickets. Based on the paper type acquired by the camera, the controller controls the marking device to select whether to perform printing marking or punching marking.

[0005] The lottery device according to the embodiments of this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The lottery equipment of this application includes a first housing, a second housing, a transparent plate, an extended curved shell, a rubber roller device, a ticket feed sensor, a position sensor, a marking device, and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the ticket feed sensor, the drive component, the position sensing component, the camera, and the marking device. The second housing and the first housing cooperate to form a paper feeding channel, which has a first inlet and a second inlet for feeding paper along a preset path. The second housing has an observation window, with both ends communicating with the paper feeding channel and the external environment, thus forming an opening recognition area for optical acquisition at the paper feeding channel. The transparent plate is positioned at the observation window and covers the area between the observation window and the paper feeding channel. One end of the extended curved shell is connected to the second housing, and the other end extends to the area above the observation end. The camera is positioned at the other end of the extended curved shell and faces the transparent plate. The camera's imaging area covers the opening recognition area of ​​the observation window, enabling the acquisition of information about the paper feeding surface through the transparent plate. The camera captures images of the paper feed, and the controller processes the captured image information to determine the paper feed type. Based on the paper feed type, the controller controls the paper feed to enter the corresponding processing flow, thereby realizing the recognition of handwritten betting slips, the detection of abnormal computer-generated tickets, and the recognition of prize redemption for computer-generated tickets and instant lottery tickets.

[0006] A paper feed sensor is located at the first inlet to detect whether paper has entered the paper feed channel and sends an entry signal to the controller. The rubber roller device includes a rubber roller assembly and a drive unit. The rubber roller assembly is positioned near the paper feed channel and connected to the output of the drive unit. Upon receiving the entry signal, the controller uses the rubber roller device to drive the paper feed along the paper feed channel. A position sensing component is located on the paper feed channel near the observation window to acquire the position information of the paper feed within the channel. The controller uses this position information to control the start and stop of the rubber roller device, causing the paper feed to stop once it reaches the observation window area. A marking device is located within the paper feed channel to mark the paper after it has been identified. After the paper feed completes its corresponding processing, the controller selects to perform either printing or punching marking based on the paper feed type.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this application, it further includes a channel adjustment component and a thickness detector, wherein the channel adjustment component is disposed on the paper feeding channel and the thickness detector is disposed at the first inlet for detecting the thickness of the paper feed; The controller is communicatively connected to the thickness detector and the channel adjustment component. The controller controls the movement of the channel adjustment component according to the obtained paper feed thickness to adjust the height of the paper feed channel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the channel adjustment assembly includes a cam assembly, a first drive assembly, and a first elastic element. The transparent plate is disposed inside the observation window, the first elastic element is disposed between one end of the transparent plate and the observation window, the output end of the cam assembly abuts against the other end of the transparent plate, and the cam assembly is connected to the output end of the first drive assembly.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this application, the marking device includes a punching component, a printing component, and a second driving component. The punching component and the printing component are respectively connected to the output end of the second driving component. The controller is communicatively connected to the second driving component and is configured to drive the second driving component to rotate about a first direction to drive the printing component to move, or to drive the second driving component to rotate about a second direction to drive the punching component to move.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this application, the punching assembly includes a cam, a one-way bearing, a punching component, and a second elastic component. The cam is connected to the rotating shaft of the second drive assembly via the one-way bearing. The cam abuts against one end of the punching component, and the other end of the punching component penetrates through a first reserved hole in the second housing to the paper feeding channel. The second elastic component is disposed between the connection between the second housing and the punching component.

[0011] The method for operating a lottery device according to a second aspect of this application, applied to any of the lottery devices described in the above embodiments, includes: S1. Paper is fed into the paper feed path; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera is triggered to capture and process the image of the paper. S3. Determine the paper feed type based on the image processing results and control the paper feed into the corresponding processing flow, including... Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the handwritten text information of the handwritten betting slip, and the acquired handwritten text information is output to an external display terminal; Status B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow includes either process a or process b; Process a. The camera acquires the recognition area information of the computer ticket, determines the winning information of the computer ticket, and the marking device rotates around the first direction to print the winning amount mark; Process b. The camera acquires computer ticket information and performs anomaly detection on the computer ticket; when the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the marking device rotates around the first direction to print a void mark; when the detection result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device does not perform any action. State C. When the paper type is instant ticket, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the instant ticket, determines the winning information of the instant ticket, and the marking device rotates around the second direction to punch a mark. S4. Output or return the paper after processing is complete.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, the operating method includes: S1. The paper feed sensor detects that the paper is entering the paper feeding channel from the first inlet; S2. The rubber roller device drives the paper feed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper feed has reached the preset recognition position, it triggers the camera to capture and process the image of the paper feed. S3. Determine the paper feed type based on the image processing results and control the paper feed into the corresponding processing flow, including... Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the handwritten text information of the handwritten betting slip, and the acquired handwritten text information is output to an external display terminal; Status B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow a includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the computer-generated ticket, determines the winning information of the computer-generated ticket, and the marking device rotates around the first direction to print the winning amount mark; State C. When the paper type is instant ticket, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the instant ticket, determines the winning information of the instant ticket, and the marking device rotates around the second direction to punch a hole and mark it. S4. Output or return the paper feed after processing is complete; and / or S1. Paper enters the paper feeding channel from the second inlet; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera is triggered to capture and process the image of the paper. S3. The paper type is directly determined to be a computer ticket. Processing flow b includes: the camera acquires computer ticket information and performs anomaly detection on the computer ticket; when the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the marking device rotates around the first direction to print a void mark; when the detection result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device does not perform any action. S4. After processing is complete, output the paper from the first inlet.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this application, between steps S1 and S2, the following is further included: The thickness information of the paper feed is obtained, and the height of the paper feed channel is adjusted by controlling the channel adjustment component based on the thickness information.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the processing flow for state A further includes: When the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation window area, the handwritten betting slip is controlled to be transported in segments, so that subsequent areas enter the observation window area in sequence for segmented image acquisition. Based on the displacement of the handwritten betting slip, the position association of each segmented image is spliced ​​and recognized until the content recognition of the entire handwritten betting slip is completed.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this application, in the step of the camera acquiring and processing images of the paper feed, the image processing includes color processing and image quality enhancement, and character recognition to output digital information; wherein color processing includes color matrix correction, color saturation, hue, contrast and brightness adjustment, and image quality enhancement includes noise reduction processing and edge enhancement processing. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a lottery device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is one of the cross-sectional schematic diagrams of a lottery device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rubber roller device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is one of the flowcharts for a lottery device operation method according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a second flowchart of a lottery device operation method according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 This is a partial exploded view of a lottery device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a second cross-sectional schematic diagram of a lottery device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a marking device according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 9 This is an exploded schematic diagram of a marking device according to an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure label: First outer shell 110; Second outer shell 120; Observation window 121; First reserved hole 122; Second reserved hole 123; Paper feeding channel 130; First inlet 131; Second inlet 132; Transparent plate 140; Extended curved shell 150; Camera 200; Adaptive fill light 210; Rubber roller device 300; rubber roller assembly 310; rubber roller element 311; drive component 320; reduction gear 330; transmission gear 340; Ticket insertion sensor 410; position sensing component 420; first position sensor 421; Marking device 500; punching assembly 510; cam component 511; one-way bearing 512; punching component 513; second elastic component 514; snap ring 515; oil-impregnated bearing 516; printing assembly 520; second drive assembly 530; rotating shaft 531; Controller 600; Channel adjustment component 700; cam component 710; first drive component 720; first elastic element 730. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0019] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the use of terms such as "center," "middle," "longitudinal," "transverse," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Furthermore, features defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0020] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0021] The following reference Figures 1 to 9This application describes the lottery equipment and its operation method in the embodiments.

[0022] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a lottery device according to one embodiment of this application includes a first housing 110, a second housing 120, a transparent plate 140, an extended curved shell 150, a rubber roller device 300, a ticket insertion sensor 410, a position sensing component 420, a marking device 500, and a controller 600. The controller 600 is communicatively connected to the ticket insertion sensor 410, the drive component 320, the position sensing component 420, the camera 200, and the marking device 500.

[0023] The second outer shell 120 is connected vertically to the first outer shell 110, forming a continuous paper feeding channel 130. The paper feeding channel 130 has a first inlet 131 and a second inlet 132 for feeding paper along a preset path. The second outer shell 120 has an observation window 121, with both ends of the observation window 121 communicating with the paper feeding channel 130 and the external environment, thus forming an opening recognition area in the paper feeding channel 130 for optical acquisition. A transparent plate 140 is disposed at the observation window 121 and covers the area between the observation window 121 and the paper feeding channel 130, enabling the camera 200 to clearly image the paper feeding within the paper feeding channel 130. One end of the extended curved shell 150 is connected to the second outer shell 120, and the other end extends to the area above the observation end. The camera 200 is disposed at the other end of the extended curved shell 150 and faces the transparent plate 140. The shooting area of ​​the camera 200 covers the opening recognition area of ​​the observation window 121, thereby enabling the acquisition of information about the paper feeding surface through the transparent plate 140.

[0024] A paper feed sensor 410 is located at the first inlet 131 to detect whether paper has entered the paper feed channel 130 and sends an entry signal to the controller 600. (See also...) Figure 3 The roller assembly 300 includes a roller assembly 310 and a drive component 320. The roller assembly 310 is located near the paper feed path 130 and connected to the output end of the drive component 320. After receiving an entry signal, the controller 600 drives the paper feed along the paper feed path 130 via the roller assembly 300. The position sensing component 420 is located on the paper feed path 130 near the observation window 121 and is used to obtain the position information of the paper feed within the paper feed path 130. The controller 600 controls the start and stop of the roller assembly 300 based on this position information so that the paper feed stops after moving to the area of ​​the observation window 121. The marking device 500 is located near the second entry point 132 in the paper feed path 130 and is used to mark the paper feed after the paper feed has been identified.

[0025] Based on this, continue to see Figure 4 and Figure 5The lottery device operation method in one embodiment of this application is applied to the lottery device in the above embodiment, and the operation method includes the following steps.

[0026] S1. Paper is fed into the paper path 130; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window 121 area, and when the position sensing component 420 detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera 200 is triggered to acquire and process the image of the paper. S3. Determine the paper feed type based on the image processing results and control the paper feed into the corresponding processing flow, including: Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: the camera 200 acquires the handwritten text information of the handwritten betting slip and outputs the acquired handwritten text information to the display terminal; Status B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow includes either process a or process b; Process a: Camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of the computer ticket, determines the winning information of the computer ticket, and the marking device 500 rotates around the first direction to print the winning amount mark; Process b: Camera 200 acquires computer ticket information and performs anomaly detection on the computer ticket; when the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the marking device 500 rotates around the first direction to print a void mark; when the detection result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device 500 does not perform any action. State C. When the paper type is instant ticket, the processing flow includes: camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of instant ticket, determines the winning information of instant ticket, and marking device 500 rotates around the second direction to punch a mark. S4. Output or return the paper after processing is complete.

[0027] Specifically, in actual operation, see Figure 4 The operation method includes the following steps.

[0028] S1. When the paper enters the paper feeding channel 130 from the first inlet 131, the paper feeding sensor 410 first detects the paper feeding signal and sends the signal to the controller 600. After receiving the signal, the controller 600 controls the drive component 320 to start, thereby driving the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, so that the paper is conveyed forward along the paper feeding channel 130.

[0029] S2. When the position sensing component 420 detects that the paper feed has reached the opening recognition area corresponding to the observation window 121, it sends a position stop signal to the controller 600. The controller 600 controls the drive component 320 to stop. At the same time, the controller 600 controls the trigger camera 200 to capture images of the paper feed through the transparent plate 140 and processes the captured graphic information.

[0030] S3. The controller 600 determines the paper feed type based on the image processing results and controls the paper feed to enter the corresponding processing flow, including three states: A, B, and C. Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: camera 200 acquires the handwritten text information of the betting slip, and controller 600 outputs the recognized text information to an external display terminal. After the user confirms on the external display terminal, the external printer executes the printing operation of the computer ticket based on the confirmed text information.

[0031] S4. After the marking operation is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131 or the second inlet 132.

[0032] State B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow a includes: camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of the computer-generated ticket, and controller 600 determines the winning status of the computer-generated ticket based on the recognition area information. After the determination is completed, the computer-generated ticket is moved to the printing area by the rubber roller assembly 310, and the marking device 500 is further controlled to execute the corresponding printing marking.

[0033] S4. After the marking operation is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131.

[0034] State C. When the paper type is instant lottery ticket, the processing flow includes: camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of the instant lottery ticket, and controller 600 determines the winning status of the instant lottery ticket based on the recognition area information. After the determination is completed, the instant lottery ticket is moved to the punching area by the rubber roller assembly 310, and the marking device 500 is further controlled to perform punching and marking.

[0035] S4. After the marking operation is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131.

[0036] In practical applications, computer-generated tickets are prone to errors during printing, such as blank tickets, damaged tickets, or tickets that have been eaten. Currently, handling these errors requires a closed-loop process: "on-site communication with the lottery buyer—standardized reporting by the sales outlet—review and processing by the lottery management center." This process is not only time-consuming but also increases communication costs, making it difficult to promptly eliminate the impact of these errors on the user experience. Therefore, according to... Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the running method includes: S1. Align the second inlet 132 with the output end of the external printer. After the paper is output from the external printer, it enters the paper path 130 directly from the second inlet 132; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window 121 area, and when the position sensing component 420 detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera 200 is triggered to acquire and process the image of the paper. S3. Since the paper enters through the second inlet 132, the paper type can be directly identified as a computer-generated ticket. Subsequently, the processing flow b includes: the camera acquiring complete or partial information (such as recognition area information) of the computer-generated ticket, and based on the image processing results, performing anomaly detection on the computer-generated ticket to determine whether there are any abnormalities.

[0037] When the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the roller assembly 310 moves the abnormal computer ticket to the printing area. The marking device rotates around the first direction to execute the "void" printing mark to identify the computer ticket as an invalid ticket. After confirming that the ticket is invalid, the controller 600 transmits a control signal to the printer on the external terminal. The printer reprints the computer ticket and re-verifies it.

[0038] When the test result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device does not need to perform the printing action.

[0039] S4. After processing is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131 to complete the ticket verification.

[0040] The lottery equipment and its operating method of this application can automatically recognize the betting information of handwritten betting slips, and then verify computer-generated tickets containing that betting information. In some embodiments, see... Figure 2 The position sensing component 420 includes multiple position sensors, including a first position sensor 421 located at the end of the observation window 121 away from the second entrance 132 to identify when the ticket has been fully delivered to the area of ​​the observation window 121.

[0041] according to Figure 4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the processing flow for state A further includes: When the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation window 121 area, the handwritten betting slip is controlled to be transported in segments, so that the subsequent areas enter the observation window 121 area in sequence for segmented image acquisition. Based on the displacement of the handwritten betting slip, the position association of each segmented image is spliced ​​and recognized until the content recognition of the entire handwritten betting slip is completed.

[0042] Understandably, when the paper type is determined to be a handwritten betting slip, if the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation window 121 area, the handwritten betting slip is controlled to continue being conveyed towards the second entrance 132 within the paper feeding channel 130, allowing subsequent areas of the handwritten betting slip to gradually enter the observation window 121 area. When each segment enters the observation window 121 area, the camera 200 is triggered to capture an image of the current area, thereby acquiring multiple segmented image data. Simultaneously, during the paper feeding process, based on the conveying displacement information of the handwritten betting slip within the paper feeding channel 130, positional association processing is performed on each segmented image to determine the relative positional relationship of each segmented image within the entire handwritten betting slip. After acquiring all segmented images, splicing and recognition processing is performed on each segmented image to recover the complete handwritten betting slip information, until the content recognition of the entire handwritten betting slip is completed.

[0043] In some embodiments, when the first position sensor 421 and the ticket sensor 410 simultaneously detect a ticket being received, that is, when the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation end area.

[0044] In one embodiment of this application, the step of the camera 200 acquiring and processing images of the paper feed includes image processing and image quality enhancement, and character recognition to output digital information; wherein the color processing includes color matrix correction, color saturation, hue, contrast and brightness adjustment, and the image quality enhancement includes noise reduction processing and edge enhancement processing.

[0045] Understandably, after the camera 200 acquires the image data from the paper feed, it first performs color processing on the captured image. Specifically, it performs color matrix correction to compensate for color deviations caused by the image sensor; simultaneously, it adjusts the image's color saturation, hue, contrast, and brightness parameters to optimize the overall image display and make the image information clearer. After color processing, it performs image quality enhancement processing. Specifically, it performs noise reduction processing to remove random noise from the image and improve image purity; at the same time, it performs edge enhancement processing to strengthen the edge features of characters in the image, making handwritten characters stand out more. After color processing and image quality enhancement, it performs character recognition processing to convert the text information in the image into corresponding digital information for output.

[0046] The lottery equipment and its operation method of this application replace traditional CIS technology with a camera 200. The camera 200 is positioned facing the observation window 121 to capture images of the paper feed in the paper feeding channel 130, and the images are processed uniformly by the controller 600. This allows the same camera 200 to simultaneously perform handwritten betting slip recognition, computer ticket anomaly detection, and computer ticket and instant lottery ticket prize redemption functions, achieving unified recognition and processing of multiple types of incoming tickets. Furthermore, through image acquisition and processing of computer tickets, automatic detection of abnormal computer ticket states is achieved without manual intervention, improving lottery processing efficiency.

[0047] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The camera 200 is equipped with adaptive fill lights 210 around its perimeter, which are used to adjust the light intensity according to the environment, so that the camera 200 can better capture images.

[0048] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The rubber roller assembly 310 includes a plurality of rubber roller elements 311, which are arranged side by side at intervals. The rubber roller device 300 also includes a transmission gear 340 and a reduction gear 330, and each rubber roller element 311 is connected to the output end of the drive component 320 through the cooperation of the transmission gear 340 and the reduction gear 330.

[0049] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the lottery device further includes a channel adjustment component 700 and a thickness detector. The channel adjustment component 700 is disposed on the paper feeding channel 130 and is used to adjust the height of the paper feeding channel 130. The thickness detector is disposed at the first inlet 131 and is used to detect the thickness of the paper when it enters the paper feeding channel 130. The thickness detector detects the thickness of the paper and transmits the thickness information to the controller 600. The controller 600 analyzes and processes the acquired paper thickness information and outputs a corresponding control signal to the channel adjustment component 700 to drive the channel adjustment component 700 to adjust the height of the paper feeding channel 130, so that the channel height of the paper feeding channel 130 matches the current paper thickness, thereby adapting to the thickness differences of different ticket types such as handwritten betting slips, computer-generated tickets, or instant tickets.

[0050] according to Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the channel adjustment assembly 700 includes a cam assembly 710, a first drive assembly 720, and a first elastic member 730. A transparent plate 140 is disposed inside the observation window 121 and covers it. The first elastic member 730 is disposed between one end of the transparent plate 140 and the observation window 121, and under the weight of the transparent plate 140 and the elasticity of the first elastic member 730, the transparent plate 140 tends to press towards the paper feeding channel 130. The cam assembly 710 is disposed on the other side of the transparent plate 140, and its output end abuts against the transparent plate 140. The cam assembly 710 applies a lifting or releasing action to the transparent plate 140 through changes in its outer contour. The output end of the first drive assembly 720 is connected to the cam assembly 710 and is used to drive the cam assembly 710 to rotate, thereby changing the contact position between the cam and the transparent plate 140, and thus changing the height of the transparent plate 140.

[0051] When the high point of the cam assembly 710 contacts the transparent plate 140, a large lifting force is applied to the transparent plate 140, causing the transparent plate 140 to move away from the paper feeding channel 130, thereby increasing the channel height of the paper feeding channel 130. When the low point of the cam assembly 710 contacts the transparent plate 140, the support for the transparent plate 140 decreases. Under the weight of the transparent plate 140 and the elastic action of the first elastic member 730, the transparent plate 140 rebounds towards the inside of the paper feeding channel 130, thereby reducing the channel height.

[0052] Specifically, the cam in the cam assembly 710 is an eccentric circle, and its center distance gradually increases and then gradually decreases. This satisfies the following formula: G=Kd*V*T, where G is the height of the paper path 130, Kd is the cam center distance parameter, V is the preset paper feeding speed, and T is the paper thickness parameter.

[0053] Based on this, in one embodiment of the present application, the running method further includes the following step between steps S1 and S2: The thickness information of the paper feed is obtained, and the height of the paper feed channel 130 is adjusted by the channel adjustment component 700 according to the thickness information.

[0054] Understandably, when paper enters the paper feed channel 130, the thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper and acquires the thickness information. The thickness sensor transmits the thickness information to the controller 600, which processes the thickness information and outputs a control signal to the channel adjustment component 700 to drive the first drive component 720 to rotate the cam component 710, thereby adjusting the height of the paper feed channel 130.

[0055] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the marking device 500 includes a punching component 510, a printing component 520, and a second driving component 530. The punching component 510 and the printing component 520 are respectively connected to the output end of the second driving component 530, which provides driving force not only to the printing component 520 but also to the punching component 510. The controller 600 is communicatively connected to the second driving component 530. When the position sensing component 420 detects that the paper feed has reached the position of the marking device 500, it drives the rubber roller device 300 to stop. At the same time, the controller 600 sends a control signal to the second driving component 530 to control the rotation state of the second driving component 530. The output end of the second drive component 530 can rotate in both directions, and its rotation direction corresponds to the action of the printing component 520 and the punching component 510. When the rotating shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 rotates around the first direction, it drives the printing component 520 to move and perform printing marking on the paper. When the rotating shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 rotates around the second direction, it drives the punching component 510 to move and perform punching marking on the paper.

[0056] The lottery equipment of this application, by simultaneously setting the printing component 520 and the punching component 510 in the same marking device 500 and sharing the second drive component 530 as a power source, can realize different types of marking functions in the same structure. The printing component 520 or the punching component 510 can be driven by simply controlling the rotation direction of the second drive component 530, avoiding the need to set up multiple independent modules, eliminating the need to add an additional drive mechanism, reducing the structural complexity and manufacturing cost of the lottery equipment, and also facilitating the miniaturization design of the lottery equipment.

[0057] In some embodiments, in state B, when the controller 600 determines that a prize has been won, it further controls the printing component 520 to print a mark indicating the actual amount of the prize; when the controller 600 determines that a prize has not been won, it further controls the printing component 520 to print a mark indicating "not won" or that the actual amount of the prize is 0.

[0058] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in one embodiment of this application, the punching assembly 510 includes a cam 511, a one-way bearing 512, a punching component 513, and a second elastic component 514. The cam 511 is connected to the rotating shaft 531 of the second drive assembly 530 via the one-way bearing 512. The one-way bearing 512 is used to transmit rotational torque only in the first direction, thereby avoiding interference from rotation in the non-working direction on the punching action. The punching component 513 is disposed perpendicular to the paper feed channel 130. The second housing 120 is provided with a first reserved hole 122 corresponding to the punching component 513. One end of the punching component 513 passes through the first reserved hole 122 for punching the paper feed located in the paper feed channel 130. The cam 511 is disposed at the other end of the punching component 513. The outer contour of the cam 511 abuts against the punching component 513 to convert the rotational motion into a linear pushing action on the punching component 513. The second elastic element 514 is disposed between the connection between the second housing 120 and the perforated element 513, and is used to apply a restoring force to the perforated element 513 so that the perforated element 513 maintains its initial position when it is not subjected to external force.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first elastic element 730 and the second elastic element 514 may be configured as springs, sheet springs, rubber parts, etc.

[0060] In some embodiments, the punching assembly 510 further includes a retaining ring 515 and an oil-impregnated bearing 516. The cam member 511 is connected to the second housing 120 via the oil-impregnated bearing 516, and the retaining ring 515 is disposed between the oil-impregnated bearing 516 and the second housing 120.

[0061] In some embodiments, the drive component 320, the first drive assembly 720, and the second drive assembly 530 may be configured as drive motors.

[0062] In some embodiments, the second housing 120 is provided with a second reserved hole 123. Under the second direction rotation driven by the second drive assembly 530, the printing part of the printing assembly 520 can pass through the second housing 120 and contact the paper feed in the paper feed channel 130 to realize the printing action.

[0063] See Figures 1 to 9 The following is one specific embodiment of the operation method of the lottery equipment of this application: Handwritten betting slips, computer-generated tickets, or instant lottery tickets are inserted into the first entry point 131 of the paper feeding channel 130, thereby enabling the processing of betting information for handwritten betting slips and the prize redemption processing for computer-generated tickets and instant lottery tickets.

[0064] S1. When the paper enters the paper feeding channel 130 from the first inlet 131, the paper feeding sensor 410 first detects the paper feeding signal and sends the signal to the controller 600. After receiving the signal, the controller 600 controls the drive component 320 to start, thereby driving the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, so that the paper is conveyed forward along the paper feeding channel 130.

[0065] S2. When the paper enters the paper feeding channel 130, the thickness sensor detects the thickness of the paper and acquires the thickness information. The thickness sensor transmits the thickness information to the controller 600. The controller 600 processes the thickness information and outputs a control signal to the channel adjustment component 700 to drive the first drive component 720 to rotate the cam component 710, thereby adjusting the height of the paper feeding channel 130 to match the paper thickness.

[0066] S3. When the position sensing component 420 detects that the paper feed has reached the opening recognition area corresponding to the observation window 121, it sends a position stop signal to the controller 600, and the controller 600 controls the drive component 320 to stop. The controller 600 controls the trigger camera 200 to capture images of the paper feed through the transparent plate 140, and performs color processing and image quality enhancement on the captured graphic information. At the same time, the adaptive fill light 210 provides fill light to obtain the original image data of the paper feed surface.

[0067] S4. The controller 600 determines the paper feed type based on the image processing results and controls the paper feed to enter the corresponding processing flow, including three states: A, B, and C. Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: camera 200 acquires the handwritten text information of the betting slip, and controller 600 outputs the recognized text information to an external display terminal. After the user confirms on the external display terminal, the external printer executes the printing operation of the computer ticket based on the confirmed text information; If the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation window 121 area, the handwritten betting slip is controlled to be transported in segments, so that the subsequent areas enter the observation window 121 area in sequence for segmented image acquisition. Based on the displacement of the handwritten betting slip, the position association of each segmented image is spliced ​​and recognized until the content recognition of the entire handwritten betting slip is completed.

[0068] State B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow a includes: camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of the computer-generated ticket, and controller 600 determines the winning status of the computer-generated ticket based on the recognition area information. If it is determined to be a winning ticket, the rotation shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 is controlled to rotate around the first direction, and a mark indicating the actual winning amount is printed; if it is determined to be a losing ticket, the rotation shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 is controlled to rotate around the first direction, and a "lost prize" mark is printed.

[0069] State C. When the paper type is instant lottery ticket, the processing flow includes: camera 200 acquires the recognition area information of the instant lottery ticket, controller 600 judges the winning status of the instant lottery ticket based on the recognition area information, controls the rotation shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 to rotate around the first direction, performs punching mark, and marks the instant lottery ticket as redeemed.

[0070] S4. After the marking operation is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131 or the second inlet 132.

[0071] See Figures 1 to 9 The following is a second specific embodiment of the operation method of the lottery equipment of this application: Align the second entry point 132 with the output end of the external printer to enable the verification of the computer-printed tickets.

[0072] S1. Computerized tickets enter paper conveying channel 130 from the second entrance 132.

[0073] S2. When the position sensing component 420 detects that the computer ticket has reached the opening recognition area corresponding to the observation window 121, the controller 600 controls the trigger camera 200 to capture the image of the computer ticket through the transparent plate 140, and performs color processing and image quality enhancement on the captured graphic information. At the same time, the adaptive fill light 210 provides fill light to obtain the original image data of the paper feeding surface.

[0074] S3. The paper type is directly determined to be a computer-generated ticket. Based on the image processing results, anomaly detection is performed on the computer-generated ticket to determine whether there are any abnormalities.

[0075] When the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the computer ticket is controlled to be transported to the marked position in the direction of the second entrance 132, and the rotation shaft 531 of the second drive component 530 is controlled to rotate around the first direction to execute the "void" printing mark to mark the computer ticket as an invalid ticket.

[0076] When the test result is a normal computer ticket, there is no need to send and execute the printing mark.

[0077] S4. After processing is completed, the controller 600 continues to control the drive component 320 to drive the rubber roller assembly 310 to rotate, and output the paper from the first inlet 131.

[0078] The lottery equipment and its operating method of this application firstly achieve adaptive adjustment of the height of the paper feeding channel 130 through a thickness detector and a channel adjustment component 700, adapting to various paper types such as handwritten betting slips, computer-generated tickets, and instant lottery tickets, significantly expanding the applicability of the lottery equipment. Secondly, through image acquisition and image processing by a single camera 200, it can simultaneously complete unified image acquisition and processing for handwritten betting slip recognition, computer-generated ticket anomaly detection, and prize redemption recognition of computer-generated tickets and instant lottery tickets, improving the functionality of the lottery equipment while reducing the number of recognition modules. Furthermore, the punching component 510 and the printing component 520 are integrated into a single design and share a common drive component, greatly improving structural integration, reducing the number of parts, and contributing to cost reduction while miniaturizing the lottery equipment.

[0079] In the description of this specification, the use of terms such as "an embodiment," "some examples," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" indicates that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0080] The embodiments of this application have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the above embodiments. Within the scope of knowledge possessed by those skilled in the art, various changes can be made without departing from the spirit of this application.

Claims

1. A lottery device, characterized in that: include First outer shell; The second housing, together with the first housing, forms a paper feeding channel, which has a first inlet and a second inlet; the second housing has an observation window, the two ends of which are respectively connected to the paper feeding channel and the external environment. A transparent panel, wherein the transparent panel is disposed at the observation window; An extended curved shell, one end of which is connected to the second outer shell, and the other end is equipped with a camera, which is positioned facing the observation window and is used to capture images of the paper feed; A rubber roller device, comprising a rubber roller assembly and a drive component, wherein the rubber roller assembly is disposed near the paper feed channel and is connected to the output end of the drive component to drive the paper feed to move within the paper feed channel; A ticket feed sensor is located at the first inlet and is used to detect whether paper is being fed into the paper feed channel. A position sensing component is located on the paper feed channel near the observation window, and is used to obtain the position information of the paper feed in the paper feed channel; A marking device is disposed within the paper feed channel; The controller is communicatively connected to the ticket sensor, drive component, position sensing component, camera, and marking device. The controller is configured to perform unified image acquisition and processing through the camera for handwritten betting slip recognition, computer ticket anomaly detection, and prize redemption recognition of computer tickets and instant tickets. Based on the paper type acquired by the camera, the controller controls the marking device to select whether to perform printing marking or punching marking.

2. The lottery equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a channel adjustment component and a thickness detector. The channel adjustment component is disposed on the paper feeding channel, and the thickness detector is disposed at the first inlet to detect the thickness of the paper being fed. The controller is communicatively connected to the thickness detector and the channel adjustment component. The controller controls the movement of the channel adjustment component according to the obtained paper feed thickness to adjust the height of the paper feed channel.

3. The lottery equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that: The channel adjustment assembly includes a cam assembly, a first drive assembly, and a first elastic element. The transparent plate is disposed inside the observation window. The first elastic element is disposed between one end of the transparent plate and the observation window. The output end of the cam assembly abuts against the other end of the transparent plate. The cam assembly is connected to the output end of the first drive assembly.

4. The lottery equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The marking device includes a punching component, a printing component, and a second driving component. The punching component and the printing component are respectively connected to the output end of the second driving component. The controller is communicatively connected to the second driving component and is configured to drive the second driving component to rotate around a first direction to drive the printing component to move, or to drive the second driving component to rotate around a second direction to drive the punching component to move.

5. The lottery equipment according to claim 4, characterized in that: The punching assembly includes a cam component, a one-way bearing, a punching component, and a second elastic component. The cam component is connected to the rotating shaft of the second drive assembly through the one-way bearing. The cam component abuts against one end of the punching component, and the other end of the punching component penetrates into the paper feeding channel through the first reserved hole of the second housing. The second elastic component is disposed between the connection between the second housing and the punching component.

6. A method for operating a lottery device, characterized in that: The method of operating the lottery device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 includes... S1. Paper is fed into the paper feed path; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera is triggered to capture and process the image of the paper. S3. Determine the paper feed type based on the image processing results and control the paper feed into the corresponding processing flow, including... Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the handwritten text information of the handwritten betting slip, and the acquired handwritten text information is output to an external display terminal; Status B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow includes either process a or process b; Process a. The camera acquires the recognition area information of the computer ticket, determines the winning information of the computer ticket, and the marking device rotates around the first direction to print the winning amount mark; Process b. The camera acquires computer ticket information and performs anomaly detection on the computer ticket; when the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the marking device rotates around the first direction to print a void mark; when the detection result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device does not perform any action. State C. When the paper type is instant ticket, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the instant ticket, determines the winning information of the instant ticket, and the marking device rotates around the second direction to punch a mark. S4. Output or return the paper after processing is complete.

7. The method for operating the lottery equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that: The operating method includes: S1. The paper feed sensor detects that the paper is entering the paper feeding channel from the first inlet; S2. The rubber roller device drives the paper feed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper feed has reached the preset recognition position, it triggers the camera to collect and process the image of the paper feed. S3. Determine the paper feed type based on the image processing results and control the paper feed into the corresponding processing flow, including... Status A. When the paper type is a handwritten betting slip, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the handwritten text information of the handwritten betting slip, and the acquired handwritten text information is output to an external display terminal; Status B. When the paper type is computer-generated ticket, the processing flow a includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the computer-generated ticket, determines the winning information of the computer-generated ticket, and the marking device rotates around the first direction to print the winning amount mark; State C. When the paper type is instant ticket, the processing flow includes: the camera acquires the recognition area information of the instant ticket, determines the winning information of the instant ticket, and the marking device rotates around the second direction to punch a mark. S4. Output or return the paper feed after processing is complete; and / or S1. Paper enters the paper feeding channel from the second inlet; S2. The paper is fed to the observation window area, and when the position sensing component detects that the paper has reached the preset recognition position, the camera is triggered to capture and process the image of the paper. S3. The paper type is directly determined to be a computer ticket. Processing flow b includes: the camera acquires computer ticket information and performs anomaly detection on the computer ticket; when the detection result is an abnormal computer ticket, the marking device rotates around the first direction to print a void mark; when the detection result is a normal computer ticket, the marking device does not perform any action. S4. After processing is complete, output the paper from the first inlet.

8. The method for operating the lottery equipment according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: Between steps S1 and S2, the following is also included: The thickness information of the paper feed is obtained, and the height of the paper feed channel is adjusted by controlling the channel adjustment component based on the thickness information.

9. The method for operating the lottery equipment according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: The processing flow for state A also includes: When the length of the handwritten betting slip exceeds the single observation window area, the handwritten betting slip is controlled to be transported in segments, so that subsequent areas enter the observation window area in sequence for segmented image acquisition. Based on the displacement of the handwritten betting slip, the position association of each segmented image is spliced ​​and recognized until the content recognition of the entire handwritten betting slip is completed.

10. The method for operating the lottery equipment according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: In the step of the camera acquiring and processing images of the paper feed, the image processing includes color processing and image quality enhancement, and character recognition to output digital information. Color processing includes color matrix correction, color saturation, hue, contrast, and brightness adjustment, while image quality enhancement includes noise reduction and edge enhancement.

Images