Robotic Ticket Scratching for Accessible Remote Lottery Play
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals unable to physically purchase or play lottery tickets due to geographical constraints, disabilities, or group participation limitations are hindered from engaging with lottery games, and existing systems do not provide equivalent engagement or compliance with regulatory requirements.
Innovation Solution
A robotic apparatus and mobile interface enable remote participation in lottery games by dispensing, signing, and scratching tickets, complying with governmental regulations through a network-connected system that includes ticket dispensing machines, robotic arms for signing and scratching, and real-time video feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If lottery tickets require physical purchase and gameplay at authorized locations, then regulatory compliance is ensured, but accessibility for remote or disabled users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic apparatus acts as an intermediary between the remote user and the physical lottery ticket system. The robot is deployed at an authorized retail location to physically purchase tickets, scratch them, and deliver them to users, enabling remote participation while maintaining regulatory compliance through physical presence at authorized locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical actions (physical ticket purchase, scratching, and delivery) with an automated robotic system. The robot performs these mechanical tasks remotely through digital interfaces, substituting human physical presence with automated mechanical operations that can be controlled from any location
2Adaptability or versatility
If lottery pools require one person to physically play and report results, then group participation is enabled, but engagement for all participants is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system provides self-service for lottery pool operations by automatically purchasing tickets for multiple participants, scratching them, and distributing results. Each participant can independently access their tickets and results through the digital platform without requiring another member to physically play and report outcomes
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of the lottery experience by capturing images and data from the physical tickets and transmitting them to all participants' devices. This allows group members to view their tickets and results remotely, replicating the gameplay experience without physical presence
3Adaptability or versatility
If tickets require physical scratching to reveal results, then traditional gameplay experience is maintained, but accessibility for users with physical limitations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scratching action with a robotic scratching mechanism that can be remotely controlled or autonomously operated. Users with physical limitations can initiate and control the scratching process through digital interfaces, eliminating the need for manual hand movements while preserving the gameplay experience
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic apparatus serves as a mediator between the user's digital input and the physical ticket scratching process. The robot translates remote digital commands into physical scratching actions, allowing users with physical limitations to participate in the traditional scratching gameplay without direct physical contact
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller is configured to obtain, from a first video camera in proximity to a ticket dispensing machine, a first video stream; transmit the first video stream to an application server for delivery to a user device; receive, from the application server, a dispense command for the ticket dispensing machine; cause the ticket dispensing machine to dispense, based on the dispense command, a ticket having a scratching area; receive user-provided scratching data from the application server; and cause a robotic scratching device to scratch the scratching area in accordance with the scratching data.