Dynamic Validation File for Variable Lottery Prize Structures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scratch-off lottery ticket systems have static prize structures, limiting flexibility for lottery administrators and requiring human intervention for prize changes, which is undesirable from a security standpoint.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic validation file system where winning tickets have a primary record with a first prize value and a secondary record with a potential enhanced prize value, allowing players to opt for a higher prize via a prize enhancement code, with automatic updates to the validation file without human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a static prize value is maintained in the validation file for security, then security is improved, but flexibility to create new games and compensate for problems is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The validation file is segmented into multiple records for each ticket: a primary record containing the original prize value and a secondary record containing the enhanced prize value. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both security (by keeping the structure fixed) and flexibility (by enabling value changes through record selection).
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic capability by allowing the prize value to change from the primary record to the secondary record based on predetermined criteria. The validation file structure remains static for security, but the active prize value becomes dynamic through automated updates when enhancement criteria are met.
2Adaptability or versatility
If human personnel intervene to modify prize codes in the validation file, then variable prize structures can be implemented, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically updating prize codes in the validation file based on predetermined criteria without requiring human personnel intervention. The host computer autonomously modifies the secondary records when enhancement conditions are met, maintaining security while enabling variable prize structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares in advance by pre-configuring both primary and secondary prize records in the validation file along with the criteria for enhancement. This preliminary setup allows automatic prize code modification to occur seamlessly without human intervention when conditions are satisfied.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the validation file is updated frequently to reflect changing prize values, then flexibility is improved, but system complexity and potential security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The validation file is segmented into primary and secondary records, where the primary record remains relatively unchanged and the secondary record contains alternative prize values. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by maintaining a structured, predictable file format while still enabling prize value flexibility through selective record activation.
Data Source
AI summary
An instant lottery ticket game structure and method includes a set of instant lottery tickets, wherein a plurality of these tickets are winning tickets having a predetermined first prize value, as well as a predetermined enhanced second prize value. A first validation file is maintained in a central host computer having a primary record for each winning ticket, the primary record including ticket identification data and the predetermined first prize value. A second validation file maintained by a computer includes a base record for each winning ticket having the prize enhancement code for the winning ticket and the second prize value assigned to the winning ticket. A logic gate in the base record automatically activates upon entry of the prize enhancement code, wherein the computer creates a final record for the winning ticket by modifying the base record to include the second prize value as a final prize value. The first validation file is periodically updated with the final records.