Inline Digital Imager Color Calibration for Variable Lottery Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lottery ticket production methods are limited in creating high-quality, variable instant tickets and pull-tab game pieces with full-color imaging, as they require high-volume print runs and fixed plate printing, which restricts experimentation in theming and gaming experience, and are costly due to labor-intensive processes and material waste.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with at least three in-line digital imagers that produce security-enhanced documents with variable indicia using CMYK process colors, synchronized for real-time printing on a common web press, allowing for variable indicia, multiple substrates, and secure Scratch-Off Coating (SOC) protection, while maintaining consistent color imaging across multiple imagers and substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fixed plate printing is used for high-volume production, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision and color consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed plate mechanical printing systems with digital imaging systems that use electronic control and software-based color management. This substitution allows for precise digital color calibration across multiple imagers, maintaining color consistency while enabling flexible production volumes without the constraints of physical plate changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment through color calibration data that modifies printing parameters for each imager. By changing digital parameters rather than physical plate settings, the system achieves consistent color output across multiple imagers regardless of production volume, resolving the contradiction between high-volume production and color precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple digital imagers are used for variable indicia printing, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal color calibration system that manages multiple digital imagers through a single integrated calibration framework. This multi-functional approach allows the same calibration methodology to be applied across all imagers in the system, simplifying management and reducing operational complexity while maintaining full adaptability for variable indicia printing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces color calibration data as an intermediary layer between the multiple digital imagers and the final output. This intermediary standardizes the interaction between imagers, providing a common reference framework that reduces system complexity while enabling versatile variable indicia printing across all devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional printing methods are used for premium games, then production cost is reduced, but product differentiation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical printing methods with digital imaging technology, enabling cost-effective production of differentiated premium games. The digital system allows for easy modification of game designs, themes, and variables without the high costs associated with creating new physical printing plates, thus maintaining low production costs while significantly enhancing product differentiation capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Production methods and systems enable the inline production of instant lottery tickets or documents using at least three different digital imagers. By interfacing at least three digital imagers in a common printing line, heretofore unknown printing efficiencies are realized, particularly on smaller volume print runs. These methods and systems enhance the overall appearance of the printed instant lottery tickets or documents, as well as potentially expand the consumer base.