Automated Instant Lottery Coupon Sorting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
The disposal of non-winning instant lottery coupons is inefficient, with a high percentage of winning coupons misidentified and mixed with non-winning ones, leading to uncollected prizes and environmental issues due to lack of proper recycling methods.
Innovation Solution
A system with detection, film removal, and sorting means to automatically identify and separate winning from non-winning coupons, utilizing sensors and control units to process and sort coupons based on game type and symbol combinations, enabling accurate identification and separate collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual identification of winning coupons is used, then players can identify winning coupons, but a high percentage of winning coupons are not correctly identified and are mixed with non-winning coupons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection of coupons by players with an automated optical scanning system using sensors and image processing. The system automatically reads and verifies coupon data, identifies winning combinations, and sorts coupons without human intervention, eliminating the high error rate of manual identification while maintaining reliable detection of winning coupons.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-verification where the automated detection means independently identifies and verifies winning coupons without requiring player knowledge or action. The system autonomously determines winning combinations by scanning the coupon surface, comparing against stored game data, and automatically sorting results, making the identification process self-sufficient and error-free.
2Measurement precision
If all coupons are processed individually, then accurate identification is possible, but processing speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the coupon processing system into specialized functional modules: detection means for scanning, verification means for validating game rules, identification means for recognizing winning combinations, and sorting means for separating results. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently and efficiently, processing multiple coupons simultaneously through parallel operations while maintaining high identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing game data, winning combinations, and verification criteria in memory before actual coupon processing begins. The detection means is pre-configured with scanning parameters and the sorting means is pre-programmed with sorting logic, enabling rapid processing of coupons without requiring complex real-time decision-making, thus increasing processing speed while maintaining accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If non-winning coupons are disposed of in unsorted waste collection, then disposal is simple, but recycling is not achieved and environmental issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic sorting means that separate winning coupons from non-winning coupons immediately after identification. Non-winning coupons are directed to dedicated collection containers for recycling, while winning coupons are separated for prize redemption. This automatic separation ensures that recyclable materials are recovered and properly disposed of, eliminating environmental harm while maintaining operational simplicity through automated sorting.
4Ease of operation
If winning coupons are not separated from non-winning coupons, then collection is simple, but prizes remain uncollected and financial loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual collection and verification processes with automated detection and sorting systems. The identification means automatically recognizes winning coupons by scanning their surfaces, comparing against stored game data, and the sorting means automatically directs them to designated collection points. This eliminates human error in identifying and collecting winning coupons, ensuring 100% reliability in prize collection while maintaining operational simplicity through automation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) designed to implement the automatic processing of coupons for contests or instant lotteries. The system (1) first of all comprises several detection means (3) of processed coupon data, apt to verify which type of game is implemented on the coupon itself and subsequently to detect the combination of graphic and/or alphanumeric symbols reported on the surface of game of the coupon. The system (1) further provides several removal means (7) of the film covering the surface of game of the coupon, activated once the type of game is recognized. The system (1) further comprises a control unit (11) programmed for the recognition of the combination of graphic and/or alphanumeric symbols detected as winning or losing. Again, the system (1) comprises automatic sorting means (9) for the treated coupons, depending on whether they are winning or losing.