Lottery Ticket Tracking System for Second Chance Games
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lottery ticket distribution systems are not practical for using non-winning game tickets in a subsequent random draw game, making it difficult to retain player interest and reward regular lottery game players.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows consumers to use non-winning tickets for a second opportunity random draw game by filling unfilled symbol spots on a second opportunity ticket, with a controller selecting and matching game pieces from a pool to complete the ticket for play in the game.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If non-winning game tickets are used for a second opportunity random draw game, then consumer retention and repeat business are improved, but tracking and managing the possession of non-winning tickets becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential identifying information from physical game tickets and stores it in a database. The system separates the tracking function from the physical ticket, using only the ticket identifier and consumer information stored electronically. This eliminates the need to physically track and manage actual ticket possession while maintaining the ability to identify eligible consumers for second opportunity games.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary database system that acts as a mediator between physical game tickets and the random draw game system. The database stores consumer information and ticket identifiers, enabling the system to track and manage non-winning tickets without requiring direct physical handling or complex tracking mechanisms. Retailers and consumers interact through this intermediary system via mobile devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If game tickets are tracked through existing lottery ticket distribution systems, then ticket issuance is simplified, but receiving and using non-winning tickets in subsequent games becomes impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ticket tracking function from the ticket distribution system. While the existing lottery ticket distribution system continues to issue tickets as before, the new system separates out only the necessary tracking elements (consumer information and ticket identifiers) and stores them in a dedicated database. This segmentation allows the distribution system to maintain its simplicity while the new system provides the adaptability needed for second opportunity games.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal database system that serves multiple functions: it tracks winning tickets for prize distribution, tracks non-winning tickets for second opportunity games, and manages consumer information across different game instances. This multi-functional database enables both traditional lottery operations and innovative second opportunity games to coexist using the same infrastructure.
3Quantity of substance
If consumers accumulate multiple game pieces to complete game cards, then prize completion opportunities are improved, but the system cannot effectively reward non-winning tickets from multiple game cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of ticket utilization by allowing the same non-winning ticket identifier to be associated with multiple different game cards and second opportunity game cards. Instead of limiting each non-winning ticket to a single game card, the system enables consumers to accumulate game pieces across multiple cards while the underlying ticket remains valid for generating second opportunity entries, thereby increasing the versatility of non-winning ticket usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus of aggregating a randomly distributed number of symbol images to a population of consumers using mobile communication devices to scan consumer products or promotional messages. The virtual game card puzzles on the communication devices are populated by the symbols in an order to complete a card and earn a prize or an entry for a drawing to win a prize.