Remote Lottery Ticket Scratching With Robotic Arm Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals unable to physically purchase or play lottery tickets due to location constraints or physical limitations are excluded from participating in lottery games, and existing methods do not provide an equivalent level of engagement while complying with governmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected robotic system that allows remote participation in lottery games through a mobile interface, enabling users to select, sign, and virtually scratch tickets using a robotic arm, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lottery tickets are sold only at physical locations within jurisdiction, then regulatory compliance is ensured, but accessibility for remote users is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic system acts as an intermediary between remote users and physical lottery dispensing machines. The robot is controlled via mobile device to physically interact with tickets - selecting, scratching, and signing them - while users remain remotely connected through live video feeds and real-time communication, thus enabling access without physical presence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system of physical ticket purchase and playback with an automated robotic system. The robot performs mechanical actions (selecting tickets, scratching surfaces, signing documents) that were previously required to be done manually by users in person, thereby eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining operational integrity
2Reliability
If physical scratching actions are required to reveal ticket information, then gameplay authenticity is maintained, but accessibility for users with physical limitations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs the scratching action autonomously based on digital instructions from the user's mobile device. The robot self-manages the physical scratching process to reveal ticket information, eliminating the need for users to perform manual scratching actions while preserving the authenticity of the gameplay experience through real-time video feedback
3Productivity
If one person collects and plays tickets for a group, then transaction efficiency is improved, but group engagement and experience sharing are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the physical operator for playing tickets, the communication medium for real-time interaction, and the verification mechanism for group participation. Multiple users can control or observe the same robotic system through their respective mobile devices, enabling shared engagement while maintaining efficient transaction processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through live video feeds that show the robotic system's actions and ticket outcomes. This immediate visual feedback allows all group members to witness the gameplay experience simultaneously, fostering engagement and shared participation while maintaining the efficiency of centralized ticket management
Data Source
AI summary
A controller is configured to obtain first image data from a camera associated with a ticket processing apparatus; transmit the first image data to an application server; receive, from the application server, a dispense command for the ticket processing apparatus; cause the ticket processing apparatus to dispense, based on the dispense command, a ticket having a scratching area; receive a user-provided scratching command from the application server; and cause a robotic scratching device to scratch, or remove an opaque substance from, the scratching area of the ticket in accordance with the user-provided scratching command.