Random lottery computer
First Claim
1. a random lottery number generating device comprising in combination:
- (a) at least two random number generators for generating a random number output, each generator including a free running clock, a resistor-capacitor circuit associated with said clock for generating an RC time constant and a corresponding repetition rate, and a counter, said clock having a clock output which is a train of square waves, said clock output linked to and driving said counter which has a counter output which advances sequentially each time said clock output changes state, whereby the repetition rate of said at least two random number generators is determined by its associated resistor-capacitor RC time constant with the RC time constant of each of said at least two generators being different such that when activation of said clock of each of said at least two generators occurs and continues for an arbitrary time interval, said clock of each generator will output an arbitrary and random number of pulses to said counter to which it is linked, thereby causing said counter of each generator to advance to a different arbitrary count;
(b) means for setting an upper and a lower count limit for said at least two random number generators linked to said counter within each generator; and
(c) means for displaying each counter output.
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Abstract
A lottery computer which can select numbers and/or letters randomly and with and without independence between selections. Random numbers are generated independently by having a number of counters run simultaneously for an arbitrary period of time with each counter running at a different repetition rate. Using a high repetition rate compared to the counter running time guarantees randomness. Using separate counters run by separate clocks guarantees independence between selections. Random numbers in which each random selection excludes all other random selections are generated by using a microprocessor which cycles through a loop which contains a complete set of values. After each random selection the random number chosen is removed from the set of values from which a random choice is to be made. A generalized embodiment allows a user to select the alpha or numeric nature of each selection and to set limits on the range of selection. An applications specific embodiment limits a user to a pre-programmed choice of limit on the range of selection and restriction as to the choice of alphabetic or numeric mode.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. a random lottery number generating device comprising in combination:
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(a) at least two random number generators for generating a random number output, each generator including a free running clock, a resistor-capacitor circuit associated with said clock for generating an RC time constant and a corresponding repetition rate, and a counter, said clock having a clock output which is a train of square waves, said clock output linked to and driving said counter which has a counter output which advances sequentially each time said clock output changes state, whereby the repetition rate of said at least two random number generators is determined by its associated resistor-capacitor RC time constant with the RC time constant of each of said at least two generators being different such that when activation of said clock of each of said at least two generators occurs and continues for an arbitrary time interval, said clock of each generator will output an arbitrary and random number of pulses to said counter to which it is linked, thereby causing said counter of each generator to advance to a different arbitrary count; (b) means for setting an upper and a lower count limit for said at least two random number generators linked to said counter within each generator; and (c) means for displaying each counter output. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A random lottery number generating device comprising in combination:
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(a) at least one random number generator for generating a random number output, including a read only memory which contains an entire set of values from which a random selection is made, a microprocessor driven by a clock, and a random access memory, whereby said microprocessor loads said set of values from said read only memory to said random access memory, a select button which initiates looping by said microprocessor of said set of values stored in said random access memory and stops said looping when said select button is released, and at least one register which stores the randomly selected value when said looping ceases; (b) means for displaying the output of said at least one random number generator, connected to said generator; and (c) means for excluding any previously selected random number from consideration when randomly selecting subsequent numbers, associated with said read only memory and microprocessor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification