Lottery system

• US 5,791,990 A
• Filed: 12/03/1996
• Issued: 08/11/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 12/03/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Dittler Brothers, Inc. (RR Donnelley & Sons Company)
• Original Assignee: Dittler Brothers, Inc. (RR Donnelley & Sons Company)
• Inventors: Finnerty, Fred W., Davidson, Deborah G., Klingler, Mark, Schroeder, J. Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): LAYNO, BENJAMIN
• Application Number:
  US08/753,953
• Time in Patent Office: 616 Days
• Field of Search: 463/17, 463/18, 273/139, 273/138.2, 283/901, 283/903
• US Class Current: 463/17
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/242 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/065 Tickets or accessories for use therewith A63F3/0625 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/329 Regular and instant lottery, e.g. electronic scratch cards
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 283/901 Concealed data
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 283/903 Lottery ticket

Abstract

Interactive, computer-activated games or other activities are disclosed. Included among the disclosed embodiments are systems employing not only a computer program, but also a ticket that, if a "winner," must be modified prior to redemption to include information gleaned by executing the program. The ticket additionally may include an activation code for input into the computer program.

Claims

1. A method of playing a computerized game comprising:

a. obtaining a ticket and an activation code;

b. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game;

c. playing the computerized game;

d. receiving a redemption code as a result of playing the computerized game; and

e. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption code.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising redeeming the modified ticket.

3. A method according to claim 2 in which the step of obtaining an activation code comprises examining the ticket and selecting the activation code from information contained thereon.

4. A method according to claim 1 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises recording on the ticket a set of symbols constituting the redemption code.

5. A method of playing a computerized game comprising:

a. obtaining a ticket;

b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation codes;

c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game;

d. playing the computerized game;

e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game;

f. modifying the ticket to reflect the redemption information; and

g. if appropriate, redeeming the modified ticket.

6. A method according to claim 5 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises writing the redemption information on the ticket.

7. A method according to claim 5 in which the step of modifying the ticket comprises removing from the ticket at least one covering associated with the redemption information.

8. A method according to claim 5 in which the step of receiving redemption information comprises receiving a set of coded symbols.

9. A method according to claim 5 in which the step of receiving redemption information comprises receiving a prize winnings message.

10. A game-playing system comprising:

a. a ticket on which an activation code is printed;

b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code;

c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information algorithmically linked to the activation code; and

d. means for validating the output information; and

in which the ticket further comprises;

i. a removable, opaque covering applied over the activation code to obscure it from view; and

ii. an area adapted to reflect the output information.

11. A system according to claim 10 in which the ticket comprises machine-readable information unique to it printed thereon.

12. A system according to claim 11 in which the means for validating the output information comprises means for reading the machine-readable information printed on the ticket.

13. A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a blank space in which the output information is written.

14. A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a removable, opaque covering applied over the output information to obscure it from view.

15. A system according to claim 10 in which the area comprises a plurality of removable coverings, at least one of which corresponds to at least some of the output information.

16. A method of playing a computerized game comprising:

a. obtaining a ticket;

b. removing from the ticket an opaque covering to reveal an activation code;

c. inputting the activation code into a computer to activate or as part of the computerized game;

d. playing the computerized game; and

e. receiving redemption information as a result of playing the computerized game.

17. A game-playing system comprising:

a. means for providing an activation code;

b. a computer program adapted to receive as input the activation code;

c. means for executing the computer program to provide output information including a redemption code algorithmically linked to the activation code; and

d. means for validating the redemption code.