Telephonic-interface lottery system

• US 5,365,575 A
• Filed: 09/09/1991
• Issued: 11/15/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 07/10/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald A Katz Technology Licensing LP
• Original Assignee: First Data Resources Incorporated (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Katz, Ronald A.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): Woo, Stella L.
• Application Number:
  US07/756,956
• Time in Patent Office: 1,163 Days
• Field of Search: 379/92, 379/97, 379/95, 379/94, 379/96, 379/98, 379/93, 379/142, 379/88
• US Class Current: 379/93.13
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2003/086 played via telephone, e.g. using a modem
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/242 Bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/0665 having a message becoming legible after rubbing-off a coating or removing an adhesive layer for educational purposes G09B
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/081 electric
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 11/00 Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/005 with dispensing of lottery tickets
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 15/006 electronically
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/04 related to queuing systems
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3248 involving non-monetary media of fixed value, e.g. casino chips of fixed value
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/00 Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/40 using speech recognition speech recognition per se G10L15/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/1066 Game playing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2203/2016 Call initiation by network rather than by subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2242/22 Automatic class or number identification arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/36 Statistical metering, e.g. recording occasions when traffic exceeds capacity of trunks
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/38 Graded-service arrangements, i.e. some subscribers prevented from establishing certain connections queuing arrangements H04Q3/64
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42 Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers specially adapted for wireless communication networks H04W4/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/42059 Making use of the calling party identifier
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/436 Arrangements for screening incoming calls , i.e. evaluating the characteristics of a call before deciding whether to answer it based on the calling party profile H04M3/42059; based on location H04M3/42348; based on presence H04M3/42365; diversion H04M3/54
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/46 : Arrangements for calling a number of substations in a predetermined sequence until an answer is obtained
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/493 : Interactive information services, e.g. directory enquiries ; Arrangements therefor, e.g. interactive voice response [IVR] systems or voice portals
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/51 : Centralised call answering arrangements requiring operator intervention , e.g. call or contact centers for telemarketing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13034 : A/D conversion, code compression/expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13072 : Sequence circuits for call signaling, ACD systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1309 : Apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13091 : CLI, identification of calling line
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13093 : Personal computer, PC
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13095 : PIN / Access code, authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13096 : Digital apparatus individually associated with a subscriber line, digital line circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13097 : Numbering, addressing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13103 : Memory
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13106 : Microprocessor, CPU
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13107 : Control equipment for a part of the connection, distributed control, co-processing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1313 : Metering, billing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13141 : Hunting for free outlet, circuit or channel
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1316 : Service observation, testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13173 : Busy signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13174 : Data transmission, file transfer
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13175 : Graphical user interface [GUI], WWW interface, visual indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13178 : Control signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13204 : Protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13213 : Counting, timing circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13214 : Clock signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13216 : Code signals, frame structure
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1322 : PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13256 : Call screening
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1328 : Call transfer, e.g. in PBX
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1332 : Logic circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1333 : Random systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13349 : Network management
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/1337 : Operator, emergency services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13375 : Electronic mail
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13376 : Information service, downloading of information, 0800/0900 services
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13377 : Recorded announcement
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2213/13405 : Dual frequency signaling, DTMF
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/0016 : Arrangements providing connection between exchanges
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/002 : Details
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54533 : Configuration data, translation, passwords, databases
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/5455 : Multi-processor, parallelism, distributed systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/54591 : Supervision, e.g. fault localisation, traffic measurements, avoiding errors, failure recovery, monitoring, statistical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/665 : Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/72 : Finding out and indicating number of calling subscriber
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 3/74 : Identification of subscriber calling from a party-line
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 379/903 : Password

Abstract

A telephonic-interface lottery system D interfaces with a multiplicity of individual terminals T1-Tn of a telephone network facility C to enable lottery players to call and play for at least one additional chance to possibly win by dialing a pay-to-dial telephone number indicated on a "scratch-off" or online game lottery ticket for use in the system. At the terminals, callers are prompted by voice-generated instructions to provide digital data, such as their telephone number, age, social security number, and/or drivers license number. In addition, the sequence number of the caller as well as the date and time of the call is recorded for positive association with a caller and is stored for processing. The caller'"'"'s identification data is confirmed using various techniques and callers may be ranked and accounted for on the basis of entitlement and sequence. In accordance with one format, an instant winner is selected online by utilizing techniques such as determining a random winning sequence number or a winning lottery number generated by a number generator. As an adjunct or alternative, the identification data is processed at a later time to determine a grand prize drawing winner by using various processing techniques for determining winners.

Claims

1. A telephonic-interface lottery control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual callers to call, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification data, said telephonic-interface lottery system comprising:

interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication with said individual callers;

voice generator means coupled through said interface means for providing vocal instructions to an individual caller to enter identification data;

means for processing data supplied by said individual callers, said processing means coupled to said interface means and selecting at least one subset of at least one lottery winner;

qualification means coupled to said interface means for limiting access to said processing means; and

means for storing coupled to said interface means for storing said identification data.

2. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, wherein said qualification means further comprises a consumable key test means to qualify callers with respect to limited access, said consumable key test means including a check digit verification.

3. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 2, wherein said qualification means utilizes a look up table to determine if said limited access is exceeded.

4. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a look up table wherein said look up table comprises caller telephone numbers.

5. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 4, wherein said telephone numbers are provided by ANI.

6. A telephonic-interface lottery system defined in claim 1, further comprising a look up table wherein said look up table comprises social security numbers.

7. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, wherein said processing means selects said subset online.

8. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

means for formulating data for each individual caller and storing said formulated data in said storing means.

9. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, wherein said processing means selects said subset offline subsequent to accumulating data with regard to a multitude of callers.

10. A telephonic-interface lottery system as defined in claim 1, further comprising:

at least one automatic call distributor for interfacing a plurality of calls from said terminals with said qualifying means.

11. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for individual lottery players to call, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification data, comprising the steps of:

developing a consumable key number for use with an interactive call processing format;

providing said consumable key number on a lottery ticket for identification, said consumable key number entered by each individual caller via said digital input means;

testing said consumable key number to limit access to said lottery;

generating sequence data for each individual caller; and

processing said consumable key numbers to select at least one subset thereof and corresponding sequence data by comparing external data with said consumable key number and sequence data to identify a winning subset.

12. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising:

testing said consumable key number with a check digit test.

13. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

concealing at least a portion of said consumable key number.

14. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

recording the date and time at which each call occurs with said sequence data.

15. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

providing DNIS capability to provide digital identification data indicating a called number.

16. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

recording additional personal identification data provided by the caller.

17. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 16, further comprising the step of:

recording said caller'"'"'s telephone number.

18. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 16, further comprising the step of:

recording at least two separate types of caller provided identification data.

19. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

processing said consumable key numbers online.

20. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 11, further comprising the step of:

processing said consumable key numbers offline at a later time.

21. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for facilitating calls from persons holding lottery tickets, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification data, comprising the steps of:

developing a consumable key number for use with an interactive call processing format;

providing said consumable key number on a lottery ticket for identification, said consumable key number entered by each caller via said digital input means; and

receiving said consumable key number from a remote terminal apparatus and testing said consumable key number to limit access by each caller to said lottery, based on entitlement of each caller to a one time use.

22. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery according to claim 21, further comprising the step of:

generating sequence data for each individual caller.

23. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery according to claim 21, further comprising the step of:

processing said consumable key number to determine if said consumable key number is listed as a winner in a lottery database associated with said telephonic-interface lottery.

24. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery according to claim 21, further comprising the step of:

concealing at least a portion of said consumable key number.

25. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 22, further comprising the step of:

recording the date and time at which each call occurs with said sequence data.

26. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

providing DNIS capability to provide digital identification data indicating a called number.

27. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

recording additional personal identification data provided by the caller.

28. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 27, further comprising the step of:

recording said caller'"'"'s telephone number.

29. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 27, further comprising the step of:

recording at least two separate types of caller provided identification data.

30. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 21, further comprising the step of:

processing said consumable key numbers offline at a later time.

31. A method for conducting a telephonic-interface lottery as defined in claim 21, wherein said lottery ticket having said consumable key number is a scratch-off lottery ticket.

32. A telephonic-interface lottery control system for use with a communication facility including remote terminal apparatus for callers to call, wherein said remote terminal apparatus may comprise a conventional telephone instrument including voice communication means, and digital input means in the form of an array of alphabetic numeric buttons for providing identification data, said telephonic-interface lottery system comprising:

interface means coupled to said communication facility to interface said remote terminal apparatus for voice and digital communication with said individual callers;

voice generator means coupled through said interface means for providing vocal instructions to an individual caller to enter identification data;

qualification means coupled to said interface means for limiting access to said lottery control system, wherein said qualification means further comprises a consumable key test means to qualify callers with respect to limited access, said consumable key test means including a check digit verification; and

means for storing coupled to said interface means for storing said identification data.

33. A telephonic-interface lottery control system according to claim 32, wherein said qualification means utilizes a look-up table to determine if said limited access is exceeded.

34. A telephonic-interface lottery control system according to claim 32, wherein said consumable key test means limits access to a one time use only.