MXPA00001853A - Method and apparatus for facilitating the play of fractional lottery tickets utilizing point-of-sale terminals. - Google Patents

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, a store controller determines a monetary value, such as an amount of spare change due to a customer. The store controller also selects a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers. Subsequently, the store controller purchases at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers. The store controller then outputs the information to a POS terminal, which prints a fractional lottery ticket redeemable for a portion of the lottery ticket's prize. The fractional lottery ticket includes the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. The fractional lottery ticket value may be, for example, equal to the monetary value, or may be the monetary value rounded to the nearest nickel. After a drawing date for the lottery ticket, the customer redeems the fractional lottery ticket, typically at a POS terminal, if a prize is due. The POS terminal communicates with the store controller, which receives the ticket numbers and the fractional lottery ticket value therefrom. From the received information, the store controller may determine a prize value of the corresponding lottery ticket. The customer is, in turn, provided with a portion of the prize value based on the fractional lottery ticket value.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS TO FACILITATE THE SET OF FRACTIONAL LOTTERY TICKETS USING TERMINALS POINT OF SALE CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS The present application is a request for continuation in part of copending Patent Application Number 09 / 045,036, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING THE PLAY OF FRACTIO? TO LOTTERY TICKETS USED POINT-OF-SALE TERMI? ALS, filed March 20, 1998, and a request for continuation in part of copending Patent Application Number 08 / 920,116, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT SALTS AT A POINT-OF-SALE TERMINAL, filed on 26 August 1997, which is a continuation in part of the co-pending Patent Application Number 08 / 822,709, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING LOTTERY TICKET TRANSACTIONS UTILIZI? G POI? T-OF-SALE TERMI? ALS, filed on March 21 of 1997, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS REFERENCE TO COPENDING APPLICATIONS The present invention relates to the following United States Patent Applications of North America: U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09 / 045,084, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OFFERS THAT ARE PROVIDED AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, filed March 20, 1998; U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09 / 045,518, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, filed March 20, 1998; U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09 / 045,386, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE PERFORMANCE OF A SUPPLEMENTARY PROCESS AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, filed March 20, 1998; U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09 / 045,347, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING A SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT SALE AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, filed March 20, 1998; U.S. Patent Application Serial Number 09 / 083,689, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SELLING SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS AT A POINT OF SALE TERMINAL, filed May 21, 1998, each assigned to the attorney of the present invention, and incorporated as reference to the present.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to point of sale terminals, and more specifically to point of sale terminals that facilitate the purchase of lottery tickets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Lotteries are extremely popular games that generate significant profits for the sponsoring states that offer them. In a typical lottery, a player (ticket holder) buys a lottery ticket that has ticket numbers and a serial number inscribed therein. The ticket numbers allow both the ticket holder and a lottery agent to identify if the ticket holder has won a prize. The serial number only identifies the lottery ticket, and is typically registered by a lottery agency, so that the lottery ticket can be validated. For example, the serial number can be used to verify if the ticket numbers entered in a ticket match those numbers of the ticket that the lottery agency has registered as associated with that lottery ticket. A typical lottery ticket has six ticket numbers, each selected from a range, such as the range of one to forty-nine. The six ticket numbers could have been selected by the ticket holder or, at the request of the ticket holder, could have been randomly selected by the lottery terminal that prints the ticket. On a draw date, the lottery agency randomly selects six ticket numbers, which are considered the "winning" ticket numbers. A lottery ticket that has ticket numbers that match some or all of the winning ticket numbers is a winning ticket, and the corresponding holder of the lottery ticket wins a prize. The grandmother application of the present application, Patent Application Number 08 / 822,709, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR P? RFORMING LOTTERY TICKET TRANSACTIONS UTILIZING POINT-OF-SALE TERMINALS, filed on March 21, 1997, describes a system and method by which can be sold fractional lottery tickets to a customer in a point of sale terminal ("POS") in exchange for due change. For example, a customer can 'bring a purchase to a POS terminal, and the POS terminal can calculate that the purchase price is $ 4.74. If the purchase price is rounded to the nearest $ 1, the change due is $ 5.00 - $ 4.74 = $ 0.26. In accordance with the above, a participation of a $ 1.00 lottery ticket may be sold to the customer instead of the due change. If the lottery ticket wins, the client is awarded 26 percent of the corresponding prize. There are numerous advantages to providing a fractional lottery ticket in exchange for the change due. As described in the parent application of the present application, Patent Application Number 08 / 920,116, entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCT SALES AT A POINT-OF-SALE. TERMINAL, filed on August 26, 1997, giving and collecting coins is expensive and burdensome. In addition, many customers believe that the coins are dirty, and would prefer not to handle them. Therefore, many customers will find that exchanging the change due for a fractional lottery ticket is very desirable. Unfortunately, some state lottery agencies may be reluctant to change their practices by issuing lottery tickets for fractional amounts. Those state lottery agencies may prefer to offer tickets in only a few pre-determined, rounded amounts, such as tickets for $ 1, $ 2 and $ 5 only. In some circumstances, the ability to offer fractional lottery tickets may require substantial modifications to the hardware and software of the lottery terminals that are used throughout one or more states. Although these changes could be finally lucrative, it could be perceived that the initial cost is excessively burdensome, and the eventual gain that is going to be made may seem too speculative. In summary, the issuance of fractional lottery tickets by state lottery agencies may not be practical in all circumstances. In accordance with the above, it would be convenient to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, without requiring significant changes in the existing lottery systems.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, without requiring significant changes to existing lottery systems. In accordance with the present invention, a store controller determines a monetary value, such as a surplus change amount due to a customer. The store controller also selects a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers. Subsequently, the store controller buys at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers. Then the store controller outputs the information to a POS terminal, which prints a fractionable re-lottery ticket for a portion of the lottery ticket prize. The fractional lottery ticket includes the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. The value of the fractional lottery ticket can be, for example, equal to the monetary value, or it can be the monetary value rounded to the nearest cent. After the draw date for the lottery ticket, the customer reimburses the fractional lottery ticket, typically in a POS terminal, if a prize is due. The POS terminal communicates with the store controller, which receives the ticket numbers and the value of the fractional lottery ticket from them. From the information received, the store controller can determine a prize value of the corresponding lottery ticket. The customer is provided, in turn, a portion of the prize value, based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a network of POS terminals, provided in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a store controller of the network of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a POS terminal of the network of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of an alternative mode of a POS terminal of the network of the Figure. 1. Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a banknote registration database of the store controller of Figure 2. Figure 6 is a schematic illustration including exemplary data for the banknote registration database of the Figure 5. Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a transaction database of the store controller of Figure 2. Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of the records of a fractional bank database of the store controller of the Figure 2. Figure 9 is a schematic illustration including other exemplary data for the banknote registration database of Figure 5. Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for creating fractional lottery tickets. Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of a bill supply database of the store controller of Figure 2. Figure 12 is a schematic illustration of a winning lottery ticket database of the store controller of Figure 2 Figure 13 is a schematic illustration of a frequent customer database of the store controller of Figure 2. Figure 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for reimbursing a fractional lottery ticket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES In accordance with the present invention, a business may issue a fractional lottery ticket to a customer, and subsequently acquire at least one lottery ticket having the same ticket numbers as the fractional lottery ticket. The fractional lottery ticket has a "value" that defines a portion of the lottery ticket. The customer is provided a share of any prize that is won with the lottery ticket, the participation of the prize being based on the portion. The value of the fractional lottery ticket can be expressed as a monetary value, such as $ 0.34, and / or as a percentage, such as 17 percent. For example, if a customer receives a fractional lottery ticket that has a value of $ 0.34, and that defines a portion of a lottery ticket of $ 2.00, then the customer receives 17 percent ($ 0.34 / $ 2.00 = 17 percent) of any prize that is won with that lottery ticket. Typically, the business will provide fractional lottery tickets to customers, and then acquire a group of corresponding lottery tickets before the draw date. The prizes won by the group of lottery tickets are received by the business, which in turn pays the participations of the prizes to customers, based on the portions defined by the values of the fractional lottery tickets. Since the business only needs to buy conventional lottery tickets, the business can facilitate the play of fractional lottery tickets, without requiring significant changes in the practices of the existing lottery agencies. A portion defined by a fractional lottery ticket may be based on an exchange amount that is due in connection with a transaction in a POS terminal. This modality is convenient since many clients will welcome an alternative to receive change. On the other hand, receiving something that has a high perceived value, such as a fractional lottery ticket, instead of a change, may even be more attractive to customers. Referring to Figure 1, a network 8 comprises a store controller 10, which is in communication with a lottery server 12 and with POS terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20. The POS terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20, which typically are cash registers, can initiate and / or complete transactions of fractional lottery tickets. Although four POS terminals are shown in Figure 1, any number of POS terminals may be in communication with the store controller 10. POS terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20 may be located in the same store, in different stores of one store. chain of stores, or in other locations. The store controller 10 directs the operation of, stores data from, and transmits data to the POS terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20. The store controller 10 can itself be a POS terminal, or it can be some other computing device that can communicate with one or more POS terminals. The lottery server 12 is typically controlled by a state lottery agency, and responds to requests from the store controller 10. For example, the lottery server 12 may issue lottery tickets as requested by the store controller 10, and may provide the Winning numbers for a draw date. Referring to Figure 2, the store controller 10 of Figure 1 comprises a processor 22, such as one or more conventional microprocessors. The processor 22 is in communication with a data storage device 24, such as an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. The processor 22 and the storage device 24 can each be (i) located completely inside of a single computer or other computing device; (ii) in communication with one another via a remote communication link, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radio frequency transmitter-receiver, or (iii) a combination thereof. For example, the store controller 10 may comprise one or more computers that are in communication with a remote server computer to maintain the databases. The storage device 24 stores a program 26 for controlling the processor 22. The processor 22 performs the instructions of the program 26, and by the same operates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein. . The program 26 also includes program elements that may be necessary, such as an operating system and "device drivers" to allow the processor 22 to interface with the peripheral devices of the computer. The appropriate device drivers and other necessary program elements are known to those skilled in the art, and therefore need not be described in detail herein. The storage device 24 also stores (i) the banknote registration database 30; (ii) a transaction database 32; (iii) a fractional banknote database 34; (iv) a database of winning lottery tickets 36; (v) a database of frequent customers 38; and (vi) a bill supply database 39. The databases 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 39 are described in detail below, and are illustrated with exemplary entries in the accompanying figures. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the schematic illustrations of, and the accompanying descriptions of the databases presented herein, are exemplary configurations for stored representations of information. Many other configurations can be used apart from the tables shown. Similarly, the illustrated entries represent exemplary information, but those skilled in the art will understand that the number and content of the entries may be different from those illustrated herein. Referring to Figure 3, a schematic illustration of a POS terminal 40 is descriptive of the POS terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20 of Figure 1. The POS terminal 40 comprises a processor 42, such as one or more conventional microprocessors. The processor 42 is in communication with a data storage device 44, such as an appropriate combination of magnetic, optical and / or semiconductor memory. The processor 42 and the storage device 44 may each be (i) located completely inside a single computer or other computing device; (ii) in communication with one another via a remote communication link, such as a serial port cable, a telephone line or a radio frequency transmitter-receiver, or (iii) a combination thereof. For example, the POS terminal 40 may comprise one or more computers that are in communication with a remote server computer to maintain the databases. An input device 46, a printer 48 and a visual display device 50 are each in communication with the processor 42. The input device 46 preferably comprises a keyboard for transmitting input signals, such as signals indicative of a purchase, to the processor 42. The input device 46 may also comprise an optical bar code scanner to read the bar codes and transmit signals indicative of those bar codes to the processor 42. The printer 48 is for recording traces in paper or gold material , printing with the same fractional lottery tickets, as ordered by the processor 42. The visual display device 50 is preferably a video monitor to visually display at least alphanumeric characters to the customer and / or to an ATM that is operating the POS terminal. 40. Many types of input devices, printer, are known to those skilled in the art. and visual display devices, and do not need to be described in detail here. The storage device 44 stores a program of the POS terminal 52 for controlling the processor 42. The processor 42 performs the program instructions of the POS terminal 52, and by the same operates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program of the POS terminal 52 also includes program elements that may be necessary, such as an operating system and "device drivers" to allow the processor 22 to interface with the peripheral devices of the computer, such as the input device 46, the printer 48 and the visual display device 50. The appropriate device drivers and other necessary program elements are known to those skilled in the art, and therefore need not be described in detail herein. Figure 4 illustrates an alternative mode of a POS 58 terminal, which is descriptive of the terminals 14, 16, 18 and 20 of Figure 1. A control device 60 is in communication, by means of a communication means 62, with a system 64 for printing fractional lottery tickets, receipts and / or coupons. The control device 60 comprises a processor 66 that is in communication with the input device 46 (Figure 3) and the visual display device 50.

(Figure 3). The system 64 for printing comprises a processor 68, in communication with the storage device 44 (Figure 3) and printer 48 (Figure 3). In this mode, the control device 60 can be a cash register, and the system 64 can be an electronic device for printing bills in accordance with the data received from the cash register. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are other configurations of the POS terminal 40. The following description is arranged in the following sections: Creation of Fractional Lottery Tickets, Acquisition of Lottery Tickets, and Reimbursement of Lottery Tickets.

Creation of Fractional Lottery Tickets Referring to Figure 5, the ticket registration database 30 of Figure 2 includes rows 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88, each of which represents an entry of the base of banknote registration data 30. Each entry defines a set of banknote numbers that are included in one or more fractional lottery tickets. Therefore, each entry defines one or more lottery tickets that will be purchased. In particular, each entry includes (i) a ticket registration identifier 90 that uniquely identifies the entry; (ii) a draw date 92 indicating when the winning ticket numbers will be announced; (iii) ticket numbers 94; (iv) an amount of the total value 96, which is the sum of all the values of the fractional lottery tickets having the corresponding ticket numbers; (v) an amount for rounding 98, which is a minimum amount that, when added to the total value quantity 96, gives a sum that is a multiple of the whole number of the ticket price - of the corresponding lottery. The total value amount indicates, for each entry, how many lottery tickets that have the same set of corresponding ticket numbers must be purchased. In one embodiment, the number of lottery tickets to be purchased is determined by the price of a lottery ticket. In particular, the total number of lottery tickets purchased for an entry may be the lowest whole number of tickets, such that the total price of the purchased tickets is greater than the corresponding total amount amount. For example, if the total value amount is $ 7.84 and the price of a lottery ticket is $ 1.00, then eight lottery tickets cost $ 8.00 which is greater than $ 7.84, but seven lottery tickets cost $ 7.00, which is less than $ 7.84 . In accordance with the above, the lowest number of lottery tickets that gives a total price greater than $ 7.84 are eight lottery tickets, so eight lottery tickets must be purchased. In another example, if the total value amount is $ 5.51 and the price of a lottery ticket is $ 2.00, then three lottery tickets cost $ 6.00, which is greater than $ 5.51, but two lottery tickets cost $ 4.00, which is lower that $ 5.51. In accordance with the above, the lowest number of lottery tickets that gives a total price greater than $ 5.51 are three lottery tickets, so three lottery tickets must be purchased. Referring to Figure 6, example data for banknote registration database 30 (Figures 2 and 5) are shown, before and after a fractional lottery ticket has been issued. Table 110 represents the banknote registration database 30 before a transaction represented by a rounding amount 130. Table 120 represents the banknote registration database 30 after the transaction represented by the rounding amount 130. The amount of rounding 130 has a value of $ 0.35, and corresponds to a transaction in which a customer exchanges his due change ($ 0.35) for a fractional lottery ticket. The fractional lottery ticket defines a portion of a lottery ticket, and the portion is based on the monetary amount of $ 0.35. Reference number 132 indicates a set of ticket numbers, and can be selected by the client or generated by a POS terminal. As described above, each of the entries shown in table 110 corresponds to a set of ticket numbers. The set of banknote numbers indicated by means of the reference number 132 are the banknote numbers "01, 20, 30, 16, 28, 13". Input 135 of table 110 also represents banknote numbers "01, 20, 30, 16, 28, 13". In accordance with the above, entry 135 is selected, and the corresponding total value amount is increased by $ 0.35. An entry 140 of table 120 represents the bill numbers "01, 20, 30, 16, 28, 13" after the total value amount is increased by $ 0.35 (from $ 0.78 to $ 1.13).

Referring to Figure 7, the transaction database 32 of Figure 2 includes rows 150, 152, 154, 156 and 158, each of which represents an entry of the transaction database 32. Each entry defines a transaction initiated by a POS terminal. In particular, each entry includes (i) a transaction number 160 that uniquely identifies the transaction; (ii) a POS terminal identifier 162 that uniquely identifies the POS terminal that initiates the transaction; (iii) a purchase price 164; (iv) a multiple of rounding 165 which is used to indicate an amount to which the purchase price is to be rounded; (v) a rounding amount 166 which is the monetary amount that is used to purchase the fractional lottery ticket; (vi) an indication of whether the offer was accepted for a fractional lottery ticket 168; (vii) a frequent customer number 170, which identifies a customer who has used a frequent customer card for the transaction; (viii) a date 172 of the transaction; and (ix) a fractional lottery ticket identifier, which identifies a fractional lottery ticket that is provided in exchange for the amount of rounding. The rounding amount 166 is the monetary amount that is used to purchase the fractional lottery ticket. In some embodiments, the value of a fractional lottery ticket is equal to the amount of rounding 166. For example, a customer may have $ 0.62 in change (the amount of rounding) of a purchase, and use that change to purchase a ticket. fractional lottery that defines a portion of $ 0.62 of a lottery ticket. However, the value of the fractional lottery ticket does not need to be equal to the monetary amount that is used to purchase the fractional lottery ticket. In certain modalities, the value of a fractional lottery ticket is based on a monetary amount rounded down (or rounded up). For example, a customer can have $ 0.62 in exchange for a purchase, and use that change to purchase a fractional lottery ticket. The fractional lottery ticket can have a value of $ 0.60 ($ 0.62 rounded down to the nearest cent). Of course, the monetary amount can be rounded down to other multiples, such as at ten cents, twenty-five cents or the nearest dollar, and that rounded amount would define the value, and therefore a portion of a lottery ticket. The difference between the due change and the rounded down amount on which the fractional lottery ticket is based can be maintained by the seller of the fractional lottery ticket as a fee for the service. The value of a fractional lottery ticket can be based on the monetary amount in still other ways. For example, the value can be twice the monetary amount. It might be convenient to provide that value if a customer purchases a good or type of property previously determined, or if the customer uses a frequent customer card. For example, if a customer has $ 0.62 in exchange, and buys a product from a particular manufacturer, the customer can receive a fractional lottery ticket that has a value of $ 1.24 (twice $ 0.62) in exchange for its change. Referring to Figure 8, tables 180 and 190 represent records of the fractional banknote database 34 (Figure 2). Typically, the fractional note database 34 includes a plurality of registers such as those represented by tables 180 and 190. Each record of the fractional note database 34 defines a fractional lottery ticket. The record represented by table 180 defines a fractional Lottery ticket that is identified by means of an identifier 185, the identifier "1001"). Table 180 includes an entry 187, which defines a portion of a lottery ticket that is included in the fractional lottery ticket "1001". Entry 187 includes (i) a ticket identifier 182 that uniquely identifies the lottery ticket; (ii) a portion 184 indicating a portion of the lottery ticket that is included in the fractional lottery ticket "1001". Similarly, the register that is represented by the table 190 defines a fractional lottery ticket that is identified by means of an identifier 195 (the identifier "1003"). Table 190 includes entries 197 and 198, which each include (i) a bill identifier 192; and (ii) a portion 194. Since the fractional lottery ticket "1003" includes portions of more than one lottery ticket, the fractional lottery ticket "1003" may include portions that collectively exceed the maximum price of a lottery ticket. . In accordance with the foregoing, the value of the fractional lottery ticket "1003" may exceed the maximum price of a lottery ticket. As described above, a fractional lottery ticket has a "value" that defines a portion of a lottery ticket, or portions of more than one lottery ticket. In certain modalities, the ticket numbers of the fractional lottery ticket are not selected by the customer, but rather are automatically selected by the POS terminal or the store controller 10 (Figure 1). In these modalities, the ticket numbers are selected from sets of banknote numbers in the banknote registration database 30 (Figure 2). The ticket numbers can be selected in many ways. For example, an entry of the banknote registration database 30 can be selected at random, and therefore the ticket numbers of the fractional lottery ticket are randomly selected. Alternatively, an entry can be selected based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket and the respective amounts for rounding up the entries. In one mode, you can select an entry that has an amount to round up to at least as large as the value. Similarly, a set of entries may be determined that each have an amount to round up to at least as large as the value. From this set, the entry that has a minimum amount is selected to round up. The description below further clarifies this method of selecting an entry of the banknote registration database 30. Referring to Figure 9, a table 200 illustrates the exemplary data for the banknote registration database 30 (FIGS. and 5). Table 200 includes entries 202, 204, 206 and 208. A rounding amount 220 of $ 0.60 corresponds to a transaction in which a customer exchanges his due change ($ 0.60) for a fractional lottery ticket. The fractional lottery ticket has a value of $ 0.60. To select an entry of the ticket registration database 30, to define the ticket numbers of the fractional lottery ticket, the store controller? 0 determines a set of tickets that each have an amount for rounding of at least $ 0.60. This set includes entries 204, 206 and 208. From this set, the lottery ticket that has a minimum amount to round is selected. From entries 204, 206 and 208, entry 208 has the minimum amount for rounding ($ 0.61). In accordance with the foregoing, entry 208 is selected, the corresponding total amount amount is increased by $ 0.60 (ie from $ 3.39 to $ 3.99), and the corresponding amount is adjusted for rounding (ie, to $ 0.01) to reflect the amount of the total value increased. In other modalities, the customer may select the ticket numbers himself at the time of the transaction, either manually or through the ticket numbers stored on a card, such as a smart card or a frequent customer card having a Magnetic tape. This method allows a customer to obtain a fractional lottery ticket that has their favorite or "lucky" numbers. The banknote registration database 30 is searched to determine if an entry already indicates the ticket numbers selected by the customer. If so, then the total amount amount is increased in accordance with the value of the fractional lottery ticket, and the amount is adjusted for rounding to reflect the amount of total value increased, as described above. If no entry indicates the ticket numbers selected by the customer, a new entry is created in the ticket registration database 30. The new entry includes (i) a unique ticket registration identifier, (i) a date of appropriate draw, (iii) the ticket numbers selected by the customer, (iv) an amount of total value equal to the value of the fractional lottery tickets, and (v) an appropriate amount for rounding. Once a fractional lottery ticket has been determined, the POS terminal prints for the customer a ticket indicating the fractional lottery ticket, for example, on a receipt. The printed ticket serves as proof that the customer is entitled to the indicated portions of any prizes for the indicated ticket numbers. That printed ticket may include (i) the fractional lottery ticket identifier, (ii) the ticket numbers, (iii) the portion (s) of the lottery ticket (s) included in the fractional lottery ticket, (iv) the corresponding transaction identifier, and (v) a coded code based on any combination thereof. That code code can be used to verify that the printed ticket is not altered. Bruce Schneier's "Applied Cryptography: Protocols, Algorithms and Source Code in C, Second Edition", published in 1996, describes the techniques of coded. Those skilled in the art will understand that the encrypted code will be determined by a cryptographic algorithm, in such a way that it would be almost impossible for a counterfeiter to generate a valid code, much less a code indicating the numbers of the winning ticket.

The printed ticket may also include contractual language, such as provisions that assign the customer the right and title in, and for the indicated portions of any prizes for the indicated ticket numbers. Other issues such as the draw date and an expiration date of the fractional lottery ticket on the printed ticket can still be included, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It may also be desirable to print a barcode indicating any or all of the above information, thereby facilitating the entry of the information using a barcode scanner. Figure 10 illustrates a method 240 for creating fractional lottery tickets. In one embodiment, method 240 is performed if a customer accepts an offer to exchange his surplus change for a fractional lottery ticket. In step 242, a value for the fractional lottery ticket is determined. For example, a POS terminal can calculate a due amount of change, and round this amount down to the nearest ten cents. The POS terminal transmits the rounded quantity to the store controller, and the store controller determines by the same the value of what this rounded amount will be. The store controller in turn selects an entry (step 244) of the ticket registration database 30, the entry indicating the ticket numbers for the fractional lottery ticket. As described above, the entry can be selected randomly, such as when the customer allows randomly selected banknote numbers to be used on his fractional lottery ticket. Alternatively, the entry can be selected based on the value, as described above. If the fractional lottery ticket will include the ticket numbers selected by the customer, which are not represented in the ticket registration database 30, then a new entry is created and selected. The selected entry is adjusted based on the value (step 246). For example, the corresponding total value amount is increased by the value, and the corresponding amount for rounding is adjusted to reflect the total value amount increased. In step 248, the fractional banknote database 34 (Figure 2) is adjusted in the same manner to create a new record defining the fractional lottery ticket, then the store controller outputs the ticket numbers and the value of the fractional lottery ticket (step 250). The store controller typically transmits the ticket numbers and the value to the POS terminal, and the POS terminal, in turn, prints a fractional lottery ticket based thereon. The POS terminal can print the ticket numbers and the value on the fractional lottery ticket, as well as any other desirable information, such as a draw date.

Acquisition of Lottery Tickets As described above, each entry of the ticket registration database 30 (Figure 2) defines one or more lottery tickets that are to be purchased. The store controller 1Q (Figure 1) sends signals to the lottery server 12 (Figure 1) to buy lottery tickets. In particular, enough lottery tickets are purchased before the draw date, to ensure that each fractional lottery ticket matches lots of the lottery tickets. Tickets can be purchased at pre-defined periods, such as at the end of each working day and / or as requested by an operator of the store controller 10. It may also be desirable to purchase all required lottery tickets at a previously defined time. of the draw, such as twelve hours before the draw. In that modality, additional fractional lottery tickets for that lottery may not be issued after that previously determined time. Nevertheless, customers should still be able to buy fractional lottery tickets for the latest raffles. In another embodiment, lottery tickets may be purchased for each entry in the ticket registration database 30 (Figure 2) when the rounding amount of the ticket is below a previously determined value. For example, whenever the amount for rounding of an entry is below $ 0.02, and the number of the lottery tickets (if any) already purchased corresponding to that entry is insufficient with respect to the amount of total value, it is they buy one or more additional lottery tickets. Referring to Figure 11, the bill supply database 39 (Figure 2) includes the entries 251, 252, 253 and 254, each of which defines a number of lottery tickets that have the same set of numbers of tickets. ticket. Each entry includes (i) 255 ticket numbers, (ii) a 256 ticket price, and (iii) a number of 257 lottery tickets that have been purchased. As illustrated by Figure 9, each entry of the bill supply database 39 corresponds to an entry of the banknote registration database 30. In addition, the number of tickets for each entry of the banknote base bill supply data 39 defines a number of purchased lottery tickets, which is sufficient with respect to the total value amount of the corresponding entry of the banknote registration database 30. For example, entry 254 defines four tickets of lottery purchased, each at a price of $ 1.00. Therefore, there are enough bills with the ticket numbers "10, 19, 24, 29, 36, 39" for a total value amount of up to $ 4.00 (4 * $ 1.00 = $ 4.00). Since the corresponding entry 208 indicates a total value amount of $ 3.39, all four bills are sufficient.

Refund of Lottery Tickets The business or any other identity that acquires and maintains the supply of lottery tickets can verify each one to determine if some are winning tickets. If so, the business preferentially reimburses the winning tickets for prizes, as soon as practical, in such a way that the prizes can be used to pay those customers who have "the corresponding fractional lottery tickets. can be entered manually into the store controller 10 (Figure 1) when available. Ideally, the store controller 10 will receive from the lottery server 12 (Figure 1) the numbers of the winning ticket for each draw date. The store controller can store these numbers of the winning ticket in the winning lottery ticket database 36 (Figure 2). Referring to Figure 12, the winning lottery ticket database 36 includes entries 260, 262 and 264, each defining the numbers of the winning ticket for a draw date. Each entry includes (i) a corresponding lottery date 266, (ii) the winning ticket numbers 268, and (iii) a prize 270. The winning lottery ticket database 36 must include tickets for all draw dates that correspond with valid and reimbursable fractional lottery tickets. For example, if you can reimburse fractional lottery tickets up to one year after the corresponding draw date, then tickets must be stored for each draw date of at least the last year. The prize 270 can be, for example, the prize won after the coincidence of all the numbers of the winning ticket. You can specify more prizes for each entry. For example, you can also specify a prize by matching only five of the six numbers of the winning ticket for each entry. When the store controller 10 (Figure 1) receives the winning ticket numbers for a draw date, the store controller 10 can simply store them in the winning lottery ticket database 36, where these are accessed when customers reimburse fractional lottery tickets. However, the store controller 10 can also determine which fractional lottery tickets include portions of a winning lottery ticket. The corresponding records of the fractional banknote database 34 (Figure 2) can then be modified to indicate that the fractional lottery tickets include portions of winning lottery tickets. In addition, if those fractional lottery tickets were purchased using frequent customer cards, then the corresponding customer can be notified. Referring to Figure 13, the frequent customer database 38 includes entries 280, 282, 284 and 286, each defining a frequent customer (a customer who has used a frequent customer card for the transaction). In particular, each entry includes (i) a frequent customer number 288 to uniquely identify the frequent customer; (ii) a frequent customer address 290; (iii) a telephone number 292 of the frequent customer; (iv) a name 294 of the frequent customer; and (v) an email address 296 of the frequent customer. With that stored information, you can notify frequent customers by mail, a phone call, email or other forms of notification as desired. In addition, frequent customers can be notified through the POS terminal, when they then use their frequent customer card. It is convenient to provide the frequent customer with the additional benefit of the notification, because this could prompt clients to become frequent customers. Consequently, these customers are more likely to continue frequenting the corresponding business. As an additional incentive to become a frequent customer, it may be desirable to provide only frequent customers the opportunity to purchase fractional lottery tickets. For example, an offer for a fractional lottery ticket can be provided only during transactions in which a frequent customer card is used. To reimburse a fractional lottery ticket, a client preferably provides the printed ticket to show that he is entitled to the indicated participation of the prize. The printed ticket is checked to ensure it is valid and is not altered. For example, if the printed ticket is valid, the identifier of fractional lottery tickets inscribed on the printed ticket indicates a record in the fractional ticket database 34 (Figure 2). That record, in turn, must indicate the corresponding information on the printed ticket. In addition, the coded code can be verified. Referring to Figure 14, a method 300 is initiated to reimburse a fractional lottery ticket by receiving (i) the numbers of a ticket, and (ii) a portion identifier identifying an assigned portion of the lottery ticket (step 302). These identifiers can be received by manually entering one or more identifiers within a POS terminal, from which the identifiers are transmitted to the store controller 10 (Figure 1). Alternatively, a barcode scanner of the POS terminal can read a barcode on the printed ticket, and transmit the bar code to the store controller 10. The identifier or bar code entered can be indicative of the identifier of the fractional lottery ticket, which can be used to retrieve a corresponding ticket identifier and a portion identifier of the fractional ticket database 34 (Figure 2). The store controller thus receives the ticket identifier and the identifier of the portion. Once the identifiers are received, identifying by the same one or more lottery tickets and allocated portions thereof, a prize value of the lottery tickets is determined (step 304). As described above, the prize value can be determined by comparing the ticket numbers of a lottery ticket with the numbers of the winning ticket stored in the winning lottery ticket database 36 (Figure 2). As also described above, the portion of the prize to be provided to the customer is determined by the allocated portion of the lottery ticket. This portion of the prize is provided to the customer (step 306), typically by providing cash from a cash register, or by writing or printing a check made to the customer. A winning lottery ticket that has been purchased may have an unassigned portion greater than zero. That winning lottery ticket will have an associated portion of the prize value that is not going to be paid to customers. This portion of the prize is retained rather by the business, and can be used to fund different incentives for the client. For example, a portion of the value of the retained prize may be provided back to the customers, in the form of fractional lottery tickets (for example, $ 0.05 exchange purchase a fractional lottery ticket of $ 0.50). The business may retain other winnings by providing winning tickets with portions of certain prize values. For example, customers can only be provided with "cumulative put" prizes (for example, matching all six numbers of the winning ticket). The business retains any other prizes. Of course, such restrictions would typically be explained to customers, through advertising and the information printed on the fractional lottery ticket. Although the present invention has been described with respect to a preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will note that different substitutions can be made to those embodiments described herein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the present invention is applicable to many types of games other than lotteries, in which prizes are awarded. In addition, in some embodiments the data stored in the store controller may be stored more between the POS terminals. Similarly, some functions performed by the store controller can be performed by the POS terminal and vice versa.

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, which comprises: determining a monetary value; select a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a monetary value comprises: determining a monetary value based on the amount of change due for a purchase. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection step comprises: creating the ticket record. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection step comprises: selecting a ticket record randomly. The method of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises: receiving a signal indicating the selected banknote numbers. The method of claim 5, wherein the selection step comprises: searching a plurality of banknote records to select a banknote record indicating the selected banknote numbers. The method of claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises: increasing an amount of the total value of the selected ticket register, in accordance with the value of the fractional lottery ticket. The method of claim 7, characterized in that it also comprises: adjusting an amount for rounding based on the amount of total value increased. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection step comprises: selecting a bill register having a quantity for rounding at least as large as the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the selection step comprises: determining a set of banknote records having, each, a quantity for rounding at least as large as the value of the fractional lottery ticket; select a ticket record from the ticket record set, which has a minimum amount for rounding 11. A method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: determining a quantity change due to a purchase, determine a monetary value based on the amount of change due, select a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers, buy at least one lottery ticket based on the value and set of numbers of the ticket, after the selection step, and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of determining a monetary value comprises: rounding the amount of change due to a previously determined multiple, thereby generating a rounded change amount; and set the monetary value equal to the amount of rounded change. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of rounding off the amount of change due comprises: rounding down the amount of change due to a previously determined multiple, thereby generating a downwardly rounded amount of change. The method of claim 11, characterized in that it also comprises: outputting an offer to exchange a fractional lottery ticket for the due change. 15. A method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, which comprises: determining a monetary value; select a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the value and set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value; determine a prize value of at least one lottery ticket; and provide a portion of the prize value based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 16. A method for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: determining a total amount amount corresponding to a set of ticket numbers; and acquire at least one lottery ticket that has the set of ticket numbers based on the total amount of value. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of acquiring is performed at previously defined periods. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of acquiring is performed at a pre-defined time before a draw. The method of claim 16, characterized in that it also comprises: determining a quantity for rounding, based on the total value quantity; and wherein the step of acquiring is performed when the amount for rounding is below a previously determined value. 20. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point of sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, the storage device storing a program to control the processor; and the operating processor with the program to: determine a monetary value; select a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. 21. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions to implement a method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: determining a monetary value; select a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. 22. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point of sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, the storage device storing a program to control the processor; and the operating processor with the program to: determine a quantity of change due for a purchase; determine a monetary value based on the amount of change due; select a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers, after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. 23. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions to implement a method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: determining a quantity of change due for a purchase; determine a monetary value based on the amount of change due; select a ticket record that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers, after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value. 24. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, the storage device storing a program to control the processor; and the operating processor with the program to: determine a monetary value; select a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the monetary value and the set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value; determine a prize value of at least one lottery ticket; and provide a portion of the prize value based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 25. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions to implement a method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, the method comprising: determining a monetary value; select a ticket register that includes a set of ticket numbers; buy at least one lottery ticket based on the value and the set of ticket numbers after the selection step; and output the ticket numbers and a fractional lottery ticket value that is based on the monetary value; determine a prize value of at least one lottery ticket; and provide a portion of the prize value based on the value of the fractional lottery ticket. 26. An apparatus for facilitating the purchase of fractional lottery tickets using a point of sale terminal, comprising: a storage device; and a processor connected to the storage device, the storage device storing a program to control the processor; and the operating processor with the program to: determine an amount of total value that corresponds to a set of ticket numbers; and acquire at least one lottery ticket that has the set of ticket numbers based on the total amount of value. 27. A computer-readable medium encoded with processing instructions to implement a method to facilitate the purchase of fractional lottery tickets, using a point-of-sale terminal, comprising: determining an amount of total value that corresponds to a set of numbers of a ticket; and acquire at least one lottery ticket that has the set of ticket numbers based on the total amount of value.