Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A WIRELESS LOTTERY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to the field of wireless systems and,
more
particularly, to a system for managing a wireless lottery.
BACKGROUND
Lotteries are generally known. In a lottery, a number of participants purchase
tickets, each of which represents a chance to win a prize. In some cases, a
portion of the
revenue from ticket sales provides the winning prize. Many states have
lotteries and the
lotteries are typically run by the state. Most states have several different
games, including
instant-win scratch-off games, daily games and games where the participant
must pick at
least three or four correct numbers to win a prize. Often a lottery system
will have a game
with the largest possible payout, or prize. This game usually involves picking
the correct
six numbers from a set of numbers (e.g., from 1 to 50).
The odds of winning a prize may be calculated. The odds of picking a single
correct number depend on how many possible numbers are available and how many
have
been used. For instance, assuming none of the six numbers has been picked and
assuming
there are 50 possible numbers to choose from, and assuming there will be six
numbers
selected overall, there are six chances to pick a given number correctly. The
odds of
picking one number correctly are, therefore, 50/6, or 8.33:1. Using a similar
calculation,
one can determine the odds of picking another number correctly after one
number has
already been drawn. There are 49 possible numbers left, and five more numbers
will be
drawn. So the odds of picking a number correctly after one has been drawn are
49/5, or
9.8:1. The odds may be calculated for picking the remaining numbers. The odds
of
picking all six numbers are then calculated by multiplying all of the odds for
the individual
numbers. The odds are: 50/6 x 49/5 x 48/4 x 47/3 x 46/2 x 45/1 = 15,890,700:1.
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Winnings (prizes) may be determined and paid out according to various methods.
For example, a state lottery might have a $10 million jackpot. The actual
ticket revenues
will be much higher than the jackpot. There are typically additional prizes
that must be
paid. Also, most states use a large portion of the lottery revenues to pay for
various
services and equipment. Lottery revenue may be used to pay for education,
roads, disaster
relief, human services programs, etc. Once it has been determined how much of
the
revenue will be left for the prize, the prize itself may be paid out in
different ways, such as
in an annual payment for some period of years, or in a lump sum.
Typically, lottery tickets are sold through retailers that are authorized by
the states.
The retailers are usually stores, such as convenience stores. A retailer is
commonly paid a
sales commission based on certain parameters. The parameters may include
percentages,
amounts sold, number of tickets sold, commission caps, and bonuses. In New
York, for
example, retailers are paid commissions of 6% of the sales of lottery tickets.
Typically, a
commission is paid as a percentage of the sale and is paid to the retailer
making the sale.
SUMMARY
Embodiments are generally directed to a system for managing a wireless
lottery.
Tickets may be purchased using a wireless communication device. A problem
arises in
allowing consumers to purchase tickets using a wireless device in that there
is not
presently a satisfactory way to determine how sales commissions will be paid.
For
example, if a customer uses a mobile phone to make a purchase, then the
customer has not
purchased the ticket directly from a retailer. Therefore, without an
acceptable solution, as
presented by the various embodiments described herein, a retailer that might
have
otherwise sold a ticket to the customer might lose the sales commission for
that ticket.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for determining credit for
a
sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the method
comprising:
determining, by at least one processor, a location of the electronic
communication device
at the time of the sale; determining by the at least one processor, for each
of a plurality of
retailers, a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication
device at the
time of the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and
determining, by the at least
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2a
)ne processor, the credit based at least partially on the determined distance
between the
Acation of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and the
location of
each respective retailer, wherein the step of determining the credit
comprises: determining,
based on the determined distance between (a) the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and (b) the location of each respective
retailer, one or more of
the plurality of retailers that are within a predetermined range of the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale, and providing the
credit to the one
or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for determining credit for
a
sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the method
comprising:
determining, by at least one processor, a location of the electronic
communication device
at the time of the sale; determining by the at least one processor, for each
of a plurality of
retailers, a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication
device at the
time of the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and
determining, by the at least
one processor, the credit based at least partially on the determined distance
between the
location of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and
the location of
each respective retailer, wherein the step of determining the credit
comprises: determining,
based on the determined distance between (a) the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and (b) the location of each respective
retailer, one or more of
the plurality of retailers that are within a predetermined range of the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale, and providing the
credit to the one
or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for determining credit for
a
sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the method
comprising:
determining, by at least one processor, a location of the electronic
communication device
at the time of the sale; determining by the at least one processor, for each
of a plurality of
retailers, a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication
device at the
time of the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and
determining, by the at least
one processor, the credit based at least partially on the determined distance
between the
location of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and
the location of
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each respective retailer, wherein the step of determining the credit
comprises: determining,
based on the determined distance between (a) the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and (b) the location of each respective
retailer, one or more of
the plurality of retailers that are within a predetermined range of the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale, and providing the
credit to the one
or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus for determining credit
for a sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the
apparatus
comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory having
instructions stored
thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at
least one
processor to: determine a location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale; determine, for each of a plurality of retailers, a distance between
(a) the location
of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) a
location of the
respective retailer; and determine the credit based at least partially on the
determined
distance between the location of the electronic communication device at the
time of the
sale and the location of each respective retailer, wherein the step of
determining the credit
comprises: determine, based on the determined distance between (a) the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the location
of each
respective retailer, one or more of the plurality of retailers that are within
a predetermined
range of the location of the electronic communication device at the time of
the sale, and
provide the credit to the one or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus for determining credit
for a sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the
apparatus
comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory having
instructions stored
thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at
least one
processor to: determine a location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale; determine, for each of a plurality of retailers, a distance between
(a) the location
of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) a
location of the
respective retailer; and determine the credit based at least partially on the
determined
distance between the location of the electronic communication device at the
time of the
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,
sale and the location of each respective retailer, wherein the step of
determining the credit
comprises: determine, based on the determined distance between (a) the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) the location
of each
respective retailer, one or more of the plurality of retailers that are within
a predetermined
range of the location of the electronic communication device at the time of
the sale, and
provide the credit to the one or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus for determining credit
for a sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the
apparatus
comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory having
instructions stored
thereon which, when executed by the at least one processor, direct the at
least one
processor to: determine a location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale; determining by the at least one processor, for each of a plurality
of retailers, a
distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of the
sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and determine the credit
based at least
partially on the determined distance between the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and the location of each respective retailer,
wherein the step
of determining the credit comprises: determine, based on the determined
distance between
(a) the location of the electronic communication device at the time of the
sale and (b) the
location of each respective retailer, one or more of the plurality of
retailers that are within a
predetermined range of the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale, and provide the credit to the one or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a non-transitory machine-readable
medium for determining credit for a sale made at a time using an electronic
communication
device, the non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored
thereon
that are configured to cause at least one processor to: determine a location
of the electronic
communication device at the time of the sale; determine, for each of a
plurality of retailers,
a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and determine the
credit based at least
partially on the determined distance between the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and the location of each respective retailer,
wherein the step
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2d
=
of determining the credit comprises: determine, based on the determined
distance between
(a) the location of the electronic communication device at the time of the
sale and (b) the
location of each respective retailer, one or more of the plurality of
retailers that are within a
predetermined range of the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale, and provide the credit to the one or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a non-transitory machine-readable
medium for determining credit for a sale made at a time using an electronic
communication
device, the non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored
thereon
that are configured to cause at least one processor to: determine a location
of the electronic
communication device at the time of the sale; determine, for each of a
plurality of retailers,
a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; and determine the
credit based at least
partially on the determined distance between the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of the sale and the location of each respective retailer,
wherein the step
of determining the credit comprises: determine, based on the determined
distance between
(a) the location of the electronic communication device at the time of the
sale and (b) the
location of each respective retailer, one or more of the plurality of
retailers that are within a
predetermined range of the location of the electronic communication device at
the time of
the sale, and provide the credit to the one or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a non-transitory machine-readable
medium for determining credit for a sale made at a time using an electronic
communication
device, the non-transitory machine-readable medium having instructions stored
thereon
that are configured to cause at least one processor to: determine a location
of the electronic
communication device at the time of the sale; determining by the at least one
processor, for
each of a plurality of retailers, a distance between (a) the location of the
electronic
communication device at the time of the sale and (b) a location of the
respective retailer;
and determine the credit based at least partially on the determined distance
between the
location of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and
the location of
each respective retailer, wherein the step of determining the credit
comprises: determine,
based on the determined distance between (a) the location of the electronic
communication
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2e
device at the time of the sale and (b) the location of each respective
retailer, one or more of
the plurality of retailers that are within a predetermined range of the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale, and provide the
credit to the one
or more retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a method for determining credit for
a
sale made at a time using an electronic communication device, the method
comprising:
determining, by at least one processor, a location of the electronic
communication device
at the time of the sale; determining by the at least one processor, for each
of a plurality of
retailers, a distance between (a) the location of the electronic communication
device at the
time of the sale and (b) a location of the respective retailer; determining,
by the at least one
processor, a respective credit for each of the plurality of retailers based at
least partially on
the determined distance between the location of the electronic communication
device at the
time of the sale and the location of each respective retailer; and causing the
respective
credit to be provided to each of the plurality of retailers.
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide an apparatus, comprising: at least
one
processor; and a memory that stores instructions which, when executed by the
at least one
processor, direct the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
receiving
purchase information corresponding to a purchase of one or more contest
entries, the
purchase being made at a time of purchase from a retailer using an electronic
communication device in communication with the contest platform over a
communications
network, in which a location of each of a plurality of retailers is stored in
a memory;
determining a location of the electronic communication device, the location of
the
electronic communication device being a location of the electronic
communication device
at the time of purchase; determining, for each of the plurality of retailers,
a distance
between (i) the location of the electronic communication device at the time of
purchase and
(ii) the location of the respective retailer; and determining one or more
sales commissions
associated with the purchase for at least one of the plurality of retailers
based at least
partially on the determined distances between the location of the electronic
communication
device at the time of purchase and the respective locations of each of the at
least one of the
plurality of retailers.
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2f
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a computer-readable memory storing
statements and instructions for use in the execution in a computer having at
least one
processor to determine credit for a sale made at a time using an electronic
communication
device to perform the steps of: determining, by the at least one processor, a
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale; determining by the at
least one
processor, for each of a plurality of retailers, a distance between (a) the
location of the
electronic communication device at the time of the sale and (b) a location of
the respective
retailer; determining, by the at least one processor, a respective credit for
each of the
plurality of retailers based at least partially on the determined distance
between the
location of the electronic communication device at the time of the sale and
the location of
each respective retailer; and causing the respective credit to be provided to
each of the
plurality of retailers.
In another embodiment a contest system is provided. The system includes a
contest
platform operable to receive purchase information corresponding to the
purchase of one or
more contest entries. The purchase may be made using an electronic
communication
device. The system also includes a location determination module operable to
determine a
location of the electronic communication device. The contest platform is also
operable to
determine one or more sales commissions associated with the purchase based at
least
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partially on the location of the electronic communication device. The purchase
may be,
for example, the purchase of a lottery ticket.
In another embodiment, an electronic communication device is provided that may
be used to make a purchase (e.g., of a lottery ticket). The device includes a
receiver, a
transmitter, and a data input device. The data input device receives input
from a user. The
input corresponds to the purchase of a contest entry. The transmitter is
operable to
transmit the input to a contest platform, and is further operable to transmit
a signal useable
by the platform to determine the location of the electronic communication
device. The
platform may further determine a sales commission for the purchase based at
least
partially on the location.
In another embodiment a purchasing system is provided. The purchasing system
includes a purchase management platform operable to receive purchase
information
corresponding to the purchase of one or more items. The purchase may be made
using an
electronic communication device. The purchasing system may include a location
determination module operable to determine a location of the electronic
communication
device. The purchase management platform may also be operable to determine one
or
more credits associated with the purchase based at least partially on the
location of the
electronic communication device.
In another embodiment, a method is provided for determining credit for a sale
made using an electronic communication device. One step involves determining a
location of the electronic communication device. Another step involves
determining the
credit based at least partially on the location.
Various embodiments of the present invention may benefit from numerous
advantages. It should be noted that one or more embodiments may benefit from
some,
none, or all of the advantages discussed below.
One advantage is that contest entries, such as lottery tickets, may be
purchased
wirelessly and that associated retailer commissions may be fairly determined
and
distributed. Another advantage is an increase in purchases due at least
partially to the
convenience of being able to make purchases using the electronic communication
device.
Another advantage is that data associated with purchases, such as location
data, may be
determined, captured, stored, and processed to create additional related data
and/or to
enable the execution of on or more events related to the purchase information.
Another
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advantage is that retailers can send messages to users that make purchases
using the
electronic device and these messages may be based at least partially on the
user location
and may also be associated with the type of item (e.g., lottery ticket) being
purchased.
Other advantages will be readily apparent to one having ordinary skill in the
art
from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further
features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description,
taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 illustrates a wireless lottery system according to an embodiment of
the
present invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates a wireless lottery sales commission distribution plan
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGURE 3 illustrates a wireless lottery method according to an embodiment of
the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Various embodiments are generally directed to systems and techniques to
provide
lottery services. In certain cases, the services are performed wirelessly.
Accordingly, a
system may be configured to offer and manage wireless lottery activities.
According to
one feature, the system is configured to determine which lottery retailer
should be credited
for a wireless sale of a lottery ticket. For example, a user may view the
wireless lottery
option as a seamless transaction with no apparent distinction as to lottery
ticket retailers.
However, based on one or more parameters, the system determines one or more
retailers
that should be credited, or share in the credit, for a particular sale of a
lottery ticket. This
may be accomplished, for instance, by determining the location of the wireless
purchaser
when the purchase is made. A system may then determine the appropriate lottery
retailer
to be credited based on the purchaser location. For example, the system may be
configured to credit the retailer closest to the purchaser at the time of the
transaction.
Optionally, the system may be configured to credit all retailers within a
particular range of
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the purchaser. Alternatively, the purchaser may establish a "home" retailer as
the credited
retailer. The home retailer is then credited regardless of where the purchaser
is located.
Alternatively, the system may be configured to enable the purchaser to
purchase a
ticket only when certain criteria are met. For example, a purchase may be made
with the
5 user is within a certain distance from an advertisement (e.g., a
billboard) and when the
user enters an appropriate code on the device. In such a case, the retailer(s)
associated
with the advertisement and/or the code may be credited with the sale of the
lottery ticket.
In another example, the system may be configured to determine when a purchaser
enters a
particular property (e.g., the parking lot of a particular convenience store).
The system
may permit the purchaser to purchase a ticket remotely (e.g., from the car)
once the
purchaser is located within certain boundaries or within a certain range of
some
predetermined point.
According to certain related aspects, merchants that sell the wireless lottery
tickets,
or are credited with the sale, may, within a certain range, send messages
(e.g.,
advertisements) back to the user who is purchasing a ticket. For example, if a
user
purchases a ticket, the four agents within 1/4 mile of the purchaser may be
allowed to send
a message to the user, which is viewable on the user's device. One of the
merchants might
send a message, for example, that indicates the merchant will give the user a
free coffee if
the user comes in for a visit. The message may also include directions to the
merchant's
store. The wireless lottery services may be provided as an add-on, or
ancillary service, in
conjunction with a basic telecommunications service.
As shown in FIGURE 1, for example, lottery system 10 includes one or more
communication devices 12, each having a display 14 to allow a user to interact
with
system 10 as described herein. Communication devices 12 communicate with other
elements of system 10 over a communications network 18. Also included in
system 10 are
one or more retailers 30, which may be (for example) stores that sell goods
and/or
services. Retailers 30 may be credited with sales made through devices 12
according to
the various parameters and methods described herein. System 10 also includes a
lottery
management platform 20. Platform 20 includes at least one processor 21, at
least one
memory 22, and at least one network interface 23. Platform 20 also includes a
location
determination module 24 for determining the location of the one or more
communication
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devices 12, and a commission determination module 26 for determining
commissions (or
other credit) for sales made using the devices 12.
Communication devices 12 may include any devices that are capable of receiving
and transmitting information, such as voice and/or data information,
electronically.
Communication devices 12, may have a display 14 for displaying, for example, a
graphic
user interface (GUI) to allow a user to perform various actions permitted by
the system 10.
These various actions may be related to any of the various aspects of
purchasing lottery
tickets and communicating information between a device 12 and any of the other
components of system 10.
It should be understood that although certain embodiments are described in
terms
of the sales of lottery tickets, various embodiments have applicability to
sale of any entry
including, without limitation, contest entries, state lotteries, scratch-off
lotteries, instant
lotteries. Also applicable are the sales of entertainment tickets such as
concert tickets and
sporting event tickets. Also applicable are sales of any other product or
service for which
a commission may be paid. This includes sales of goods and property, sales of
travel
related services, sales of securities and other investment vehicles, etc.
Communication devices 12 may be wireless communication devices, but the
present invention is not so limited. Devices 12 may include, without
limitation, mobile
phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), computers, mini-computers, etc.
Communication
devices 12 may transmit and receive information to and from communications
network 18.
Information is also transmitted between network 18 and platform 20.
Information may
also be transmitted between any of these components and one or more retailers
30.
Information transmitted across network 18 may include any information, in any
format, which is necessary or desirable in the operation of the wireless
lottery system. The
information may be transmitted in whole, or in combination, in any format
including
digital or analog, text or voice, and according to any known or future
transport
technologies, which may include, for example, wireline or wireless
technologies. Wireless
technologies may include, for example, licensed or license-exempt
technologies. Some
specific technologies which may be used include, without limitation, Code
Division
Multiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), General
Packet Radio Service (GPRS), WiFi (802.11x), WiMax (802.16x), Public Switched
Telephone Network (PSTN), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Integrated Services
Digital
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Network (ISDN), or cable modem technologies. These are examples only and one
of
ordinary skill will understand that other types of communication techniques
are within the
scope of the present invention. Further, it will be understood that additional
components
may be used in the communication of information between users, retailers, and
the
wireless lottery platform. Such additional components may include, without
limitation,
lines, trunks, antennas, switches, cables, transmitters, receivers, computers,
routers,
servers, fiber optical transmission equipment, repeaters, amplifiers, etc.
According to one embodiment, the communications network comprises a cellular
network. The cellular network comprises a plurality of base stations, each of
which has a
corresponding coverage area. Base station technology is generally known and
the base
stations may be of any type found in a typical cellular network. The base
stations may
have coverage areas that overlap. Further, the coverage areas may be
sectorized or non-
sectorized. The network also includes mobile stations, which function as
the
communication devices 12 used by users to access the lottery platform and
participate in
the lottery activities. Users are connected to the network of base stations
via transmission
and reception of radio signals. The communications network also includes at
least one
voice/data switch, which may be connected to the wireless portion of the
network via a
dedicated, secure landline. The lottery platform 20 may likewise be connected
to the
voice/data switch via a dedicated, secure landline. The voice/data switch may
be
connected to the wireless network of base stations via a mobile switching
center (MSC),
for example, and the landline may be provided between the voice/data switch
and the
MSC.
Users access the lottery platform and or system by way of mobile stations
which
are in communication with, and thus part of, the communications network. The
mobile
station may be any electronic communication device that is operable in
connection with
the network as described. For example, in this particular embodiment, the
mobile station
may comprise a cellular telephone.
In the case of a cellular network for example, the lottery system may be
enabled
through the use of a private label carrier network. Each base station is
programmed by the
cellular carrier to send and receive private secure voice and/or data
transmissions to and
from mobile station handsets. The handsets are preferably pre-programmed with
both
gaming software and the carrier's authentication software. The base.stations
communicate
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via Private T-1 lines to a switch. Encryption can be installed on the
telephones if required
by a regulating authority.
The cellular network may be a private, closed system. Mobile stations
communicate with base stations and base stations are connected to a
centralized switch.
At the switch, voice calls are transported either locally or via long
distance. Specific
service provider lottery traffic is transported from the central switch to a
lottery server at a
host location.
As users begin a lottery activity, the handset will only talk to certain base
stations
with cells or sectors that have been engineered to be wholly within the
jurisdiction
permitting and/or controlling the applicable lottery. For example, if a base
station is close
enough to pick up or send a signal across state lines, it might not be able to
communicate
with the device. When a customer uses the device for lottery activities, the
system may
prohibit, if desired, the making or receiving voice calls. Moreover, voice can
be
eliminated entirely if required. Further, the devices might not be allowed to
"connect" to
the Internet. This ensures a high level of certainty that purchase of lottery
tickets
originates and terminates within the boundaries of an applicable lottery
jurisdiction and
the "private" wireless system cannot be circumvented or bypassed. In certain
embodiments some data and/or voice traffic may be communicated at least
partially over
the Internet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, certain non-lottery
information may be
transported over a path which includes the Internet, while other information
relating to the
lottery activities of the system is transported on a path that does not
include the Internet.
In still other embodiments, even lottery information may be transported either
wholly or
partially over the Internet. This might be the case, for example, in
jurisdictions which
allow the purchase of lottery tickets over the Internet.
In another embodiment, for example, the communications network comprises a
private wireless network. The private wireless network may include, for
example, an
802.11x (WiFi) network technology. Various WiFi networks may comprise the
communication network. The networks may use other communications protocols to
provide a private wireless network including, but not limited to, 802.16x
(WiMax)
technology. Also, system 10 may comprise a combination of networks. For
example,
system 10 may comprise a combination of private wireless networks, a cellular
network
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comprising a multi-channel access unit or sectorized base station, and a
satellite network
comprising one or more satellites
With respect to the private wireless network, because certain technology
covers
smaller areas, (e.g., in the range of 100-300 feet) and provides very high-
speed
throughput, the private wireless network is particularly well-suited for any
jurisdictional
needs of location and identity verification. It should be understood that the
configuration
and description of the overall lottery system 10 is intended only as an
example and may be
modified within the scope of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the system architecture for the lottery system includes:
(1) a wireless LAN (Local Access Network) component, which consists of
mostly
802.11x (WiFi) and/or 802.16x WiMax technologies; robust security and
authentication
software; gaming software; mobile carrier approved handsets with Windows or
Symbian operating systems integrated within;
(a) CDMA-technology that is secure for over-the-air data protection;
(b) at least two layers of user authentication, (that provided by the mobile
carrier
and that provided by the lottery platform provider);
(c) compulsory tunneling (static routing) to gaming servers;
(d) end-to-end encryption at the application layer; and
(e) state-of-the-art firewall and DMZ technologies;
(2) an MWAN (Metropolitan Wireless Access Network), which consists of
licensed
and license-exempt, point-to-point links, as well as licensed and license-
exempt, point-to-
multi-point technologies;
(3)
private MAN (Metropolitan Access Network) T-1 and T-3 lines to provide
connectivity where wireless services cannot reach; and
(4) redundant private-line communications from the mobile switch back to
the lottery
platform.
As further shown in FIGURE 1, communication devices 12 are in communication
with a lottery management platform 20 over network 18. The lottery management
platform 20 preferably has one or more servers or processors 21, on which are
resident
various lottery and lottery management applications. These applications may
include, for
example, a lottery sales application, a commission determination application,
a location
determination application, a lottery transaction tracking application, and an
information
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transmission application. These applications may be embodied in one or more
software
modules. The applications may be combined in any possible configuration.
Additionally,
it should be understood that these applications are not exhaustive and that
other
applications may exist to provide an environment to the user that is
associated with any of
5 the
described or potential lottery activities. Processor 21 is operable to execute
any of the
software, routines, applications, etc. associated with the various
functionality or modules
described herein. Processor 21 may be any suitable processor, computer,
server, etc., or
any combination thereof.
Platform 20 also includes at least one memory 22. Memory 22 is operable store
10 any
data, software, parameters, etc. necessary for system 10 to perform the
various tasks
described herein. Memory 22 may store, for example, user IDs for the various
users of
communication devices 12, percentages and other parameters used to determine
commissions, locations of fixed elements of system 10 such as the locations of
the one or
more retailers 30, etc. Memory 22 may be any suitable memory including one or
more
random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs), dynamic random
access
memories (DRAMs), fast cycle RAMs (FCRA_Ms), static RAM (SRAMs), field-
programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), erasable programmable read-only memories
(EPROMs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs),
microcontrollers, or microprocessors.
Platform 20 also includes at least one network interface 23 for receiving
information from, and transmitting information to, other components or
elements within
system 10.
Lottery management platform 20 includes a location determination module 24,
which is operable to determine the location of a communication device 12. An
associated
verification application may be additionally operable to permit or disable the
purchase of a
lottery ticket (or the conduct of other lottery activities) from a particular
location
depending upon whether or not the location meets one or more criteria. The
criterion may
be, for example, whether the location is within a pre-defined area in which
lottery sales are
permitted by law.
The location determination technology used in the determination module 24 may
include, without limitation, "network-based" and/or "satellite-based"
technology.
Network-based technology may include such technologies as multilateration,
triangulation
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and geo-fencing, for example. Satellite-based technologies may include global
positioning
satellite (GPS) technology, for example.
As previously discussed, a cellular approach may include the use of at least
one
cellular, mobile, voice and data network. For lottery activities in certain
jurisdictions, the
location determination technology may involve triangulation, global
positioning satellite
(GPS) technology, and/or geo-fencing to avoid the potential for lottery
activities to be
undertaken outside applicable boundaries. Triangulation may be used as a
method for
determining location of a communication device 12. Triangulation may be
accomplished,
for example, by comparing the signal strength from a single mobile station
received at
multiple base stations, each having GPS coordinates. This technology may be
used to
pinpoint the location of a mobile station (i.e., a communication device). The
location can
then be compared to a map or other resource to determine whether the user of
the mobile
station is in an unapproved area. Alternatively, GPS technology may be used
for these
purposes.
Any suitable type of location determination techniques may be used to
determine
the location of device 12, to determine whether a device 12 may be used to
participate in
the various lottery activities described herein, and/or to determine credit
for sales based on
device location. Such techniques include, without limitation, the following.
One technique that may be used is "geo-fencing." Geo-fencing may be used, for
example, to disable a device that is not within specified boundaries. Geo-
fencing does not
specify location. Rather, it ensures that a mobile station is within certain
boundaries. For
instance, geo-fencing may be used to ensure that a mobile station beyond state
lines does
not access the lottery system 10. Triangulation is another technique that may
be used.
Triangulation specifies a pinpoint, or near-pinpoint, location of the device.
For example, a
device might be triangulated between three base stations to determine the
location of the
device. Triangulation may be used to identify whether a device, such as a
mobile station,
is located in a specific area. The location determination technology utilized
in conjunction
with the present invention may be specified to meet the Federal Communication
Commission's (FCC's) Phase 2 E911 requirements. Geological Institute Survey
(GIS)
mapping may also be utilized to compare identified coordinates of a
communication
device with GIS map features or elements to determine whether a device is in a
particular
area. It should be noted that any type of location verification may be used
such as
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triangulation, geo-fencing, global positioning satellite (GPS) technology,
signal strength
comparisons, time difference of arrival (TDOA) or any other type of location
determining
technology, which can be used to ensure or provide an acceptable level of
confidence, that
the user is in a particular location or within specified boundaries.
In another embodiment, location verification is accomplished using channel
address checking or location verification using some other identifying number
or piece of
information indicative of which network or portion of a network is being
accessed by the
communication device. Assuming the using of an identifying number for this
purpose,
then according to one method of location checking, as an example, a
participant accesses
the lottery system via a mobile telephone. The identifying number of the
mobile
telephone, or of the network component being accessed by the mobile telephone,
identifies
the caller's connection to the mobile network. The number is indicative of the
fact that the
caller is in a defined area and is on a certain mobile network. A server
application may be
resident on the mobile telephone to communicate this information via the
network to the
lottery platform. In a related embodiment, the identifying number or
information is passed
from a first network provider to a second network provider. For example, a
caller's home
network may be that provided by the second provider, but the caller is roaming
on a
network (and in a jurisdiction) provided by the first provider. The first
provider passes the
identifying information through to the second provider to enable the second
provider to
determine whether the caller is in a defined area that does or does not allow
the relevant
lottery activity. Preferably the lottery platform either maintains, or has
access to, a
database that maps the various possible worldwide mobile network identifying
numbers to
geographic areas. The invention contemplates using any number or proxy that
indicates a
network, portion of a network, or network component, which is being connected
with a
mobile telephone. The identifying number may indicate one or more of a base
station or
group of base stations, a line, a channel, a trunk, a switch, a router, a
repeater, etc.
In another embodiment, when the user connects his mobile telephone to the
lottery
platform, the lottery platform draws the network identifying information.
Software
resident on the communication device may incorporate functionality that will,
upon login
or access by the user, determine the user's location (based at least in part
on the identifying
information) and send a message to the lottery platform. The identifying
number or
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information used to determine location may be country-specific, state-
specific, town-
specific, or specific to some other definable boundaries.
In connection with any of the location determination methods, the lottery
platform
may periodically update the location determination information. This may be
done, for
example, during a lottery transaction, or at pre-defined time intervals, to
ensure that
movement of the communication device to an unauthorized area is detected
during lottery
activities, and not just upon login or initial access.
Thus, depending on the location determination technology being used, the
decision
whether to permit or prohibit a lottery activity may be made at the
communication device,
at the lottery platform, or at any of the components of the telecommunication
network
being used to transmit information between the platform and the communication
device
(such as at a base station, for example).
Lottery platform 20 also includes a commission determination module 26. Among
other thing, commission determination module 26 determines the commissions
payable to
one or more retailers. The determination may be made, at least in part, based
on the
location of one or more communication devices 12 (as determined, for example,
by
location determination module 24). It should be understood that all modules
and/or
components illustrated within platform 20 may be separate, integrated,
centralized,
remote, overlapping, or in any other configuration so long as the
functionality of the
modules is provided.
Commission determination module 26 may determine that a retailer 30 that is
closest to a particular device 12, which was used to purchase a lottery
ticket, is to be
credited with the sale of that ticket. Thus, that particular retailer would be
entitled to any
applicable commission based on that sale. It should be understood that the
term "retailer"
is not meant to be limiting. A retailer can be any distributor of lottery
tickets (or other
contest entries or other goods or services being purchased). A retailer can be
an
individual, a store, a government agency, a distributor, a kiosk, etc. In
another
embodiment, the commission determination module may be operable to determine a
commission based on the location of one or more retailers within a certain
distance from
one or more communication devices 12, such as the particular device 12 used to
purchase
a ticket. For example, location determination module 24 may determine the
location of a
device 12 used to purchase a ticket. Commission determination module 26 may
determine
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that two retailers 30 are within a predetermined (e.g., 5 mile) radius of the
communication
device 12. Commission determination module 26 may further determine that the
commission for the sale of the ticket will be split between the two retailers
30.
Commission determination module 26 may use additional parameters to determine
the appropriate commission. Such parameter may include, without limitation,
location of
one or more devices 12; location of one or more retailers 30; distances from
one or more
devices 12 to one or more retailers 30; pre-selected user preferences; day,
date and time
information; zone boundaries; prorating parameters, percentages, etc.
According to another embodiment, predetermined zones may be established. If a
purchase is made using a device in a particular zone, it may be determined
that all or a
subset of the retailers in that zone are credited with the sale.
According to another embodiment, commission determination module 26 may
prorate commissions between multiple retailers based on their respective
distances to the
device 12 that was used to make the purchase. According to a related example,
module 26
may determine the commissions based on predetermined percentages according to
which
the various retailers (e.g., all of the retailers within 5 miles of the device
12) should be
entitled to a commission. For example, certain stores might be entitled to
greater
percentages than other stores.
According to at least one embodiment, a user of a device 12 may pre-select one
or
more retailer to be a "home" retailer. This might be a retailer, for example,
that the user
frequents in person. When the device 12 is used by that particular user to
purchase a
lottery ticket, the home retailer is credited with the sale. This feature may
be independent
of, or combined with, the other parameters described herein. For example, the
home
retailer may be credited regardless of the location of the device 12. As an
alternative
example, the home store is credited together with, but at a higher percentage
than,
additional retailers that are all within a certain distance from the device
12.
According to another embodiment, a user of a device 12 may only be able to
make
a purchase using the device when the device is within a certain distance from
a particular
point. For example, the user might have to be within a certain distance from a
billboard
advertising the lottery. If a purchase is made within a certain distance from
the point, a
predetermined recipient is credited with the sale (and thus any commission).
In this case,
the advertiser might be credited with the commission, or at least a portion
thereof.
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According to a related aspect, users might be presented with one or more
possible
codes which must be entered on the communication device GUI in order to make a
purchase. For example, a code may be displayed on a billboard, or on an
advertisement in
a store, or on an advertisement on a particular television station. If the
user enters a
5
particular code in conjunction with the purchase of the ticket, then the
entity associated
with the code (e.g., the advertiser, the store where the advertisement is
located, or the
media entity providing the code) is credited with the sale and the resulting
commission.
It should be understood that the term "commission" is not limited to any
particular
type of commission. Commission may simply mean, in some embodiments,
recognition
10 or
credit for a sale. Commissions may be financial commissions paid, for example,
as a
percentage of the sale. Commissions may also be other types of incentives,
including
other types of financial incentives, such as bonuses, which are determined
based on any
suitable parameters.
FIGURE 2 illustrates an example of the operation of the location determination
15
module 24 in conjunction with the operation of the commission determination
module 26.
As shown, there are two communication devices 210 and 204, respectively. There
are also
two retailers 206 and 208, respectively. According to an example, a lottery
ticket may be
purchased using device 210. Location determination module 24 may determine
that
device 210 is at a particular location. Commission determination module 26 may
retrieve
information regarding the location of various retailers to determine that
retailer 206 is the
only retailer within a certain predetermined radius 203 of device 210. Thus,
commission
determination module 26 may determine that retailer 206 is entitled to the
credit for, and
any commissions resulting from, the sale of the lottery ticket which was made
using
device 210.
In another example illustrated by FIGURE 2, a lottery ticket may be purchased
using device 204. In this case, location determination module 24 determines
the location
of device 204. Commission determination module 26 may determine (based on
stored
information, for example) the locations of various retailers and may further
determine that
retailers 206 and 208 are the only retailers within a certain radius 205 from
device 204.
Commission determination module 26 may then determine that the credit and
commission
for the sale is to be equally divided between retailers 206 and 208.
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Alternatively, it may be determined that retailer 206 is a first distance 209
from
device 204 and retailer 208 is a second distance 207 from device 204. It may
be further
determined that second distance 207 is shorter than first distance 209. It may
be
consequently determined that retailer 208 is closer to device 204 than is
retailer 206 and,
therefore, retailer 208 is entitled to the commission.
Alternatively, it may be determined that second distance 207 is half the
distance of
first distance 209. It may be further determined that the commission will be
divided
between retailers 206 and 208, but prorated 1/3 to retailer 206 and 2/3 to
retailer 208. It
should be appreciated that numerous examples for determining the commission
based at
least partially on the retailer and user locations may be incorporated into
the various
embodiments as described herein.
FIGURE 3 illustrates an example method for determining commissions for the
sale
of a lottery ticket. Although the method shows various steps in a certain
order, the
invention is not so limited. Steps may be added, removed, and altered, and the
order of the
various steps may be change.
In the illustrated example, the method begins with step 302 in which a user
makes
a purchase using a communication device. The purchase may be, for example, the
purchase of a lottery ticket. Any of the other types of purchases described
herein are
contemplated.
In step 304, the location of the user is determined. This may be accomplished
using any of the components and any of the techniques described herein.
Preferably, the
location is determined based on the location of the user's communication
device at the
time the purchase is made. However, the location may be determined at another
time or '
according to other criteria.
In step 306, a credit (e.g., a sales commission) is determined based at least
partially
on the user location. Again, the credit may be any type of financial or non-
financial credit,
commission, payment, bonus or recognition. The credit may be determined based
on any
of the techniques and according to any of the additional parameters discussed
herein.
In step 308, the credit, as determined in step 306, is distributed to one or
more
retailers. The distribution may be accomplished according to any suitable
payment
method including cash, check, money or wire transfer, credit, etc. Other
distributions are
envisioned such as would be applicable to a non-financial credit. The credit
may also be
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distributed by the creation of a record corresponding to the purchase and
linking the
retailer to the record (e.g., by use of a retailer ID).
Although various embodiments of the invention and its advantages have been
described in detail, a person skilled in the art could make various
alternations, additions,
and omissions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as
defined by the appended claims.
For example, according to a related aspect, at least certain embodiments may
incorporate a messaging function. According to the messaging function, a
retailer or the
lottery platform may send messages to one or more of the users. The messages
may be,
for example, alerts, advertisements, promotions, confirmations, etc. Messages
might be
predetermined based on distance or proximity of the user to one more other
elements of
system 10 (such as a retailer). As an example, a retailer that is credited
with the
commission for the sale of a lottery ticket made using a device 12 may
generate a message
to the user of device 12. The message might thank the user for making the
purchase and
invite the user to the retailer's location for a free drink. The message may
also include
directions to the merchant's store. According to certain related aspects,
merchants that sell
the wireless lottery tickets may, within a certain range, send messages (e.g.,
advertisements) back to the user who is purchasing the ticket. For example, if
a user
purchases a ticket, the four agents within 1/4 mile of the purchaser may be
allowed to send
a message to the user, which is viewable on the user's device.
According to another aspect, the system may be configured to determine when a
user enters a particular property (e.g., the parking lot of a particular
convenience store).
The system may permit the user to purchase a ticket remotely (e.g., from the
car) once the
user is located within certain boundaries or within a certain range of some
predetermined
point.
According to another aspect, the lottery services described herein may be
provided
as an add-on, or ancillary service, in conjunction with a basic
telecommunications service.
