초록 ▼

The invention is an apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket including an imaging subsystem, and a controller for capturing image data corresponding to substantially at least one entire surface of the game ticket. The apparatus determines if scratch-off material has been removed from the game

The invention is an apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket including an imaging subsystem, and a controller for capturing image data corresponding to substantially at least one entire surface of the game ticket. The apparatus determines if scratch-off material has been removed from the game ticket by analyzing the captured image data. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a brander for marking the game ticket with a mark indicating that the ticket has been received in the apparatus. The controller may determine whether the ticket has been previously played by analyzing image data captured prior to the ticket being branded. The controller may also authenticate a game ticket by analyzing image data captured subsequent to the ticket being branded.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket of the type having topside and bottomside surfaces, at least one identification code symbol formed on one of said surfaces, a play area defined on one of said surfaces, and scratch-off material formed on said play area, sa

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket of the type having topside and bottomside surfaces, at least one identification code symbol formed on one of said surfaces, a play area defined on one of said surfaces, and scratch-off material formed on said play area, said apparatus comprising:a housing having a feed path;a transport mechanism for transporting documents through said feed path;an imaging subsystem including at least one imaging assembly, said at least one imaging assembly having an image sensor directed toward said feed path for generating image signals corresponding to substantially an entire surface of said game ticket; anda controller in communication with said transport mechanism and said imaging subsystem, wherein said controller captures an image map representing substantially an entire one of said surfaces of said game ticket, and wherein said controller determines a scratch-off material characteristic of said game ticket by analyzing image data of said image map.