It is essential to be able to guarantee that the prizes in a lottery, at least distributed over several lottery draws, yield a certain predetermined dividend. A predetermined dividend should in this context be understood that the number of prizes on the playing counters is predetermined to occur within a certain range. The prizes on the playing counters could for instance correspond to a certain sum of money or could give the winner a chance to take part in other forms of lotteries having other dividends, such as larger sums of money. It is thus easily understood that by a predetermined dividend is to be understood that the number of prizes or lucky numbers, at least when distributed over several lottery draws, are to occur within said range. However it is connected with problems to generate large numbers of playing counters and drawing sequences which jointly give said predetermined dividend, particularly if the number of possible marker moves from the start to the end positions and possible prize indicator positions on the playing counters is considerable. It is likewise understood that the process of generating playing counters and drawings sequences becomes complicated, when the number of playing counters, drawing sequences and possible moves from the start to the end positions and possible prize indicator positions on the playing counters is considerable, because of the very large number of possible combinations of these parameters.

A first object of the present invention thus is to provide a device for generating playing counters and drawing sequences having a predetermined dividend.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a device for generating playing counters and drawing sequences according to which the number of possible combinations of various parameters that affect the generating process, such as e. g. the number of drawing sequences, different configurations of the playing counters and the positions of the prize indicators on the playing counters becomes manageable in order to allow rapid and simple generation of playing counters and drawing sequences.

The device for generating playing counters and drawing sequences are also aimed at meeting the conventional requirements established for lotteries, for instance with respect to the lottery draws.

Some presently preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates one example of an embodiment of the playing counter, also showing marker moves with respect to one drawing sequence from a start position to an end position.

Fig. 2 illustrates one example of a director area used in the generation procedure.

Fig. 3 illustrates on an enlarged scale a part of a playing counter e. g. the playing counter illustrated in Fig. 1, the digits indicating the distribution by percentage of the number of marker hits in the drawing series included in the different

drawing sequences with respect to different sections of the playing counter part.

Fig. 4 illustrates one example of the disposition of the above- mentioned director areas in the form of director patterns on a playing counter, e. g. the one illustrated in Fig. 1.

Figure 5 illustrates the device for manufacturing playing counters according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The playing counter of Fig. 1, generally referred to by reference l, is divided into three parts, generally indicated by references 2, 3 and 4, respectively. In accordance with the embodiment shown each playing counter part comprises a grid comprising six columns and eleven rows, and the counter parts 2,3, 4 are positioned side by side. The columns and the rows delimit sections 5, of square configuration in accordance with the embodiment shown. The playing counter 1 has a start column generally designated by reference 6. In accordance with the embodiment shown, the start column 6 comprises five sections and vertically it is centred about the middle rows of sections of the parts 2,3 and 4, respectively. In one of the sections of the start column 6 is a mark 7 indicating a start position. The playing counter 1 also comprises an end column generally designated by reference 8. The end column is a part of the playing counter part 4 in accordance with the embodiment shown.

In accordance with the embodiment shown the playing counter also comprises directors 9 in the form of arrows pointing vertically upwards or downwards. The directors 9 are disposed in three columns in playing counter parts 2 and 3 in accordance with the embodiment shown, and in two columns in playing counter part 4.

However, they could equally well be disposed in other columns on the playing counter. The end column 8 shows a number of prize

indicators 10 which in the example illustrated are different sums of money. In some sections of playing counter parts 2,3, 4 there are also prize indicators in the form of signs 11, in this case the letters A, B, C. In accordance with the embodiment shown all A's are found in the first part 2, all B's in the second part 3 and all C's in the third part 4. This is not, however, necessary but all sign prize indicators 11 for instance in the form of A's could appear in several playing counter parts simultaneously. The number of different types of sign prize indicators 11 could exceed or be lower than that shown (which is A, B, C).

In accordance with the inventive generation process, playing counters of the kind shown in Fig. 1 are generated as well as drawing sequences. The drawing sequences consist of a collection of marker moves from a start position to an end position on the playing counter. Once the generation process is completed it is advantageous to sell the playing counters to players before the drawing proper is effected during which one of the generated drawing sequences is selected at random. The marker moves in the drawing sequence could be indicated for instance in the form of arrows, the marker moves in accordance with the example shown being effected laterally from the left to the right between the sections of juxtaposed columns on the playing counter. The lateral moves in the drawing sequences could in this case be horizontal, be directed diagonally upwards, or diagonally downwards. In Fig. 1, line 12 indicates one example of marker moves generated by one drawing sequence as drawn. When the marker hits a director 9 it should be moved upwards or downwards laterally in the direction indicated, to an adjacent section. The start column 6 could for instance have an opaque scrape-off cover hiding in which section the start position 7 is disposed on the playing counter. This feature in combination with the directors 9 and the fact that the drawing sequence preferably will be disclosed draw for draw, for example during a television transmission, make the marker moves an exciting part of the game

to the player. In the example shown, the player is lucky since the marker hits two sign prize indicators A, which in this example generates a prize, and since the marker hits prize indicator 200, which gives a monetary prize of 200.

It is easily understood that the number of possible combinations of parameters, such as for instance different drawings sequences, different appearances of the playing counters, different start positions and different positions of the prize indicators 10, 11 is large, for which reason the number of possible combinations must be limited somehow in the generation of playing counters and drawing sequences. In addition, the generation process should provide the above mentioned predetermined dividend.

In the following, it will be described how the device according to the invention manufactures playing counters whereby these problems are handled in a most resourceful way. In accordance with the example given 10 000 playing counters are to be generated and the draws are to be performed from 1000 drawing sequences.

A device for manufacturing playing counters 1 and generating drawing sequences 12 is presented in figure 5. It is to be used in a lottery with a predetermined dividend. The device A at least comprises a printing machine B, a computer processor C, readable and writeable memory means D, which incorporates a plurality of registers and a plurality of communication links E, F, G. The printing machine, the computer processor, the communication links and the memory means can be previously known.

The memory means can for instance be constituted by a hard disk or random access memory (RAM). It should be noted that most memory means are be capable of achieving the purpose of the present invention. The communication links may be constituted by the internal buses of a general purpose computer.

The computer processor C is connected to the printing machine B by means of a first communication link E and the memory means D by means of a second communication link F. The printing machine B is responsive for arranging a start 6 and an end column 8, a number of counter parts 2,3, 4, each counter part comprising a matrix, and director patterns 14,14', 14"on each playing counter 1.

The computer processor C is arranged to obtain playing counter manufacturing data from a first register by means of the second communication link F. The manufacturing data incorporates numbers representing maximum vertical differences between the start and end positions of each counter part 2,3, 4.

The computer processor C is also arranged to generate one list of director areas 13 for each counter part 2,3, 4. These director areas 13 comprise a director pattern 14,14', 14"and are smaller than the associated counter parts 2,3, 4. The lists are stored in a second register by means of the second communication link F.

The computer processor C is also arranged to sort the lists in the second register so that director patterns 14, 14', 14" resulting in small vertical differences between the start and end positions of each counter part 2,3, 4 are arranged to be placed first. The sorted lists are stored in a third register by means of the second communication link F.

The computer processor C is also arranged to draw a number of director patterns 14,14', 14"of each counter part 2,3, 4 using a random number generator from the third register by means of the second communication link F. The random number generator is arranged to give preference to the beginning of the lists, which are arranged to be stored in a fourth register by means of the second communication link F.

The computer processor C is also arranged to generate one list of draw series comprising moves for a marker for each counter part 2, 3,4, which lists, when applied to the director patterns 14, 14', 14" in the fourth register, results in vertical differences between the start and end positions of each counter part 2,3, 4. The lists are stored in a fifth register by means of the second communication link F.

The computer processor C is also arranged to read for all playing counters 1 to be manufactured one director pattern 14, 14', 14" for each counter part 2,3, 4 from the fourth register by means of the second communication link F for combining them and determining their positions on counter parts 2,3, 4 on a playing counter 1.

The computer processor C is also arranged to transmit by means of the first communication link E data concerning start and end columns 6,8, the number of counter parts (2,3, 4), director patterns 14, 14', 14"and their positions in each counter part 2, 3, 4 to the printing machine B for printing the counter parts 2, 3,4 on a playing counter material.

It should be noted that some of the hardware components described above and the way according to which they are connected may be substituted for others. However, similar constructions are still considered to be within the scope of the appended claims.

In a specific embodiment the sum of the numbers representing vertical differences between the start and end positions is constant for every playing counter 1. Also the number of counter parts 2,3, 4 is three and the matrices are provided with 11 rows and 6 columns. One or more marks is arranged in the start column 6 in order to indicate a start position. The director 9 is an arrow arranged to point in one of the directions of upwards, downwards, right, obliquely upwards and right, and obliquely

downwards and right. Also the counter parts 2,3, 4 are arranged side by side and the start and end columns 6,8 are arranged to the left and to the right of the parts, respectively. Playing counter manufacturing data is arranged to be inputted by data input means G, such as a key board, the data input means G being connected to the computer processor C or to the machine-readable memory means D via a communication link H. The printing machine B is also responsive for arranging prize indicators 11 on the playing counters 1. The printing machine B is also responsive for arranging an opaque scrape-off cover hiding on the start column 6 on the playing counters 1. Also, prize indicators 11 are arranged in counter parts 2,3, 4, in order to indicate a prize winning situation when a predetermined number of indicators 11 have been hit by the marker. The number of directors 9 in each director pattern 14, 14', 14"is limited to one, two, or three.

In order to obtain a predetermined dividend with respect to the prize indicators 10 in the end column and to yet make a manageable generation process possible, initially a difference of a total number of sections S vertically between the start and end positions is determined. In accordance with the shown example S=0. In accordance with one preferred embodiment S is the same for all playing counters, a feature that naturally facilitates the generation process further. Because S is known it is easy to select, preferably at random, a number of playing counters presenting a prize in the end column. These counters should be formed with a start position the state of which, i. e. the vertical position in the column, generates a predetermined end position in the end column, independently of the selected drawing sequence. A prize indicator is then arranged in the end position.

All other playing counters that should not have a prize in the end column have no prize indicator in the end position.

Alternatively, the system may be based on a predetermined prize indicator state in the end column, for instance in the form of pre-printed prizes in certain sections of the end column, and the

state of the start position is adapted to this situation in such a manner that certain, preferably random-selected prize playing counters are generated. Once S is established, the playing counters are divided into parts, such as 2,3, 4, in order to further facilitate the generation process. For each part it is determined, preferably at random, the desired difference in heights Si, known as small steps, between the sections in the first and the last columns in the direction of marker moves with respect to each part 2,3, 4. The sum of the small steps should be S, i.e. Sl+S2+..+Si=S. In accordance with the shown example the small step Si= -2 in the first part. In the second part the small step S2=+1 and in the third part the small step S3=+l (i. e.

S=Sl+S2+S3=-2+1+1=0). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, Si is common to the first part 2 of all playing counters (e. g. - 2) and Si is common to the second parts 3 of all playing counters (e. g. +1) and Si is common to the third parts 4 of all playing counters (e. g. +1), all playing counters thus having the same small step in mutually corresponding, parts, which naturally facilitates the generation process further. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the small steps are chosen within the range -2 to +2 and S is chosen within the range -6 to +6. The chosen small steps are stored in a first register.

The marker moves in each part are referred to herein as draw series. Each part in accordance with the example comprises 729 (36) possible different draw series which may comprise marker moves from the left to the right on the playing counter in the direction diagonally upwards, diagonally downwards, or horizontally. The various draw series for each playing counter part jointly form different drawing sequences with respect to that playing counter. In accordance with the preferred embodiment certain non-desired draw series and/or drawing sequences are sorted out. For example, in accordance with one embodiment such drawing sequences and/or series comprising more than three identical marker moves in sequence are sorted out, since such

drawing sequences and/or draw series may be felt as less exciting by the player. For the same reasons, in accordance with the preferred embodiment such drawing sequences are sorted out which in total comprise more than seven identical marker moves.

Each counter part 2,3, 4 in accordance with the shown embodiment comprises a director area, generally indicated in Fig. 2 by reference 13. In the case illustrated the director area 13 has a width of three columns and a height of five rows, but the size may be varied. Preferably, the director area preferably has such a size that it covers only one section in its associated playing counter part, e. g. some of the sections in the associated parts 2,3, 4, in order to facilitate the generation process for reasons to be discussed further on. For the director area 13 of each part is generated a list of director patterns 14, showing different possible ways of positioning the directors 9 in the director area 13 of the sections 5. The list is stored in a second register, one for each counter part. Fig. 2 illustrates one example of indicator positions in an director pattern 14 relating to area 13. The number of directors in each director pattern 14 is preferably restricted to ensure that the directors 9 will not be too close to one another. In accordance with the example illustrated the number of directors 9 in each director pattern is limited to one, two, or three.

Fig. 4 illustrates one example of a playing counter in which three director patterns 14, 14', 14"are set out. Each one of these patterns has three directors. Director pattern 14" comprises only two columns. A very large number of different combination possibilities exists between different patterns. In order to make the generation process manageable, the number of pattern combinations should be restricted.

The list of director patterns 14 for the first playing counter part 2 is sorted in such a manner that the patterns 14 producing

small step S1, comprising the largest number of draw series appear first. The list of director patterns 14'relating to the second playing counter part 3 is sorted in such a manner that the patterns 14'generating small step S comprising the largest number of draw series appear first and the list of director patterns 14"relating to the third part 14 is sorted in such a manner that the pattern 14"generating small step S3 comprising the largest number of draw series appears first. The result is stored in a third register for each part.

A number of patterns is then randomly drawn from each one of the three sorted lists, the drawn patterns being stored in a fourth register. It should be noted that the lists in each third register are sorted in such a manner that the patterns that may be combined with the largest number of draw series appear first.

These are the best draw series for reasons that will appear further on. The draw preferably thus is performed using a random number distribution which is not linearly in the population but configured in such a manner that the first, best draw series have the best chance of being drawn.

Thereafter is generated a list of the draw series which, when applied to the patterns in the fourth register relating to the first counter part 2, continues to produce the above-mentioned small step Sl. The generated list is stored in a fifth register relating to part 2. In the same manner is generated a list of the draw series relating to the second and third counter parts respectively, which when applied to the associated pattern in the fourth register produces the abovementioned small steps S2 and S3, respectively. Since the number of draw series is thus restricted it is advantageous to be able to combine patterns with many associated draw series to obtain a list containing a sufficient number of draw lists to produce correct small steps in all patterns of the part. This is the reason behind the non linear random-number distribution mentioned above.

In this manner a list of patterns and draw series is produced for each part of the playing counters which together produce marker moves corresponding to the small steps of the part.

Three patterns from the fourth registers of the different playing counter parts are now combined and positioned on a playing counter. The positioning rakes place in accordance with the example of Fig. 4. The pattern of the first part is centred around a preferably randomly selected row comprising start position 7. In the first part the small step S1 is -2. Since the draw series in the first part all start in the same start position 7 and all draw series of the first part are restricted to produce marker moves extending through the pattern 14 and since all draw series of the first part have the same small steps S1, all these draw series have a common end point for the first part of this playing counter, which end point is indicated by a cross in the right-hand column in the first playing counter part.

The pattern 14'of the second part thus is also given a common starting point (position of the cross) on this playing counter, about which the pattern 14'is centred. Since the draw series of the second part all start in the same point (the cross) and since also all draw series for the second part are restricted to produce marker moves extending through the pattern 14', and since all draw series for the second part have the same step S2 all these draw series also have a common end point on this playing counter, which is marked by a cross in the right-hand column of the second playing counter part. The pattern 14"of the third counter part is centred in a similar manner and since corresponding restrictions apply in the third playing counter part, the end position predetermined in relation to the starting position is always generated, which position in this case is marked by a cross in the end column in the fifth row from the top, i. e. in the same row as the start position, since in this case S=0.

It is understood that the appearance of the playing counter changes when different patterns are combined and when different start positions are selected. If the total number of playing counters having different pattern positions still is less than the desired number, which in this case is 10 000, some of the combinations are re-used to give the desired number of playing counters. Playing counters having identical patterns and start positions yet are likely to be given different appearances, owing to the set out of e. g. prize indicators 10, sign prize indicators 11 and directors 9 which are positioned externally of the patterns as will be described in the following.

The three lists comprising draw series having a length of six steps in the respective fifth registers are then combined in order to produce a set of drawing sequences having a length of 18 steps which are stored in a sixth register. Owing to the generating method all these drawing sequences produce the same S for each playing counter produced. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, an extra run-through of the drawing sequences is made, maximising the number of steps of the same kind to seven and ensuring that no more than three identical marker moves in succession exist. If the number of generated drawing sequences is less than the desired number, in this case 1000, the generating process must be re-started from the beginning.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment is ensured that the marker will not be positioned outside the playing counter. This may be achieved for instance by applying all drawing sequences to each playing counter and sorting out drawing sequences producing the above problems.

As already mentioned the drawing sequences produce a predetermined dividend with respect to the prize indicators in the end column. It is understood that it is preferable to arrange prize indicators also in sections that are not hit by the marker

in both prize and blank playing counters in order to increase the player's excitement. Examples of such indicators/markings appear from Fig. 1 in which for instance the sum SEK 500 is not scored.

The shown embodiment also comprises sign prize indicators 11.

These may generate a prize, should an indicator be hit by the marker or if several indicators are hit by the marker.

Obviously, it is preferable that these prizes should also have a predetermined dividend. This does, however, raise a problem since at the time the playing counter is printed the drawing sequence to be selected is still unknown. Also this problem is however, solved in an advantageous manner by the present invention in that all drawing sequences in the sixth register are applied to each playing counter. For each drawing sequence, data on which section that is hit by the marker on each playing counter is then stored in a seventh register. Meanwhile, the system counts the number of marker hits in each section. Also these data are stored in the seventh register.

In this manner the system knows which sections that are hit on each playing counter and the number of hits in each section of all playing counters. Fig. 3 illustrates schematically a distribution of hits by percentage of all drawing sequences with respect to a part, such as the first part, of all playing counters.

In the most simple case it suffices that the marker hits a sign prize indicator in order to produce prize winning situation.

Initially is selected, preferably at random, a column in which the prize producing sign is to be positioned. We assume that column 4 in Fig. 3 is selected. In this column there are two hit sections. For the sake of simplicity we assume that only one marker related prize is to be set out. A first playing counter therefore could be selected, preferably at random, for example one having at least one or several marker hits in the upper one

of the two hit sections of column 4, and a second playing counter could be selected preferably at random, which has at least one or several marker hits in the lower one of the two hit sections of column 4, a sign being arranged on the first playing counter in the upper one of the two hit sections of column 4 and a sign being arranged on the second playing counter in the lower one of the two hit sections of column 4. Thus a marker prize is ensured in column 4, independently of the drawing sequence that is drawn in the lottery draw.

Let us now instead assume that a sign prize is obtained if two indicators are hit by the marker. Initially is selected, preferably at random in the same manner as above, two columns in which prize-producing signs are to be set up. We assume that columns 2 and 5 in Fig. 3 are chosen. In each one of these columns two sections are hit. This gives rise to four possible drawing sequence combinations, with preferably random selection of four playing counters and set out of signs on these playing counters in the hit sections of these playing counters in such a manner that a first playing counter will exhibit signs in the two upper hit sections of columns 2 and 5, such that a second playing counter has signs in both the two lower hit sections in columns 2 and 5, such that a third playing counter exhibits signs in the upper hit section of column 2 and the lower hit section in column 5, and such that a fourth playing counter exhibits signs in the lower hit section of column 2 and the upper hit section in column 5.

It is understood that it is advantageous to arrange for"blind' sign prizes not yielding prizes in some sections that are not hit in any drawing sequence, or in such a manner that not all signs required for a prize are hit, in order to enhance the player's excitement. According to a preferred embodiment recording and storage are made also of the sections that contain directors 9 in the patterns of each playing counter, no signs being arranged in

such"occupied"sections. It is likewise advantageous to arrange for"blind"directors in some sections not hit in any drawing sequence. Such directors are shown e. g. in Pig. 4 exteriorly of the patterns. However, it is likewise possible to arrange such "blind"directors in sections of the patterns not hit in any drawing sequence. When setting out these"blind"indicators it is preferable to register also which sections have become "occupied", in order to ensure that indicators and signs are not positioned on top of one another. Preferably, the"blind"signs and the directors are arranged at random on the non-"occupied" sections. Preferably, the above-mentioned generating process is carried out at least partly in a system comprising a computer.

The inventive system and method ensure a predetermined dividend.

Owing to the division of the playing counter into parts comprising definite small steps and owing to the division of the parts in accordance with a preferred embodiment into areas in the form of patterns in which indicators may be positioned and by means of which the marker is moved by the draw series, the number of possible combinations in the generation process becomes manageable, which furthers rapid generating in a system comprising a computer while at the same time the requirement for a random quality in the draw of winning playing counters remain.

It shall be understood that certain changes of the inventive method and system are possible. For instance, the appearance of the playing counter, the size of its parts and the patterns etc. illustrated in the drawing figures are to be regarded as non- restricting embodiments. It is also easily understood that a larger or smaller number of playing counter parts than the first, second and third parts illustrated may be used. Nor is it necessary to generate directors on the playing counter. However, the generation of directors is preferable, since such directors increase the player's thrill and makes the game more interactive. All varieties and modifications that are comprised by the basic inventive idea should however, fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims.