text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Jul 3, 2012
|Filing date
|Sep 24, 2008
|Priority date
|Apr 16, 2007
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Craig R. Karpe
|Original Assignee
|Karpe Craig R
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (49), Referenced by (5), Classifications (13), Legal Events (1)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The instant application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application of Craig Robert Karpe, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/082,848, filed on 15 Apr. 2008, which itself claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/923,406, filed on 16 Apr. 2007, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This invention relates to gambling devices, and more particularly to lottery scratch-off and pull-tab ticket vending machines, as well as casino video games and devices that simulate casino video games, and character recognition software.
Lotteries have been adopted by many state governments as a means of generating additional tax revenue for projects such as highway construction, new schools, and public works programs. As state lotteries have proliferated, lotteries have employed a series of scratch-off and pull-tab games that closely resemble casino style gaming machines in their play.
Commonly, lotteries issue instant win game tickets containing characters indicating whether a prize has been won. The characters are obscured so that they are not readily visible to persons prior to their purchase of the ticket. Typically, the characters are obscured by either (1) paper "pull-tabs" secured by perforated edges which must be torn or burst; or (2) a waxy or plastic covering that is applied over the characters, and which must be removed by scratching with a coin or similar object. The purchaser "plays" the lottery ticket by purchasing it, and removing the covering to reveal the characters showing whether the card is a winner. If the card contains a winning combination of characters, the player may redeem it for the prize designated.
While a number of varied scratch-off and pull-tab lottery games are offered, the games can be reduced to six basic sub-types:
Variations are introduced to add novelty to instant ticket games and to better hold the interest of potential ticket purchasers. However, these variations also add to the complexity to the games. Typical variations include changes in the number of key characters or player characters, the inclusion of wild characters, and the addition of bonus characters which (1) add prizes; (2) multiply winnings; or (3) add chances to win.
From a competitive standpoint, the instant ticket suffers from a number of drawbacks. These drawbacks can be appreciated by comparing lottery instant win tickets to their main legal competition, regional casino facilities. Casinos offer similar games, but in a much easier to use system. Either an attendant or machine tells the player how to play and whether they have won. The player is not required to read fine print and figure out rules. Additionally, casino games allow a more fast-paced game play than instant lottery tickets. Moreover, casino machines include lights, computer graphics, and sound to stimulate player interest, something not possible with a lottery ticket.
A number of vending machines for selling instant lottery tickets have been patented. Most of these machines operate similarly to existing non-gambling vending machines, as their primary two functions are to collect money and to dispense a purchased item, which in the case of a lottery ticket machine is a lottery ticket. Typically, the purchaser inserts money and pushes buttons on the machine to indicate the type of ticket and number of tickets desired. The machine then vends the tickets, and the purchaser receives whatever change is appropriate. Patents disclosing this type of vending machine include U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,222,624, and 6,886,728.
Patents have also been issued for devices to remove the waxy material from scratch-off tickets. Such patents include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,765,842, 5,253,383, 5,355,543, 5,402,549, 5,907,882. These devices are adequate as an alternative to manual removal of the scratch-off material, but are not believed to be fast enough or thorough enough to allow the high-speed scanning and vending of tickets required for operation in connection with the device of the present invention.
Additionally, patents have also been issued for devices that simulate slot machine play from information supplied by a central computer server (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,733,385, 6,991,541, 7,192,348) or a computer barcode printed on a ticket (see. e.g. (see. e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,385). One significant difference between the present invention and the known art is that in the preferred embodiment, the present invention reveals and utilizes the actual human readable characters contained on the ticket, rather than relying on the additional introduction of computer readable code.
Many patents have been issued for scanning devices and optical character recognition programs that convert printed text into a computer graphic display. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,203,663, 7,203,383, and 7,203,361 for recent patents in this area.
To Applicant's knowledge, no device currently exists that will remove the concealing material from a lottery ticket, pass the ticket through an optical scanning device, read the characters contained thereon, vend the ticket, and display the results by means of computer generated audiovisual display. It is therefore an object of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide such a device.
It is the hope that the present invention will bridge the gap between paper-based gambling methods such as pull-tabs and scratch off tickets, and computer based video gaming devices. It is believed that the device would have the benefit of adding the excitement of an actual video game machine to the sale and distribution of instant tickets.
In accordance with the present invention, a gaming ticket dispensing device is provided for dispensing tickets having prize-revealing characters and a removable covering for hiding the prize-revealing characters prior to acquisition by an end user. The ticket dispensing device comprises a storage mechanism for holding a plurality of gaming tickets, and a revealer for removing the removable covering to reveal the prize-revealing characters. A scanner is provided for scanning the prize-revealing characters, and a processor in communication with the scanner is provided for processing the scanned characters' information to determine a prize value associated with the characters scanned. An audio visual display is provided for displaying an audio visual message relating to the prize value, and a dispensing port is provided for dispensing the game ticket to the end user.
Preferably, the device also includes a transport mechanism such as a transporter for transporting the gaming tickets between the storage mechanism, the revealer, the scanner and the dispensing port. This transporting mechanism can comprise a device to feed tickets directly from storage mechanism into the revealer, from the revealer to the scanner, and to gravity feed the tickets to the dispensing port. The transporting mechanism should be designed to minimize ticket processing time. Optimally, a preferred embodiment of the device can be designed to contain a storage mechanism that is capable of storing gaming tickets either as a roll of joined gaming tickets, or as a stack of tickets. Additionally, a preferred embodiment of the present invention can include a revealer that is capable of removing either or both of a scratch off-type covering of a scratch off-type ticket, or a ticket, or a material sheet covering of a "pull-tab" type ticket.
One feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the device of the present invention is capable of vending, and operating with both scratch-off and pull-tab type lottery tickets, along with being able to reveal the prize of the tickets prior to dispensing the ticket, or alternately, dispensing the ticket without revealing the prize. When the end user selects to reveal the prize, the prize-revealing characters contained on the ticket that are revealed by the revealer can be optically scanned, and understood by a central processing unit within the device. Once the prize is understood by the processing unit, the prize result (if any) can be displayed on a graphic display, that may be accompanied by audio signals.
In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, these audio signals and graphic displays are similar to the audio signals and graphic displays that are typically associated with electronic gaming machines (such as slot machines, video poker, video blackjack, video roulette, video craps, and video slot machines), and that are believed to stimulate player interests. The combination of the ticket's value being revealed, along with the audio and visual displays, helps to incorporate fast pace, sound, light and computer graphics into the ticket buying experience, to provide a casino-like gambling machine, that nevertheless operates with non-casino type games such as lottery tickets.
The present invention has the potential to bring a casino-like experience to non-casino locations. It is believed that this casino-like experience will help to stimulate the sale of tickets, thus benefiting the lottery organizer (typically a state government), along with the ticket seller (typically a store, bar, etc.).
An additional feature of the present invention is that the device is capable of assisting a player in determining whether a purchased ticket is a winning ticket and has the funds handling capabilities to enable the machine to accept coins and currencies, and to allow the player to make repeated purchases of tickets, until the player decides to "cash out", or to request change.
Another feature of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that it is well adapted to operate with a wide variety of currently existing game types, including war type games, blackjack type games, match type games, match 3 type games, Texas-hold-em type games and the like. This wide variety of possible game types helps to make the machine more valuable, by making it workable with a wider variety of games, thus reducing the limitations on a game that might be imposed on the game creator.
Another feature of the present invention is that it includes a storage device that can be designed to accommodate a plurality of tickets. These tickets can be placed in the storage device either as a roll, or as a stack. Further, the present invention can also accommodate either or both scratch off type tickets and pull tab type tickets.
A further feature of the present invention is that it includes a computer that is easily programmable. This easy programmability of the computer will enable the user to upload new information (as necessary) both to improve the performance of the device, and also to accommodate different types of games, different types of tickets, and different types of prize situations.
Another feature of the present invention is that it can be designed to be placed within and fit within machine cabinets and housing of different sizes. For example, the device can be be designed to fit into a standard size slot machine cabinet. By placing it in a slot machine sized cabinet, the size of the machine would draw an association between the user and the intended purpose of the machine, to thereby help to stimulate sales. Alternately, the device can be designed to be placed in a smaller, table top container, so that it can be used in situations where table tops are available, such as in bars, and restaurants. As another alternative, the device of the present invention can be configured for placement in a soft-drink machine-sized cabinet. The placement of the machine in a larger, soft drink machine-sized cabinet that is approximately the size of a full-sized 26 cubic foot refrigerator would have the primary effect of enabling the device to maintain a larger amount of inventory, thus enabling the device to accommodate a very wide variety of games, or else to contain a large enough inventory of gaming tickets to go for long periods of time before needing to be refilled, or else, to provide sufficient inventory for contained operation for a substantial period of time in high volume ticket sales situations.
These and other features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a review of the best mode of practicing the invention perceived presently by the Applicant, that is described in more detail below in the Drawings and Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment.
A schematic representation that will serve as an overview for the gaming ticket dispensing device 300 of the present invention is best shown in
Actually, scratch off tickets 304, 305 represent the same ticket in two different states of being. Ticket 304 is shown in its pre-sale mode, wherein the ticket 304 includes a covering 306 that is preferably comprised of a waxy-type material. The covering 306 can be removed by scratching off the covering material with a hard object, such as the edge of a coin.
When the covering 306 is removed, prize revealing characters 307 become visible. The prize revealing characters 307 are disposed under the covering 306, and are normally not visible to the user prior to purchase by the user and scratching off by the user. Since the covering 306 is "scratched off" to remove the covering and thereby reveal the prize revealing characters 307, this type of ticket 304, 305 is commonly referred to as a scratch off ticket.
Although the prize revealing character 307 is shown as comprising a numeral ($5.00) that indicates the monetary value of the prize, it will also be appreciated that the prize revealing character could comprise a series of letters (e.g. no win) that designates that the revealed prize equals nothing. Alternately, the revealed character could comprise a word such as jewelry, to indicate that the user has won a non cash prize such as a jewelry. Further, these Further, these prize revealing tickets could reveal a code number such as "B" to alert the user to the fact that he had won prize B that could comprise whatever the game organizer designated prize B to be. Moreover, the prize revealing tickets could reveal a series of images such as dollar signs, fruit, coins, gems, playing cards, dice, or other symbols to alert the user that the prize has or has not been won.
Pull tab tickets 308, 310 are similarly represented, as they show essentially the same ticket in two different states. Pull tab ticket 308 is shown as comprising a substrate 312 (see also
As will be described in more detail below, both the scratch off ticket and pull tab ticket bear similarities, insofar as both include prize revealing characters 307, 318 that are covered by a covering material. However, due to difference in nature between the waxy-like scratch removable covering 306 of the scratch off ticket 304, when compared to the material sheet covering 470 of pull tab 308, different mechanisms must be employed to remove the respective coverings 306, 470, to reveal the prize revealing characters 307, 318 respectively. The revealers 334, 336 that are employed to remove the respective different coverings 307, 470 respectively will be discussed in more detail below.
The game ticket dispensing device 300 includes a housing 322, that contains most of the primary components of the device 300. As described above, the housing 322 can take a variety of different sizes and shapes. For example, some might prefer to design the housing 322 to have the general size and shape of a slot machine. By giving the housing 322 a slot machine-type size and shape, the gaming ticket vendor will help to draw an association in the mind of the user between the gaming ticket dispenser 300, and a casino gaming machine. As the present device 300 is intended to provide the user with the thrill, excitement and live action aspects of a gaming machine, this association between the device 300 and the slot machine will help to subtly inform the user of the function of the gaming device 300, and may help to persuade the user to play the gaming device 300, especially in the case of users who were previously unfamiliar with the gaming device 300.
Alternately, the gaming device 300 can have a very large size, so that the gaming device housing 300 takes on the size and volume characteristics of a full-size vending machine, such as a full-size candy vending machine. It will be appreciated that such full-size vending machines are often the size of full-sized soft drink machines or full-sized side-by-side refrigerators.
The value of using such a large housing is both to make the device less easy to steal or move, and also to enable the device to carry a very large inventory of tickets. By carrying a large inventory of tickets, the length of time between necessary "refills" for the device 300 can be extended. This extension of time between refills can help reduce the labor costs associated with operating the device 300, and thereby make the device 300 more profitable. Alternately, some situations (e.g. taverns) exist wherein the preferred device will comprise a small device types that might be the size of (for example) a microwave oven or dorm-type oven or dorm-type compact refrigerator. A small sized device having these dimensions would be especially adaptable for use on a table top or on a bar counter. The device may also be mounted into a table-top or counter configuration, to allow it to resemble a casino table game, and to be incorporated into a bar for convenience and space saving.
The gaming ticket dispensing device 300 also includes a plurality of storage mechanisms for storing tickets. In a schematic view shown in
The first storage mechanism 324 is shown as having a spindle, on which a roll of tickets can be placed. The roll of tickets 306 are shown as being scratch off tickets that are formed on a roll, with adjacent tickets being separated by a perforation line. When using the storage mechanism such as storage mechanism 324 that employs a roll of tickets separated by perforations, it will be appreciated that the storage mechanism (or some other component of the device 300) should include some sort of cutting or punching mechanism so that pressure can be applied to the perforated line to separate the tickets.
The second storage mechanism 326 is shown as a mechanism designed to accommodate a stack of scratch off tickets 306. The storage mechanism 326 would be similar in theory, to the paper tray-type storage device that one might find used on a printer. When a storage device that is used for holding a stack of tickets is employed, the storage mechanism 326 mechanism 326 should include a picker mechanism that is capable of selectively removing one ticket at a time from the stack of tickets. As with a printer, this "picker" can comprise a tray and roller set that are configured so as to permit one ticket at a time to be removed from the storage mechanism, while enabling the remainder of the tickets in the storage mechanism to stay put within the storage mechanism 326.
The third storage mechanism 328 is illustratively shown to be designed to hold a roll of pull tab-type tickets, such as pull tab ticket 308. Storage mechanism 328 is generally similar to the first storage mechanism 324, insofar as it includes a spindle for supporting a roll of tickets 308. Fourth storage mechanism 330 is generally similar to second storage mechanism 326 insofar as it is designed for holding a stack of tickets. However, the fourth storage mechanism 330 is shown as being designed for holding a stack of pull tab-type tickets such as pull tab tickets 308, 310.
As will be described in more detail below, the differences between the coverings of scratch off-type tickets 306, versus pull tab-type tickets 308 require that the tickets be handled differently by the revealer that removes the covering. As such, the pull off scratch-type tickets from the first and second storage mechanisms 324, 326 are shown as being directed to a first revealer 334 that is designed for removing scratch off coverings. By contrast, the pull tab tickets 310, 312 that are contained on the third and fourth storage mechanisms 328, 330 are routed to a second revealer 336 that is designed for removing the coverings from pull tab-type gaming tickets.
The first and second revealers 334, 336 are provided for removing the coverings 306, 470 from the pull tabs, to reveal the prize revealing characters 307, 318. Also discussed above, above, the revealers 334, 336 operate differently, since the coverings 306, 470 of the scratch off and pull tab tickets respectively, are different and must be handled differently.
The operation of the revealers 334, 336 will be discussed in more detail below. However, from an overview perspective, it should be understood that revealer one 334 is designed to use an abrader to abrade off the waxy covering 306 that covers the prize revealing characters 307 of the scratch off ticket 304, 305. Second revealer 336 removes the covering material sheet 470 of a pull tab-type ticket by helping to physically pull off the material covering 470, to thereby separate the material covering 470 from the substrate portion 312 of the ticket.
After the pre-sold, unrevealed tickets 304, 308 pass through the revealers 334, 336, respectively, the tickets appear similar to tickets 305 and 310 respectively. In particular, the covering 307 is removed from the ticket so that the prize revealing character 307 is removed from the scratch off ticket. Similarly, on the pull tab ticket 308, the material covering sheet 470 is removed from the substrate 312 to reveal the prize revealing character 318.
After the prize revealing characters 307, 316 are revealed, the ticket is transported to scanner 340. Scanner 340 is preferably an optical scanner that scans information on the ticket. The primary information scanned by scanner 340 is the prize revealing character 318, 307 of the tickets. This information relating to the prize revealing characters 307, 318 is then transmitted to processor 342.
The processor 342 includes software of the type that can read the scanned prize revealing characters 307, 316. The processor 342 can then read the scanned information to determine determine the amount of the prize (if any) awarded by the ticket. The processor 342 can comprise a specially built unit designed to operate the device 300, or else can comprise an off-the-shelf computer that is specially programmed to operate the device 300.
In addition to scanning the prize revealing characters 307, 318, the scanner can be designed to scan other information. For example, it may be designed to scan a bar code on the ticket, so that the processor will know the type of ticket that it is scanning. Additionally, authenticity information can be placed on the ticket that can be scanned, so that the processor will know that the ticket that is passing through the scanner is, in fact, an authentic ticket, and not a boot-leg ticket.
After the device scans the ticket, the ticket is then transported to the dispenser 346. The dispenser will include a dispensing port that enables the user to remove the ticket from the machine. Although a wide variety of dispensing ports can be used, a dispensing port such as the ticket dispensing port in a parking lot ticket dispenser can be employed. Alternately, a hopper, into which the ticket falls, similar to the hopper at the bottom of a traditional vending machine can also be employed.
The device 300 also includes a transport mechanism here shown as transporter 356. The transporter is provided for transporting the ticket from the storage means 324, 326, 328 or 330 to the revealer 334, 336. The transport mechanism (transporter) also transports the ticket from the revealer to the scanner 340 and ultimately to the dispenser 346, and its dispensing port.
The device 300 also includes an audio emission device 348 that preferably comprises a loud speaker 348; and a visual display device that preferably comprises a CRT or LCD or plasma-type display that is similar to the type of display one would find in a computer screen or TV.
The purpose of the audio emission device 348 and visual display 350 is to display an audio visual message that is displayed in response to a stimulus by the processor 342. The audio visual display can be sounds and a computer graphic display that mimics the computer graphic display and sounds that one normally associates with a slot machine, video poker, video blackjack, video craps, video roulette, or other casino video gaming device. Such a display would be useful because it would give the machine casino game like "feel" that would likely be attractive to users. Additionally, the audio 348 visual 350 display can include a display that performs in an "attract" mode where sounds and computer graphics are displayed that are designed to attract the user to the machine. Such displays can include information about the machine, the manner in which it is played and the prizes that are available from playing the machine.
The device 300 also includes a user control 360. The user control 360 can comprise a plurality of buttons that the user can push, dial or twist to achieve a desired result relating to the operation of the machine. For example, user controls can exist that would enable the user to select between which of the various types of tickets that the user wishes to purchase. In the exemplary machine 300 shown in
A second function of the user control is to control the particular manner in which the device operates. Preferably, the device is operable in both a "gaming mode" and a "silent mode". In a "silent mode" the device operates similar to any other gaming ticket dispenser. In particular, the user places his money in, selects his tickets, and his tickets are dispensed from the machine. In the "silent" or "unrevealed" mode, the tickets dispensed from the machine are not operated on by the revealer. Hence, the tickets wind up being dispensed with their coverings intact. The user can then scratch off the tickets himself. In an alternate or "gaming" mode, the user can select to have the tickets pass through the revealers 334, 336 such that the revealers 334, 336 uncover the coverings 306, 470 from the tickets 304, 308 respectively so that the tickets can then be passed onto the scanner that can scan the ticket. Once scanned, the scanner 340 can forward the information to the processor 342, that can then send a signal to the visual display 350 and audio display 348 to make sounds and sights appropriate for the particular value scanned of the ticket, based upon the prize revealing characters 307, 318. For example, if the user has won $10.00, a computer visual display can flash an indicia such as "WINNER", while the audio display 348 mimics a slot machine by producing a sound of a bell ringing or the like.
Although the tickets are dispensed, no visual or audio display is necessarily displayed. Alternately, simply a visual display can be displayed that displays the user's credit, or the prize value.
A funds handler 362 is provided. The funds handler is operatively coupled to the processor 342, and to the visual display 350. The funds handler 362 serves a variety of purposes. A first purpose is to accept funds into the machine. Depending upon user or machine owner preference, the funds handler 362 can be designed to accept cash, tokens, and/or credit cards. Preferably, the funds handler 362 also includes a display, so that the total amount of funds available on the machine are displayed. If desired, the total amount of money available for play can be the subject of an audio playback, thereby making the device more acceptable for use by sight-impaired persons.
It is believed that many people who use the machine will wish to make multiple "plays" with the machine. As such, even though a particular ticket may only cost $1.00, it is likely that a large number of people will wish to deposit a larger amount (e.g. $10.00) in the funds handler, so that they may have multiple plays. The funds handler 362 can either have its own display, or cooperate with visual display 350 through processor 342, to keep a running total of the amount of funds available to the user.
The funds handler 362 should be designed not only to accept funds, but also to dispense change to the user. The user control 360 preferably includes a control that enables the user to make a decision as to whether to "play again" or "cash out". For example, a user may deposit initially $10.00 into the funds handler. He may then decide to play five $1.00 tickets. After the five tickets are played, he may have, for example, lost on the first four tickets, but won $3.00 on the last ticket, which thus would leave the user with a net balance of $8.00. At this point, the user could then actuate the user control to play another ticket, or alternately, could employ the user control to tell the machine 300 to allow the user to "cash allow the user to "cash out". Upon receiving the cash out signal, the funds handler 362 would dispense $8.00 change (in this case) back to the user where this is allowed by law and the state lottery commission. Alternately, the device could issue a $5.00 credit and the user could take his winning ticket to be redeemed and converted into cash by a cashier.
A power supply 364 is provided for providing power at a proper voltage and amperage to the various components within the device 300.
Two variations of a preferred embodiment of the machine are illustrated in
Abrasion belt 24 preferably comprises of a flexible cylindrical belt manufactured from reinforced rubber, or similar flexible material, and is approximately 5 to 10 centimeters in width, and of sufficient diameter to extend across the front of the scratch off ticket 304. For tickets 304 that are sized similarly to most common size of ticket sold, a diameter of 25 millimeters for the abrasion belt 24 should be sufficient. Abrasion belt 24 has ribs 301 that extend across its width perpendicular to the direction of travel of the belt 24. The ribs 301 are preferably made of metal or hardened plastic. The ribs 301 are evenly spaced several millimeters apart, two to three millimeters in height, and have an angular edge 303 perpendicular to pressure plate 40 to facilitate removal of the waxy covering from lottery tickets.
The abrasion belt rotates about rollers 36 a, 36 b so that the underside of the belt which is in contact with the ticket 304 travels toward refuse bin 32 to thereby push the removed waxy covering into the refuse bin 32. A fixed or moving brush 26 removes the waxy refuse from the abrasion belt 24 into refuse bin 32 below it. Refuse bin 32 is removable for cleaning when the machine 300 is restocked with tickets.
An upstream guide way 20 a is disposed upstream in the ticket path from abrasion belt 24, and a down stream guide way 20 b is disposed downstream in the ticket path from abrasion belt 24. Each of the guide ways 20 a, 20 b comprises a pair of opposed plates disposed in parallel planes, and spaced apart by a few millimeters. The space between the parallel plates of each guide way 20 a, 20 b defines a slot-like portion of the ticket travel path which path which respectively guides the ticket to the abrasion belt 24 (guide way 20) and away from the abrasion belt (guide way 20 b) such that pressure plate 20 a is disposed above the ticket 304, and adjacent to the covering 306 containing face 313 of the ticket. Pressure plate 20 b is disposed below the ticket 304, and adjacent to the underneath surface of the ticket 304. The plates of guide ways 20 a, 20 b are preferably manufactured of metal or any smooth hardened material.
Adjustable fences 28 a and 28 b are an optional feature, consisting of rounded studs of metal or similar hardened material. Adjustable fences 28 a and 28 b may be slid along guide slots 34 a and 34 b, respectively, to adjust to the proper ticket width to maintain the proper lateral positioning of the tickets. Once properly adjusted, the adjustable fences are secured in position with a nut or similar fastener. Adjustably positionable fences 28 a 28 b could be replaced by fixedly positioned fences.
Abrasion belt 24 abrades the covering 306 of the ticket to thereby scratch off the waxy material (which comprises the covering material 306), and which obscures the ticket play area. The waxy debris removed from the ticket 304 through the abrading by abrasion belt 24 is brushed off the abrasion belt ribs 301 by brush 26 and drops into removable collection bin 32. Having passed between abrasion belt 24 and pressure plate 40, the scratch off ticket 301 is engaged by pinch roller set 22 b which propels the ticket through guide way ticket 20 b. The ticket passes through guide way 20 b and into scanner 414 (shown in
As shown in
The ticket seat 224 is preferably made of smooth metal or similar hardened substance. A stop ridge 224 a runs across the posterior edge of the ticket seat 224 and extends upwardly on the outwardly facing surface 361 of the seat 224 (
Revealer assembly 201 includes the burster roller assembly 205, ticket seat 224, and pull tab assembly 203. The burster roller assembly includes a horizontal guide 210, a horizontal mover such as solenoid 214, a vertical guide 216 and a vertical mover such as vertical solenoid 212. The vertical guide 210 includes vertical guide slots 230, 232 a and cylindrical burster roller 218 that includes a cylindrical ticket cylindrical ticket engaging surface 219.
Several of the burster roller assembly 205 components function as a positioner for moving the position of the burster roller in each of a horizontal and vertical direction. Horizontal guide bracket 210 allows lateral (horizontal) movement of the ticket remover burster roller assembly 205 at a consistent vertical position. Horizontal solenoid 214 moves the burster roller assembly 205 in both directions along horizontal guide bracket 210. Vertical guide brackets 216 a, 216 b guide, direct, and limit the vertical movement of burster roller 218. Vertical solenoid 212 moves the ticket burster roller 218 along vertical guide brackets 216 a and 216 b in both an up and down direction. Guide slots 232 a and 232 b are formed in vertical brackets 216 a and 216 b. Ticket burster roller 218 is preferably any metal, hardened rubber, durable plastic or similar hard substance which provides friction to frictionally engage and maintain the ticket to hold ticket 308 in place against ticket seat 224.
A drive roller, such as active pinch roller 226 is rotated by a belt drive, gear drive, or direct drive (drive not shown here). Drive gear 220 engages the teeth 224 d of ticket seat 224 to rotate ticket seat 224 into position so that passive pinch roller 222 engages firmly with active pinch roller 226, to facilitate the gripping and tearing off the pull tab 308. Drive gear 220 is preferably driven by a belt, transmission, or direct drive (not shown). As discussed, other methods of rotating burster roller 218 and ticket seat 224 may be substituted. Like passive pinch roller 222, active pinch roller 226 is preferably manufactured of rubber, neoprene, or any similar semi-hard substance which provides friction to grip the pull tabs for removal. Structural bracket 228 holds roller 220 and roller 226 in place on the axles which rotatably mount the rollers 220, 226 onto bracket 228 a.
The pull tabs extend down through opening 224 b between pinch rollers 222 and 226 as best shown in
The machine 600 has colorful lighted display panels 620 and 618 to create the simulation of a casino experience. The machine also has a video monitor 524 disposed on the front end 608 of the device 600. The monitor 524 is preferably positioned at or around an average user's eye level. One or more audio speakers 525 may be provided for providing an audio message that corresponds or compliments the video message being delivered by the video display screen 524.
A funds handler includes a bill and coin accepter 516 that accepts a user's money and provides for coin return. A vending bin 622 is provided where the revealed or unrevealed tickets are dispensed to the vending bin 622.
Button mantle 514 contains a plurality of user-operable gaming control buttons 610, 612, and 614. Button 614 is the cash-out button. Button 614 lights candle 624 for calling an attendant to cash out the player's winning tickets. Button 612 is the "vend without play" button. Pressing this button vends an unrevealed lottery ticket to the ticket to the user. Button 610 is the play button, which engages the reveal, scan, and display process previously described. These buttons may also be programmed to control other functions during game play, and additional game play buttons may be included on the mantle. Sign 616 displays player instructions. Sign 616 may be a simple unlit sign, backlit card, or a small liquid crystal display. Other buttons and controls may exist, depending upon the desires of the device manufacturer and/or ticket vendors.
The machine operates much as a standard casino video gaming machine would operate. The player inserts money (or a credit card) into the funds acceptor, and is given a series of plays based on the amount of money inserted. The player initiates play by pressing a button or pulling a lever. If the player pushes the vend without play button, an unrevealed ticket is vended and the monitor displays a graphic on monitor 524 wishing the player luck. If the play button is pushed, the video monitor 524 on the machine 600 displays the game play with accompanying sound, simulating a slot machine, card game, roulette, dice, or similar game. Inside the machine 600, an instant lottery ticket is passed through the revealer, revealing the play characters on the ticket. The ticket then passes though the optical scanner, and optical scanner, and vended. The ticket scan is processed by the computer for character recognition, the ticket results are determined, and are incorporated into the audiovisual display of the machine. The game is concluded by graphically displaying the ticket outcome, and a request to play again.
The machine can be alternately configured as a console, tabletop, or standup style video game or slot machine cabinet. The machine may also be incorporated into a wall, multi-terminal cluster, or a novel vending machine cabinet. A lever to allow "one arm bandit" style play may be incorporated. The design of the scratch off ticket revealer may be altered by changing the layout of the ribs on the abrasion belt, or by incorporating multiple abrasion belts.
Other scratch off revealer designs may be incorporated. Changes in the game audiovisual display may be utilized to simulate different types of games. The ticket reveal sequence may be altered so that tickets are revealed and scanned prior to initiation of play to allow faster play. Machine payout may be incorporated where legally allowed. The machine may be programmed to allow the player to select from a menu of different audiovisual games utilizing the same optical scan system.
A machine of the present invention could be utilized in any store in which standard lottery tickets are sold. The machine 600 would be especially attractive to horse racing tracks, off-track betting parlors or jurisdictions that have not approved of slot machines in such places. The machines would also allow any owner of a bar, pub, or recreational facility to add economical, legal casino type entertainment. This will entertainment. This will increase the revenue of both the business featuring the machines, and the state government which sells the lottery tickets.
Although the description above contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Rather, said description is offered as merely providing illustrations of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the machine could be configured to allow the player to choose from a selection of different audiovisual game simulations.
Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not just the examples given.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Apr 10, 1939
|Jul 8, 1941
|United Shoe Machinery Corp
|Abrading machine
|Nov 27, 1957
|May 17, 1960
|Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co
|Method and apparatus for surfacing sheet material
|Feb 27, 1969
|May 25, 1971
|Omron Tateisi Electronics Co
|Apparatus for checking a ticket
|Oct 27, 1986
|Aug 23, 1988
|Sanders Charles R
|Ticket cleaner apparatus
|Jun 10, 1988
|Jun 27, 1989
|Victor Markowicz
|Hierarchical lottery network with selection from differentiated playing pools
|Nov 20, 1990
|Aug 27, 1991
|Richardson Joseph J
|Computerized gaming device
|Jul 10, 1992
|Jun 29, 1993
|Donald Sutherland
|Ticket dispenser machine and method
|Apr 7, 1992
|Oct 19, 1993
|Clark Rodney D
|Scratch surface remover
|May 6, 1992
|Sep 20, 1994
|Ltb Game Enterprises
|Electronic gaming apparatus
|Oct 20, 1993
|Oct 18, 1994
|Cameron Mark R
|Lottery card scraper apparatus
|Dec 21, 1993
|Apr 4, 1995
|Forrest; Jerry D.
|Ticket scraper
|Mar 5, 1997
|Sep 22, 1998
|Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C.
|Electronic gaming apparatus and method
|Nov 19, 1997
|Jun 1, 1999
|Tyree; Bill
|Lottery ticket scratch off device
|Sep 11, 1997
|Jul 27, 1999
|Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C.
|Voucher and game ticket combination and apparatus and method used therewith
|Mar 27, 1997
|Nov 9, 1999
|Noritsu Koki Co., Ltd
|Dust removing apparatus
|Mar 17, 1998
|Nov 9, 1999
|Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C.
|Electronic apparatus and method of assisting in the play of a game and tickets used therewith
|May 19, 1997
|Feb 15, 2000
|Walker Asset Management Limited Partnership
|Off-line remote lottery system
|Dec 17, 1998
|May 2, 2000
|Clapper, Jr.; Ronald C.
|Voucher and game ticket combination and apparatus and method used therewith
|Jul 9, 1999
|Oct 24, 2000
|Ticket dispenser with guide for accommodating tickets of reduced thickness and varying widths
|Jun 8, 1999
|Dec 19, 2000
|Ticket dispenser using sharp pins on a driver roller to advance tickets
|Mar 22, 2001
|May 21, 2002
|Charles E. Brown
|Seal card game system
|Mar 26, 2001
|Dec 2, 2003
|Espn-Starwave Partners
|Interactive fantasy lottery
|Jan 26, 1999
|Apr 27, 2004
|Gtech Corporation
|Ticket dispensing modules and method
|Feb 14, 2000
|May 11, 2004
|Multimedia Games, Inc.
|Apparatus, method, and program product for facilitating game play in an electronic lottery game network
|May 12, 2000
|May 3, 2005
|Gtech Corporation
|Ticket dispensing modules and method
|Aug 30, 1999
|Aug 23, 2005
|Gtech Corporation
|Gaming device and method
|Dec 7, 2001
|Jan 31, 2006
|Multimedia Games, Inc.
|Lottery ticket distribution system
|Nov 15, 2002
|May 16, 2006
|Giech Corporation
|Item vending machine and method
|Mar 6, 2002
|Jan 16, 2007
|Nokia Corportion
|Mobile lottery games over a wireless network
|Jun 29, 2000
|Feb 20, 2007
|Walker Digital, Llc
|Systems and methods for allocating an outcome amount among a total number of events
|Sep 23, 2003
|Mar 6, 2007
|Scientific Games Royalty Corporation
|Lottery game with method for playing a lottery game using multiple independent lottery results
|May 20, 2003
|Mar 20, 2007
|Central determination gaming system which provides a player a choice in outcomes
|Mar 26, 2004
|Apr 10, 2007
|Hand Held Products, Inc.
|Adaptive digitizer for optical reader
|Feb 22, 2001
|Apr 10, 2007
|Thinkpen Llc
|Handwritten character recording and recognition device
|Jun 20, 2000
|Apr 10, 2007
|Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
|System and method for converting information on paper forms to electronic data
|Apr 6, 2001
|Oct 25, 2001
|Roberts Brian J.
|Gaming system and method
|Jan 8, 2002
|Jul 10, 2003
|Richard Ollins
|Illuminated player tracking card for a gaming apparatus
|Jun 21, 2002
|Dec 25, 2003
|Shergalis Edward Anthony
|Automated lottery system and method using ATM network
|May 19, 2003
|Jan 22, 2004
|Yacenda Michael W.
|Interactive computer gaming system with audio response
|Aug 2, 2002
|Feb 5, 2004
|Russ Knapp
|Instant-win lottery ticket allowing keyless validation and method for validating same
|Sep 25, 2002
|Aug 19, 2004
|Shuster Gary Stephen
|Method and apparatus for gaming based upon a paper ticket
|Sep 23, 2003
|Mar 24, 2005
|Robb Arthur S.
|Lottery and gaming systems with multi-theme instant win games
|Dec 15, 2004
|May 19, 2005
|Prime Table Games Llc
|Casino game with multiple playing modes and wagering options (Texas Hold 'Em)
|May 11, 2006
|Nov 16, 2006
|Richard Finocchio
|Hybrid instant online lottery game
|Oct 13, 2006
|May 3, 2007
|Stephen Penrice
|Methods and apparatus for providing a lottery game
|Dec 5, 2005
|Jun 7, 2007
|Milestone Entertainment Llc
|Methods and apparatus for enhanced play in lottery and gaming environments
|Title not available
|Title not available
|Aug 3, 2004
|Feb 10, 2005
|Young-Hee Kim
|Lottery vending machine
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jan 28, 2013
|Dec 8, 2015
|Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
|Methods and systems for dispensing
|Oct 28, 2010
|Feb 16, 2016
|Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
|Methods and a system for dispensing
|Jul 5, 2012
|Feb 16, 2016
|Intralot S.A.—Integrated Lottery Systems and Services
|Methods and a system for dispensing
|Dec 11, 2015
|May 26, 2016
|Intralot, Inc.
|Multi-jurisdictional progressive fast play lottery games and associated methods
|Oct 21, 2014
|Apr 30, 2015
|Intralot, Inc.
|Multi-jurisdictional progressive fast play lottery games and associated methods
|U.S. Classification
|463/17, 463/20, 463/16, 225/106, 226/188, 463/30
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification


text:
These are some of our trusted partner suppliers and agencies.
Solar Financing Partners
Modules Partners
American Made. Highest quality made solar panels. Buy American made panels and support companies providing employment for manufacturing in the United States. SolarWorld manufactures most of its panels in Hillsboro, Oregon. Suniva produces its high-quality panels in Atlanta, Georgia.
Inverters Partners
Racking Partners

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Enola PreludeRPG turn-based game type of struggle, in which your warrior, will be responsible for destroying many anemigos, as the game progresses you will acquire new skills and better attacks, collects materials in your way and you can buy new weapons Either mouse or keyboard
You like Enola Prelude? Share it with your friends !!
Share link:


text:
Virtual Store
Having access to healthy food can be a challenge for your neighbors, but it doesn't have to be. By shopping at SECOM's virtual store, you can build hope for your neighbors by making healthy food accessible and affordable.
Why shop online?
Visit our virtual store and increase access to healthy food today!
Why shop online?
- Save time: Don't have time to go to the store and purchase healthy food? By shopping online, your donations go directly to SECOM's pantry to provide fresh produce, whole grains, lean meats and more.
- Save money: SECOM purchases food at discounted rates from suppliers and local farmers. This allows us to stretch your dollar as much as possible.
- Buy local: Your donations ensure that much of the food available through the pantry is purchased from local farmers. Locally grown food is fresh, grown organically, and the dollars stay right here in your community.
Visit our virtual store and increase access to healthy food today!


text:
Hey Pioneer
Identity and Website
South Africa, the home of beautiful landscapes is perfectly made for camping enthusiasts who enjoy the great outdoors. But what if you could have the perfect camping experience combined with your modern comforts?
Hey Pioneer, with it's name inspired by the famous 'Oh Pioneer' poem by Walt Whitman, is a luxury camping company offering comfortable, friendly, quality experiences in the wild, using classic canvas bell and range tents, aimed primarily at couples and families, but is also geared for events and weddings.
When defining the target market and the brand story, we looked at key words such as bespoke, quality, pure, adventure, wild, exploration, approachable, friendly, playful, warm, comfortable, wholesome and relaxed.
We created several moodboards for art direction: Calm, Handcraft, Line craft, and Badge. A combination of the Calm and Handcraft direction was developed further, looking at a simplistic, approachable and artisanal direction for the brand identity and logo development.
To strengthen the identity and visual tone, icons were developed using a handcrafted illustration style with added texture. Typography was used in a handwritten appearance to align with the company's relaxed and playful energy.
The use of photography was an important part of establishing the brand. To deliver a personal and warm feeling, Leon and Marliet from 'The Lion and The Lady' were commissioned to capture the essence of the brand and show a true reflection of a Hey Pioneer experience, whether you are a family on holiday or a couple on a romantic weekend away.
The responsive website was created using WordPress, with design options set in place early to allow for the company's future expansion and growth.
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: +27 (0)21 788 3165
Mobile: +27 (0)78 172 6554
© 2017 K&i - A Creative Design Agency - Cape Town.


text:
http://www.greatsheltercn.comExport Departmentgreat shelterPhone: 86 - 532 - 66993608/+86 - Fax: 86 - 532 - 66989180
Chongqingnan Rd, Sifang DistricQingdao, ShandongChina, 266071Web Page Link: http://www.toboc.com/qingdaosungreattradingcoltd
Product description(greatsheltercn.com/product/storage-shelter-_30.html):Brief InformationModel: GS3040TSize: L12 x W9.15m x H4.5m (W30 * L394" * H149" ) Frame: galvanized trussed tubing frame Cover: 300g/m2 PE fabric 610g/m2 PVC fabric Door: Sliding door Purpose: industrial shelter, warehouse, storage shelter, mineral shed, etc . Product Characteristics Robust and hot galvanized of trussed tubing frame 610g/m2 PVC fabric, strong and durable, uv resistant, firetardantSliding door provides a super door width. Easy assembly. All the parts are well preprocessed and includes in the package Portable and re-located Multi storaging purposeOur advantages Leading fabric shelter manufacturer in China, having the largest and most professional manufacturing workshops, with annual production over 4000 tons. Independant and experienced designin team, with quick response on customers requests within 24 hours, to cover all your storage purposes. Customized services we do for you. Standard and complete production managements, in both the cold working workshops and the large fabric manuafacturing workshops. Strict quality control, from the material inspection to the final delivery. The lowest price and the quickest delivery. The most professional all in one servie.
View All Products posted by
Qingdao Sun Great Trading Co.,Ltd


text:
Toy-Car-Thunderbird Lot 249
Sold for:
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- Sold Date:
- Source: eBay
LOT 249 Seller's Estimate: USD 0 - 0
Thunderbird, Plastic w/Metal ChassisCondition Report: G Payment: The buyer is responsible for paying the seller directly after winning the item. Details on accepted payment methods and where to send payment are provided in an invoice from the seller. Additional payment details from the seller: PAYMENT: Payment must be made prior to removal from the auction house. In house bidders must settle their accounts on the day of sale. Absentee, Telephone and AUCTION ZIP,INVALUABLE,EBAY Bidders must make payment within seven (7) business days. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of items. AUCTIONZIP/Invaluable/Ebay PAYMENTS: All invoices will be emailed to the buyers on the first business day following the auction. This invoice will include total purchase price NOT shipping costs, shipping cost is paid directly to UPS Store. MasterCard and Visa and Discover and American Express will be accepted for payment of purchases. Items must be scheduled for removal from our auction facility within seven (7) days or be charged a monthly fee of 1.5% of the purchase price. If the items are not paid within the seven day time-line, Rockey Auctions, Inc. has your permission to charge the credit card number found on the completed AUCTIONZIP/Invaluable/Ebay approval bid form or resell the ... read more


text:
idw - Informationsdienst
For patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a hereditary skin disease, even a gentle touch is extremely painful. Now Dr. Li-Yang Chiang, Dr. Kate Poole and Professor Gary R. Lewin of the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin-Buch have discovered the causes underlying this disease. Due to a genetic defect, individuals with EB cannot form laminin-332, a structural molecule of the skin that in healthy individuals inhibits the transduction of tactile stimuli and neuronal branching (Nature Neuroscience, doi: 10.1038/nn.2873)*. According to the findings of the MDC researchers, this explains why EB patients are more sensitive to touch and experience it as painful.
Even the slightest touch causes a stinging sensation like being stabbed with pins; the body is covered with blisters and the skin is inflamed in many places. Young patients with epidermolysis bullosa are often called "butterfly children" because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly's wing. Because of the severe pain associated with the disease, EB sufferers hardly have any chance to lead a normal life. Even walking is a torment because of the pressure on the soles of the feet.
Due to a genetic defect, the patients' outer skin layer (epidermis) separates from the underlying skin layer (dermis), and blisters (bullosa) are formed. EB patients are deficient in laminin-332, a structural molecule normally found between the skin cells in the extracellular matrix which serves as a kind of cellular "glue" between the two skin layers.
The new findings of the MDC researchers show that in healthy individuals, laminin-332 has other important functions as well: It inhibits touch transduction and prevents the branching of the sensory neurons that are receptive to tactile stimuli in the skin.
At their endings, sensory neurons have mechanosensitive ion channels. These are proteins in the cell membrane through which charged particles can flow into the cell in a controlled manner. Upon touch, pressure on the extracellular matrix actuates a tether mechanism on the ion channels, thus opening the channels and allowing the charged particles to flow through. This excites the neuron, thus enabling the stimulus to be perceived.
Unsuppressed mechanotransduction
In experiments using cell cultures, the MDC researchers found that physical stimuli trigger ion currents in all neurons not surrounded by laminin-332. In neurons growing on laminin-332, by contrast, the number of responsive cells was much reduced. "To a great extent, laminin-332 blocks the tether mechanism that opens the ion channels, thus impeding stimulus transduction. Because patients with epidermolysis bullosa are deficient in laminin-332, the transduction of the stimulus is unsuppressed. Their sensory neurons are excited much more strongly, and thus they react much more sensitively to mechanical stimuli," Professor Lewin explained.
Furthermore, in the skin tissue of EB patients the MDC researchers found that sensory neurons showed much more branching than in the skin of healthy individuals. "From cell-culture experiments we know that laminin-332 inhibits neuronal branching. Without laminin-332 this inhibition does not take place. Presumably, this effect also contributes to the increased perception of tactile stimuli," Professor Lewin said.
In further studies the researchers hope to find drug targets for therapy. However, much has already been achieved: "Because the causal mechanisms are now understood, we can focus on the patient's pain situation and on administering more efficient pain therapies," he added. "We recommend that in treating the disease, neurologists should be consulted in addition to dermatologists.
*Laminin–332 coordinates mechanotransduction and growth cone bifurcation in sensory neurons
Li-Yang Chiang1,5, Kate Poole1,5, Beatriz E. Oliveira2, Neuza Duarte1,Yinth Andrea Bernal Sierra1, Leena Bruckner-Tuderman3, Manuel Koch2, Jing Hu1,4 and Gary R. Lewin1
1Department of Neuroscience, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. 2Institute for Oral and Musculoskeletal Biology, Center for Biochemistry, Department of Dermatology, and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.3Department of Dermatology and Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, School of Life Sciences LifeNet, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. 4Center for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany
5These authors contributed equally to this work.
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text:
Epsom salt is undoubtedly said to be the best for your skin. It has multiple properties that aid in benefiting the skin in a number of ways. According to beauty experts, bathing in epsom salt, once a week, will help reduce your stress level to zero.
Epsom salt is also good for treating skin infections. The chemicals present in this salt can soothe the skin and get rid of the bacteria thriving on the skin. Side by side this salt also helps in healing an infected skin and prevents further damage.
When you add epsom salt to your bath water, make sure you avoid using harsh body washes and soaps, as it could react with the skin leading to further skin problems. It is suggested to use mild soap on your body or a home-made soap that contains milk and yoghurt, when you use this salt for bathing.
So, take a look at some of the beauty benefits of using epsom salt in your bath. It is time to care for your skin during the winter, before the skin begins to turn dry and itchy.
It Heals Your Skin Infections
If you're suffering from a skin infection, add 1 tablespoon of epsom salt to the bath water. Relax in this water for about 15 minutes to treat the problem. Bathe in epsom salt twice in a week, if the infection is severe.
Gets Rid Of Bruises
Bruises on the skin can make you look ugly. The best way to soothe the bruised and affected skin is to bathe in the water containing epsom salt. This salt is so powerful that it will help to increase the blood circulation in that area.
It Clears Up Your Skin
Epsom salt benefits the skin by clearing all those nasty-looking blemishes and marks. Just add 2 tablespoons of honey to the salt before applying it on to the skin. Honey makes the marks disappear faster.
Benefits Your Nails
The best beauty benefit of epsom salt is that it helps keep the nails strong. While doing a pedicure and manicure, use this salt to promote a better-looking skin and nails.
Reduces Skin Inflammation
Skin inflammation, caused by insect stings, can be reduced and healed with the help of an epsom salt bath. This is one of the many beauty benefits of this salt.
It Makes Your Skin Soft
To make your skin soft and supple during the winter season, bathe in an epsom salt bath for effective results. The properties present in this salt can aid in a better-looking skin with a natural glow too.


text:
Record Run
By Harmonix
This app is only available on the App Store for iOS devices.
From the makers of ROCK BAND and DANCE CENTRAL…This is RECORD RUN!
Record Run is a free rhythm-runner that puts you in the middle of your music, chasing records and dodging obstacles to the beat in a crazy musical world. With gameplay levels created to play along with your music, this is a whole new way to run!
"Harmonix has managed to transfer the desire for perfection that made Guitar Hero so compulsive into an endless runner." –Pocket Gamer
Choose your runner from a fun cast of characters and jump, duck and dodge through the city on your way to high-scores! Collect records as you run to get awesome upgrades and unlocks!
(Note: RECORD RUN REQUIRES SONGS TO BE STORED LOCALLY ON YOUR DEVICE. Songs stored in the cloud must be downloaded to your device to be used. )
Record Run features an amazing hand-painted art style, characters with tons of personality, and moment-to-moment gameplay that's deeply musical and crazy fun. Users select songs from the music library on their device and run through levels along with their music that are created on the spot by all new Harmonix magic. Unlock content and currency through a series of exciting "missions" that track your progress and transform the city into an amazing "Groove World."
Record Run also allows users to challenge their friends to song battles, fight it out on weekly leaderboards and much, much more!
***Note: iPod Touch 4G is not supported.
*** Record Run does not currently support streaming music services.
*** Record Run currently supports most audio formats, but is incompatible with DRM-locked ".m4p" format, previously sold in the iTunes Music Store.
What's New in Version 1.2
-New unlockable character: Hip Hop Girl!
-Improved challenge notifications and the ability to decline challenges
-Improved song navigation: only see songs stored on your device
-Improved and stabilized leaderboards
-Tuned animations and audio for snappier, more rhythmic gameplay
-Store revisions: preview characters before you buy!
-Bug fixes and other stability improvements
Customer Reviews
Love this game!
In the process of trying to develop my own endless runner game, this was one of a multitude of others I downloaded for inspiration. This game immediately jumped out at me with its fun simple style, entertaining gameplay and simple controls! It only took a couple of play throughs before I was getting 4 and 5 star ratings on the songs. However, I was really interested to try out my own music. That is where the real fun began! I tried out stuff from Kiss from a Rose to Heavy Metal and Reflective! The game took it and made the music I love into a game that was even more enjoyable! I love this app and can't wait to keep trying out more songs! The only thing I think I would love to see is the option to delete a song I've added after I've played through? I haven't found a way to delete it unless right after you upload it.
Harmonix not updating this
*Aug. 7, 2016* ⭐ =1
Had emailed 📧 Harmonix to see if they will update this game. The company told me they Will Not be updating "Record Run". This was last week that I communicated with them. Sad☹, this game 🎮 could've had a lot of potential.
⦁Jul. 30, 2016⦁👎🏻 ⭐ 1
Like reviewer Broskivus said, Harmonix needs to update this application. Apple could take this game off the App Store if left without a current update. Harmonix, have you abandoned this game?
Would give this game another chance if:
>Portrait mode was implemented.
>Purchased characters could be saved when we get a new device.
Thank you in advance.
*July 3, 2015 -Fri.* 🌟=1 star
Did not receive the purchases that I had made. Application is having problems with in- app purchases. Will not give me what I had paid for. Charged me $21 dollars twice! 😡 Not cool! I'm done with this game!
Buyer beware. Don't make in- app purchase because you'll end up like me ( being ripped off).
*May 12, 2015* ⭐ = 1 star
This game is unplayable because it is in landscape mode. Would give it five stars if this was in portrait mode.
*Jan. 19, 2015*🌟🌟🌟
Still like this game. But will only give this five 🌟 stars if this was in portrait mode. It is too hard to play on the iPhone on landscape. Please consider? 🙊🙏
*May 19, 2014* 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Game is great. Would be nice if one can play on portrait mode. Is there a way that it can be possible to have a portrait mode option? Pretty solid game. Thank you.
Need to fix the Challenge thing.
I absolutely LOVE this game! Except there are a few things that NEED to be improved:
1. The cost of upgrades & outfits & characters.
- Why is every boost upgrade 5,000? Shouldn't they cost 500 and then work there way up?
-10,000 for outfits but it cost 20 or more backstage passes for the characters? If anything, I should earn backstage passes Every time I complete a FULL song.
2. The Challenge thing.
-When I go to friends I can see who's playing and what they scored on each song they play, but I cannot challenge them to a single song. I realized that doing it from the Game Center doesn't really help either, they just get my total score. This needs to be fixed because there is a mission that requires you to challenge a friend and I had to skip it because the challenge thingy-ma-jig doesn't work exactly. I spent some well-earned records that could've went on some upgrades.
EDIT: The magnet doesn't attract the records!
The song slots should be unlimited or if not, then the prices shouldn't raise! We should only spend 1 backstage pass for 1 slot instead of 2 for 1.
We should earn more music from each mission we pass! Like from random bands like Count Zero - My Mockingbird! That song is SOO addictive! 🎵🎶❤😁
- Free
- Category: Games
- Updated: May 22, 2014
- Version: 1.2
- Size: 210 MB
- Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Seller: Harmonix Music Systems
- © 2014 Harmonix Music Systems, Inc.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
Top In-App Purchases
- On the List$1.99
- Opening Act Bundle$4.99
- Record Doubler$4.99
- Skip the Line$4.99
- Photo Op$9.99
- Bag of Records$4.99
- Headliner Bundle$19.99
- Stack of Records$9.99
- Scenester$19.99
- Pile of Records$19.99


text:
Doctor insights on:
Can Stress Cause Pancreatitis
Can stress cause pancreatitis?
No: Pancreatitis can be caused by too much alcohol, greatly elevated triglycerides, and tuberculosis as well as and e. Coli infection. It is not brought on directly by stress. ...Read more
Stress (Definition)
Stress affects most people in some way. Acute (sudden, short-term) stress leads to rapid changes throughout the body. Almost all body systems (the heart and blood vessels, immune system, lungs, digestive system, sensory organs, and brain) gear up to meet perceived danger. These stress responses could prove beneficial in a critical, life-or-death situation. Over time, however, repeated stressful situations put a strain on the body that may contribute to physical and psychological problems. Chronic (long-term) stress can have real health consequences and should be addressed like any other health concern. Fortunately, research is showing that lifestyle changes and stress-reduction techniques can help people learn ...Read more
When I get angry my abodomin pain starts am 19yrs and have idiopathic chronic pancreatitis SO WHAT is link between my anger (stress) and pain?
Your brain: Get treated for both stress /anxiety and you should be taking pancreatic enzymes and have your serum amylase and lipase checked. Call for an appointment. ...Read more
Link between anger and pain as I have idiopathic chronic pancreatitis and pain starts in abdomen when I get angry or stressed Hope for suggestion?
Pain control: Try some of the non-opiate pain meds, things like amitriptyline and cymbalta (duloxetine) can solve mood issues AND improve pain. Work on self calming, meditation and reducing stress. ...Read more
Are there cases of pancreatitis which don't have a discernible cause?
Pancreatitis: Yes, there are called "idiopathic" however in most cases, a pancreas expert is able to identify the cause of pancreatitis. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
What causes acute pancreatitis?
Many causes: The two most common causes in the usa include:gallstones, alcohol. Other causes include high triglyceride levels (a type of cholesterol), trauma (mva/streering wheel), scorpion bites, medications. ...Read moreSee 3 more doctor answers
Could diverticulitis cause pancreatitis?
No, I have: Never heard of a patient whose colonic diverticultis caused pancreatitis. In a rare cases, duodenal diverticula can cause pancreatitis, but this is really rare. ...Read more
Does pancreatitis cause chest type pain?
Can: Any organs in the upper abdomen can refer pain to chest such as gall bladder, liver, stomach, and spleen. Gastroesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal changes, and of course cardiac etiologies also exist. Sometimes pancreatitis can get pleural fluid collecting particularly in the left chest. ...Read more
How does hypercalcaemia cause pancreatitis?
Conjecture: Nobody really knows but some suggest that hypercalcemia induces pancreatic injury via a secretory block, accumulation of secretory proteins, and possibly activation of enzymes that begin to digest the pancreas. ...Read moreSee 2 more doctor answers
What causes pancreatitis in children and how to treat it?
Many causes: In a child, the most likely cause would be post-infectious pancreatitis. Several viral infections can lead to pancreatitis. Other causes include meds, gallstones, cystic fibrosis, and hereditary or autoimmune conditions, just to name a few. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but the principles of management include aggressive IV fluid, bowel rest, pain control, and often hospitalization. ...Read more
Does too much caffeine in the diet daily cause pancreatitis?
Best to avoid: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of a gland near your stomach that produces enzymes. The most common triggers are from stoppage of gallbladder, alcohol intake or medications. Many times we cannot determine the trigger. While I have not seen an initial bout I linked to caffeine, its use may further inflame the pancreas or cause you to loose fluids you need to heal. Would be best to avoid. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
Causes for lipase in excess of 1500 other than pancreatitis?
Many: Among the most common nausea/ vomiting, kidney failure, gastric/ duodenal ulcers/ inflammation. ...Read more
I have chronic pancreatitis and iwould like to know about causes?
Pancreatitis: Chronic pancreatitis most often due to alcoholism. Other causes are hypertriglyceredemia, certain medications, stone in common bile duct, etc, . ...Read more
Could no gallbladder appendix cause pancreatitis?
No: Appendix had nothing to do with pancreas. If the gallbladder had stones you could possible have a stone remaining on the bile duct. See your doctor. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
Could no gallbladder no appendix cause pancreatitis?
No: Not unless you continue to form gall stones which get stuck in the duct to the pancreas, high triglycerides are much more common cause. ...Read moreSee 2 more doctor answers
What causes pancreatitis?
Many causes: Alcohol, gallstones, elevated lipids in the blood, some drugs, trauma, and congenital conditions account for most cases of pancreatitis. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
What causes pancreatitis?
Few common causes: The most common causes are gallstones, chronic alcohol use, high triglycerides, and a few different medications. ...Read more
What causes episodes of pancreatitis?
Several things: Alcoholism and gall stones are the most commonly known causes of pancreatitis. High triglycerides can cause it as well, though most causes are referred to as idiopathic. That is, of unknown origin. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
Does pancreatitis usually cause many symptoms?
Pain, nausea anvomit: Miserable pain an nausea.Get a more detailed answer ›
Will taking certain medications cause pancreatitis?
Pancreatitis: Yes some medications can give pancreatitis. However we always like to rule out stone disease and alcohol. ...Read more
Are there a lot of drugs that can cause pancreatitis?
Yes.: Many different drugs have been listed as possible causes of otherwise unexplained pancreatitis. A recent review article of this subject looked at the 100 most prescribed medications in the US and found that 44 of them have been implicated as possible causes of pancreatitis. ...Read moreSee 1 more doctor answer
Pancreatitis (Definition)
An inflammation or infection of the pancreas, causing abnormal secretions or leakage of the digestive enzymes ...Read more
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I am currently looking for a new home! I am very clean, organized, respectful and easy going :)
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