Efficient distributed network imaging of instant lottery tickets
A computer-implemented method and system are provided for enabling digital imaging of both secure and non-secure areas of instant lottery tickets on demand across a geographically diverse network. Instant lottery tickets produced with this system accommodate smaller volume print runs, process color, and a greater level of customization.
1. An instant ticket networked production method for just in time production of instant tickets for games defined by a plurality of tickets with variable indicia imaging data hidden by a Scratch-Off Coating (SOC) using a networked production system, the networked production method comprising:
(a) shuffling or assigning prizes to individual tickets conducted by a networked game server within a secure facility;
(b) generating the imaging data from the shuffled instant tickets and converting the imaging data into ciphertext;
(c) remotely transmitting the programming and game generation ciphertext imaging data to the game server;
(d) providing external audit access to the game server, such that portions of the imaging data may be reviewed by a third party in cleartext;
(e) providing secure interfaces to at least one super-mini digital press, such that the imaging data can be downloaded on demand;
(f) remotely downloading the imaging data ciphertext from the game server;
(g) decrypting the downloaded programming and game generation ciphertext local to the at least one super-mini digital press, thereby converting the ciphertext imaging data from the game server to cleartext suitable for printing;
(h) transferring production data from the at least one super-mini digital press to the game server in the secure facility for generation of ship and validation files; and
(i) performing data or file segmentation, thereby partitioning the imaging data into discrete pools or packets enabling downloading of individual pools or packets to different printing facilities on demand,
wherein printing economies for the instant tickets are realized via just in time instant ticket production.
2. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein the production data transferred remotely from the at least one super-mini digital press is used to generate a stolen pack file.
3. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein at least two super-mini digital presses are provided that are located in different geographical areas from each other.
4. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein at least two super-mini digital presses are provided that print separate discrete portions of a same game.
5. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein the same game is printed in multiple portions at different times.
6. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein game server access is provided over the Internet.
7. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein two or more remote super-mini digital presses are granted limited access to the game server.
8. The instant ticket networked production method of claim 1 , wherein non-production personnel are granted limited access to the game server.