Scratch card, and method and apparatus for validation of the same

Abstract

An improved scratch card instant lottery ticket includes micro-encapsulated chemical reactants which, when released, irreversibly form one of a visual color change or a fluorescence signature at a location of the card. Both the visual color change and fluorescence signature indicate that the location has been played. Scratch cards are also marked to indicate that they have been read. Cards are marked by either automatically activating chemical reactants to form a visual color and a fluorescence signature, heating a thermofluorescent material to alter a fluorescence signature, or applying a heat-responsive material to the scratch card in such that when the identification code is read, an altered material is detected. Also taught are a method and apparatus for evaluating the scratch card to determine which locations on the card have been played. The evaluation method includes the steps of: (A) directing over at least two angles a beam of light emitted from a light source to impinge on a location of the card; (B) detecting for each of the at least two angles a component of the beam of light as it leaves the location; (C) measuring scattering angles for the location from the components detected leaving the location over the at least two angles; and (D) comparing the scattering angles of the location to a predetermined threshold, and when the angles exceed the threshold identifying the location as unplayed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.