Alan Melling

Title: Alan Melling - Innovator in Lottery Technology

Introduction

Alan Melling is an accomplished inventor based in Warrenton, PA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of lottery technology, particularly with his innovative approach to scanning hand-marked lottery selection slips. His work has streamlined the process of capturing player selections, enhancing the overall lottery experience.

Latest Patents

Melling holds a patent for a "Hand-marked lottery selection slip scanning system and method." This invention provides a system and method for capturing hand-marked cells from a lottery selection slip. The lottery slip features a conventional play region of cells, which are sequentially labeled for receiving indicia. After the indicia are received, the play region consists of occupied cells defined by marked cells and non-occupied cells defined by unmarked cells. The slip also includes row-identifier bar codes located at opposite boundaries of the play region. These bar codes are electro-optically scannable and readable, arranged in ordered rows tiered along the transverse direction over the play region. A scanner generates scan lines that extend over the play region and bar codes, decoding the row identifier data as each line traverses the boundaries of the play region. A decoder captures the identity and location of the occupied and non-occupied cells, storing the digitized signal. A ticket receipt is then issued, representing the numbers selected by the player. This innovation eliminates the need for precise positioning within traditional terminals by using a bar code scanner to read both the row identifier codes and the hand-marked play region.

Career Highlights

Alan Melling is currently associated with Symbol Technologies, LLC, where he continues to develop and refine technologies that enhance lottery systems. His work has been pivotal in advancing the efficiency and accuracy of lottery ticket processing.

Collaborations

Melling has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert Durst and Steven M Chew. Their combined expertise has contributed to the successful development of innovative solutions in the lottery technology sector.

Conclusion

Alan Melling's contributions to lottery technology through his patent for a hand-marked lottery selection slip scanning system exemplify his innovative spirit and dedication to improving user experience. His work continues to influence the industry positively.