U.S. patent application number 11/161579 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-09 for method and system for wireless validation of gaming vouchers.
This patent application is currently assigned to BARONA TRIBAL GAMING AUTHORITY. Invention is credited to Donne D. Grable, Lee M. Skelley, Craig A. Yates.
Application Number | 20060052156 11/161579 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34862174 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060052156 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yates; Craig A. ; et
al. |
March 9, 2006 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS VALIDATION OF GAMING VOUCHERS
Abstract
A system and method for wireless validation of gaming vouchers
output from electronic gaming machines includes a centralized
computer which receives and stores game transaction information,
including records of printed vouchers and pay-out amounts. To
cash-out a voucher, the voucher information is entered into a
wireless, portable computer device, and relayed to a remote
wireless interface connected to the centralized computer. A
verification program verifies that the voucher is valid and not
paid out. It then updates the voucher record to indicate that the
voucher has been paid and transmits the pay-out amount to the
wireless, portable computer device, where it is displayed. If a
voucher is not valid or already paid out, a denial message is
transmitted to the wireless, portable computer device. The system
may include a primary network and a secondary network with
redundant, cross-referenced voucher databases.
Inventors: |
Yates; Craig A.; (San Diego,
CA) ; Skelley; Lee M.; (San Diego, CA) ;
Grable; Donne D.; (Santee, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
IRELL & MANELLA LLP
1800 AVENUE OF THE STARS
SUITE 900
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
BARONA TRIBAL GAMING
AUTHORITY
1000 Wildcat Canyon Road
Lakeside
CA
|
Family ID: |
34862174 |
Appl. No.: |
11/161579 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09858157 |
May 14, 2001 |
6935957 |
|
|
11161579 |
Aug 8, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3248
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method for validating gaming vouchers printed by an electronic
gaming machine, comprising the steps of: receiving voucher
identification information at a wireless, portable computer device,
said voucher identification information corresponding to a voucher
printed by an electronic gaming machine; transmitting, over a
wireless connection, a voucher validation request from the
wireless, portable computer device to a remote wireless interface,
said remote wireless interface connected to a central network
computer; conveying the voucher validation request from the remote
wireless interface to the central network computer; retrieving a
voucher record in a voucher database based upon said voucher
identification information; confirming, based on payment
information in said voucher record, that the corresponding voucher
has not yet been paid; updating said voucher record to indicate
that the voucher has been paid; transmitting, via said remote
wireless interface, a voucher pay-out approval from said central
network computer to a said wireless, portable computer device if
said voucher record was found and not yet paid, or else a voucher
pay-out disapproval if either said voucher record was not found or
else the voucher was already paid; and displaying an indication of
said voucher pay-out approval or voucher pay-out disapproval
on-screen at said wireless, portable computer device.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/858,157, filed on May 14, 2001. The foregoing application is
hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth fully herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] a) Field of the Invention
[0003] The field of the present invention relates to the gaming
industry and, more particularly, to systems and methods for
validation of gaming vouchers in connection with electronic gaming
machines.
[0004] b) Background
[0005] Casino gaming continues to grow in popularity, bringing
about steady growth in both the number and size of casinos. At the
same time, technology for electronic gaming machines has continued
to improve. Gaming machines now typically are configured with
microprocessor-based intelligence for handling gaming functions
and, in some cases, for handling communication with a central
computer or network that manages a large number of gaming
machines.
[0006] Casinos and gaming establishments have traditionally relied
upon coin-operated gaming devices. Such coin-operated gaming
devices have a number of drawbacks or limitations. For example,
they generally require customers to carry around large numbers of
coins, which can be inconvenient or burdensome to customers.
[0007] To increase convenience to players, casinos and gaming
establishments have begun to explore and develop cashless gaming
techniques, which allow players to game without using chips or
coins. One technique that has been developed is the use of printed
pay-out vouchers in place of chips or coins when a player is ready
to "cash out" his or her winnings (also referred to as the "purse")
and either move to another gaming machine or trade in the winnings
for cash at a cashier. Some machines may provide the player with
the option of receiving the pay-out either as chips or as a printed
voucher. At the completion of a gaming session, a player selects
pay-out, causing a printer integrated with the gaming machine to
dispense a printed pay-out voucher having a voucher code and a
payment amount. The player then takes the voucher to a cashier, who
cashes the voucher.
[0008] One example of a system using coupon or ticket printers to
perform cash-out is described in International Patent Application
WO 98/59311 published Dec. 30, 1998, hereby incorporated by
reference as if set forth fully herein.
[0009] Cashless gaming systems are often deployed in an environment
in which the gaming devices are connected to and controlled by a
central computer, which serves as the host for a local area
network, and such systems are referred to as "on-line" systems.
Accurate centralized accounting in on-line cashless gaming systems
is highly important, because when machines can be played with coins
or with credit (via a cashless technique), the number of coins in
and out will not necessarily reflect the total intake or payout of
a gaming device. Where printed vouchers are used, each printed
voucher pay-out is typically transmitted to the central computer,
which is thereby able to keep a running account of the activity at
each gaming device. Voucher records are stored in a database in the
central computer system, and reconciled against cashed vouchers
which are presented to cashiers at the gaming establishment.
[0010] Some gaming establishments have attempted to make the
cash-out process more convenient by providing self-serve cashier
machines. A player takes a printed pay-out voucher to a self-serve
cashier machine and presents it to a scanner. The scanner reads the
ticket, and the self-serve cashier machine sends the voucher data
over cable connections to a central computer which verifies the
validity of the voucher. The central computer sends a voucher
verification indication back to the self-serve cashier machine,
which then pays out the appropriate amount to the player, much like
an automated teller machine (ATM) at a bank.
[0011] While printed vouchers have increased convenience to players
in some respects, neither of the existing methods allow cashing of
tickets on the floor of the gaming establishment, where it would be
most convenient to players. Instead, players need to walk over to a
cashier or find a self-serve cashier machine. With gaming
establishments growing in size and becoming more complicated in
floor layout, it can become an annoyance to players to have to
locate the cashier or self-serve cashier machine in order to get
their pay-out.
[0012] On the other hand, cashing vouchers other than at a cashier
or a self-serve cashier machine may be risky, and fraught with
potential fraud concerns. To address the possibility of fraud,
techniques for watermarking have developed, as well as encoding the
voucher data on the ticket. However, these techniques are physical
to the ticket, and may not protect against other types of fraud,
such as duplicate tickets.
[0013] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a convenient
and efficient technique for validating gaming vouchers that can be
used on the floor of a gaming establishment, while at the same time
reducing the risk of fraud or error.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The invention in one aspect provides a system and method for
wireless validation of gaming vouchers as may be output from
electronic gaming machines. In a typical environment in which the
invention may be practiced, a number of electronic gaming machines
are physically connected to a centralized computer or network which
receives and stores game transaction information. When an
electronic gaming machine prints out or otherwise dispenses a
voucher to a player, a record of the voucher transaction is
transmitted to the centralized computer or network and stored in a
voucher database. The voucher may be redeemed by a player through a
wireless voucher verification process as described herein.
[0015] In one embodiment, a system for validating gaming vouchers
printed or otherwise dispensed by an electronic gaming machine
includes a wireless, portable computer device having a display, a
data input interface, and a radio transceiver. The portable
computer device may be carried by an operator patrolling the floor
of a gaming establishment. A player receiving a voucher from an
electronic gaming machine may provide the voucher to the operator
for validation and pay-out. The operator inputs ticket identifying
information into the wireless, portable computer device (in any of
a variety of manners), and the information is relayed to a remote
radio transceiver connected to the centralized computer or network.
The centralized computer or network detects the transmission of the
voucher validation request and invokes a verification application
program. The verification application program verifies that the
voucher is valid, preferably by checking the voucher identification
information against the corresponding information stored in the
voucher database. If the voucher is not valid, the centralized
computer or network transmits, via the remote radio transceiver, a
return message indicating to the wireless, portable computer device
that the voucher is invalid and pay-out will not occur. If, on the
other hand, the voucher is valid, then the centralized computer or
network transmits, via the remote radio transceiver, a return
message indicating to the wireless, portable computer device that
pay-out may occur, and further transmits the stored payment amount.
The return message and, if applicable, the payment amount are
displayed on the wireless, portable computer device for the
convenience of the operator.
[0016] Preferably, once the voucher payment authorization is
transmitted back to the wireless, portable computer device, the
verification application program marks the voucher record as paid,
to avoid paying out more than once on a single voucher.
[0017] Further embodiments, variations and enhancements are also
disclosed herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for wireless
validation of payment vouchers as may be printed out or otherwise
dispensed by an electronic gaming machine.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of
generation of payment vouchers during a gaming session.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a
process for validating gaming vouchers as may be used, for example,
in the system shown in FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-network system for
wireless validation of payment vouchers from electronic gaming
machines, with backup operability for situations in which the
primary network (and hence the voucher database) is
unavailable.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a
process for validating gaming vouchers in a system such as
illustrated in FIG. 4, where either on-line or off-line validation
is supported.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a
process for handling a voucher transaction using a wireless,
portable computer device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gaming system 100 for
wireless validation of payment vouchers as may be printed out or
otherwise dispensed by an electronic gaming machine. As illustrated
in FIG. 1, the gaming system 100 includes a number of electronic
gaming machines 105 physically connected to a central network
computer system 102, which receives and stores on-going game
transaction information according to protocols well known in the
art of electronic gaming. The central network computer system 102
preferably comprises a gaming machine interface 120 which connects
to the electronic gaming machines 105 and handles the exchange of
information therewith. A central network controller 121 controls
operation of various functions of the central network computer
system 102, including the storage of voucher data in a voucher
database 122.
[0025] The central network computer system 102 may communicate with
the various gaming machines 105 using any standard (or
non-standard) gaming device interface protocol, such as SAS or SDS,
for example, both of which are conventional and well known in the
field of gaming devices.
[0026] The central network computer system 102 is connected to a
wireless (e.g., radio frequency or RF) interface 130, and comprises
a voucher verification application program 125 for authorizing
voucher payment as further described herein. The voucher
verification application program 125 interacts with a user log-in
table 126 stored in the central network computer system 102. The RF
interface 130 communicates with a wireless, portable computer
device 140 over a wireless communication path 134 in order to
effectuate wireless validation of vouchers according to the various
techniques as described in more detail herein.
[0027] The wireless, portable computer device 140 may include a
screen display 142 and a data input interface (such as a keyboard
or keypad 146 and/or a stylus 145). The wireless, portable computer
device 140 preferably includes a radio transceiver and an antenna
141 for facilitating wireless communication. The wireless, portable
computer device 140 may conveniently be embodied as, for example, a
wireless personal digital assistant (PDA) as commercially available
from any of a variety of manufacturers, programmed with software to
perform the voucher validation operations as described herein. As
just one example, the wireless, portable computer device 140 may
comprise a PalmPilot.RTM. programmed with appropriate software.
[0028] The wireless, portable computer device 140 may communicate
with the network RF interface 130 using any type of wireless
protocol. A preferred wireless protocol has characteristics of
being low-power, robust, error-resistant and secure, and may be
based upon, for example, a spread spectrum communication technique.
Alternatively, narrowband communication techniques or hybrid
communication techniques may be utilized. Encryption of data
communicated between the portable computer device 140 and the
network RF interface 130 may be used to increase the security of
communicating wireless data. To reduce the effect of errors during
wireless transmission of data, various error correction techniques
(e.g., forward error correction, or FEC, techniques) may be
employed.
[0029] In the wireless voucher validation system of FIG. 1, a large
number of wireless, portable computer devices 140 may be carried
and used by various attendants 150, particularly in large gaming
establishments. It is possible that a wireless, portable computer
device 140 may become lost or stolen. Therefore, it is preferred
that a mechanism be employed to enhance the security of operating
the wireless voucher validation system 100 and, specifically, to
ensure the integrity of voucher validation requests transmitted to
the central network computer system 102. Along these lines, the
user log-in table 126 is maintained at the central network computer
system 102 as a security feature to track current device activity.
In a preferred embodiment, a wireless, portable computer device 140
cannot be used for a wireless voucher validation transaction until
appropriate authentication of the user and device is carried out.
In one implementation, for example, the user log-in table 126
comprises a set of table record entries, one table record entry for
each wireless, portable computer device 140. An attendant or
operator 150 who will be using the device 140 first must log in by
entering a user ID and a correct password. Authentication of the
user ID and password may be carried out locally at the wireless,
portable computer device 140, but preferably is carried out at the
central computer network system 102, by a wireless exchange of
information between the wireless, portable computer device 140 and
the RF interface 130 of the central computer network system
102.
[0030] Once an attendant 150 has successfully logged on, the user
log-in table 126 is updated to reflect that, for the particular
device ID, a particular user (identified by his or her user ID) is
logged on and is operating the device 140. The information in the
user log-in table 126 is continually updated as attendants 150 log
on and log off. In a preferred embodiment, the voucher verification
application program 125 maintains a schedule of permissible hours
of duty of each possible user (i.e., attendant 150). When an
attendant 150 logs on (which may be done by entry of a user ID and
password, or else by scanning, with an optical reader built in to
the wireless, portable computer device 140, a user badge with a bar
code or other machine readable indicia having the user ID), the
information is preferably transmitted to the central network
computer system 140, to verify that the user exists (based on the
user (ID), that the user has sufficient privileges to use the
wireless, portable computer device 440, and that the user is in the
midst of an active "session"--that is, the user is operating the
device 440 during permissible hours, as stored in the user log-in
table 426. If any of the security criteria are not met, access is
denied.
[0031] Moreover, whenever a voucher validation request is received,
the voucher verification application program 125 may check to make
sure that a properly logged on attendant is using the device 140
(i.e., by confirming the existence of a valid user ID in the user
log-in table for the particular device 140), and also to make sure
that the attendant 150 is using the device during the attendant's
permissible hours of duty. In one implementation, when an
attendant's permissible hours of duty have expired, the user log-in
table 126 is automatically updated to indicate that no authorized
user is currently using the particular device 140. Preferably, a
system administrator can update the schedule of permissible hours
of duty in real-time, to adjust the schedule when, e.g., attendants
change their work hours or need to work overtime.
[0032] Further details of the operation of the gaming system 100
may be described with reference to the flow diagrams illustrated in
FIGS. 2, 3 and 6. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example
of generation of payment vouchers during a gaming session, as may
be used, for example, in the gaming system 100 of FIG. 1, while
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a process for
validating gaming vouchers, as may be used, for example, in the
gaming system 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating
an example of a process for handling, from an operator perspective,
a voucher transaction using a wireless, portable computer device.
While the processes illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 6 are generally
described below in the context of the gaming system 100 of FIG. 1,
it should be understood that they could be used in other gaming
systems as well.
[0033] Turning first to FIG. 2, a process 200 for generating
payment vouchers during a gaming session includes a first step 202
of beginning a gaming session by, for example, a player inserting
coins or chips (or, in same gaming establishments, a credit device
such as a credit card, magnetic strip card, or smart card) into an
electronic gaming machine 105. When a player is ready to end a
gaming session, then the player requests a pay-out, as indicated by
step 204. In some cases the player may be presented with an option
of receiving chips or printed voucher, and in other cases the
player may simply receive a printed voucher when indicating a
desire to end a gaming session. In step 205, the electronic gaming
machine 105 prints out or otherwise dispenses the gaming voucher
110 for the player. In step 210 (which may be before or after step
205), the electronic gaming machine 105 transmits data regarding
the printed voucher over a cable 109 to the central network
computer system 102. The format of the voucher data depends upon
the particular protocol used by the central network computer system
102, but may, for example, take the form of an electronic voucher
record 108 that includes a machine identifier (machine ID, or
"asset number") and a timestamp (date and time). The central
network computer system 102 stores the data from the voucher record
108 in the voucher database 122, and may assigns the new entry in
the database 122 a unique voucher record key 161 for facilitating
storage and retrieval of database records. Each pay-out voucher 110
can be uniquely identified by the machine ID and timestamp, since
no two vouchers will be printed out at the same time from the same
machine 105, and therefore the combination of machine ID and
timestamp may conveniently be used as a "ticket identifier" or
"ticket ID." After the voucher 110 is printed out and the voucher
record 108 transmitted to the central network computer system 102,
the process 200 then repeats when another player begins a gaming
session in step 202.
[0034] In the gaming system 400 shown in FIG. 4, described
hereafter, an additional step 215 is carried out, whereby the
voucher record data is forwarded to a secondary network and stored
in a secondary voucher database, so as to create cross-referenced
database records between a primary and secondary database. Details
regarding this process are described later herein.
[0035] The printed voucher 110 may contain any of a variety of
information on it. Preferably, the printed voucher 110 includes a
ticket identifier 112 (which may include the machine ID and a
timestamp, as sent in the voucher record 108 to the central network
computer system 102), as well as a statement of the amount of the
pay-out. The ticket identifier 112 may be duplicated as a bar code
or other machine-readable indicia on the printed voucher 110 so as
facilitate automated reading thereof. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram
illustrating an example of a process for handling, from an operator
perspective, a voucher transaction using a wireless, portable
computer device. As shown in FIG. 6, in a first step 602, the
player presents the printed voucher 110 to an attendant 150 who
carries and operates the wireless, portable computer device 140.
The attendant 150 then enters, via the data entry means 146 or
otherwise, a new voucher validation transaction request, as
indicated by step 604. For example, the attendant 150 may click
(using a mouse or key) or select (using the stylus 145 or a key) an
on-screen button designated for this purpose (i.e., "Validate
Voucher"). In a preferred embodiment, two different validation
processes are supported: verification only, and verification and
pay-out. In some cases, step 604 may be combined with step 610,
wherein the attendant 150 selects between "Verification Only" or
"Verification and Pay-out" options. Thus, selection of either the
"Verification Only" or the "Verification and "Pay-out option would
indicate a request for a new voucher validation transaction.
[0036] In either situation, in step 607, the attendant 150 either
manually enters the voucher information (e.g., machine ID and
timestamp) through the data entry means 146 (e.g., keyboard, keypad
or mouse) or stylus 145, or else causes the wireless, portable
computer device 140 to read the machine-readable indicia on the
printed voucher 110 (through an optical scanning or infrared input
on the portable computer device 140). The attendant 150 then hits a
"send" button (by making an on-screen selection or otherwise), to
cause a voucher validation request 135 to be transmitted from the
wireless, portable computer device 140 to the central network
computer system 102 via the wireless communication channel 134, or
else the wireless, portable computer device 140 is programmed to
automatically transmit the voucher validation request 135
immediately over the wireless communication channel 134 after the
appropriate voucher data is input or read. If the attendant 150 has
selected a "Verification Only" request, then, as indicated in step
620, the wireless, portable computer device 140 formats and sends a
verify-only request to the central network computer system 102. If
on the other hand, the attendant 150 has selected the "Verification
and Pay-out" option, then the wireless, portable computer device
140 formats and sends a verify-and-pay-out request to the central
network computer system 102, as indicated by step 630.
[0037] The central network computer system 102 receives and
processes the voucher verification or verification-and-pay-out
request, and responds with an indication of whether the voucher is
valid and, if a pay-out request, the amount to be paid out, as
indicated by steps 623 and 633, respectively. The validation result
and amount, if appropriate, are displayed on the display screen 142
for the attendant 150. If a verification-and-pay-out request is
approved, then the attendant 150 pays the player the amount
indicated.
[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates, from a more global perspective, a
process 300 by which a player may obtain cash for a printed voucher
112, taking advantage of the wireless voucher validation system
100. Steps 302 through 307 in FIG. 3, in certain embodiments,
generally correspond to steps 602 through 620 or 630 in FIG. 6, and
therefore the explanation about regarding FIG. 6 is applicable here
as well. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, in a first step 302, the player
presents the printed voucher 110 to an attendant 150 operating the
wireless, portable computer device 140. As indicated by step 305,
the attendant 150 either manually enters the voucher information
(e.g., machine ID and timestamp) through the data entry means 146
(e.g., keyboard, keypad or mouse) or stylus 145, or else causes the
wireless, portable computer device 140 to read the machine-readable
indicia on the printed voucher 110 (through an optical scanning or
infrared input on the portable computer device 140). The attendant
150 also preferably selects, from on-screen buttons or menu
selections, or otherwise, which of the two
operations--"Verification Only" or "Verification and Pay-out"--is
desired. The attendant 150 then hits a "send" button (by making an
on-screen selection or otherwise) to cause a voucher validation
request 135 to be transmitted from the wireless, portable computer
device 140 to the central network computer system 102 via the
wireless communication channel 134, or else the wireless, portable
computer device 140 is programmed to automatically transmit the
voucher validation request 135 immediately over the wireless
communication channel 134 after the appropriate voucher data is
input or read. If the attendant 150 has selected a "Verification
Only" request, then the wireless, portable computer device 140
formats and sends a verify-only request to the central network
computer system 102. If on the other hand, the attendant 150 has
selected the "Verification and Pay-out" option, then the wireless,
portable computer device 140 formats and sends a verify-and-pay-out
request to the central network computer system 102.
[0039] The voucher validation request 135 may include the voucher
identification information (including the machine ID and time
stamp), and further preferably includes a unique device ID (e.g., a
unique TCP/IP address) which identifies the particular wireless,
portable communication device 140 from which the request 135
originated. The voucher validation request data may be sent in any
desired format or arrangement.
[0040] The voucher validation request 135 is received at the RF
interface 130 and converted from wireless data to digital bits in a
format useful to the central network computer system 102. At the
central network computer system 102, the voucher verification
application program 125 receives via the RF interface 130 and
processes the data from the voucher validation request 135.
Incoming voucher verification requests 135 may be queued and
processed either according to a periodic polling scheme, or else in
response to an interrupt generated by the RF interface 130 when a
request 135 is received. Prior to looking up the voucher record,
and as indicated by step 308, the voucher verification program 125
first verifies the requesting user and device. To do so, the
voucher verification program 125 preferably uses the device ID to
access the device table entry record in the user log-in table 126.
If no device table entry record is found, then the transaction is
denied and a denial message is returned, via the RF interface 130,
to the wireless, portable computer device 140. If the device table
entry record is found for the particular device ID appearing in the
voucher validation request 135, then the voucher verification
program 125 examines the user ID in the table entry record to
ensure that a valid user is operating the portable, wireless
computer device 140 and, preferably, that the user is within his or
her permissible hours of operation of use. If these criteria are
not met, then the transaction is denied and a denial message is
returned, via the RF interface 130, to the wireless, portable
computer device 140.
[0041] If the user and device validation procedures in step 308 are
passed, then, in a next step 315, the voucher validation
application program 125 looks up the corresponding voucher record
in the voucher database 122. The voucher record may be looked up
using the unique combination of machine ID and timestamp that were
transmitted as part of the original voucher record 108 from the
electronic gaming machine 105 to the central network computer
system 102. Alternatively, the machine ID and timestamp may be used
to obtain a voucher key number which is then used to access the
voucher record in the voucher database 122. The voucher key number
may, for example, be a unique sequential record number assigned
when the particular voucher record is first stored in the voucher
database 122.
[0042] If the voucher record is not found in the voucher database
122, then, as indicated by steps 318 and 319, an invalid voucher
message is transmitted from the central network computer system
102, via the RF interface 130, to the wireless, portable computer
device 140, where a suitable textual or graphical message is
displayed for the attendant 150. If, on the other hand, the voucher
record is located in the voucher database 122, then, as indicated
by step 320, the voucher verification application program 125
checks the "paid" field 165 voucher record to determine whether or
not the voucher has already been paid. If it has been paid, then,
as indicated by steps 323 and 324, a voucher paid message is
transmitted from the central network computer system 102, via the
RF interface 130, to the wireless, portable computer device 140,
where a suitable textual or graphical message is displayed for the
attendant 150.
[0043] Assuming the voucher has not already been paid, then, as
indicated by step 330, a transaction approval and a voucher amount
are transmitted from the central network computer system 102, via
the RF interface 130, to the wireless, portable computer device
140. An indication of the transaction approval (e.g., "Voucher
Approved") is displayed for the attendant 150 on the screen display
142 of the wireless, portable computer device 140, along with the
voucher amount, as indicated by step 340. Transmission of the
voucher amount helps prevent fraud on the part of the player, by,
for example, physical alteration of the amount appearing on the
printed voucher 110. When seeing that the voucher has been
approved, the attendant pays the player, as indicated by step
345.
[0044] At the central network computer system 102, in connection
with transmitting the voucher approval and amount to the wireless,
portable computer device 140, the voucher validation application
program 125 also updates, if appropriate, the "paid" field 165 in
the particular voucher record stored in the voucher database 122
(step 330). More specifically, if the validation request was for
both verification and pay-out, then the paid field 165 of the
voucher record is updated to reflect the fact that the voucher 110
has been paid out to the player. If there is a subsequent attempt
to cash the same voucher 110, the voucher validation application
program 125 will detect the fact that the voucher 110 has already
been paid out, and will disapprove the transaction.
[0045] From time to time, an accounting and/or tracking batch
process may be run at the central network computer system 102, to
evaluate the history of voucher pay-outs and perform any processing
of voucher information deemed desirable.
[0046] It is therefore apparent that the wireless voucher
validation system 100 provides an effective, secure and
user-friendly means for players to obtain pay-out for printed
vouchers 110 received from electronic gaming machines 105, without
the players being required to travel to a cashier kiosk or locate a
stationary automated voucher validation machine.
[0047] Communication between the central network computer system
102 and the many wireless, portable computer devices 140 that may
be used in the system 100 may be carried out according to any
multiple user communication protocol. Transmissions from different
sources may be distinguished by different source identification
codes (e.g., device IDs), different assigned time slots, different
frequencies, or different spreading codes, or any combination
thereof. Even with many wireless, portable computer devices 140
being used in the same local area, the actual transmissions are
expected to be brief and sporadic, so collisions between
transmissions are unlikely. Should a collision occur (as indicated,
for example, by the failure to receive an acknowledge message, or
by the recipient transmitting a failed message signal), then the
wireless, portable computer device 140 may back off for a random
period of time (based in part on the device ID) and then try
again.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a multi-network system 400 for
wireless validation of payment vouchers from electronic gaming
machines 405. In the multi-network system 400 shown in FIG. 4, a
primary central network computer system 402 and a secondary central
network computer system 470 are connected and communicate through
network interfaces 428 and 476. The primary central network
computer system 402 is connected to a number of electronic gaming
machines 409 through a gaming machine interface 420, and the
secondary central network computer system 470 is also connected to
a number of electronic gaming machines 415 through a gaming machine
interface 480. The primary central network computer system 402
comprises a primary central network controller 421 connected to the
gaming machine interface 420, the network interface 428, and a
primary voucher database 422. Similarly, the secondary central
network computer system 470 comprises a secondary central network
controller 471 connected to the gaming machine interface 480, the
network interface 476, and a secondary voucher database 472. The
network interface 476 in the secondary central network computer
system 470 also preferably interfaces with a voucher verification
application program 425, which is connected to an RF interface 430
and a user log-in table 486.
[0049] The RF interface 430 communicates with various wireless,
portable computer devices (such as 440) in much the same manner as
previously described with respect to the system 100 illustrated in
FIG. 1. The wireless, portable computer device 440 may generally be
similar to the device 140 shown in FIG. 1 (i.e., having a screen
display, data entry means, etc.), but its details are not shown in
FIG. 4 merely for the sake of simplification. Voucher information
from a printed voucher 410 may be entered into the wireless,
portable computer device 440 by an operator or attendant, and
transmitted to the primary/secondary central computer network(s)
for verification. When a voucher is validated, the wireless,
portable computer device 440 receives the validation and displays
an indication thereof (and the pay-out amount, if appropriate) to
the operator or attendant.
[0050] The overall functionality of the multi-network wireless
voucher validation system 400, from the perspective of attendants
and operators using a wireless, portable computer device 440, is
similar to that of the wireless voucher validation system 100
illustrated in FIG. 1. However, the multi-network wireless voucher
validation system 400 further provides the possibility of manual
wireless voucher validation when the primary voucher database 422
is inaccessible for any reason (e.g., such as when the primary
central network computer system 402 is off-line or unavailable),
or, in some embodiments, when neither the primary voucher database
422 nor the secondary voucher database 472 is available. Thus, in
one aspect, the secondary central network computer system 470
provides a measure of backup operability for situations in which
the primary voucher database 422 and/or primary central network
computer system 402, and possibly the secondary voucher database
472, is/are unavailable.
[0051] Similar to system 100 of FIG. 1, electronic gaming machines
405 and 419 which dispense printed vouchers also transmit a voucher
record to the primary central network computer system 402 or the
secondary central network computer system 470, respectively,
depending upon which system 402, 470 the electronic gaming machine
is connected to. Voucher records received at the primary central
network computer system 402 are stored in the primary voucher
database 422, and are also relayed by the primary central network
controller 421 to the secondary central network computer system 470
via the network interfaces 428, 476. The voucher record is then
also stored in the secondary voucher database 472. Conversely,
voucher records received at the secondary central network computer
system 470 are stored in the secondary voucher database 472, and
are also relayed by the secondary central network controller 471 to
the primary central network computer system 402 via the network
interfaces 428, 476. The voucher record is then also stored in the
primary voucher database 422.
[0052] One example of operation of the multi-network wireless
voucher verification system 400 may be described with respect to
the flow diagram of FIG. 5. In the wireless voucher verification
process 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, the first several steps 502,
505, 507 and 508 are similar to steps 302, 305, 307 and 308
illustrated in FIG. 3, and the details of are not repeated here.
However, it should be pointed out that the voucher information is
received by only one of the two network computer systems (in this
example, the secondary central network computer system 470, as it
is connected to the RF interface 430). Further processing depends
on whether or not the primary central network computer system 402
is on-line, or else is off-line or otherwise unavailable. If the
primary central network computer system 402 is on-line, then the
process moves to step 550, wherein the secondary central network
computer system 402, which has received the voucher verification
request, transmits the voucher request to the primary network.
Then, as indicated by step 553, the corresponding voucher record is
looked up from the primary voucher database 422, using techniques
similar to those described previously with respect to FIGS. 1 and
3. If the voucher record is not found, then a message to that
effect is conveyed back to the secondary central network computer
system 470 and, as indicated by steps 563 and 565, an invalid
voucher message is transmitted back to the wireless, portable
computer device 440.
[0053] If, on the other hand, the corresponding voucher record is
found, then the primary central network controller 421 checks to
determine whether the voucher record indicates that the voucher has
been paid. If so, then a message to that effect is conveyed back to
the secondary central network computer system 470 and, as indicated
by steps 567 and 569, an voucher already paid message is
transmitted back to the wireless, portable computer device 440.
Assuming the voucher has not yet been paid, a message to that
effect, as indicated by step 560, is conveyed back to the secondary
central network computer system 470, which, as indicated by step
582, transmits a verification approval along with the voucher
amount back to the wireless, portable computer device 440 for
display. The voucher paid field in the voucher record is updated to
reflect that the voucher has been cashed out.
[0054] If the primary central network computer system 402 is not
on-line or is otherwise unavailable, then, as indicated by step
515, the secondary central network computer system 470 may make a
determination as to whether a corresponding voucher record can
nevertheless be found in the secondary voucher database 472. By
examining the timestamp information in the voucher verification
request (that is, the original timestamp of when the voucher was
printed, which is part of the original voucher record), and
possibly the machine ID (indicating the originating gaming
machine), the secondary central network controller 471 may
determine if the voucher record is likely to be found in the
secondary voucher database 472, based upon knowledge of when the
primary network controller may have become unavailable and the
knowledge of which electronic gaming machines are connected to
which records. However, in certain alternative embodiments, step
515 can be bypassed, and a search of the secondary voucher database
472 may be conducted without any sort of pre-screening.
[0055] If the voucher record should be in the secondary voucher
database 472, but a corresponding voucher record cannot be found,
then the process 500 branches once again to steps 563 and 565,
whereby an invalid voucher message is transmitted to the wireless,
portable computer device 440 for display. If the voucher record is
found, then, as before, the secondary central network controller
471 ensures that the voucher paid field indicates that the voucher
is unpaid. If so, the secondary central network controller 471
creates a voucher reconciliation record (to be used for the primary
voucher database 422 when the primary central network computer
system 402 later becomes available), then marks the voucher as
"paid" in the secondary voucher database 472, and transmits a
voucher approval and amount to be paid to the wireless, portable
computer device 440 for display.
[0056] If the primary central network computer system 402 is
off-line or unavailable, and the voucher record is not in the
secondary voucher database 472, then, nevertheless, the wireless
voucher verification system 400 may still allow processing of the
voucher. Because the amount of pay-out was not looked up from a
voucher database, the amount is needed by the secondary central
network computer system 470 for handling of the voucher
transaction. Therefore, as indicated by step 571, the secondary
central network computer system 470 transmits a request to the
operator or attendant to enter the voucher amount into the
wireless, portable computer device 440. When the operator or
attendant has done so, the voucher amount information is
transmitted from the wireless, portable computer device 440 to the
secondary central network computer system 402. The voucher
verification application program 425 then creates a new voucher
record and stores it immediately in the secondary voucher database
472, indicating that the voucher has been paid. If an attempt is
made thereafter to cash the same voucher, the voucher record will
be found and the transaction prevented. The voucher verification
application program 425, as indicated by step 524, also creates a
reconciliation record for the primary voucher database 422, to be
conveyed to the primary central network computer system 402 when it
once again becomes available. An approval or acknowledgment of the
voucher transaction is transmitted back for display on the
wireless, portable computer device 440, and the attendant or
operator may then pay the player.
[0057] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described herein, many variations are possible which remain within
the concept and scope of the invention. Such variations would
become clear to one of ordinary skill in the art after inspection
of the specification and the drawings. The invention therefore is
not to be restricted except within the spirit and scope of any
appended claims.
* * * * *