U.S. patent application number 11/306688 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-03 for cashless gaming apparatus, system and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to SIERRA DESIGN GROUP. Invention is credited to Robert W. Jr. Crowder, Loren T. Nelson.
Application Number | 20060172798 11/306688 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35922679 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060172798 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Crowder; Robert W. Jr. ; et
al. |
August 3, 2006 |
Cashless Gaming Apparatus, System and Method
Abstract
The invention comprises methods and apparatus for modifying or
converting a gaming machine to permit fully cash-less or optional
cash-less transactions in a manner which avoids changing the
existing firmware or software of the gaming machine. In an optional
cash-less arrangement, a player selects the form by which funds are
added or paid to the machine and/or paid out by machine. The
cash-less forms of payment may comprise the acceptance and/or
payment of funds or value electronically to a system account, coded
card or ticket, smart card, magnetic card and other non-cash
elements. In one or more embodiments, the invention consists of
hardware and/or software for intercepting and/or emulating any or
all combinations of the electronic signals associated with the coin
acceptor, cash out button, hopper, serial communication
interface(s) and bill acceptor(s) associated with a gaming machine
to create optional currency transfers. These currency transfers
comprise the dispensing or adding of coins, tokens, bills, or any
physical item of value and/or any method of transferring funds
electronically.
Inventors: |
Crowder; Robert W. Jr.; (Las
Vegas, NV) ; Nelson; Loren T.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BROWN RAYSMAN MILLSTEIN FELDER & STEINER, LLP
1880 CENTURY PARK EAST
12TH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
SIERRA DESIGN GROUP
6601 S. Bermuda Road
Las Vegas
NV
|
Family ID: |
35922679 |
Appl. No.: |
11/306688 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09678169 |
Oct 2, 2000 |
7004837 |
|
|
11306688 |
Jan 6, 2006 |
|
|
|
60157463 |
Oct 1, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/25 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3202 20130101;
G07F 17/32 20130101; G07F 17/3244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/025 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method of providing cash-less gaming in a gaming machine
retrofitted to accept cash-less devices comprising: receiving a
cash-less device from a player; sending a signal from a retrofitted
cash-emulation unit to a game processor, wherein the signal directs
a game processor to perform a function; intercepting a signal from
the game processor by a retrofitted interception unit, wherein the
signal sent from the game processor does not reach the intended
recipient as originally intended by the game processor; and
updating a value represented by the cash-less device on the gaming
machine, wherein the value comprises at least one of the
intercepted and emulated game processor signals.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising obtaining
identification information from the player.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the function is incrementing a
credit meter.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the function is decrementing a
credit meter.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising maintaining a network
connection between a remote network and at least one of the
interception unit and the cash-emulation unit.
6. The method of claim 5, further comprising exchanging information
about the cashless device over the network connection.
7. A gaming machine, comprising: a game processor; and a
retrofitted cash-less transaction system in communication with the
game processor, the retrofitted cash-less transaction system
comprising: a cash-less device transaction unit in communication
with the game processor, wherein the cash-less device transaction
unit configured to accept cash-less devices and to transmit and
receive information; an interception and emulation unit in
communication with the cash-less device transaction unit and the
game processor, the interception and emulation unit is capable of
intercepting signals from the game processor, wherein the
intercepted signals are not received as originally intended, and
the interception and emulation unit is capable of emulating signals
corresponding to gaming functions and transmitting the emulated
signals to one or more game components.
8. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the cash-less transaction
system further comprises a network communication link between the
cash-less transaction system and a remote network configured to
store cash-less device information.
9. The gaming machine of claim 8, wherein the remote network and
the cash-less transaction system exchange information regarding the
cash-less device.
10. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the interception and
emulation unit further comprises a smart machine interface board
input/output controller (SMIB-I/O) interfaced with the game
processor, wherein the SMIB-I/O is configured to intercept signals
from, and transmit signals to the game processor; and a smart
machine interface board (SMIB) in communication with the SMIB-I/O,
the SMIB configured to receive signals from, and transmit signals
to, the SMIB-I/O.
11. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the cash-less
transaction system is located in a location separate from the
gaming machine.
12. The gaming machine of claim 7, wherein the cash transaction
unit further comprises a paper currency acceptor in communication
with the game processor.
13. A method of providing cash-less gaming in a gaming machine
retrofitted to accept cash-less devices comprising: receiving a
cash-less device from a player; sending a signal from a retrofitted
cash-emulation unit to a game processor, wherein the signal directs
a game processor to perform a gaming function; intercepting an
output signal from the game processor by a retrofitted interception
unit, wherein the output signal sent from the game processor does
not reach an intended gaming machine component as originally
intended by the game processor; emulating the output signal
corresponding to the gaming function and transmitting the output
signal to the gaming machine component; and updating a value
represented by the cash-less device on the gaming machine, wherein
the value comprises at least one of the intercepted and emulated
game processor signals.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising obtaining
identification information from the player.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein the gaming function is
incrementing a credit meter or decrementing a credit meter.
16. The method of claim 13, further comprising maintaining a
network connection between a remote network and at least one of the
interception unit and the cash-emulation unit.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising exchanging
information about the cashless device over the network connection.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 09/678,169 filed Oct. 2, 2000, currently pending, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/157,463
filed Oct. 1, 1999, now expired, both of which are herein
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to gaming and similar
machines, and more particularly, to gaming machines configured to
accept and dispense cash.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Presently, a large number of older machines are in use which
are arranged to accept or dispense cash. By cash, it is meant paper
and coin currency. For example, many existing casino gaming
machines are operable only upon input of cash. In some instances,
the cash input must comprise coins. In other arrangements, the
input may comprise paper bills and/or coins. These machines are
generally arranged to pay out credits, winnings or previously
accepted payments in coins.
[0004] It is desirable to offer players the ability to pay in a
form other than cash--i.e. a "cash-less" arrangement where no cash
is used, or a "cash-optional" arrangement where the consumer may
elect the form of payment and/or payout. It is also desirable to
offer players the option of being paid in a form other than cash.
Casinos and other operators of the machines also find it desirable
to operate the machines in a cash-less basis, since this
substantially lessens the cash handling necessary to operate the
business. Further, when the machines are operated in conjunction
with smart cards, coded cards, printed tickets or the like, the
casinos may offer players a variety of incentive options and obtain
and track player play data.
[0005] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, gaming machines have been
developed which are custom configured or designed during
manufacture so as to have the capability to permit cashless
transactions. These gaming machines permit both the accepting of
funds and payment of funds in a cash-less manner. These machines,
however, permit these transactions by having a central processor
and associated hardware and software specifically designed to
cooperate therewith.
[0006] As provided above, many gaming and similar machines are not
so configured. Presently, the only manner to convert a casino to an
optional cash-less casino is by changing the firmware in every
gaming machine. This essentially involves "gutting" the existing
machines and installing new hardware and software similar to that
of newly designed machines. If this is the chosen route, the
manufacturers generally must change all the game machine firmware
to support the needed functions for the optional cash-less
transactions. In many cases, this would require the manufacturer to
resubmit every program that was changed to appropriate regulators,
such as gaming regulators, for approval.
[0007] Changing the firmware in every gaming machine on a casino
floor in such a manner is undesirable by both the manufacturer and
casino. For one reason, this approach is very expensive to both the
casinos and the manufacturers. In addition, this approach is time
consuming, taking the machine out of service for some time.
[0008] There is desired a convenient and effective method and/or
apparatus for converting machines currently designed to accept
and/or pay only cash, to permit cash-less or cash-optional
transactions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention comprises methods and apparatus for
modifying an existing gaming machine which is arranged to accept
and/or dispense only cash, to accept and/or dispense funds in a
cash-less or other than cash manner.
[0010] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a signal
generated by an existing cash device of a gaming machine is used to
facilitate the operation of a cash-less device. In one or more
embodiments of the invention, a signal is generated by a cash-less
device, which signal is used to facilitate a cash-less
transaction.
[0011] Further objects, features, and advantages of the present
invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed
description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the
attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0012] Certain prior art and the preferred embodiments of the
present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a gaming machine in accordance with the
prior art specifically configured to accept electronic funds
transfers ("EFT") from a central system;
[0014] FIG. 2 is substantially a flowchart describing the steps
involved in a transfer of funds using the gaming device of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a gaming machine in accordance with the
prior art specifically configured to permit electronic funds
transfers to a central system;
[0016] FIG. 4 is substantially a flowchart describing the steps
involved in a transfer of funds using the gaming device of FIG.
3;
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less funds acceptance;
[0018] FIG. 6 is substantially a flowchart describing the steps
involved in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 7 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less funds payment;
[0020] FIG. 8 is substantially a flowchart illustrating a transfer
in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less transactions;
[0022] FIG. 10 is substantially a flowchart describing a method of
simulating a hopper payout in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less transactions;
[0024] FIG. 12 is substantially a flowchart describing a method of
simulating a coin-in transaction in accordance with an embodiment
of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 13 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less transactions;
[0026] FIG. 14 is substantially a flowchart describing a method of
simulating a bill transaction in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention;
[0027] FIG. 15 illustrates an existing cash-type gaming machine
modified in accordance with the present invention to permit
cash-less transactions;
[0028] FIG. 16 is substantially a flowchart describing a method of
intercepting a cash out signal in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0029] The invention is a method and apparatus for modifying a
cash-only accepting or paying machine, such as a gaming machine, to
a cash-less or cash-optional type machine. In the following
description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It
will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the
present invention may be practiced without these specific details.
In other instances, well-known features have not been described in
detail so as not to obscure the invention
[0030] The present invention is described with specific reference
to and has particular applicability to a gaming machine. Such
machines are known as "slot" machines, "video poker" machines and
the like depending on the different games which they offer for
play. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention
may be applied to a wide variety of other apparatus which are
arranged to accept and/or pay out cash. For example, the invention
may be applied to a product dispensing machine such as a candy
machine, pop machine or the like.
[0031] In one or more embodiments of the invention, methods and
apparatus are disclosed for permitting an existing gaming machine
which is configured only to accept payment in cash and/or pay out
winnings in cash, to accept payment in a form other than cash
and/or pay out winnings in a form other than cash. By "cash" it is
meant paper currency and coins. The paper currency may comprise
bills such as U.S. or other dollars. The coins may comprise
government issued monies, such as quarters, or tokens or similar
items. By "cash-optional" or "cash-less" it is meant the acceptance
of payment and/or a payout in a form exclusively or optionally in a
form other than, or in addition to, cash. A number of forms of
payment (by a consumer as input or by the machine as output or
payout) other than cash are contemplated, as known to those of
skill in the art. These forms may include credit card, "smart
cards," other types of coded and uncoded cards and tickets,
electronic accounts and the like.
[0032] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an electronic
signal associated with an element of the gaming machine associated
with cash acceptance or payment is intercepted. The intercepted
signal may be utilized to prevent the payout in regular fashion by
the gaming machine, such as by preventing the dispensing of coins.
The intercepted signal is instead utilized to facilitate a
"cash-less" payment accepting or paying device associated with the
gaming machine. For example, the signal from a coin dispensing
mechanism may be used as an input value to a crediting mechanism
which codes a magnetic stripe card with payout value data.
[0033] In one or more embodiments of the invention, an electronic
signal is emulated and output to an element of the gaming machine
associated with cash acceptance or payment (such as a coin hopper,
cashout button or the like). The emulated signal is utilized to
cause the gaming machine to "believe" that payment has been made by
a player or a payout has been made using a device associated with
the gaming machine. For example, a smart card device is associated
with a standard machine. When a player inputs a card, the device is
arranged to emulate a coin dropping signal to a coin acceptor of
the gaming machine, causing the gaming machine to credit the
player.
[0034] FIGS. 5 and 7 illustrate an existing gaming machine,
generally 10, having an existing processor 12 for interfacing a
credit display 14, a cashout button 16, a coin acceptor 1 8, a coin
dispensing hopper 20, and a bill acceptor 22. These gaming machine
elements and gaming machines including such elements are well
known, and as such will not be described in detail here. As
illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7, the existing gaming machine 10, has
been modified to permit cash-less transactions.
[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the existing gaming
machine 10, has been modified with apparatus for permitting the
cash-less transactions, generally 24. As illustrated, this
apparatus 10 includes a smart machine interface board (SMIB)
input/output (I/O) controller 26. The SMIB I/O controller 26 is
interfaced with the processor board 12 of the gaming machine 10,
one or more of the cash accepting/paying/controlling devices 1 8,
20, 22 of the machine, and an external SMIB.
[0036] The external SMIB 28 is in communication with a cash-less
transaction device, generally 30. In the embodiment illustrated,
this device comprises a magnetic stripe card reader/writer. The
device 30 may comprise a variety of other elements, such as smart
card reader, coded or punched card or ticket reader or the like.
These cash-less transaction devices 30 are well known and exist in
a variety of forms and include a wide variety of input/output
devices. These devices 30 may, as described above, be arranged to
work with a specific media, such as a card or ticket. In other
arrangements, the transaction is purely electronic, such as an
electronic funds transfer ("EFT") transfer to a player's bank
account. The SMIB 28 is arranged to send to and receive data from
the cash-less transaction device 32.
[0037] In addition, the SMIB 28 is in communication with a user
input device 34. As illustrated, this device 34 comprises a keypad.
The user input device 34 may comprise a wide variety of other
elements, such as a touch-screen or the like. The SMIB 28 is
arranged to receive data from (and in the case of a touch-screen or
similar device, also send data to) the user input device 34.
[0038] The SMIB 28 is also in communication with a user display 36.
The display 36 is arranged to display information which is provided
by the SMIB 28 to a user. The display 36 may comprise a CRT screen,
LCD element or the like.
[0039] In one or more embodiments, the external SMIB 28 is arranged
to communicate with a central computer system 38 or other external
source of information or data. The central computer system 38 may
provide data to the SMIB 28 such as card verification data, funds
data and the like.
[0040] It is noted that the term "external" does not refer
necessarily to the physical location of the SMIB, but instead to
the fact that the SMIB 28, did not originally form a portion of the
original gaming machine structure. In general, the SMIB 28
comprises hardware and/or software for performing certain
functions. As illustrated, the SMIB 28 includes a processor
element. The SMIB 28 may be interfaced with the gaming machine 10
and the cash-less transaction device 30, user input device 34,
display 36 and/or central computer 38 by direct wiring, wireless
communication elements, or a variety of other means well known in
the art.
[0041] It is noted that in existing gaming devices generally 40,
which permit cash-less transactions, such as illustrated in FIGS. 1
through 4, the gaming machine 40 includes a central processor 42 as
well as a SMIB 44 or similar processor. In this arrangement, the
SMIB 44 and central processor 42 are integrated. In other words,
the central processor 42 is configured with a special protocol
which permits communication with the SMIB 44. To the contrary, in
the arrangement of the present invention, the processor 12
associated with the gaming device 10 was not configured with such a
protocol. As described above, the reconfiguring of the processor 12
and associated firmware is undesirable.
[0042] In accordance with the invention, and as described below,
signals which are sent to and/or from the processor 12 to one or
more of the cash transaction devices/elements 1 8, 20, 22 of the
gaming machine are intercepted and/or emulated by the SMIB 28. The
SMIB 28 uses the intercepted or emulated signals to "trick" the
processor 12 into believing that a certain condition has been
satisfied or occurred with respect to the cash transaction
devices/element 18, 20, 22 associated therewith. At the same time,
the SMIB 28 utilizes information associated with the signal to
facilitate a cash-less transaction.
[0043] FIGS. 6 and 8 also provide flowcharts describing embodiments
of methods of cash-less transactions in accordance with the
invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the apparatus of the invention
permits a player to provide funds to the gaming machine in a manner
which is "cashless." In accordance with the method, a player may
input funds by sliding a coded card through the reader 32 or other
cash-less transaction device. The SMIB 28 verifies the existence of
funds (such as by the central computer). The SMIB 28 then instructs
the SMIB I/O controller 26 to disconnect communications with the
bill validator 22 of the gaming machine 10 and then controls the
bill acceptor 22 (by appropriate electronic signal). The SMIB I/O
26 controller then generates and sends, as instructed by the SMIB
28, electronic signals to the processor board 12 of the gaming
machine 10. These signals emulate and replace signals normally
provided by the bill acceptor 22 to the processor 12. In this
manner, although the bill acceptor 22 has not received one or more
bills, the processor 12 is provided with a signal representative of
bill receive, causing the processor to acknowledge the receipt of
"payment" signals and the value of the funds transmitted.
[0044] FIG. 8 similarly illustrates a method by which a player
transfers funds from the gaming machine 10, in a cash-less manner
using the apparatus illustrated. In accordance with this method,
when a player utilizes a cash-less transaction device associated
with the gaming machine, the SMIB 28 disconnects the hopper
input/output signal device 20 from communication with the processor
12, as well as the cashout button 16, input/output signals. When a
player activates the cashout button 16, the SMIB 28 receives the
cashout signal and verifies that the funds transaction is
permitted. The SMIB 28 then sends the processor 12 a cashout
signal. The-processor 12 then signals the hopper control 20 to
activate. The SMIB 28 pulses a hopper coin paid signal until the
hopper 20 motor is turned off, then counts the number of pulses
(representing the number of coins which are to be paid) and updates
the credit count. Once the processor 12 has an indication that
payment has been made, it shuts off the hopper motor 20, at which
time the SMIB 28 completes the cash-less transaction by crediting
the player's card, account or the like.
[0045] FIGS. 9-16 illustrate and describe specific embodiments of
the invention by which cashless transactions are permitted. In
general, each of these embodiments comprises a specific
implementation of the apparatus described above and illustrated in
FIGS. 5 and 7.
[0046] Hopper Interface to the Gaming Machine
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, there is illustrated a method
and apparatus for configuring a gaming machine 10 to permit a
player to be paid a payout, cashout or the like in a manner other
than with cash, in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention.
[0048] As described in some detail above, gaming machine 10
includes a coin hopper 20 from which winnings are paid, and coins
returned, such as when a player cashes out. The hopper 20 includes
a control interface which operates as follows. When a machine 10
cashes a player out or pays out winnings, firmware associated with
the game machine control (such as the illustrated processor 12)
calculates how many coin/tokens that need to be dispensed from the
hopper 20. At this point, a motor is activated which controls the
hopper 20. The control 12 samples an input sensor which changes
states as coins that are being ejected from the hopper. The sensor
toggles one time for each coin that is dispensed from the hopper
20. The control continues to activate the motor on until all of the
coins/tokens, for that cash out, have been dispensed by the hopper
20.
[0049] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the output
drive signal is intercepted. Using this intercepted signal, with
compatible hardware, such as the SMIB I/O controller 28, the SMIB
28 can detect when the gaming machine 10 is dispensing coins/tokens
from the hopper 20. In addition, the SMIB 28 can provide an output
signal to the hopper control which simulates or emulates the
dispensing coins/tokens from the hopper 28. When the hopper motor
"on" signal is detected, the SMIB 28 toggles (such as by electric
signal input) the input sensor at the required specification until
the machine 10 turns the motor signal off. Once this is done, the
amount that was cashed out is the number of toggles, required to
turn the hopper motor signal off, times the currency value of the
coin/token. This currency value can then be paid to the player in
an alternative form, such as by credit onto a magnetic stripe card
or other forms of coded cards, tickets and the like.
[0050] Coin Acceptor Interface to the Gaming Machine
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, there is illustrated a method
and apparatus for configuring a gaming machine 10 to permit a
player to pay in a form other than with cash in accordance with an
embodiment of the invention.
[0052] Gaming machines 10 often are arranged to accept payment with
coins only. These gaming machines 10 include a coin acceptor 18
into which the player deposits the coins or tokens. The coin
acceptor interface has one or more input signals (depending on the
type of coin acceptor) and output signals to divert coins. When a
coin is dropped into the coin acceptor 18 these input signals
change states. The firmware within the gaming machine 10 has an
algorithm that it runs over the sampled inputs to detect valid
coins. When the valid coin inserted criteria is met, the machine's
10 firmware adds one credit to the credit meter 46. If the criteria
is not met, the firmware turns the diverter on to reject the
coin.
[0053] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the input coin
signals are intercepted. Using the intercepted signals, with
compatible hardware, such as the SMIB I/O controller 28, the SMIB
28 can toggle the coin input signals to simulate coins falling
through the coin acceptor 18 on the gaming machine 10. By
intercepting the coin output signal, the SMIB 28 can sample the
drive signal to the diverter to verify that the coin has been added
to the credit meter 14 on the machine. The amount of money that is
added to the machine 10 will equal the number of accepted simulated
coins times the current value of the coin/token drive signal to the
diverter to verify that the coin has been added to the credit meter
14 on the machine. The amount of money that is added to the machine
10 will equal the number of accepted simulated coins times the
current value of the coin/token.
[0054] Bill Acceptor Interface to the Gaming Machine
[0055] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, there is illustrated a method
and apparatus for configuring a gaming machine 10 to permit a
player to pay in a form other than with paper currency using a bill
validator 22 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0056] In some gaming machine arrangements, the gaming machine 10
is arranged to accept paper currency or "bills" in addition to
coins. There are several interfaces between a gaming machine 10 and
its bill acceptor 22. One interface is pulsed inputs and outputs,
and others utilize serial communications. In any event, the logic
for accepting currency is very similar. When a bill is inserted
into a bill acceptor 22, the acceptor 22 sends a message with the
dollar amount to the game firmware 12 to inform it that a bill has
been inserted. At this point, the firmware 12 chooses to stack
(accept) or reject the bill. If the firmware 12 chooses to stack
the bill, the firmware 12 sends a stack currency message via serial
communication or a pulse train. The bill acceptor 22 will stack the
currency and send an acknowledgment message via serial
communications or a pulse train. If the firmware 12 chooses to
reject the bill, it sends a reject currency message via serial
communications or a pulse train and the bill acceptor 22 rejects
it.
[0057] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the
communications signal between the processor 12 in the gaming
machine 10 and the bill acceptor 22 is intercepted. By intercepting
the serial communications or the input and output of the pulsed
signals with compatible hardware, such as with a SMIB I/O
controller 28, the SMIB 28 can simulate bills being inserted into a
bill acceptor 22. One of many benefits of this arrangement is that
the SMIB 28 may elect to transfer money onto a machine from a smart
card, a system account, etc. The SMIB 28 reads the smart card,
player account, etc. and the balance is $25. The SMIB 28 may
display the balance and prompt the player to add $20 bill insertion
transaction through the bill acceptor interface. The SMIB 28 may
also add money form the player's media or account by using the bill
acceptor 22 or by an EFT.
[0058] Cash Out Button Interface to the Gaming Machine
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated a method
and apparatus for configuring a gaming machine 10 to permit a
player to "cash-out" in a manner other than with cash in accordance
with an embodiment of the invention.
[0060] Many standard gaming machines 10 include a cash out button
16 which is associated with an input and output signal. A sampler
samples the input signal to check if the button 16 has been pressed
or activated. The input signal must change states for a minimum
amount of time, such as a few milliseconds, to be considered
activated or pressed. The output signal to the cash out button 16
is a lamp driver. The gaming machine turns the lamp on to show the
player that the button 16 is in an active state and that a "cash
out" can be preformed at the current time, and turns the lamp off
for when the player is not permitted to cash out.
[0061] In one embodiment of the invention, the output signals
associated with a cash out button 16 are intercepted. This signal
interception may be accomplished with compatible hardware, such as
the SMIB I/O controller 28. In this manner, a SMIB 28 can detect
when the machine is in a state that the player can perform a cash
out. In this embodiment, the input signals are also intercepted. By
intercepting the input signals with compatible hardware, the SMIB
28 can detect when a player has pressed the cash out button and
elect to perform other functions before committing the machine to
the cash out.
[0062] In one embodiment, when a player has elected to cash out,
the SMIB 28 permits a player to elect how they wish to cash out.
For example, the SMIB 28 may cause the display on 36 of a message
to the player such as, "Would you like your credits to be paid from
the hopper, added to your account or added to your smart card?"
Depending on the player's decision, the SMIB 28 may dispense the
coins from the hopper 20, simulate a hopper cash out and add the
credits to the player's account, smart card, etc., or perform an
electronic fund transfer via a communication protocol supported by
the gaming machine 10 and add the credits to the player's account,
smart card or the like.
[0063] In the event a player elects to cash out by payment of coins
from the hopper 20, the coins are paid in a normal fashion. In the
event the player elects to cash out in another form, then the SMIB
28 is arranged to cause payment by the other means, such as by
coding payment data onto a smart card. As described above, in such
an event, the SMIB 28 may be arranged to cause the gaming machine
to not pay the coins from the hopper 20 and to use a signal which
operates the coin dispenser to determine the payout to the
player.
[0064] Serial Communication Interfaces to the Gaming Machine
[0065] In one or more embodiments of the invention such as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 or 7 and 8, a method and apparatus is provided for
configuring a gaming machine 10 to accept payment and render
payment via an electronic interface.
[0066] The serial communication interfaces are hardware signals
that transmit data between two devices. The two devices in scope
will be the gaming machine logic board 12 and the SMIB 28. Each
interface has a unique protocol to allow funds to be transferred
electronically. The SMIB 28 has the option to interface to the game
logic using the protocols to transfer funds to and from the gaming
machine's credit meter 10. Such protocols may comprise SAS, X-Miser
and SDS and other known protocols.
[0067] In one or more embodiments of the invention, the method(s)
may be performed with a variety of hardware and/or software other
than those described above and illustrated. In one or more
embodiments, computer or application code may be configured to
cause a computer or other device to generate emulating output
signals and other instructions for transmission to the processor
board of a gaming machine for use in permitting the cash-less
transaction. Such application code may be embodied in any form of
computer program product comprising a medium configured to store or
transport computer readable code, or in which the code may be
embedded. By computer it is meant a processing/runtime environment
for such code, such as a processor or the like.
[0068] It will be understood that the present invention may be
applied to individual or multiple aspects of a gaming machine's
devices. For example, the invention may be applied solely to the
coin-dispensing/hopper device of a machine. The invention may also
be applied to both the coin accepting and dispensing devices of a
machine. As may be appreciated, there are a wide variety of
combinations of modifications which may be made in accordance with
the invention to render one or more aspects of a gaming machine
"cash-less."
[0069] The methods and apparatus of the invention permit an
existing gaming machine which accepts and/or pays in only cash to
accept payment and payout in forms other than cash. This is
accomplished without the need to alter the gaming machine's
existing firmware/hardware/software. As such, the converted gaming
machine may avoid having to be re-approved by regulatory bodies.
The present invention permits modification of a gaming or similar
machine in a manner which is simple, cost-efficient, and not time
consuming.
[0070] The methods and apparatus of the invention permit conversion
of a gaming machine in a manner whereby any form of payment or
payout may be accomplished, whether such is by electronic account,
coded card or the like. The method and apparatus of the invention
may be implemented in a manner which still permits a player to pay
in or receive a payout in cash form. It will be understood that the
above-described arrangements of apparatus and the method therefrom
are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this
invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the claims.
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