U.S. patent application number 11/678502 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for automated locking system.
Invention is credited to Carmen DiMichele.
Application Number | 20080207335 11/678502 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39716538 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080207335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DiMichele; Carmen |
August 28, 2008 |
Automated Locking System
Abstract
Systems, methods, and gaming machines having an automated
locking system are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment,
the gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet having a frame and a
main gaming machine door, and a locking mechanism is configured to
secure the main gaming machine door to the gaming cabinet frame.
The gaming machine also includes a lock controller operatively
connected to the locking mechanism and configured to control the
release of the locking mechanism.
Inventors: |
DiMichele; Carmen; (Sparks,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON, LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
39716538 |
Appl. No.: |
11/678502 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/46 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3216 20130101;
G07F 17/3241 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/46 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A gaming machine, comprising: a gaming cabinet having a frame
and a main gaming machine door; a locking mechanism configured to
secure the main gaming machine door to the gaming cabinet frame; a
lock controller operatively connected to the locking mechanism and
configured to control the release of the locking mechanism; and a
receiving device for receiving a request to release the locking
mechanism, wherein the receiving device transmits the request to
the lock controller.
2. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is
an electronic-mechanical locking mechanism including a solenoid
bolt lock.
3. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
further comprises an electromagnet and an armature plate.
4. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism
further comprises an electric motor that extends and retracts a
deadbolt.
5. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the lock controller
further comprises a two-factor authentication protocol to verify
the identity of a user attempting to access the locking mechanism,
wherein the two-factor authentication protocol requires the user to
provide two types of information selected from the group consisting
of a password, pass-code, security token, or biometric
information.
6. The gaming machine of claim 1, wherein the receiving device
further comprises a means for obtaining biometric data from a user,
keypad, touchscreen, touchpad, a smart-card reader, infrared port,
radiofrequency port, or a combination thereof.
7. The gaming machine of claim 6, wherein the receiving device
further comprises a display in communication with the receiving
device.
8. The gaming machine of claim 1, further comprising one or more
components located within the gaming cabinet, wherein the
components are secured by automated locking mechanisms.
9. An automated locking system for use with a casino gaming system
having one or more gaming machines operatively connected via a
network to a back end system, the automated locking system
comprising: one or more automated locking mechanisms operatively
connected to one or more gaming machines; a means for receiving a
request from a user to release one or more automated locking
mechanisms; a means for authenticating the user; and one or more
processors connected to the one or more automated locking
mechanism, wherein the one or more processors control the release
of the one or more automated locking mechanisms.
10. The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein automated
locking mechanisms secure a main gaming machine door and one or
more components within the gaming machine.
11. The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein the automated
locking mechanism is an electronic-mechanical locking mechanism
including a solenoid bolt lock.
12. The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein the automated
locking mechanism further comprises an electromagnet and an
armature plate.
13. The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein the automated
locking mechanism further comprises an electric motor that extends
and retracts a deadbolt.
14. The automated locking system of claim 9, wherein the
authenticating means further comprises a two-factor authentication
protocol to verify the identity of a user attempting to access the
locking mechanism, wherein the two-factor authentication protocol
requires the user to provide two types of information selected from
the group consisting of a pass-code, security token, or biometric
information.
15. The gaming machine of claim 9, wherein the receiving means
further comprises a smart-card reader, a means for obtaining
biometric data from the user, keypad, touchscreen, touchpad,
infrared port, radiofrequency port, or a combination thereof.
16. The gaming machine of claim 15, wherein the receiving means
further comprises a display in communication with the receiving
device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, concurrently filed on Feb. 23, 2007,
entitled AUTOMATED LOCKING METHOD.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Generally, security is a very important concern for casinos.
Typically, many casinos employ a wide variety of surveillance
cameras to monitor the activity of both casino patrons and
employees. Furthermore, a variety of security devices are utilized
to restrict access to and from certain areas of the casino.
[0004] Additionally, various security measures are used to protect
the gaming devices found on the casino floor. Traditionally,
mechanical locks have been used to restrict access to the interior
region of a gaming device. Commonly, the mechanical lock (or
fastening device), may be released by inserting a key into the lock
or by applying the correct combination to release the lock. For
example, to drop coins, bills, and coupons from a gaming device, a
casino employee is required to use mechanical keys to open a
particular door, remove a container, and close and lock the door
with the key. This can be a cumbersome and time extensive task,
especially when a casino employee needs to access more than one
gaming device.
[0005] In some casino gaming systems, every gaming device has a
unique key. Further, components within the gaming device, such as
the coin or bill box may be secured by a fastening device and may
require additional keys to release the lock on the fastening
device. Therefore, the number of keys needed to access the various
gaming machines and components within the gaming machines, can
easily grow to a large number of keys. Additionally, in the case of
a lost key or security breach, gaming devices must be re-keyed. The
task of re-keying machines can become very expensive and very time
consuming.
[0006] What is needed is both a system and method to reduce the
labor and improve the security aspects of certain manual operations
performed on a gaming device.
SUMMARY
[0007] Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are
directed to a system and method and for automatically controlling
the locking mechanisms in a casino gaming system. According to one
embodiment, the gaming machine includes a gaming cabinet having a
frame and a main gaming machine door, and a locking mechanism is
configured to secure the main gaming machine door to the gaming
cabinet frame. The gaming machine also includes a lock controller
operatively connected to the locking mechanism and configured to
control the release of the locking mechanism.
[0008] In addition to gaming machines, automated locking systems
for use in a casino gaming system operatively connected via a
network to a back end system are disclosed herein. According to one
embodiment, the automated locking system includes one or more
automated locking mechanisms operatively connected to one or more
gaming machines. The automated locking system also includes a means
for receiving a request from a user to release one or more
automated locking mechanisms, a means for authenticating the user,
and one or more processors are connected to the one or more
automated locking mechanism. The processors control the release of
the one or more automated locking mechanisms.
[0009] Other features and advantages will become apparent from the
following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the
features of the various embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0010] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a gaming machine having an
automated locking mechanism.
[0011] FIG. 2 is the interior perspective of a gaming machine
having an automated locking mechanism.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a casino gaming system
for use in accordance with an embodiment of the automated locking
mechanism.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an automated
locking system for controlling one or more locking mechanisms used
in combination with various devices and components of a gaming
system. Generally, locks are used to secure gaming machine doors to
control access to the interior of the gaming machine.
Traditionally, mechanical key and lock fastening devices have been
employed to secure the gaming machine. Additionally, components and
devices within the gaming machine, such as cash boxes, voucher
boxes, and coin boxes may also be secured with mechanical key and
lock fastening devices. The systems and methods disclosed herein
provide an automated locking system that removes the need for
mechanical keys as the primary means for unlocking mechanical
locking devices used in connection with a gaming machine, or entire
casino gaming system. Additionally, the automated locking system
that may be used in combination with any access panel or door
requiring secure access.
[0014] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings
and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-3, there are shown various
embodiments of a method and system directed to an automated locking
system for use in a casino gaming system. Generally, the automated
locking system includes the use of one or more locking mechanisms
that may be automatically controlled. Referring to FIG. 1, a gaming
machine 10 includes an automated locking mechanism 30 to secure the
main cabinet 16 of the gaming machine. More particularly, the main
cabinet 16 includes a gaming machine door 35 and a main housing 37,
wherein the automated locking mechanism 30 secures the gaming
machine door 35 to the main housing 37. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the automated locking mechanism 30 may be used
to secure other devices and components, such as, but not limited to
cash boxes, bill boxes, coupon boxes, voucher boxes, server, CPU,
hard drive, CD drive, memory chips, or any other device or feature
that would require a locking mechanism.
[0015] The automated locking mechanism 30 may be controlled by a
processor (not shown). In one embodiment, the processor controls
whether the automated locking mechanism 30 is in a "release mode"
or in a "lock mode." In one embodiment, the automated locking
mechanism 30 includes a first locking component 31 attached to the
gaming machine door 35 and second locking component 33 connected to
at least a portion of the main housing 37. When the automated
locking mechanism 30 is in the lock mode, the first locking
component 31 and the second locking component 33 are secured so
that gaming machine door 35 cannot be opened, thereby preventing
access to the interior region of the gaming machine 10. When the
automated locking mechanism 30 is in the release mode, the first
locking component 31 is no longer secured to the second locking
component 33, thereby permitting the gaming machine door 35 to be
opened.
[0016] Those skilled in the art will appreciate, the automated
locking mechanism 30 may incorporate a variety of locking
mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the automated locking
mechanism 30 is a type of electronic-mechanical locking mechanism
that utilizes a solenoid bolt. In this example, a solenoid is used
to throw the bolt. Additionally, some solenoid bolt locks use
microprocessors to perform voltage regulation, reduce power
consumption, and/or provide access control. In this example
embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the automated locking mechanism 30
includes a solenoid bolt lock. The first locking component 31
serves as the front plate and is attached to the gaming machine
door 35. The second locking component 33 is attached to at least a
portion of the main housing 37 and serves as the counter plate.
[0017] In an alternate example embodiment, the automated locking
mechanism 30 incorporates a magnetic locking system. In this
example, the first locking component 31 is an electromagnet and is
attached to the gaming machine door 35. The second locking
component 33 is an armature plate and is attached to at least a
portion of the main housing 37. When the gaming machine door 35 is
closed and is in the lock mode, a current passing through the
electromagnet locking component 31 attracts the armature plate
locking component 33, thereby holding the gaming machine door 35
shut. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the first locking
component 31 is an armature plate and the second locking component
33 is an electromagnet.
[0018] Optionally, in yet another example embodiment, the automated
locking mechanism 30 includes an electric motor (not shown) that is
used to move a deadbolt. A processor controls whether or not the
lock (deadbolt) is released.
[0019] In an alternate embodiment, the automated locking mechanism
30 includes an electronic lock, which uses some form of electronics
to authenticate the user attempting to access control of the lock.
Additionally, in one embodiment the electronic lock includes
additional features, such as the ability to track and/or audit the
number of successful and failed access attempts. Optionally, in
some embodiments, the electronic lock uses a two-factor
authentication (or dual factor authentication) protocol. Two-factor
authentication is an authentication protocol that requires two
independent mechanisms for authentication. For example, one
implementation of two-factor authentication requires the use of
something the user would know (such as a password) and the use of
either something the user possesses (such as a physical device) or
the use of something that identifies the particular user (such as a
biometric). In contrast, traditional password authentication
requires only one authentication factor (such as knowledge of a
password) in order to gain access to a system.
[0020] A variety of authentication methods may be incorporated into
the electronic lock. In one embodiment, numerical codes, passwords
or pass-phrases may be used for authentication. For example, an
electronic lock may require entry of the correct code in order to
release a lock. A device such as a keypad, or other user interface,
may be provided to allow for entry of the pass code. Optionally, a
user may enter the pass code on a wireless device such as, but not
limited to, a PDA, cellular phone, or smart phone.
[0021] Alternately, security tokens may be used for authentication
purposes. More particularly, a user may be required to scan or
swipe a security token such as a smart card, to release a lock.
Optionally, a security token may interact with a lock via wireless
means. For example, infra-red, bluetooth, or radiofrequency data
transfer methods can be used to send and receive data, thereby
permitting access to a lock.
[0022] Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, biometrics are used
in the authentication process. Typically, biometrics refer to
unique physical and/or behavioral characteristics used to verify a
personal identity. Examples of biometric data include, but are not
limited to, retinal scans, iris scans, voice samples, fingerprints,
facial patterns and hand measurements.
[0023] Additionally, in an optional embodiment, a physical device
may be used in combination with biometrics. For example, a smart
card my store particular user biometric data. In one example, the
data stored on a particular smart card includes the iris scan of a
specific user. When the user interacts his smart card with a card
reader, the iris scan data is retrieved. Next, a device scans the
user's iris and compares the new iris scan with the stored iris
scan data from the smart card. If the two iris scans are determined
to match, then the user is authenticated. Those skilled in the art
will appreciate that the security token or smart card may store any
type of personal data and is not limited to iris scans.
[0024] Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 2, the main cabinet 16 of the
gaming machine 10 is a self-standing unit that is generally
rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the cabinet (not shown)
may be a slant-top, bar-top, or table-top style cabinet. However,
any shaped cabinet may be used with any embodiment of the gaming
machine 10 and sized for a player to be able to sit or stand while
playing a game. Additionally, the cabinet 16 may be manufactured
with reinforced steel or other rigid materials that are resistant
to tampering and vandalism. Optionally, in an alternate embodiment,
the gaming machine 10 may instead be a cinema-style gaming machine
(not shown), as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 11/225,827,
entitled "Ergonomic Gaming Cabinet," filed on Sep. 12, 2005, which
is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0025] In one embodiment, the main cabinet 16 houses a game
management unit (not shown) that includes a CPU, circuitry, and
software for receiving signals from the player-activated buttons 18
and a handle 19, operating the games, and transmitting signals to
the respective game display 12 and speakers 21.
[0026] The game display 12 is a viewing area that presents one or
more games of chance such as, but not limited to, mechanical slots,
video slots, video poker, video blackjack, video keno, video
roulette, or Class II bingo. In alternate embodiments, the game
display 12 may present games of skill or games of chance involving
various levels of player skill. In other embodiments, the display
12 is a video display such as, but not limited to, a CRT (cathode
ray tube), or a thin-panel display. Examples of thin-panel displays
include plasma, LCD (liquid crystal display), electroluminescent,
vacuum fluorescent, field emission, or any other types of thin
panel displays known or developed in the art. Additionally, the
video picture may be presented in either a portrait or landscape
orientation and utilize standard or widescreen dimensions.
Optionally, the game display 12 may also include a touch screen or
touch glass system (not shown).
[0027] The plurality of player-activated buttons 18 may be used for
numerous functions such as, but not limited to, selecting a wager
denomination, selecting a number of games to be played, selecting a
wager amount per game, initiating a game, or cashing out money from
the gaming machine 10. The buttons 18 function as input mechanisms
and may include mechanical buttons, electromechanical buttons or
touch screen buttons. Optionally, handle 19 may be "pulled" by a
player to initiate a game.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, an interior perspective of the gaming
machine 10 is shown. The gaming machine 10 may include one or more
devices that require a locking mechanism. Such devices, include,
but are not limited to cash boxes, bill boxes, coupon boxes,
voucher boxes, printer, CPU, hard drive or other memory devices, CD
or DVD drive, or any other components know to those skilled in the
art to require secure locking mechanism. In one example embodiment,
the gaming machine 10 includes a component 40 having an automated
locking mechanism 50 and a component 42 having an automated locking
mechanism 52. In one embodiment the component 42 may be a coin box
which requires the use of a secure locking mechanism 52. In this
example, the locking mechanism 52 is an automated locking mechanism
that may be controlled without the use of physical keys.
[0029] In addition to automated locking systems, various methods of
using the automated locking systems are disclosed herein. According
to one method, a casino attendant needs to service a particular
gaming machine 10. The casino attendant inserts his ID card into
the gaming machine card reader 20. A user interface (not shown)
prompts the casino attendant to enter his service request. For
example, in one embodiment, the display screen 12 is a touch-screen
display, and the casino attendant enters, or selects, "open main
door" as his service request. Next, the casino attendant enters his
personal identification number (PIN) that is associated with the ID
card. If the entered PIN is the correct code associated with the
inserted ID card, then the processor triggers the release of the
automated locking mechanism 30, thereby allowing the casino
attendant to physically open the main gaming machine door 35 and
access the interior region of the gaming machine 10.
[0030] In an optional embodiment, after the casino attendant enters
his PIN, the main gaming machine door 35 automatically swings
opens. In either example, once the casino attendant has completed
servicing the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine door 35 is
locked by closing the door, such that the first locking mechanism
31 latches securely with the second locking mechanism 33.
Optionally, in an alternate embodiment, the casino attendant must
specifically request that the automated locking mechanism return to
a locked mode. Additionally, the casino attendant uses the same ID
card to unlock and access other gaming machines in the same manner
described above.
[0031] Alternately, according to another method, the casino
attendant uses a handheld device (not shown) to access one or more
gaming machines 10. For example, in the above described scenario,
the handheld device may serve as a user interface. More
particularly, if the casino attendant needs to service a particular
gaming machine 10, the casino attendant may enter his request on
the handheld device. The entry may require identification of the
particular gaming machine 10 requiring service and the specific
service request. For example, the casino attendant may enter a
specific identification code associated with the particular gaming
machine and then may enter an action, such as "open gaming machine
door." The casino attendant may then be required to provide
additional information for authentication purposes. In another
method, the casino attendant may simply aim the handheld device at
the specific gaming machine required for service. The handheld
device may then wirelessly transmit an action request to the gaming
machine 10. In either example, once it is determined the casino
attendant has permission to access the particular gaming machine,
the automated locking mechanism will release the lock, thereby
allowing entry into the particular gaming machine 10. Additionally,
a handheld device may also be used to control access to locked
components within the gaming machine 10. For example, a handheld
device may be used to access a cashbox 42.
[0032] In another optional embodiment, a handheld device is used in
combination with biometric authentication. For example, once a
casino attendant enters his desired action, (e.g., open gaming
machine door), the handheld device may prompt the casino attendant
for further identifying information such as, but not limited to, a
fingerprint. In one embodiment, the handheld device may require the
user (e.g., casino attendant) to enter a fingerprint sample on a
scanning area provided on the handheld device. The received
fingerprint sample will then be compared to a previously stored
fingerprint sample. If the samples match, the user is
authenticated.
[0033] In another embodiment, the automated locking system employs
multiple automated locking mechanisms in a casino gaming system.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a casino gaming system 100 is illustrated.
The casino gaming system 100 comprises one or more gaming machines
10. In various embodiments, any of the gaming machines 10 may be
any type of electronic or mechanical gaming devices, such as, but
not limited to, a mechanical reel spinning slot machine, video slot
machine, video poker machine, keno machine, video blackjack
machine, or a gaming machine offering one or more of the
above-described games. Examples include, but are not limited to,
the S6000 mechanical reel spinner and the Alpha video slot machine
from Bally Gaming. Additionally, one or more automated locking
mechanisms (not shown) are connected to one or more components of
the casino gaming system 100, including one or more gaming machines
10. Further, one or more of the gaming machines 10 may comprise one
or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of information
stored by the gaming machines 10 include, but are not limited to,
accounting data, maintenance history information, short and/or
long-term play data, real-time play data, and sound data. The sound
data may include, but is not limited to, audio files, sound clips,
wav files, mp3 files and sound files saved in various other
formats. Furthermore, each gaming machine 10 comprises an audio
system (not shown) for outputting sound.
[0034] The gaming machines 10 are connected via a network to a
network bridge 120, which is used for networking, routing and
polling gaming machines, including slot machines. The network
bridge 120 connects to a back end system 112. Optionally, the
gaming machines 10 may connect to the network via a network rack
122, which provides for a few number of connections to the back end
system 112. Both network bridge 120 and network rack 122 may be
classified as middleware, and facilitate communications between the
back end system 112 and the gaming machines 10. The network bridges
120 and network rack 122 may comprise data repositories for storing
network performance data. Such performance data may be based on
network traffic and other network related information. Optionally,
the network bridge 120 and the network rack 122 may be
interchangeable components. For example, in one embodiment, a
casino gaming system may comprise only network bridges and no
network racks. Alternatively, in another embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise only network racks and no network
bridges. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, a casino
gaming system may comprise any combination of one or more network
bridges and one or more network racks.
[0035] The back end system 112 may be configured to comprise one or
more servers. The type of server employed is generally determined
by the platform and software requirements of the gaming system. In
one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the back end system 112
is configured to include three servers: a slot floor controller
114, a casino management server 116 and a casino database 118. The
slot floor controller 114 is a part of the player tracking system
for gathering accounting, security and player specific information.
The casino management server 116 and casino database 118 work
together to store and process information specific to both
employees and players. Player specific information includes, but is
not limited to, passwords, biometric identification, player card
identification, and biographic data. Additionally, employee
specification information may include biographic data, biometric
information, job level and rank, passwords, authorization codes and
security clearance levels.
[0036] Overall, the back end system 112 performs several
fundamental functions. For example, the back end system 112 can
collect data from the slot floor as communicated to it from other
network components, and maintain the collected data in its
database. The back end system 112 may use slot floor data to
generate a report used in casino operation functions. Examples of
such reports include, but are not limited to, accounting reports,
security reports, and usage reports. The back end system 112 may
also pass data to another server for other functions.
Alternatively, the back end system 112 may pass data stored on its
database to floor hardware for interaction with a game or game
player. For example, data such as a game player's name or the
amount of a ticket being redeemed at a game may be passed to the
floor hardware. Additionally, the back end system 112 may comprise
one or more data repositories for storing data. Examples of types
of data stored in the system server data repositories include, but
are not limited to, information relating to individual player play
data, individual game accounting data, gaming machine accounting
data, cashable ticket data, and sound data including optimum audio
outputs for various casino settings.
[0037] In one embodiment of the automated locking system, an
employee card is required to access a gaming machine 10. For
example, a casino operator or attendant inserts an identification
card into a card slot on a gaming machine 10. Typically, the
identification card has a magnetic stripe to hold an identifying
data specific to the attendant. Alternatively, the identification
card may be a `smart card` or electronic button having integrated
circuits for storage and processing of user data. Optionally, the
casino gaming system 100 may require authentication of the user. In
one example embodiment, the casino operator must enter a password.
The entered password may be sent through the casino gaming system
100 to the back end system 112 to verify and authenticate the user
(e.g. casino operator). Additionally, in an optional embodiment,
the authentication process may incorporate biometrics. For example,
the casino operator may be required to submit a fingerprint sample,
or other biometric type sample in addition to using an
identification card. The back end system may store records of
previously obtained employee biometric data, such as fingerprint
samples, partial fingerprint samples, iris scans, etc. At the time
an employee, such as a casino operator, attempts to service a
gaming machine 10, an additional biometric sample is obtained. The
additional obtained sample is then transmitted via the network to
the back end system 112 for comparison with the originally obtained
biometric sample. If the samples match, the employee's identity is
authenticated, and the employee may proceed with servicing the
gaming machine 10.
[0038] In another example embodiment, a drop crew must replace the
cash boxes from a row of twenty-four gaming machines 10. Each cash
box (not shown) is located within the interior of a gaming machine
10 and is secured by its own locking mechanism. A supervisor
inserts her ID card into a gaming machine 10 at the front of the
row of gaming machines. Next, the supervisor enters the desired
task activity on a user interface. Specifically, for this example,
the supervisor would select or enter "drop this row" as the desired
entry, and then would be required to enter her PIN. The entered PIN
is evaluated to determine whether is corresponds to the inserted ID
card. If, the correct PIN was entered, a processor would initiate
the release, or unlocking, of the cash box locking mechanisms. For
example, in one embodiment, each of locking mechanisms for the cash
boxes in the row of twenty-four gaming machines would
simultaneously release. Alternately, in another embodiment, on each
gaming machine, the locking mechanism secures an access panel to
the cash box. Once the processor has authenticated the user and
approved the "row drop" request, the access panels to the cash
boxes release at specific time intervals. For example, the access
panel may release at three second intervals, one at a time to give
the drop crew a consistent flow of removing the cashbox from the
open panel, and replacing it with an empty one. After replacing
each cashbox, the casino attendant closes the access panel, which
would automatically "lock" the panel securely shut. In this
example, the drop process is efficiently and timely executed,
thereby resulting in a consistent drop process. Those skilled in
the art will appreciate that any predetermined time interval may be
utilized.
[0039] Alternately, in an optional embodiment, the supervisor may
be required to submit a biometric sample in addition to the
password. Optionally, the supervisor may be required to submit a
biometric sample instead of a password.
[0040] In another example, representing an optional embodiment, a
wireless handheld is utilized. For example, referring to the above
described embodiment, the supervisor uses a handheld device to
perform the "drop row" task. The handheld device includes a user
interface for interacting with a supervisor or other use. The
supervisor selects the desired row of gaming machines from the
handheld device and authorizes the drop. Additionally, in an
optional embodiment, the supervisor may be required to enter a PIN
or password before the drop is allowed. Furthermore, the handheld
device permits the drop to be performed without requiring input
from a gaming machine user interface.
[0041] Optionally, in another embodiment, the user must submit
biometric information to verify his identity. For example, a casino
employee wanting to gain access to a locked component is required
to utilize a physical device, such as, but not limited to a key
card and then further submit biometric data that authenticates the
user.
[0042] Additionally, in another embodiment, a manual override
feature is provided for use with the locking system. For example,
in the case of system unavailability, a physical key unlocking
mechanism may be included to operate in conjunctions with the
automated locking system. This mechanism allows an operator to
unlock a gaming machine's main door in case of system
unavailability or electronic failure. From inside the main door,
other doors and/or panels may be mechanically unlocked. Even with
the addition of a mechanical lock, there would not be the need for
so many sets of keys. They would also not be used most of the
time.
[0043] The various embodiments described above are provided by way
of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the
claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize
various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed
invention without following the example embodiments and
applications illustrated and described herein, and without
departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention,
which is set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *