AU2007283466A1

AU2007283466A1 - System and method for providing non-currency functionality in an electronic gaming machine

Info

Publication number: AU2007283466A1
Application number: AU2007283466A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Price; Andre Soussa; Tony Toohey
Original assignee: Ebet Systems Pty Ltd; eCash Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Ebet Systems Pty Ltd; eCash Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-10
Filing date: 2007-08-10
Publication date: 2008-02-14
Also published as: WO2008017129A1; AU2016277602A1; AU2013231103A1; AU2019202157B2; AU2019202157A1; WO2008017129A9

Description

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING NON-CURRENCY FUNCTIONALITY IN AN ELECTRONIC GAMING MACHINE FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to electronic gaming, and more particularly to a system and a method for providing non-currency functionality in electronic gaming machines (EGMs). Embodiments of the invention have been developed for providing non-currency functionalities - such as ticketing functionalities - in gaming machines not inherently configured to provide such functionalities. Although the invention is described hereinafter with reference this application, it will be appreciated that the invention is applicable in broader contexts. BACKGROUND [0002] Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. [0003] EGMs include slot machines, poker machines, and other devices that provide a user with gameplay functionality in exchange for playing credits. EGMs inherently include a central logic unit responsible for the provision of gaming functionalities. Typically the central logic unit operates in conjunction with a validator that receives tokens. A player of the gaming machine inserts a token having a value into the validator and, in the event that the token is successfully validated, the central logic unit rewards the player with playing credits corresponding to the value of the token. [0004] In traditional cases the tokens take the form of currency notes. In such cases the validator is, in overview, responsible for validating the authenticity and value of currency notes, and informing the central logic unit in regard to the value of a successfully validated note. [0005] Some more advanced EGMs are configured provide playing credit in response to non-currency tokens inserted in a validator, these tokens nevertheless having a value. Typically, these non-currency tokens are tickets carrying a printed barcode. The validator reads the barcode, and the barcode is validated at an external location. While the precise details of how this occurs vary between implementations, following WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 2 successful validation of the ticket the central logic unit rewards the player with playing credits corresponding to the value of the ticket. [0006] In some instances EGMs are configured to provide playing credit in response to both currency tokens and non-currency tokens inserted in the validator. [0007] The use of non-currency tokens is commonly regarded as a preferred practice both by players and by administrators of gaming venues. This has given rise to a desire for systems and methods that provide non-currency credit receipt functionality to EGMs not inherently configured to receive non-currency tokens. It is further seen as preferable to achieve this goal without the need for substantially modifying the central logic unit of a given EGM. As an additional complication, many jurisdictions impose regulations on EGM modification and control that hinder the ability to achieve the above-mentioned goals. [0008] US Patent No. 6,825,029 discloses some methods and systems for retrofitting EGMs to provide ticketing functionalities. The disclosed methods, in broad terms, involve divorcing various EGM components from the central logic unit - including the validator- and instead connecting these components to s secondary control unit that provides non-currency credit receipt functionality. [0009] Under the methods of US Patent No. 6,825,029, the degree to which gaming functionalities are taken away from the central logic unit and instead provided by the secondary control unit can result in complications. There is a need for less intrusive systems and methods that provide non-currency credit receipt functionality to EGMs not inherently configured to receive non-currency tokens. SUMMARY [0010] A first aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including: [0011] a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 3 [0012] a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; [0013] a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; and [0014] a user-operable input device for enabling the user to indicate a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine; [0015] the system being adapted for: [0016] determining the value of a received non-currency token; [0017] being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; [0018] being responsive to operation of the user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value including the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount. [0019] In one embodiment, the printed non-currency token has a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount plus an amount of credit remaining when the user indicated the desire to cease operation of the gaming machine. [0020] In one embodiment, the system is responsive to the value of the received non currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token. [0021] In one embodiment, the system is responsive to the value of the received non currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a user selected integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token. [0022] Another aspect of the invention provides a method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the method including: [0023] receiving a non-currency token; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 4 [0024] determining the value of a received non-currency token; [0025] being responsive thereto for causing a central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; [0026] being responsive to user operation of a user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value including the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount. [0027] In one embodiment, the printed non-currency token has a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount plus an amount of credit remaining when the user indicated the desire to cease operation of the gaming machine. [0028] In one embodiment, the system is responsive to the value of the received non currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token. [0029] In one embodiment, the system is responsive to the value of the received non currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a user selected integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token. [0030] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit, the system including: [0031] a first interface for communication with the validator; [0032] a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; [0033] a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; and [0034] a first processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: [0035] analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to determine whether the first validator signal is indicative of predefined data; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 5 [0036] in the case that the first validator signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the central logic unit; [0037] in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and [0038] being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal. [0039] In one embodiment the validator is configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens, and the predefined data is indicative of the receipt by the validator of a non-currency token. [0040] In one embodiment the central logic unit is configured to increase playing credit in response to a validator signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token. [0041] In one embodiment the predefined data is further indicative of one or more properties of the non-currency token. [0042] In one embodiment the one or more properties include a token identifier. [0043] In one embodiment the non-currency token includes a physical characteristic from which the token identifier is electronically derivable. [0044] In one embodiment the physical characteristic is a barcode indicative of the token identifier. [0045] In one embodiment the second validator signal is indicative of the token identifier. [0046] In one embodiment the first processor provides by way of the third interface the second validator signal to the secondary control unit for validation of the token identifier.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 6 [0047] In one embodiment following the provision of the second validator signal the first processor awaits a receipt via the third interface of a downstream response signal indicative of successful validation of the token identifier or failed validation of the token identifier. [0048] In one embodiment the downstream response signal is indicative of a "stack" command in the case of successful validation and a "reject" command in the cased of a failed validation. [0049] In one embodiment the first processor is responsive to a "stack" or "reject" command for providing by way of the first interface corresponding downstream signal to the validator indicative respectively of either a "stack" or "reject" command. [0050] In one embodiment the system includes a fourth interface for coupling the secondary control unit to the central logic unit. [0051] In one embodiment upon successful validation of the token identifier the fourth interface transmits from the secondary control unit to the central logic unit a signal indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value. [0052] In one embodiment the downstream response signal is indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token, and the first processor is responsive to the currency value for providing to the central logic unit by way of the second interface a sixth validator signal indicative of a currency token having the value having been received and validated by the validator such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value. [0053] In one embodiment the amount by which the central logic unit increases playing credit is the lowest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine greater than the value attributable to the token . [0054] In one embodiment the amount by which the central logic unit increases playing credit is the highest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine less than the value attributable to the token. [0055] In one embodiment the non-currency token has a token value, and the value attributable to the non-currency token is less than the token value by a residual amount.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 7 [0056] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral currency amount. [0057] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral multiple of a base currency amount recognised by the central logic unit. [0058] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of a known currency token. [0059] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of the highest known currency token having a value less than the token value. [0060] In one embodiment the gaming machine includes a token printer and the system provides to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount. [0061] In one embodiment the system includes a fifth interface for providing the first print instruction. [0062] In one embodiment the fifth interface allows coupling of the token printer to the secondary control interface. [0063] In one embodiment the system includes a print processor, and the fifth interface includes a first sub-interface for coupling the token printer to the print processor and a second sub interface for coupling the print processor to the secondary control unit, the print processor being responsive to a second print instruction received via the second sub interface for providing the first print instruction. [0064] In one embodiment the system includes a sixth interface for coupling the print processor to the central logic unit thereby to additionally couple the token printer to the central logic unit. [0065] In one embodiment the print processor is responsive to a third print instruction received from the central logic unit via the sixth interface for providing a corresponding fourth print instruction to the token printer. [0066] In one embodiment the third print instruction is in a first communication format and the fourth print instruction is in a second communication format.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 8 [0067] In one embodiment the first communication format is associated with a dot matrix printer and the second communication format is associated with a thermal printer. [0068] In one embodiment the first processor and the print processor are coupled. [0069] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a validator configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens and for providing signals indicative of tokens that are received, the gaming machine further including a central logic unit configured for receiving signals from the validator, the central logic unit being configured to increase playing credit in response to such a signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token, the system including: [0070] a first interface for communication with the validator; [0071] a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; [0072] a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; [0073] a processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: [0074] analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; [0075] in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the central logic unit; [0076] in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and [0077] being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 9 [0078] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for processing a token received by a validator that is coupled to a central logic unit provided by an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: [0079] accepting as input a first validator signal; [0080] analysing the first validator signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; [0081] in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to a secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the machine control unit; [0082] in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and [0083] being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal. [0084] In one embodiment the validator is configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens, and the predefined data is indicative of the receipt by the validator of a non-currency token. [0085] In one embodiment the central logic unit is configured to increase playing credit in response to a validator signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token. [0086] In one embodiment the predefined data is further indicative of one or more properties of the non-currency token. [0087] In one embodiment the one or more properties include a token identifier. [0088] In one embodiment the non-currency token includes a physical characteristic from which the token identifier is electronically derivable. [0089] In one embodiment the physical characteristic is a barcode indicative of the token identifier.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 10 [0090] In one embodiment the second validator signal is indicative of the token identifier. [0091] In one embodiment the second validator signal is provided to the secondary control unit for validation of the token identifier. [0092] In one embodiment following the provision of the second validator signal the method includes the step of awaiting a receipt of a downstream response signal indicative of successful validation of the token identifier or failed validation of the token identifier. [0093] In one embodiment the downstream response signal is indicative of a "stack" command in the case of successful validation and a "reject" command in the cased of a failed validation. [0094] In one embodiment the method includes the step of being responsive to a "stack" or "reject" command for providing by way of the first interface corresponding downstream signal to the validator indicative respectively of either a "stack" or "reject" command. [0095] In one embodiment the secondary control unit is coupled to the central logic unit. [0096] In one embodiment upon successful validation of the token identifier the step of transmitting to the central logic unit a signal indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value. [0097] In one embodiment the downstream response signal is indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token, and the method includes the step of being responsive to the currency value for providing to the central logic unit a sixth validator signal indicative of a currency token having the value having been received and validated by the validator such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value. [0098] In one embodiment the non-currency token has a token value, and the value attributable to the non-currency token is less than the token value by a residual amount.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 11 [0099] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral currency amount. [00100] In one embodiment value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral multiple of a base currency amount recognised by the central logic unit. [00101] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of a known currency token. [00102] In one embodiment the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of the highest known currency token having,. value less than the token value [00103] In one embodiment the gaming machine includes a token printer and the method includes the step of providing to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount. [00104] In one embodiment the step of providing to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount includes being responsive to a second print instruction for providing the first print instruction. [00105] In one embodiment the method includes the step of being responsive to a third print instruction received from the central logic unit for providing a corresponding fourth print instruction to the token printer. [00106] In one embodiment the third print instruction is in a first communication format and the fourth print instruction is in a second communication format. [00107] In one embodiment the first communication format is associated with a dot matrix printer and the second communication format is associated with a thermal printer. [00108] A further aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit, the system being adapted to reject a non-currency token in the WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 12 event that the value of said token is not an integer multiple of a unit credit value of the electronic gaming machine. [00109] In one embodiment, the system includes: [00110] a first interface for communication with the validator; [00111] a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; [00112] a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; and [00113] a first processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: [00114] analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to obtain the data for use in deriving the value of a token; [00115] being responsive to the value of the token for providing to the validator a "reject token" signal. [00116] In one embodiment, having analysed the first validator signal, the first processor is responsive thereto for: [00117] providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal including data for use in deriving the value of the token; and [00118] being responsive to a downstream signal from the secondary control unit for providing the "reject token" signal. [00119] A further aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token having a value, the gaming machine having a unit credit value, the system including: [00120] a processor coupled to the validator and the central logic unit for: [00121] receiving from the validator a first validator signal; [00122] being responsive to the first validator signal for determining the value of the non-currency token; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 13 [00123] being responsive to the value of the non-currency token for providing to the central logic unit a further validator message for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by an amount determined in dependence upon the value of the non-currency token. [00124] In one embodiment the further validator message is for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the lowest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is greater than the value of the non-currency token. [00125] In one embodiment the further validation message is for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the non-currency token. [00126] In one embodiment the system includes secondary game logic for the provision of a secondary game. [00127] In one embodiment a residual amount of the value of the non-currency token is used as a stake in the secondary game, the residual amount being the value of the non currency token less the amount by which the processor causes the central logic unit to increase playing credit . [00128] In one embodiment the secondary game is a local game available at the electronic gaming machine. [00129] In one embodiment the secondary game is a game available across a network of gaming machines. [00130] In one embodiment the secondary game is a linked jackpot game. [00131] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine having a predetermined unit credit value, the method including the steps of: [00132] receiving a non-currency token having a value; [00133] analysing the received token to determine its value; and [00134] increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by an amount determined in dependence upon the value of the non-currency token; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 14 [00135] wherein the amount by which playing credit is increased is one of: [00136] the lowest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine greater than the determined value; and [00137] the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine less than the determined value. [00138] A further aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including: [00139] a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; [00140] a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; [00141] a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; and [00142] a user-operable input device for enabling the user to indicate a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine; [00143] the system being adapted for: [00144] determining the value of a received non-currency token; [00145] being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; [00146] being responsive to operation of the user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount. [00147] A further aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including: [00148] a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; and WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 15 [00149] a validator for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in retrieving a stored value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; [00150] the system being adapted for: [00151] receiving a validator signal from the validator including the data for use in retrieving the stored value of a received non-currency token; [00152] being responsive thereto for retrieving the value of the non-currency token; [00153] being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; [00154] causing the stored value of the non-currency token to be reduced by the credit amount . [00155] A further aspect of the invention provides a system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including: [00156] a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value, and for providing to a secondary control unit meter signals indicative of playing credit remaining; [00157] a validator for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; and [00158] a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; [00159] the system being adapted for: [00160] determining the value of a received non-currency token; [00161] being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; [00162] receiving a meter signal indicating zero playing credit remaining; and WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 16 [00163] being responsive thereto for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount . [00164] In one embodiment the system is responsive to the value of the non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token. [00165] A further aspect of the invention provides a method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: [00166] receiving a non-currency token having a value; [00167] determining the value of the token; [00168] dividing the value of the token into a credit value and a residual value; [00169] increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by the credit value; and [00170] in response to a received user indication of a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine, printing a further non-currency having as its value the residual value. [00171] A further aspect of the invention provides method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, including the steps of: [00172] receiving a non-currency token having a value; [00173] determining the value of the token; [00174] dividing the value of the token into a credit value and a residual value; [00175] increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by the credit value; [00176] monitoring playing credit on the gaming machine and determining when it reaches zero; and [00177] in response to a determining that playing credit has reached zero, printing a further non-currency having as its value the residual value.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 17 [00178] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to carry out a method for processing a token received by a validator that is coupled to a central logic unit provided by an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: [00179] accepting as input a first validator signal; [00180] analysing the first validator signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; [00181] in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to a secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the machine control unit; [00182] in the case that the one or more predefined conditions are not met, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and [00183] being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal. [00184] In one embodiment the carrier medium is a medium bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions. [00185] In one embodiment the carrier medium is a carrier wave bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions. [00186] In one embodiment the carrier medium is a transmission medium in a network bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [00187] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 18 [00188] FIG. 1 illustrates an EGM including a system for providing ticketing functionality according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00189] FIG. 1 A illustrates an EGM including a system for providing ticketing functionality according to another embodiment of the present invention. [00190] FIG. 1B illustrates a prior art EGM. [00191] FIG. 2 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00192] FIGs. 3A to 3G illustrates various methods according to embodiments of the present invention. [00193] FIG. 4 illustrates a VSM for use in an embodiment of the present invention. [00194] FIG. 5 illustrates a PSM for use in an embodiment of the present invention. [00195] FIG. 6 illustrates an EGM including a system for providing ticketing functionality according to another embodiment of the present invention. [00196] FIG. 6A illustrates an EGM including a system for providing ticketing functionality according to another embodiment of the present invention. [00197] FIG. 7 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00198] FIG. 8 illustrates a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00199] FIG. 9 illustrates a VSM for use in another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [00200] Described herein are systems and methods for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an EGM. FIG. 1, FIG. 1A and FIG. lB illustrate an exemplary EGM 101. In FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A EGM 101 is shown in conjunction with a system 102 for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in EGM 101. For the sake of convenience, FIG. lB shows EGM 101 without system 102.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 19 [00201] EGM 101 includes a central, primary logic unit 103. Logic unit 103 includes processing means coupled to a memory unit for executing instructions embedded in software, thereby to provide a gaming functionality. Logic unit 103 further includes various inputs and outputs for connection to other components within the EGM, such as a validator 104. Validator 104 is configured for receiving tokens, such as currency tokens in the form of bank notes, and providing validator signals to logic unit 103 indicative of validator activity. Logic unit 103 and validator 104 are maintained within a casing 105. [00202] EGM 101 also includes within casing 105 a ticket printer 106 which, in conventional use, is responsive to instructions from logic unit 103 for printing tickets related to gaming activity. EGM 101 also includes a display 107 coupled to logic unit 103 for providing a visual representation of gaming activity, and a user interface 108 for facilitating user interaction for the purpose of gaming. [00203] For the purpose of the present detailed description, the term EGM is predominantly used to describe an EGM taking a form that is commonly referred to as a poker machine or slot machine. However, it should be appreciated that the term EGM should be read broadly to include generally any electronic device where one or more functionalities are provided in exchange for credit provided by a user, and various forms of EGM falling within this general definition are used in other embodiments. It will be appreciated that a relatively generic EGM 101 is illustrated, and that this is for the sake of convenient illustration only and not to be regarded as limiting in any way. [00204] The term currency token should be read broadly to include both legal tender and mock tender. In the present embodiment currency tokens are legal tender, and are also referred to as banknotes notes or bills. In this vein, in the present embodiment non-currency tokens include all tokens that are not legal tender, a subset of which includes gaming tickets. Gaming tickets are substrates, typically thermally printed on paper, issued by or on behalf of an administrator of EGM 101 and redeemable for credit in EGM 101. In this instance they are only redeemable due to the presence of system 102. [00205] In other embodiments there are subtly different distinctions between currency tokens and non-currency tokens. For example, in one embodiment a currency token is WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 20 any token that is validated based on physical properties such as size, color and print, and a non-currency token is any token that is validated based on a barcode or similar identifier. The terms currency token and non-currency token should be read broadly accordingly. [00206] In the present embodiment EGM 101 maintains within its casing a secondary control unit, in the form of controller 109. This control unit is coupled directly to logic unit 103 and also to an external server system 110. In some embodiments logic unit 103 is coupled directly to the server system, in which cases the server system adopts the role of a secondary processing unit. One rationale for using a discrete controller 109 maintained within the casing of EGM 101 relates to jurisdictional regulations, which place restrictions on external control of EGMs. [00207] System 102 includes a first interface 111 for communication with validator 104. A second interface 112 is provided for communication with logic unit 103. A third interface 113 is provided for communication with the secondary controller 109. [00208] A first processor 114 is coupled to interfaces 111, 112 and 113 for receiving, analysing and transmitting various signals. Processor 114 is a microprocessor that executes software instructions 115 maintained in a memory module 116. In the present embodiment interfaces 111, 112 and 113, processor 114 and memory module 116 are physically embodied within a validator monitor (VSM) 118, which is maintained within the casing of EGM 101. VSM 118 is shown in more detail in FIG. 4. In use, VSM 118 is serially connected intermediate logic unit 103 and validator 104. In the present embodiment logic unit 103 and validator 104 are conventionally connected by way of an RS232 loom. For installation of system 102, a first RS232 loom is used to connect logic unit 103 to VSM 118 at interface 112, and a second RS232 loom is used to connect validator 104 to VSM 118 at interface 111. [00209] Software instructions 115 allow VSM 118 to carry out various methods, some of which are described herein. It will be appreciated that all instructions for any one or more of these methods need not be maintained concurrently in module 116. It will be further appreciated that where the present disclosure refers to a method as being performed, carried out or implemented by VSM 118, that is synonymous with performance by processor 114, and in practice means execution of code by processor WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 21 114. It will also be appreciated that some methods described herein are performed by processor 114 in combination with one or more additional processors. [00210] In overview, given that VSM 118 is serially connected intermediate logic unit 103 and validator 104, logic unit 103 and validator 104 operate in their conventional manner -the logic unit providing downstream signals toward the validator such as status requests, the validator providing upstream validator signals toward the logic unit such as bill validation notifications. VSM 118 actively monitors these signals, and selectively blocks and/or redirects upstream validator signals, and in some cases downstream signals. [00211] In the present embodiment validator 104 is configured for receiving and analysing currency tokens, specifically legal tender banknotes. Validator 104 is also configured to receive and analyse non-currency tokens, specifically gaming tickets. In some instances this second functionality is subject to a firmware upgrade, which is a relatively simple process and some embodiments are carried out by providing upgrade information via controller 109 and VSM 118. [00212] Validator 104 is inherently able to, practically speaking, "receive and analyse" a wide range of non-currency tokens, such as blank pieces of paper. The only limiting factor is the size and shape of the token. However, for the sake of the present disclosure, being "configured to analyse" implies the ability to analyse in such a way that successful validation is a possibility. It will be appreciated that such a construction is provided to avoid triviality. [00213] Logic unit 103 is configured to increase playing credit in response to a validator signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a banknote. Specifically, only in response to a validator signal indicative of a note acceptance and accepted note value. It follows that, regardless of the ability of logic unit 104 to accept and analyse gaming tickets, logic unit 103 is incapable of receiving and successfully processing a validator signal from validator 104 relating to a gaming ticket. VSM 118 intercepts such validator signals, and the ticket validation process and corresponding credit transfer process is carried out by other means. [00214] FIG. 2 illustrates a method 200 according to one embodiment, this method being performed by VSM 118. At 201 VSM 118 accepts as input a first validator WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 22 signal received from validator 104. This signal is received via interface 111. At 202 VSM 118 analyses the first validator signal to determine whether that signal is indicative of predefined data. More particularly, VSM 118 analyses the first validator signal to determine one or more predetermined conditions are met - particularly whether that signal relates to the analysis of a gaming ticket. This typically involves buffering the signal. [00215] In the case that the first validator signal is indicative of the analysis of a gaming ticket, VSM 118 provides to controller 109 at 203 a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal. In the present embodiment controller 109 is connected to VSM 118 at interface 113 by an RS485 serial connection, and the second validator signal is a re-transmission of the first validator signal. More specifically, the first validator signal is received at the Rx of interface 111 buffered in memory 116 pending analysis by processor 114, and subsequently re-transmitted at the Tx of interface 113. [00216] In other embodiments the second validator signal is not a mere re-transmission of the first signal. For example, in one embodiment only a portion of the fist signal is re-transmitted. In other embodiments a data packet indicative of one or more aspects of the first signal is provided. In some such embodiments validator 104 and controller 109 are connected by alternate means, such as USB or a wired or wireless networking standard. [00217] Throughout the present specification, in a generic sense where one signal is said to be "corresponding to" another signal, it should not be taken to imply that those signals are necessarily the same - i.e. that a received signal is re-transmitted. Although the present embodiments include such an approach, in other embodiments corresponding signals should include signals that are indicative of one or more aspects of common or corresponding information. [00218] In the case that the first validator signal is indicative of the analysis of a gaming ticket, the second validator signal is not provided to logic unit 103 - as foreshadowed logic unit 103 is not configured to effectively process such a signal. Both the first validator signal and second validator signal are indicative of one or more properties of the gaming ticket - indeed in the present embodiment they are effectively the same WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 23 signal. In the present embodiment one of these properties is a ticket identifier, which is electronically derived by validator 104 during the analysis stage by reading a barcode printed on a surface of the gaming ticket. In embodiments where other gaming tickets are used alternate properties are considered, in some cases including size and shape. The ticket identifier is provided to controller 109 at 203 as part of the second validator signal for the purpose of validation. [00219] In the case that the one or more predefined conditions are not met - in other words where the inserted token is not a gaming ticket - VSM 118 at 204 provides to logic unit 103 a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal. In the present embodiment the third validator signal is a retransmission of the first validator signal, although again this approach is not adopted in all embodiments. It will be appreciated that at 204 the inserted token is either a valid banknote, gaming ticket not recognizable as a gaming ticket, or other object. As such, logic unit 103 and logic unit 104 operate in their conventional manners in substantially all cases where tokens (or other objects) other than gaming tickets are inserted by a user. [00220] The method shown in FIG. 2 is predominately concerned with the situation where a gaming ticket is inserted into validator 104, and as such 204 is shown as a termination event. [00221] In the present embodiment logic unit 103 continuously polls validator 104 to obtain signals indicative of the status of validator 104. This is typically achieved by periodically sending status request signals to validator 104. Validator 104 is responsive to these status request signals for in response providing status signals, such as variations on the general themes of "status normal", "note accepted" "validator online", "validator offline", "note jam", "path clear", "hopper full", "hopper not full", "hopper door open", "hopper door closed", and so on. The term "status request" should also be taken to include requests for the value of meters such as the number of notes accepted or rejected, whether in total or broken down by denomination; the reason code for the rejection of a note (or other token); and packages of all or any combination of status or meter values. VSM 118 is responsible for ensuring that for each status request signal provided by logic unit 103, a status signal is in response provided to logic unit 103. In some instances this involves VSM 118 initiating a "status normal" signal irrespective of the status of validator 104. An important WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 24 example of this occurs where VSM 118 redirects a signal indicative of an analysed gaming ticket to controller 109. As mentioned above, such a signal is not provided to logic unit 103. In this instance, VSM instead provides to logic unit 103 a "status normal" signal. It will be appreciated that the rationale for such an approach is to provide logic unit 103 with the impression that it is dealing with a conventionally operating validator. In other embodiments alternate approaches are used to achieve this general objective. [00222] Returning to the case where a gaming ticket is inserted and analysed, VSM 118 at 205 awaits a receipt via interface 113 of a downstream response signal indicative of successful validation of the ticket and ticket identifier, or failed validation of the ticket and ticket identifier. At 206 such a signal is either received - in which case the method progresses to 207 - or there is a timeout event - in which case the method returns to 203. [00223] In a general sense, VSM 118 is responsive to a first downstream signal from either controller 109 or logic unit 103 for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal. One example of this occurs at 208 where a received downstream response signal indicative of successful validation is re-transmitted to validator 104, another at 209 where a received downstream response signal indicative of failed validation is re-transmitted to validator 104. In the present embodiment the downstream response signal is indicative of a "stack" command in the case of successful validation and a "reject" command in the cased of a failed validation. At 208 and 209 VSM 118 is responsive to a "stack" or "reject" command for providing by way of the interface 111 a corresponding downstream signal to the validator indicative respectively of either a "stack" or "reject" command. In response to such a command validator correspondingly either stacks or rejects (expels) the gaming ticket - which is temporarily held in escrow between steps 202 and 208 or 209. [00224] In the present embodiment, step 208 or step 209 completes the involvement of VSM 118 in the ticket crediting method provided by system 102. [00225] The example above deals with the situation where VSM 118 at 202 accepts a first validator signal from validator 104. In some embodiments VSM 118 at 202 WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 25 receives a validator signal from controller 109. In such embodiments the signal is indicative of a currency note having been inserted and validated by validator 104, although no such note has been inserted and/or validated. It will be appreciated from FIG. 2 that in such an instance the validator signal is re-transmitted to logic unit 103. This is discussed further below. [00226] System 102 includes an interface 124, shown as a P1 CCCE interface, for coupling the controller 109 to logic unit 103. In overview, this coupling allows controller 109 to provide to logic unit 103 a signal to increase playing credit based on the validated gaming ticket. Software instructions (which form part of system 102) are executed by controller 109 upon successful validation of a gaming ticket for transmitting such a signal. The signal is also indicative of a value attributable to the validated gaming ticket. Logic unit 103 increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to this value. [00227] P1 CCCE stands for "port 1 central cash control equipment". In other embodiments interfaces are used other than a PI CCCE take the place of interface 124, the particular interface being selected typically based on the nature of logic unit 103. Typically, logic units include ports for external communication and control, for example by way of various serial protocols such as RS422, RS485 and RS232, Ethernet, USB, wireless, and so on. The appropriate interface and communication protocols for a given logic unit will be recognized by those skilled in the art. [00228] Each gaming ticket has a ticket value, determinable by analysis of the ticket identifier and in light of information in server system 110. The value attributable to the gaming token by which playing credit is increased is often less than the token value by a residual amount. For example, in one instance EGM has a unit credit value of $1.00 - i.e. each credit in EGM 101 corresponds to $1.00 - and a gaming ticket has a ticket value of $22.50. It will be appreciated that such an EGM cannot accept a credit of $0.50, and the residual amount is therefore $0.50. [00229] In some embodiments, aystem 102 refunds the residual amount to a player using ticket printer 106. Specifically, the ticket printer is instructed by system 102 to print a gaming ticket having a ticket value equal to the residual value. How this instruction is provided is discussed further below.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 26 [00230] In another embodiment a gaming ticket is designed to hold a first ticket value. However this ticket value is convertible into credit in discrete amounts, with the residual amount being printed as a new ticket. For example, in one embodiment a $100 ticket is inserted, $20 of credit added, and a new ticket for $80 printed. The player selectively inserts this new ticket to add a further $20 of credit, and so on. [00231] FIG. 3A shows a method 300 performed by controller 109 for the validation of a gaming ticket, provision of a credit increase signal via interface 124, and the provision of an instruction to print a residual value via printer 106. [00232] At step 301 controller 109 accepts as input a validator signal from VSM 118, this validator signal relating to a gaming ticket that has been received and analysed by validator 104. It will be appreciated that step 301 occurs soon after the completion of step 204 by VSM 118. At step 302 controller 109 analyses the received signal to determine the ticket identifier. At 303 the ticket identifier is communicated to external server system 110 for validation. [00233] Validation is a process whereby the ticket identifier is analysed in light of information stored in a ticketing database, and is to determine whether the ticket to which the identifier relates is valid - and where the ticket is valid, the value of that ticket. Generally speaking, a gaming ticket is valid only where it has been issued in a prescribed manner by an administrator of server system 110 and EGM 101 and where it has not previously been redeemed. Where both of these conditions are met, validation is successful. Where either of these conditions are not met, validation fails. System 110 is responsive to receiving a ticket identifier from controller 109 for performing validation, and subsequently providing a to controller 109 a signal indicative of a validation outcome, this signal being indicative of either successful or failed validation and, in the case of successful validation, the ticket value. In some embodiments successful validation is communicated in a distinct signal to ticket value. [00234] At 304 controller 109 awaits a signal indicative of the validation outcome. If, at 305, such a signal is received, the method progresses to 306. Otherwise, if the signal is not received prior to a timeout event, the method returns to 303. [00235] At 306 controller 109 analyses the validation outcome signal to determine whether it is indicative of successful validation or failed validation. In the case of WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 27 failed validation a downstream signal indicative of failed validation is provided to VSM 118, where it is received at step 209. In the case of successful validation a downstream signal indicative of successful validation is provided at 308 to VSM 118, where it is received at step 208. In the case of successful validation controller 109 at 307 determines the ticket value based on the validation outcome signal. At 309 controller 109 is responsive to redemption conditions and known characteristics of EGM 101 for separating the ticket value into an attributable value and a residual value. At 310 a signal indicative of an instruction to increase credit by a value equal to the attributable value is provided via interface 124 to logic unit 103, and in response logic unit 103 increases playing credit accordingly. At 311 a signal indicative of an instruction to print a ticket for the residual value is provided, and in response printer 106 prints an appropriate ticket. [00236] System 102 includes a printer monitor (PSM) 130, including an interface 131 for communication with printer 106, an interface 132 for communication with controller 109, and an interface 133 for communication with logic unit 103. PSM includes a processor 134 and a memory unit 135 for maintaining software instructions 136. PSM 130 is also shown in FIG. 5. [00237] Similarly to VSM 118, PSM 130 allows passing of conventional signals unrelated to ticket crediting functionalities between printer 106 and logic unit 103, in doing so allowing conventional operation. [00238] In some embodiments PSM 130 performs translation functionalities. This is the case, for example, where logic unit 103 is configured to operate in conjunction with a dot matrix printer although tickets compatible with system 102 are produced exclusively by thermal printers. In such an instance an existing dot matrix printer is replaced by a thermal printer 106, and PSM 130 provides for a seamless conversion. In particular, PSM 130 receives downstream dot-matrix type signals provided by logic unit 103, and translates these into corresponding thermal-type signals. A translation protocol to facilitate this is maintained in memory module 135, and appropriate translation protocols will be known to those skilled in the art. [00239] In some embodiments the translation functionalities relate to ticket formatting. For example, PSM 130 receives from logic unit 103 instructions to print a ticket having WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 28 a certain value, and PSM (typically in conjunction with controller 109) translates this instruction such that a ticket is printed in a manner compatible with the ticketing system provided by server system 110. [00240] In some embodiments EGM 101 does not include a ticket printer, and printer 106 is added aftermarket. In such a case there is typically no need to couple the printer to logic unit 103. [00241] It will be appreciated that there is a need for some coordination between server system 110 and printer 106 to ensure that tickets printed have ticket identifiers that are valid and associated with an appropriate ticket value. To achieve this, at 312 controller 109 provides to system 110 a signal indicative of the ticket identifier corresponding to the instruction provided at 311 and the residual value determined at 309. In other embodiments alternate techniques are implemented for providing this coordination, typically these being leveraged from known ticketing systems. [00242] In the present embodiment there are limitations on the degree of control controller 109 is able to exercise over logic unit 103 by way of interface 124, which is often the case in practice given regulatory regimes that affect EGMs. In the present embodiment these limitations prevent controller 109 from performing "cancel-credit" operations. To provide some context, a player having a given level of playing and wishing to remove that credit from EGM 101 initiates a "collect" command. In some gaming machines this triggers a cancel-credit game state. An EGM venue administrator subsequently physically interacts with the EGM - typically by inserting and turning a key - to clear the cancel-credit state, at which time the playing credit returns to zero. The administrator then provides the player with a redemption voucher, gaming ticket, or cash for an amount corresponding to the quantum of credit that was cancelled. In some embodiments where this limitation does not exist, controller 109 is responsive to the cancel-credit game state for clearing that state and providing an instruction to printer 106 (via PSM 130) to print a gaming ticket to the value of the cancelled credit. [00243] In some embodiments controller 109 is less advanced, and various steps of the above method are instead performed in system 110. In some such embodiments controller 109 is simply responsive to upstream signals from VSM 118 for re- WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 29 transmitting those signals to system 110, and responsive to downstream signals from system 110 for transmitting those signals to whichever of VSM 118 and logic unit 103 is appropriate in the circumstances. Typically system 110 provides those signals in a manner to make it inherently clear which destination is appropriate. [00244] FIG. 3B shows a further alternative method performed by controller 109 for the validation of a gaming ticket and provision of a credit increase signal via interface 124. [00245] As in the method described with reference to FIG. 3A, at step 301 controller 109 accepts as input a validator signal from VSM 118, this validator signal relating to a gaming ticket that has been received and analysed by validator 104. At step 302 controller 109 analyses the received signal to determine the ticket identifier. At 303 the ticket identifier is communicated to external server system 110 for validation. [00246] At 304 controller 109 awaits a signal indicative of the validation outcome. [00247] When such a signal is received, at 306 controller 109 analyses the validation outcome signal, which includes the value of the ticket. As indicated above, in the case that the value of the ticket is not an integer multiple of the unit credit value of the EGM 101, it is not possible to use the whole value of the ticket to increment the playing credit of the EGM 101. In the present embodiment, at 308' controller 109 provides to VSM 118 a signal indicative of failed validation which the VSM 118 processes at 209 (FIG. 2). [00248] In the case that the value of the ticket is an integer multiple of the unit credit value of the EGM 101, at 310 controller 109 provides to logic unit 103 a signal indicative of an instruction to increase playing credit by a value equal to the value of the ticket, as described with reference to FIG. 3A. Additionally, at 312 controller 109 provides to external server system 110 a signal indicative of the ticket identifier. External server system 110 is responsive to this for updating its stored data to show that the value attributable to that ticket has been added to playing credit, and is therefore no longer available. [00249] FIG. 3C shows a further alternative method performed by controller 109. [00250] As in the previous method, at step 301 controller 109 accepts a validator signal from VSM 118 relating to a received gaming ticket. This method proceeds in the same WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 30 way as the preceding method until and unless at 307 the controller 109 determines that the value attributable to the ticket is not an integer multiple of the unit credit value of the EGM 101. In this embodiment, the controller 109 rounds the value of the ticket down to the nearest integer multiple of the unit credit value. The controller then at 310 instructs the logic unit 103 to increase playing credit, and at 312 informs the external server system 110 that the ticket has been used. In this embodiment, the residual is effectively lost, since no further ticket is printed. [00251] FIG. 3D shows yet a further method performed by controller 109. [00252] Again the procedure is the same until and unless at 307 the controller determines that the value of the ticket is not an integer multiple of the unit credit value of the EGM 101. In this embodiment, the controller 109 rounds the value of the ticket up to the nearest integer multiple of the unit credit value. The controller then at 310 instructs the logic unit 103 to increase playing credit, and at 312 informs the external server system 110 that the ticket has been used. [00253] FIG. 3E shows yet a further method performed by controller 109. [00254] Again the procedure is the same until and unless at 307 the controller determines that the value of the ticket is not an integer multiple of the unit credit value of the EGM 101. In this embodiment, the controller 109 determines an attributable value and a residual value as described with reference to FIG 3A, and instructs the logic unit 103 to increase playing credit by the attributable value. However, in this embodiment, the controller 109 uses the residual value as the stake in a secondary game provided locally by the controller 109 using the display 107 and actuators 108 or other input/output devices specifically provided for this purpose. In an alternative such embodiment, the residual is used as the stake in a networked secondary game such as a linked jackpot. The provision of local and networked secondary games is known in the art. [00255] FIG. 3F shows yet a further method performed by controller 109. [00256] Returning first to FIG. 1, system 102 includes a collect intercept board 160 for intercepting messages from a collect button provided as one of actuators 108. The collect intercept board includes interfaces, analogous to those provided in the VSM 118, for allowing it to receive messages from the actuators 108 and to rely them to the WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 31 logic unit 103. In addition, the collect intercept board 160 is in communication with the secondary control unit 109. [00257] Returning now to FIG. 3F, the controller operates in the manner set out in connection with FIG. 3A, except that the controller does not provide an instruction the PSM to cause the printing of a residual ticket at the same time as increasing playing credit. Instead, the controller 109 awaits receipt of a "collect pressed" message from the collect intercept board 160. Upon receipt of such a message, controller 109 instructs the PSM to print the residual ticket, and notifies the external server system 110 of the newly printed ticket. In one such embodiment, the newly printed ticket has as its value not only the residual from the previous ticket, but any, or a portion of the, remaining credit and/or winnings on the EGM 101 at the time the collect button was pressed. In one such embodiment, the controller 109 and/or the external server system 110 stores details of a number, say 35, most recent tickets to comply with regulatory requirements. [00258] Additional alternatives are possible. For example, in one such alternative, the controller 109 determines an attributable value and a residual value as described with reference to FIG. 3A. However, no ticket is printed in relation to the residual value. Instead, the controller notifies the external server system 110 of the ticket identifier and of the residual value, and the external server system 110 responds by decrementing the value stored in connection with that ticket identifier. The controller 109 then causes the ticket to be returned to the player. Thus, when the ticket is used again it is considered to have the new, previously residual, value. [00259] In another alternative, controller 109 again determines an attributable value and a residual value. However, no ticket is printed immediately for the residual value. Instead, the controller 109 monitors the playing credit available on the logic unit 103. This monitoring occurs either by way of periodic polling for the meter value or by receipt of a specific "zero credit" message, or by monitoring of a system flag. In any event, when the playing credit is decremented to zero, the controller 109 causes the printing of a ticket for the residual value. In a preferred such embodiment, the controller 109 also causes a message to be shown on the display 108 or on a dedicated display for example in the controller 109 to indicate to the player that a ticket is being printed.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 32 [00260] As foreshadowed above, in some embodiments VSM 118 at 202 accepts a validator signal from controller 109, this validator signal being indicative of a currency note having been accepted and validated by validator 104. In such embodiments controller 109 performs, as an alternative to method 300, method 320 shown in FIG. 3G. The difference between method 301 and 320 is replacement of step 310 with step 321. At step 321 controller 109 provides to VSM 118 a signal indicative of acceptance and validation by validator 104 of a currency bill having a value equal to the attributable value. In this embodiment the attributable value is defined such that it corresponds to the value of the highest known currency token having a value less than the token value. In some similar embodiments a plurality of signals are provided for a plurality of notes whose combined values make up the attributable value. [00261] For the method of FIG. 3F, interface 124 is not required for the purpose of ticketing. This has various advantages, particularly where logic unit 103 is not configured to communicate with a controller such as controller 109. In effect, logic unit 103 is "tricked" into believing that a currency note has been inserted into validator 104, when in fact no such currency note has been inserted. In actual fact, a gaming ticket having an attributable value equal to the value of that currency note has been inserted and stacked. There are various other advantages of such an approach, including EGM accounting. [00262] FIG. 6 and 6A illustrate an exemplary hardware arrangement for an EGM 101 and system 102 operating under the method of FIG. 3G. Numbering conventions from FIG. 1 and FIG. 1 A are adopted. In this embodiment logic unit 103 is not configured to interact with printer 106 or controller 109, and as such those components are not directly coupled to the logic unit. System 102 is only coupled to logic unit 103 by way of VSM 118 intermediate unit 104 and validator 104. A PSM is not required, given that the printer is controlled solely by controller 109. [00263] Although in the above embodiments VSM 118, PSM 130 and controller 109 are illustrated as discrete devices, in some embodiments they share common housings, and in some embodiments additionally share common processing and memory resources. It will be appreciated that there are practical advantages for having discrete components given the spatial configurations of EGM components and the desire for simple installation.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 33 [00264] Although the drawings show discrete connections between controller 109 and each of VSM 119 and PSM 103, in some embodiments a single connection port on controller 109 is used to connect the controller to both of the VSM and PSM. For example, and RS485 serial interface may be used, such an interface providing an addressing functionality whereby a signal may be directed to a particular destination. In other embodiments alternate connection means are sued to allow connection of the VSM and PSM to a single port on controller 109, such as Ethernet, USB and so on. In some embodiments wireless links are used, for example using variants of the 802.11 protocol. A rationale for using a single port on controller 109 primarily relates to containing unit complexity and cost. In other embodiments controller 109 includes a plurality of ports for connection to devices such as the VSM and PSM, and in some such cases RS232 serial interfaces are used. [00265] It will be appreciated that throughout the specification various connection interfaces are discussed. These should not be regarded as limiting in any way, and it will be appreciated that a wide range of connection techniques and communication protocols are used in other embodiments. [00266] As a summary, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for credit redemption process in EGM 101, based on the hardware configuration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A. Likewise, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method for credit redemption process in EGM 101, based on the hardware configuration of FIG. 6 and FIG. 6A. [00267] In some embodiments VSM 118 is configured to provide ticketing functionalities in older EGMs where the logic unit 103 is configured for analogue communication with a validator. Generally speaking, ticketing information is not conveniently sent over an analogue connection. To handle this difficulty, the existing validator is replaced by validator 104, and a VSM 118 along the lines of that shown in FIG. 9 placed intermediate logic unit 103 and validator 104. [00268] As foreshadowed above, VSM 118 is responsible for providing logic unit 103 with the impression that it is dealing with a conventionally operating validator. The VSM 118 of FIG. 9 is designed for coupling to a control unit configured to communicate with a validator by way of an analogue signaling protocol - in the present embodiment the protocol being VFM.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 34 [00269] In a broad sense, VFM utilizes a plurality signal lines for carrying respective variable voltages. These typically include an enable line for carrying an analogue enable signal, an interrupt line for carrying an analogue interrupt signal, and a send line for carrying analogue data signals, these signals typically being pulsed signals indicative of data. Each of the analogue signals is variable between a high voltage and a low voltage, typically between +/-12V, or OV to 24V. The magnitude of voltage and pulse characteristics are indicative of specific signal purposes and meanings. Further, the interrupt signal often defines a time window for data signals. In a hypothetical example, a 5V interrupt signal provided by a validator indicates that any data signal received in the following one-second period relates to the denomination of a stacked bill. For the sake of example, perhaps five pulses in the data line in that one-second period indicates that a five-dollar note has been stacked. [00270] Generally speaking, VFM involves a precise time-based handshake protocol to ensure reliable communication. The presence of a breakage or buffer in the communication lines would affect timing, and as a result signals would be ignored and data not effectively received. [00271] The primary point of difference from a hardware perspective between the VSM of FIG. 9 and those VSMs disused above is the use of an interface 112 that is configured to couple the VSM to logic unit 103 over a VFM connection. From a software perspective, software instructions 115 in this instance include an analogue to digital translation protocol. VSM 118, by way of interface 112 and translation protocol, maintains the prerequisite precise time-based VFM handshakes to ensure reliable communication. Signals provided by validator 104 that are unable to be translated for communication under the VFM protocol (such as gaming ticket barcodes) are not provided to logic unit 103, and control unit 103 is unaware that such signals are even initiated. Logic unit 103 is therefore effectively provided with the impression that it is communicating in the expected manner with an analogue validator. [00272] In further embodiments VSM 118 includes other protocol translation mechanisms to allow the use of validators inherently compatible with existing logic units.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 35 [00273] It will be appreciated that the above systems and methods provide allow for the provision of ticketing functionalities in gaming machines without the need for modification of an existing logic unit. Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention in a broader context. [00274] The terms upstream and downstream are used in this disclosure to denote directions of signal traffic, downstream being in the direction towards logic unit 103, upstream being away from logic unit 103. [00275] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining", analysing" or the like, refer to the action and/or processes of a computer or computing system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and/or transform data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities into other data similarly represented as physical quantities. [00276] In a similar manner, the term "processor" may refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data, e.g., from registers and/or memory to transform that electronic data into other electronic data that, e.g., may be stored in registers and/or memory. A "computer" or a "computing machine" or a "computing platform" may include one or more processors. [00277] The various functionalities of the secondary controller 109, the VSM 118, the PSM 130 and the CIB 160 have been described with reference to distinct devices. However, it will be clear that combinations of these functionalities may be distributed among fewer devices or, indeed, all of the functionalities may be provided in a single devices. [00278] The methodologies described herein are, in one embodiment, performable by one or more processors that accept computer-readable (also called machine-readable) code containing a set of instructions that when executed by one or more of the processors carry out at least one of the methods described herein. Any processor capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 36 to be taken are included. Thus, one example is a typical processing system that includes one or more processors. Each processor may include one or more of a CPU, a graphics processing unit, and a programmable DSP unit. The processing system further may include a memory subsystem including main RAM and/or a static RAM, and/or ROM. A bus subsystem may be included for communicating between the components. The processing system further may be a distributed processing system with processors coupled by a network. If the processing system requires a display, such a display may be included, e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT) display. If manual data entry is required, the processing system also includes an input device such as one or more of an alphanumeric input unit such as a keyboard, a pointing control device such as a mouse, and so forth. The term memory unit as used herein, if clear from the context and unless explicitly stated otherwise, also encompasses a storage system such as a disk drive unit. The processing system in some configurations may include a sound output device, and a network interface device. The memory subsystem thus includes a computer-readable carrier medium that carries computer-readable code (e.g., software) including a set of instructions to cause performing, when executed by one or more processors, one of more of the methods described herein. Note that when the method includes several elements, e.g., several steps, no ordering of such elements is implied, unless specifically stated. The software may reside in the hard disk, or may also reside, completely or at least partially, within the RAM and/or within the processor during execution thereof by the computer system. Thus, the memory and the processor also constitute computer-readable carrier medium carrying computer-readable code. [00279] Furthermore, a computer-readable carrier medium may form, or be includes in a computer program product. [00280] In alternative embodiments, the one or more processors operate as a standalone device or may be connected, e.g., networked to other processor(s), in a networked deployment, the one or more processors may operate in the capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client network environment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to peer or distributed network environment. The one or more processors may form a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switch or bridge, or any WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 37 machine capable of executing a set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by that machine. [00281] Note that while some diagrams only show a single processor and a single memory that carries the computer-readable code, those in the art will understand that many of the components described above are included, but not explicitly shown or described in order not to obscure the inventive aspect. For example, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. [00282] Thus, one embodiment of each of the methods described herein is in the form of a computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions, e.g., a computer program that are for execution on one or more processors, e.g., one or more processors that are part of building management system. Thus, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a method, an apparatus such as a special purpose apparatus, an apparatus such as a data processing system, or a computer-readable carrier medium, e.g., a computer program product. The computer-readable carrier medium carries computer readable code including a set of instructions that when executed on one or more processors cause the a processor or processors to implement a method. Accordingly, aspects of the present invention may take the form of a method, an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of carrier medium (e.g., a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium) carrying computer-readable program code embodied in the medium. [00283] The software may further be transmitted or received over a network via a network interface device. While the carrier medium is shown in an exemplary embodiment to be a single medium, the term "carrier medium" should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "carrier medium" shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by one or more of the processors and that cause the one or more processors to perform any one or more of the WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 38 methodologies of the present invention. A carrier medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical, magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus subsystem. Transmission media also may also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications. For example, the term "carrier medium" shall accordingly be taken to included, but not be limited to, solid-state memories, a computer product embodied in optical and magnetic media, a medium bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of one or more processors and representing a set of instructions that when executed implement a method, a carrier wave bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions a propagated signal and representing the set of instructions, and a transmission medium in a network bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions. [00284] It will be understood that the steps of methods discussed are performed in one embodiment by an appropriate processor (or processors) of a processing (i.e., computer) system executing instructions (computer-readable code) stored in storage. It will also be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique and that the invention may be implemented using any appropriate techniques for implementing the functionality described herein. The invention is not limited to any particular programming language or operating system. [00285] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 39 apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. [00286] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention. [00287] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination. [00288] Furthermore, some of the embodiments are described herein as a method or combination of elements of a method that can be implemented by a processor of a computer system or by other means of carrying out the function. Thus, a processor with the necessary instructions for carrying out such a method or element of a method forms a means for carrying out the method or element of a method. Furthermore, an element described herein of an apparatus embodiment is an example of a means for carrying out the function performed by the element for the purpose of carrying out the invention. [00289] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 40 [00290] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. [00291] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference. [00292] Any discussion of prior art in this specification should in no way be considered an admission that such prior art is widely known, is publicly known, or forms part of the general knowledge in the field. [00293] In the claims below and the description herein, any one of the terms comprising, comprised of or which comprises is an open term that means including at least the elements/features that follow, but not excluding others. Thus, the term comprising, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the means or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of the expression a device comprising A and B should not be limited to devices consisting only of elements A and B. Any one of the terms including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising. [00294] Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term coupled, when used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to direct connections only. The terms "coupled" and "connected," along with their derivatives, may be used. It should be understood that these terms are not intended as synonyms for each other. Thus, the scope of the expression a device A coupled to a device B should not be limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. It means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may be a path including other devices or means. "Coupled" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other.

WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 41 [00295] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including: a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; and a user-operable input device for enabling the user to indicate a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine; the system being adapted for: determining the value of a received non-currency token; being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; being responsive to operation of the user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value including the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the printed non-currency token has a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount plus an amount of credit remaining when the user indicated the desire to cease operation of the gaming machine.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the system is responsive to the value of the received non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token.

4. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the system is responsive to the value of the received non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 43 credit by a user-selected integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token.

5. A method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the method including: receiving a non-currency token; determining the value of a received non-currency token; being responsive thereto for causing a central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; being responsive to user operation of a user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value including the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount.

6. A method according to claim 5, wherein the printed non-currency token has a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount plus an amount of credit remaining when the user indicated the desire to cease operation of the gaming machine.

7. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the system is responsive to the value of the received non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token.

8. A method according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the system is responsive to the value of the received non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a user-selected integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token.

9. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit, the system including: a first interface for communication with the validator; a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 44 a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; and a first processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to determine whether the first validator signal is indicative of predefined data; in the case that the first validator signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the central logic unit; in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein the validator is configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens, and the predefined data is indicative of the receipt by the validator of a non-currency token.

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein the central logic unit is configured to increase playing credit in response to a validator signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token.

12. A system according to claim 10 wherein the predefined data is further indicative of one or more properties of the non-currency token.

13. A system according to claim 10 wherein the one or more properties include a token identifier.

14. A system according to claim 13 wherein the non-currency token includes a physical characteristic from which the token identifier is electronically derivable.

15. A system according to claim 14 wherein the physical characteristic is a barcode indicative of the token identifier. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 45

16. A system according to claim 13 wherein the second validator signal is indicative of the token identifier.

17. A system according to claim 16 wherein the first processor provides by way of the third interface the second validator signal to the secondary control unit for validation of the token identifier.

18. A system according to claim 17 wherein following the provision of the second validator signal the first processor awaits a receipt via the third interface of a downstream response signal indicative of successful validation of the token identifier or failed validation of the token identifier.

19. A system according to claim 18 wherein the downstream response signal is indicative of a "stack" command in the case of successful validation and a "reject" command in the cased of a failed validation.

20. A system according to claim 19 wherein the first processor is responsive to a "stack" or "reject" command for providing by way of the first interface corresponding downstream signal to the validator indicative respectively of either a "stack" or "reject" command.

21. A system according to claim 17 including a fourth interface for coupling the secondary control unit to the central logic unit.

22. A system according to claim 21 wherein upon successful validation of the token identifier the fourth interface transmits from the secondary control unit to the central logic unit a signal indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value.

23. A system according to claim 18 wherein the downstream response signal is indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token, and the first processor is responsive to the currency value for providing to the central logic unit by way of the second interface a sixth validator signal indicative of a currency token having the value having been received and validated by the validator such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 46

24. A system according to claim 23 wherein the amount by which the central logic unit increases playing credit is the lowest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine greater than the value attributable to the token.

25. A system according to claim 23 wherein the amount by which the central logic unit increases playing credit is the highest integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine less than the value attributable to the token.

26. A system according to claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the non-currency token has a token value, and the value attributable to the non-currency token is less than the token value by a residual amount.

27. A system according to claim 24 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral currency amount.

28. A system according to claim 24 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral multiple of a base currency amount recognised by the central logic unit.

29. A system according to claim 24 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of a known currency token.

30. A system according to claim 27 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of the highest known currency token having a value less than the token value.

31. A system according to claim 24 wherein the gaming machine includes a token printer and the system provides to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount.

32. A system according to claim 29 wherein the system includes a fifth interface for providing the first print instruction.

33. A system according to claim 32 wherein the fifth interface allows coupling of the token printer to the secondary control interface. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 47

34. A system according to claim 32 including a print processor, and the fifth interface includes a first sub-interface for coupling the token printer to the print processor and a second sub interface for coupling the print processor to the secondary control unit, the print processor being responsive to a second print instruction received via the second sub interface for providing the first print instruction.

35. A system according to claim 34 including a sixth interface for coupling the print processor to the central logic unit thereby to additionally couple the token printer to the central logic unit.

36. A system according to claim 35 wherein the print processor is responsive to a third print instruction received from the central logic unit via the sixth interface for providing a corresponding fourth print instruction to the token printer.

37. A system according to claim 36 wherein the third print instruction is in a first communication format and the fourth print instruction is in a second communication format.

38. A system according to claim 37 wherein the first communication format is associated with a dot matrix printer and the second communication format is associated with a thermal printer.

39. A system according to claim 34 wherein the first processor and the print processor are coupled.

40. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a validator configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens and for providing signals indicative of tokens that are received, the gaming machine further including a central logic unit configured for receiving signals from the validator, the central logic unit being configured to increase playing credit in response to such a signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token, the system including: a first interface for communication with the validator; a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 48 a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; a processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the central logic unit; in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal.

41. A method for processing a token received by a validator that is coupled to a central logic unit provided by an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: accepting as input a first validator signal; analysing the first validator signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to a secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the machine control unit; in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein the validator is configured for receiving currency tokens and non-currency tokens, and the predefined data is indicative of the receipt by the validator of a non-currency token. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 49

43. A method according to claim 42 wherein the central logic unit is configured to increase playing credit in response to a validator signal only in predefined cases where that signal is indicative of a currency token.

44. A method according to claim 42 wherein the predefined data is further indicative of one or more properties of the non-currency token.

45. A method according to claim 42 wherein the one or more properties include a token identifier.

46. A method according to claim 45 wherein the non-currency token includes a physical characteristic from which the token identifier is electronically derivable.

47. A method according to claim 46 wherein the physical characteristic is a barcode indicative of the token identifier.

48. A method according to claim 45 wherein the second validator signal is indicative of the token identifier.

49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the second validator signal is provided to the secondary control unit for validation of the token identifier.

50. A method according to claim 49 wherein following the provision of the second validator signal the method includes the step of awaiting a receipt of a downstream response signal indicative of successful validation of the token identifier or failed validation of the token identifier.

51. A method according to claim 50 wherein the downstream response signal is indicative of a "stack" command in the case of successful validation and a "reject" command in the cased of a failed validation.

52. A method according to claim 51 including the step of being responsive to a "stack" or "reject" command for providing by way of the first interface corresponding downstream signal to the validator indicative respectively of either a "stack" or "reject" command. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 50

53. A method according to claim 49 wherein the secondary control unit is coupled to the central logic unit.

54. A method according to claim 53 including upon successful validation of the token identifier the step of transmitting to the central logic unit a signal indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value.

55. A method according to claim 50 wherein the downstream response signal is indicative of a value attributable to the non-currency token, and the method includes the step of being responsive to the currency value for providing to the central logic unit a sixth validator signal indicative of a currency token having the value having been received and validated by the validator such that the central logic unit increases playing credit by an amount corresponding to the value.

56. A method according to claim 54 or claim 55 wherein the non-currency token has a token value, and the value attributable to the non-currency token is less than the token value by a residual amount.

57. A method according to claim 56 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral currency amount.

58. A method according to claim 56 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token is an integral multiple of a base currency amount recognised by the central logic unit.

59. A method according to claim 56 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of a known currency token.

60. A method according to claim 59 wherein the value attributable to the non-currency token corresponds to the value of the highest known currency token having a value less than the token value WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 51

61. A method according to claim 56 wherein the gaming machine includes a token printer and the method includes the step of providing to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount.

62. A method according to claim 61 wherein the step of providing to the token printer a first print instruction to print a token having a token value equal to the residual amount includes being responsive to a second print instruction for providing the first print instruction.

63. A method according to claim 62 including the step of being responsive to a third print instruction received from the central logic unit for providing a corresponding fourth print instruction to the token printer.

64. A method according to claim 63 wherein the third print instruction is in a first communication format and the fourth print instruction is in a second communication format.

65. A method according to claim 64 wherein the first communication format is associated with a dot matrix printer and the second communication format is associated with a thermal printer.

66. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit, the system being adapted to reject a non currency token in the event that the value of said token is not an integer multiple of a unit credit value of the electronic gaming machine.

67. A system according to claim 66 including: a first interface for communication with the validator; a second interface for communication with the central logic unit; a third interface for communication with a secondary control unit; and a first processor coupled to the first, second and third interfaces for: WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 52 analysing a first validator signal received from the validator to obtain the data for use in deriving the value of a token; being responsive to the value of the token for providing to the validator a "reject token" signal.

68. A system according to claim 67 wherein, having analysed the first validator signal, the first processor is responsive thereto for: providing to the secondary control unit a second validator signal including data for use in deriving the value of the token; and being responsive to a downstream signal from the secondary control unit for providing the "reject token" signal.

69. A method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including the steps of: receiving a non-currency token having a value; analysing the received token to determine its value; and rejecting the token in the event that its value is not an integer multiple of a unit credit value of the gaming machine.

70. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities and a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token having a value, the gaming machine having a unit credit value, the system including: a processor coupled to the validator and the central logic unit for: receiving from the validator a first validator signal; being responsive to the first validator signal for determining the value of the non-currency token; being responsive to the value of the non-currency token for providing to the central logic unit a further validator message for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by an amount determined in dependence upon the value of the non-currency token. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 53

71. A system according to claim 70 wherein the further validator message is for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the lowest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is greater than the value of the non-currency token.

72. A system according to claim 70 wherein the further validation message is for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the non-currency token.

73. A system according to claim 72 wherein the system includes secondary game logic for the provision of a secondary game.

74. A system according to claim 73 wherein a residual amount of the value of the non currency token is used as a stake in the secondary game, the residual amount being the value of the non-currency token less the amount by which the processor causes the central logic unit to increase playing credit.

75. A system according to claim 73 or claim 74 wherein the secondary game is a local game available at the electronic gaming machine.

76. A system according to claim 73 or claim 74 wherein the secondary game is a game available across a network of gaming machines.

77. A system according to claim 76 wherein the secondary game is a linked jackpot game.

78. A method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine having a predetermined unit credit value, the method including the steps of: receiving a non-currency token having a value; analysing the received token to determine its value; and increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by an amount determined in dependence upon the value of the non-currency token; wherein the amount by which playing credit is increased is one of: WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 54 the lowest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine greater than the determined value; and the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine less than the determined value.

79. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the gaming machine including: a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; a validator configured for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; and a user-operable input device for enabling the user to indicate a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine; the system being adapted for: determining the value of a received non-currency token; being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; being responsive to operation of the user-operable input device for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount.

80. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including: a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value; and a validator for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in retrieving a stored value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; the system being adapted for: receiving a validator signal from the validator including the data for use in retrieving the stored value of a received non-currency token; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 55 being responsive thereto for retrieving the value of the non-currency token; being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; causing the stored value of the non-currency token to be reduced by the credit amount.

81. A system for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine including: a central logic unit for providing gaming functionalities in which a credit has a predetermined unit value, and for providing to a secondary control unit meter signals indicative of playing credit remaining; a validator for receiving a non-currency token including data for use in deriving a value of said token and for providing validator signals indicative of validator activity to the central logic unit; and a token printer for printing non-currency tokens; the system being adapted for: determining the value of a received non-currency token; being responsive thereto for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by a credit amount less than the value of the non-currency token; receiving a meter signal indicating zero playing credit remaining; and being responsive thereto for causing the printer to print a non-currency token having a value equal to the value of the received non-currency token less the credit amount.

82. A system according to any one of claims 79 to 81 wherein the system is responsive to the value of the non-currency unit for causing the central logic unit to increase playing credit by the highest integer multiple of the unit credit value of the gaming machine which is less than the value of the received non-currency token.

83. A method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: receiving a non-currency token having a value; determining the value of the token; WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 56 dividing the value of the token into a credit value and a residual value; increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by the credit value; and in response to a received user indication of a desire to cease operation of the gaming machine, printing a further non-currency having as its value the residual value.

84. A method for providing non-currency credit receipt functionality in an electronic gaming machine, including the steps of: receiving a non-currency token having a value; determining the value of the token; dividing the value of the token into a credit value and a residual value; increasing playing credit on the gaming machine by the credit value; monitoring playing credit on the gaming machine and determining when it reaches zero; and in response to a determining that playing credit has reached zero, printing a further non-currency having as its value the residual value.

85. A computer-readable carrier medium carrying a set of instructions that when executed by one or more processors cause the one or more processors to carry out a method for processing a token received by a validator that is coupled to a central logic unit provided by an electronic gaming machine, the method including the steps of: accepting as input a first validator signal; analysing the first validator signal to determine whether the signal is indicative of predefined data; in the case that the first signal is indicative of the predefined data, providing to a secondary control unit a second validator signal corresponding to the first validator signal, wherein the second validator signal is not provided to the central logic unit; in the case that the first validator signal is not indicative of the predefined data, providing to the central logic unit a third validator signal corresponding to the first signal; and being responsive to a first downstream signal from either the secondary control unit or the central logic unit for providing to the validator a corresponding second downstream signal corresponding to the first downstream signal. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 57

86. A carrier medium as recited in claim 85, wherein the carrier medium is a medium -bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions.

87. A carrier medium as recited in claim 85, wherein the carrier medium is a carrier wave bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions.

88. A carrier medium as recited in claim 85, wherein the carrier medium is a transmission medium in a network bearing a propagated signal detectable by at least one processor of the one or more processors and representing the set of instructions.

89. A computer program or computer program product comprising a set of instructions for carrying out a method as recited in any preceding method claim. WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 1/18 105 101 107 160, 108 104 114 Validator - ------ 1121 CIB13 134 Ticket Printer 131 Primary VSM 3Logic Unit 1 124

135-0 13513633a Secondary PSM Control Unit 102-1 External 110 a-m--- Server System FIG. 1 WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001 133 2/18 LC)U L.O4 0 CL) 0 c U, - U= >, 0 " c a).. 0 00 0 4- L ----------- E co) U)a o * U)U) CL C. CI 0 _~ ~~C ly - I CD V~ C c TU cC) 0 c 40 00 C,, U) o 0m C- (D WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 3/18 107 101 105 108 106 ~104 Ticket Valida t or Printer L . -------- - 103 Primary 124 Logic Unit Secondary -109 Control Unit (Prior Art) 110 External F B- Server System (Prior Art) (Prior Art) WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 4/18 201 200 Receive signal from validator 202 YES 4 Does signal relate to NO gaming ticket? Re-transmit 203 Re-transmit 204 received signal to received signal to secondary central logic un controller Await signal indicative of 205 validation event 206 NO Signal received? YES 207 YES Validation successful? NO0 208 Instruct Instruct 209 validator to validator to sakticket rejet ticket FIG. 2 WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 5/18 301 Receive signal from VSM 300 Il/ 302 Determine ticket identifier 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system T 304 Await signal indicative of validation event 305 a Signal received? 308 VS signa successfulcesful N YES / 307 0Provide to Provide to increa s ignl cDetermine ticket value VSM signal indiativ ofindicative of succesfulfailed validtionvalidation Determine attributable value and resid Iual value30

310-, ff~roidet cenralProvide to PSM instruction to Provide to server logi unt istrutio toprint residual value ticket .system signal inceas plyin crdit having residual value as ticket indiatv of resda by attributable value value and reidlivalu and residual value 311 312 FIG. 3A WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 6/18 -301 Receive signal from VSM 300 302 FDetermine ticket identifier 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system T 304 Await signal indicative of validation event 0305 NO Signal received? YES30 Validation successful? NO0 YES NO Provide to Provide to 310 logic unit instruction to31sytmiga incrase playin crd i indicative of byliattibutbl valueaused FIG. 3B WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 7/18 -301 Receive signal from VSM 300 De - 302 determine ticket identifier30 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system Await signal indicative of validation event 305 38Signal receive ? YES30 Validation successful? NO YES NO 3108 loi unt inst n t Provide to u VSM signal Determine ticket value VSM signal indicative of Findicative of successful failed validation validation Provide to centraltoseve 310 logic unit instruction to 32t g increase playing credit -i ft by attributable value =niaieftce rounded up ue FIG. 3C WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 8/18 301 Receive signal from VSM 300 302 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system T 304 Await signal indicative of validation event 305 NO Signal received? 308 V S Mesig n al successful YES 306 Validation successful? NO YES NO 307 rodeProvide to Determine ticket value VSM signal indictiveof Findicative of succesfulfailed validation validation Provide to centraltoseve 310 logic unit instruction to 312sytmiga increase playing credit idctv ftce by attributable value ue FIG. 3D WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 9/18 301 Receive signal from VSM 300 302 Determine ticket identifier 3 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system 304 Await signal indicative of validation event 305 NO Signal received? 3 0 8 V S Mn tisig n a Detrmiecatriuvale alu sueasfnd sul l 310 Provide to central Provide to logic unit instruction to s ignal increase playing credit indicative of Validation sucesfuleN bytrm n attributable value ue a nd re s d u a v l 3 0 70 310-- ~rovieto cntralProvide to sre logc uit nstuctonoetreticet value Vaesym signal increse payingcredt fo secodarygameindicative of tce faied Deerin attributable value C 311 312 / FIG. 3E WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 10/18 301 Receive signal from VSM 300 YES 306 Validation successful? N YES eProvide to 0 Provide to 308 VSM signal Determine ticket value VSM signal indicative of F indicative of successful failed l idaio validation Determine attributable value and residual value 310 Provide to central Provide to server logic unit instruction to lesystem signal systemssigna increase playing credit indicative of ticket by attributable value used Provide to PSM instruction to 312 print residual value ticket having residual value as ticket 311 value Provide to server system signal indicative of new ticket value and identifier FIG. 3F WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 11/18 301 Receive signal from VSM 320 1 -302 Determine ticket identifier] / 303 Provide ticket identifier to external server system 304 Await signal indicative of validation event 0308 VSM signal Determine ticket value VSM signal indicative ofincaveo successful fie validationn Determine attributable value and residual value30 312 Provide to VSM signal indicative of Provi to t to Provide to server acceptance and system signal indicative validation by validator of of residual value ticket b il for vau having residual value as ticket currency billv identifier and residual equal to attributable value value \-321 FIG. 3G 311 WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001 133 12/18 I OC c5 C 0 U)U a) 0 UU ot aU) g u Of >-(D 04N V) - WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001 133 13/18 U + co-'EcC co' CDD LO 0) U)l (00 coi CCv' C14' C/) w ll 0 C~l 0 CY) c M = WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 14/18 107 101 __108 104 106- --------------------- Ticket Validator Printer 118 103 Primary VSM Logic Unit 109 Secondary Control Unit 102 J External 110 Server System FIG. 6 WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001 133 15/18 0u E C)) C): o Cu ------- I 0) L (n 0 cu (9 -0 CDa E *n c' U)) U) C 00 U) U) IL) Cuu _ U) C~3..I o4k L~Lim 00 o102D WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 16/18 Token inserted Token analysed Signal provided by validator F IG .7 Signal received by VSM, buffered, analyzed server system t o cesses NO , Signal re-transm itted to al eati et? ntral logic unit <Ef ~YES Sga |Re-transm it received signal toin ca ve o v ld secondary controller f result Secondary controller receives signal, sends validation ta t request to sever system Validatoro rjcs Token Seermin system processesibutabl value ce it signal validation request, informs jecodr c e pes nstr n dtofvalid SuccesYES vldto' Faedaiton? sinls n o YS Valiatort Inreaes Token Playing stores d y enR todivae r uesful I residual value signal st YEvaiato sgat validator Detemin toeaes ntut yig reitiraned ual vRsdlvaue ice srn e nt TokVSM reidalvlue stacked WO 2008/017129 PCT/AU2007/001133 17/18 Token inserted Token analysed Signal provided by validator FIG .8 Signal received by VSM, buffered, analyzed Seve ysemoses stck tokenatknl a rejectedtte t Re-transmit received signal to secondary controller frsul Secondary controller receives signal, sends validation S request to sever system Validatoro rejctktke Seermin system processes alue Succe it signal validation request, informs sen toluS FIG. 8 aNtto pn re-transmittedito valid curenylokeihvigafrted signal to toknditn valueiva id atba e trietrbStrt t n vln Re-tro Icrresidual value sTota Providesi seo ndary ontrollerof tetopitice R-rast Succcrrnyo e ssfuin vaidto? NOida ,va ledvlato signal sen t YEa valiatio signal to validator atriDtb e temine atrbual vau ucesuvldtonsga andResidal a seT toVS toka nvaueal to valauetce pitdi d [Re-transmit sinltalidator Reida vauCikerne s aced