GB2298508A - Entertainment machines - Google Patents

Abstract

An entertainment machine, such as an amusement with prizes (AWP) fruit machine, is enabled by insertion of a code device (20), such as a smart card having an on-board chip containing an authorisation code. The code may be specific to the machine or the machine site so that the machine will only operate if the code checks against a machine or site code. The code may be related to elapse of time or machine usage so that the machine is disabled after predetermined elapse of time or after a predetermined number of games have been played.

Description

ENTERTAINMENT MACHINES This invention relates to entertainment machines.

The invention is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with an entertainment machine of the credit-operated AWP (amusement with prizes) kind, such as a fruit machine or poker machine, with which a game is played, involving random (or pseudo random) selection of symbol combinations after actuation of the machine with coins or tokens or a credit card or other means of establishing credit, and an award is made available to the player in the event that a predetermined winning combination is attained.

It may be necessary or desirable to ensure rigorous control over authorisation of use of particular kinds of entertainment machines, especially AWP machines, at particular sites. This may be required to ensure that machines are not used at prohibited sites, or that an overall limit on the number of machines is not exceeded at a particular site. Also, there may be a requirement for payment of a site licence and/or a machine levy as a condition of use of a machine.

An object of the present invention is to provide means in an entertainment machine to facilitate control over authorisation of use thereof.

According to the invention therefore there is provided an entertainment machine incorporating an electronic actuation unit, said unit having receiving means to receive in removable data-reading relationship therewith at least one electronic code device, thereby the machine is operable to play games only when said unit is actuated by a predetermined authorisation code read from the (or each) said code device.

With this arrangement the machine is only operable when the (or each) code device bearing the correct authorisation code is presented to the machine. It can therefore be ensured that the machine can only be used when such use has been properly authorised.

The electronic code device may take any suitable form and may be arranged to be presented to the receiving means for reading purposes in any suitable manner.

The device may utilise magnetic data storage, or storage using semi-conductor technology (e.g. on a 'chip') or any other suitable means of analogue or digital data storage.

Data reading or transfer may be achieved by interconnection of electrical contacts between the receiving means and the code device and/or by proximity detection using magnetic reading, inductive linkage, optical scanning or any other suitable technique.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the (or each) code device is in the form of a card of the credit card kind, particularly a so-called smart card having an on-board chip.

Most preferably the receiving means is adapted to receive and removably retain the (or each) code device and the arrangement is such that the machine is operable only when the (or each) code device is in position.

In the case of a card-type code device the receiving means may have a receiving slot for the card (or a respective slot for each card).

The code device may provide an authorisation code which initiates actuation unlimited by any other parameter.

Alternatively or additionally the device may provide an authorisation code which initiates actuation limited by an associated progressive parameter, such as time elapse or machine usage, whereby actuation can only be maintained over a pre-determined period of time (e.g. 1 year) and/or for a predetermined number of games played, or any other desired parameter.

Where authorisation is limited by a progressive parameter this may be achieved in any suitable manner using circuitry incorporation in the control device and/or circuitry in the machine.

The code device may incorporate in its authorisation code a date (say one years hence) which is checked against a clock-based calendar device in the actuation unit or the machine whereby the unit is deactuated when the current date of the calendar device has reached the date in the authorisation code.

The code device may incorporate in its authorisation code usage units which are cancelled within the actuation unit, or by deletion from the code device, in correspondence with play of the machine.

As an example of an authorisation code not linked to a progressive parameter, the code may incorporate a site and/or machine code whereby the unit is only actuated when such code checks against a site and/or machine code pre-stored in the actuation unit or machine or presented thereto in any suitable manner either automatically by connection to a device internally or externally of the machine or manually through a keyboard or other input device.

Where two or more types of authorisation codes, or progressive parameters are required for actuation of the unit, these may be on the same code device. Alternatively, they may be on two or more code devices. For example, there may be one code device for the above mentioned time-based parameter, and a second code device for the above mentioned usage-based parameter.

The code device may be provided with the authorisation code in a permanent manner e.g. by ROM storage. Alternatively or additionally a changeable code may be provided. This latter arrangement may be of value in the case of a time- or usage- based parameter whereby when the time or usage has been exhausted, this can be extended or 're-filled' by presenting the code device in a predetermined manner to a code changing system. For example, provision may be made for an authorised person to purchase additional time (such as a licence for another year), or extra usage units by having the respective code device updated or refilled. Alternatively, replacement code devices can be purchased.

The actuation unit may incorporate one or more supplementary or stand-by receiving means so that one or more additional 'full' code devices can be held in stand-by position ready for use to permit continuation of machine use when a first code device becomes exhausted.

The actuator unit is preferably arranged as a sealed, secure unit within the machine, and is preferably connected to the usual control and operating circuitry of the machine in a secure, tamper-proof manner.

Provision may be made for interrogation of the unit and/or any code device within the unit, to derive information as to the status and/or identification of the (or each) code device and/or the status and/or identification of one or more parameters of the machine or its operation.

This interrogation conveniently can be implemented through a remote link, such as an infra-red link to a remote device such as a hand-held computer externally of the machine.

The entertainment machine of the invention is preferably an AWP machine as hereinbefore described, although the invention may be applied to any other suitable machine for any other suitable purpose.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of one form of a fruit machine according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a block circuit diagram of the machine; and Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic side representation of an authorisation unit of the machine.

The machine shown in Fig. 1 is a fruit machine comprising a floor standing box-shaped housing 1 having a front wall which includes upper and lower screen-printed glass pånels 2, 3 and below these a series of operating buttons 4. There is a coin slot 5 and a payout opening 6.

Within the housing 1 there are three axially aligned drum-shaped reels 7 each having say 20 symbols printed at regularly spaced positions on a back-illuminated transparent or translucent reel band around the respective drum periphery. The reels 7 are axially rotatable and are drivably connected to respective stepper motors 8. The reels 7 are arranged behind a window defined by a transparent region of the lower glass panel 3. Each reel 7 can be arrested by the respective stepper motor 8 in any of 20 stepping positions in which one symbol is in precise registration with a horizontal win line in the centre of the window and two further symbols are visible above and below the win line.

The stepper motors 8 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 9. This unit is also connected to a coin-mechanism 10, a pay-out mechanism 11, the buttons 4 and various lamps 12 behind printed display regions of the panels 2, 3 behind the reel bands and in the buttons 4.

In use, the player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 10 through the slot 5 sufficient to generate credit for one or more games, and the machine is actuated so that a game can now be played. The game commences after the start button 4 has been pressed and the reels 7 spin and then come to rest so as to select at random (or pseudo-random) a combination of symbols displayed on the win line. The displayed symbol combination is assessed by the control unit 9 and a win indication is given in the event that the combination is of a predetermined winning nature. The player can then obtain a pay out through the opening 6.

Within the housing there is also an actuation unit 13 connected to the microprocessor control circuit 9.

As shown in Fig. 3, this unit 13 comprises electronic circuitry 14 within a sealed box 15. This circuitry 14 is connected via a serial interface 16 to the microprocessor control circuitry 9, such connection being effected in a secure manner for example by appropriate enclosure of the connection.

The interface 16 used to connect the unit 13 to the machine circuitry is preferably of an 'industry standard' kind (in terms of the data protocol) whereby the same unit can be used in different machines. In this respect the unit is preferably an independent self-contained unit which can be removed from and installed within machines by an authorised person. When installed the interface 1 6 ensures that the unit receives required data from the machine. This includes a machine identifying code relating to the particular machine in which the unit is installed, as mentioned hereinafter.

The unit 13 contains three slots 17, 18, 19 in the box 15 into which can be inserted three smart cards 20, 21, 22 i.e. cards of the credit-card kind with on-board chip data storage. When inserted the cards 20-22 are plugged-in in conventional manner card-reader drive system with rollers or the like. The unit 13 contains three readers 23-25, one for each card 20-22, whereby data stored in the chip of each card is read, whilst the card is in position in the unit, via electrical contact with terminals on the card or by proximity detection or otherwise as desired.

The interface 16 between the unit 13 and the microprocessor control circuitry 9 performs two functions: first, the unit 13 provides an inhibition/actuation signal for the control circuitry 9; and second the unit receives, and stores in memory 26 within the unit 13 operating and identification data pertaining to the machine, e.g. machine model reference; number of games played; value of coins in and value of coins paid out. This memory 26 also stores code data read from the cards 20-22.

The circuitry ofthe unit 13 is connected to an infra-red interface 27 at a convenient position on the exterior of the machine e.g. at the front of the machine (e.g. behind one of the glass panels). Through this interface it is possible to interrogate the memory 26 as described hereinafter.

The cards 20-22 are of two different kinds. One card 20 is a 'site licence' card.

This contains code data as follows: a code reference for the particular site at which the machine is located; the name and address of the location; an expiry date (e.g. 12 months hence).

All of this data is read into, and is stored within the unit memory 26.

The circuitry within the unit performs checking operations on this data. In particular the date is checked to see if it is later than a current date monitored by the unit 13.

The site code reference and name and address are pre-set on the card.

These can be interrogated through the interface 27 as described hereinafter.

The current time is determined by a calendar device driven by a clock device in the unit, after pre-setting on site or during manufacture.

If the code data is un-acceptable i.e. the date is earlier than the current date, the unit is de-actuated: operation of the machine is inhibited.

Otherwise, the unit is capable of actuation subject to checking of the second kind of card now to be described.

The second kind of card 21, 22 is a machine levy card. This contains code data as follows: Identity reference code for the operator of the site; name and address of the operator; date of issue of the card; initial level of pre-paid levy; remaining balance of pre-paid levy.

There are two such machine levy cards 21, 22 in respective slots 18, 19. One is utilised at any time - the other being a back up.

If the first kind of card 20 contains acceptable data as mentioned above, and if the second kind of card 21 or 22 contains a remaining balance of pre-paid levy, the unit is actuated and operation of the machine is enabled by feed of an appropriate signal from the unit 13 to the microprocessor control circuitry 9.

In operation of the machine the unit 13 receives games playing data from the control circuitry 9 of the machine and the remaining balance of pre-paid levy is decremented, on a predetermined basis, from the initial level.

This is decremented in the unit memory 26 and also on the card 21. When decremented to zero, the back up card 22 is then used and the balance on this is then decremented. In the event that both cards 21, 22 have been decremented to zero, the unit 13 is deactuated: operation of the machine is inhibited and games can no longer be played.

When a site card 20 has reached its expiry date the machine becomes inoperable, and the card can be removed and replaced with a new card, or alternatively the stored code can be updated and the card reinserted so that the machine can operated again. This replacement, or updating would be effected by authorised personnel on payment of an annual licence fee.

Exhausted machine levy cards 21, 22 can be removed and 're-filled' with any desired number of usage units effected by authorised personnel on payment of the corresponding levy. Alternatively, exhausted cards 21, 22 can be discarded and replaced with pre-paid new cards which can be purchased at different values of initial levy.

The site operator or other authorised person can interrogate the unit memory 26 through the infra-red interface 27, using a hand-held computer device. This can be done for example to verify the machine model reference, to download usage data (coins in and coins paid out), to check on remaining levy on the machine levy cards 21, 22, to verify details of the site licence. Provision may be made for police or customs or other official personnel also to check on the identity of the operator, to verify the operation of the machine and the unit, and even, if necessary, to disable operation of the machine, via the infra-red interface.

With the arrangement described above, correct authorised machine operation can be controlled in a particularly simple, inexpensive and reliable manner. It can be ensured that licence and levy fees have been properly pre-paid. The system can be easy to administer, not easily defrauded and easy to police.

It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.

Claims (20)

1. An entertainment machine incorporating an electronic actuation unit, said unit having receiving means to receive in removable data-reading relationship therewith at least one electronic code device, whereby the machine is operable to play games only when said unit is actuated by a predetermined authorisation code read from the (or each) said code device.

2. A machine according to claim 1 wherein the or each code device is in the form of a smart card having an on-board chip.

3. A machine according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the receiving means is adapted to receive and removably retain the or each code device such that the machine is operable only when the or each code device is in position.

4. A machine according to claims 2 and 3 wherein the receiving means has a respective receiving slot for the or each card.

5. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the code device may provide an authorisation code which initiates actuation unlimited by any other parameter.

6. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the device provides an authorisation code which initiates actuation limited by an associated progressive parameter.

7. A machine according to claim 6 wherein the progressive parameter is time elapse.

8. A machine according to claim 7 wherein the code device incorporates in its authorisation code a date which is checked against a clock-based calendar device in the actuation unit or the machine.

9. A machine according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the progressive parameter is machine usage.

10. A machine according to claim 9 wherein the code device incorporates in its authorisation code usage units which are cancelled in correspondence with play of the machine.

11. A machine according to claim 5 wherein the authorisation code of the code device incorporates a code relating to the site of the machine.

1 2. A machine according to claim 5 or 11 wherein the authorisation code of the code device incorporates a code relating to the machine.

13. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein there is a single code device with two or more types of authorisation codes.

14. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein there are two or more code devices with respective authorisation codes.

15. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the authorisation code is changeable by presentation of the code device to a code changing system.

16. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the actuation unit incorporates one or more supplementary or stand-by receiving means so that one or more additional 'full' code devices can be held in stand-by position ready for use to permit continuation of machine use when a first code device becomes exhausted.

17. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein provision is made for interrogation of the actuation unit, to derive information therefrom, externally of the machine.

18. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein provision is made for interrogation of the or each code device within the actuation unit, to derive information therefrom, externally of the machine.

19. A machine according to any one of claims 1 to 18 which is an AWP type machine.

20. A machine according to claim 1 substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.