WO1995008164A1

WO1995008164A1 - Gambling machine system operated without coins, chip card adapter module therefor and process for operating a gambling machine system without coins

Info

Publication number: WO1995008164A1
Application number: PCT/DE1994/001056
Authority: WO
Inventors: Edmund Randrianarisoa; Peter Baacke; Wolfgang Knoblauch; Hans-Jürgen ZIEGLER
Original assignee: Teltron Elektronik Gmbh
Priority date: 1993-09-14
Filing date: 1994-09-14
Publication date: 1995-03-23

Abstract

A gambling machine system is disclosed which may be operated by chip cards (19) instead of cash. For that purpose, conventional gambling machines (1) are provided with a chip card adapter module (10) connected to the gambling machine (1) instead of the coin checking arrangement (coin slot) and hopper (coin outlet). The chip card adapter module (10) has a control and input arrangement (12, 14, 16) for inputting a determined stake, a chip card read/write arrangement (18), a machine interface (26) for connecting to the gambling machine, a signal generating arrangement (22) for generating signals equivalent to the output signals generated by coin checking arrangements of coin-operated gambling machines, and corresponding to the inputted stake, and a converter (24) for converting signals such as the hopper control signals of coin-operated gambling machines into corresponding control signals for controlling a memory arrangement (19, 21, 34). A plurality of gambling machines (1) provided with chip card adapter modules (10) may be connected by a network (30) to a central computer (34).

Description

Coinless slot machine system, chip card adapter module therefor and method for operating a coinless slot machine system

When playing on slot machines, it has been observed with increasing frequency for a long time that foreign coins of low value are improperly thrown into the slot machines. As a result, the state granting the game license and also the operator of the gaming machines are disadvantageously lost considerable income.

In order to counter this abuse, attempts have already been made to fine-tune the slot machine's coin validators, but this has not led to the desired success. In addition, the slot machines then refused to accept coins that were actually valid if they were worn out or showed slight damage.

It has also been considered to exchange cash for tokens or prepaid cards in a manner comparable to the roulette game and to use these tokens or prepaid cards to operate the slot machines. However, such tokens are to be regarded as unsuitable because of the slight risk of counterfeiting and falsification. In addition, the technical implementation of prepaid cards has proven difficult because completely new slot machines are required, which can only be used and played with the specific prepaid cards that match the type of machine. The large number of existing slot machines would no longer be able to be operated in this way.

The invention is intended to remedy the disadvantages described above. It is an object of the present invention to provide a slot machine system create, in which instead of coins with so-called chip cards can be played "cashless".

This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 14, 22 and 23 respectively.

The invention is based on the idea of being able to play the slot machine game without using coins and instead of using the coins a player chip card which is repeatedly loaded with a certain amount of money. The player chip card is loaded, for example, by means of a computer cash register (cash register terminal).

According to the invention, conventional coin-operated slot machines are used in which the coin validator device (entry of money) and the hopper for outputting any winnings (dispensing money) are disconnected or blocked. The connections of the slot machine for the coin validator device and the hopper are instead connected to the machine interface of a chip card adapter module. When playing on the machine, the player chip card is then inserted and read into a corresponding opening in the chip card adapter module or the chip card reader / writer integrated therein. The game amount, analogous to the number of coins to be inserted, is entered via an operating and input device with a keyboard. The entered game bet is debited from the chip card and a signal generating device in the chip card adapter module generates signals which are identical to signals which the disconnected coin checker device would generate if a corresponding amount of money was inserted into coins. These signals are transmitted to the gaming machine via the machine interface. The Game operation now takes place in the same way as with coin operation.

If a profit is achieved, the corresponding signals for controlling the hopper are transmitted to the adapter module via the machine interface and converted into signals by a converter device which cause the profit to be booked as a credit on the player chip card.

Alternatively or additionally, an identifier identifying the card or the respective player is stored in an unchangeable manner on the player chip card. Under this identifier, an account is kept in the chip card adapter module or a separate central computer, from which the respective stakes are debited and the winnings are credited.

If only the identifier and no gaming credit is stored on the player chip card, manipulation of the gaming credit is not possible. If the account of the respective player is kept both on the player chip card and in the chip card adapter module or the central computer, it can be checked by comparing the two account balances whether the player chip card has been tampered with or not.

A particular advantage of the invention is that it is possible to use the idea of the invention in the sense of the invention even with existing coin-operated slot machines that are still intended for the use of coins. This is realized by the chip card adapter module according to the invention, which enables adaptation and coupling to existing slot machines intended for coin operation. So it is not necessary to have special new slot machines to manufacture. Conventional slot machines can be retrofitted and converted for cash or coinless slot machines. The coin validators and hoppers are either removed or they remain in the slot machine. In the latter case, the retrofitting can be undone at any time.

The game processes or transactions - bets, winnings, losses - are recorded and accumulated (stored) by the adapter module, so that at any time by the machine operator or casino operator or by officials of the financial authorities using a master chip card (special chip card) or a connecting one Network with a central computer, the sales and earnings are controllable and the most precise accounting can be carried out.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention according to claims 8 to 12, the tills of the individual slot machines can be called up at any time and the casino operator has an overview of the revenue situation at all times.

With the preferred embodiment according to claim 19, it is possible to simulate the characteristic noise of coins falling into the cash dispenser in the case of winnings. It is also possible to generate fanfare sounds or other noises that attract attention.

The advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 20 ensures that game bets are only debited from the player chip card when the respective amount has arrived in the actual gaming machine.

By providing special chip cards, amounts of money can be placed in the individual chip card adapter modules log in, withdraw unintentionally withdrawn winnings, check the cash registers of the individual chip card adapter modules, block or release individual chip card adapter modules, etc. Chip cards can be provided that only allow very specific special transactions and control functions and chip cards that enable all control functions. The degree of authorization or thickness of these special chip cards can be arranged hierarchically as desired. These special chip cards are particularly advantageous if a plurality of chip card adapter modules or gaming machines are not networked with one another (off-line operation). In a networked slot machine system, these control actions can be carried out online by the central computer.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention result from the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing.

It shows:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of individual slot machines that are provided with a chip card adapter module according to the invention.

2 shows a schematic representation of a chip card adapter module according to the invention;

3 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the chip card adapter module; and

Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a plurality of slot machines that have a network a computer cash register and a central computer are connected.

1 schematically shows slot machines 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3 with an integrated, attached or attached chip card adapter module 10.

FIG. 2 schematically shows a view of an exemplary embodiment of the chip card adapter module 10 and FIG. 3 shows an associated block diagram. The chip card adapter module 10 has a control device 12 in the form of a microcumputer circuit. The control device 12 is connected to a display 14, a keyboard 16, a noise generator 17, a read / write device 18 for chip cards 19, a network interface 20 and a storage device 21. Furthermore, the control device 12 is connected to a signal generating device 22 and a converter device 24, which in turn are connected to an automatic interface 26. The read / write device 18 for chip cards has a slot-shaped opening 27 into which the chip cards 19 can be inserted. The control device 12 is further connected to a device 28 for monitoring the power supply of the actual gaming machine and the chip card adapter module 10 itself. The device 28 ensures that signals which are either sent from the chip card adapter module 10 to the actual gaming machine or vice versa also arrive at the remote station.

Fig. 4 shows four slot machines 1-1, 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 with chip card adapter module 10 integrated therein, which via a network 30 with a computer cash register 32 with two

POS terminals 32-1 and 32-2 and with one Central computer 34 are connected. The network 30 has a network node 31 which connects the individual components of the slot machine system to one another.

The read / write device 18 is connected to a monitoring device 36, by means of which the communication between the chip card and the read / write device 18 for chip cards is monitored. Through ongoing monitoring of certain operating parameters, attempts at manipulation are recognized and the respective slot machine is blocked or an alarm is sent to the central computer 34.

Before the game on the slot machines 1 begins, a player chip card 19 is provided with a credit by means of a chip card programming device at the computer cash register 32 after payment.

The player chip card 19 provided with the credit is then inserted into the opening 28 of the chip card adapter module 10 or the read / write device 18.

After the chip card 19 has been checked by the adapter module 10, the display 14 of the adapter module 10 shows the readiness for the start of the game, and it is now possible either to debit individual amounts or the entire credit from the chip card 19 and into the gaming machine 1 via the keyboard 26 of the adapter module 10 be transmitted. The amounts debited from the chip card 19 are recorded and accumulated individually in the adapter module 10.

After the transfer of the amounts for the game in the slot machines 1, the chip card 19 can optionally

Adapter module 10 remain inserted or immediately be removed. The game started in the slot machine 1 is not influenced by the adapter module 10. The slot machine 1 carries out the game completely autonomously as usual.

The profits to be paid out are recorded and accumulated individually by the adapter module 10. Likewise, the adapter module 10 registers a desired game termination at the machine 1 and holds the winnings and / or remaining amounts from the machine ready for re-booking to the chip card 19. All processes - amounts set, profits, chargebacks and the residual value of the chip card credit - can be read on the display 14 of the adapter module 10.

Add-ons and chargebacks are carried out by the adapter module 10 only to the chip card 19 from which the debit was also made before the start of the game. A withdrawal of winnings and repayment by third parties is therefore excluded. Since the chip card 19 can be removed from the adapter module 10 immediately after the start of the game, further simultaneous games on other machines 1-i are possible.

As already mentioned, all transfers, profit payments and chargebacks are recorded and accumulated in the adapter module 10, so that at any time the earnings of the machine can be called up with the help of a special master chip card (in the possession of the supervisory staff or the officials of the tax office).

A selectable number of transactions is further stored in a FIFO memory of the adapter module 10 for checking and for proof of complaints and can also be called up using a special chip card. At the end of the game, the available credit on the respective player chip card is read out at the separate computer cash register 32 and paid out in cash or by check. The computer cash register 32 and / or the central computer 34 stores and accumulates each debit and debit, so that there is a precise overview of the cash register target status at all times.

If several slot machines 1-i are connected to one another via the network 30, all the data recorded and stored in the adapter modules 10 and computer registers 32 can be transmitted via the network 30 to the central computer 34, so that the earnings of the individual machines 1-i - profits and Losses - and the total turnover of all slot machines 1-i is determined fully electronically and bills can be carried out at any time.

During the game and after the end of the game, the corresponding adapter module 10 blocks until any winnings have been posted back to the playing chip card 19.

The adapter modules 10 according to the invention have a further special feature. Thus, the slot machines 1 retrofitted with adapter modules 10 for coin-free play can be set up and set back to the normal and known coin game by disconnecting the adapter module 10 and reinserting the coin validation device and hopper. It is also possible to switch from playing with coins to coinless play using a corresponding switching device.

Claims

Expectations

1. Coinless slot machine system, with

at least one slot machine (1) with an associated chip card adapter module (10), which contains a read / write device (18) for chip cards and an operating and input device (12, 14, 16), and

Player chip cards (19) which entitle to play with the slot machine (1).

2. Spielautσmatsystem according to claim 1, characterized in that a certain amount is stored on the player chip cards, which is available at most as a stake.

3. Slot machine system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the player chip cards

(19) an identifier identifying the respective player chip card is stored in an unchangeable manner.

4. Slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control device (12, 34).

5. Slot machine system according to claim 4, characterized in that the control device (12, 34) has a plurality of control components (12), each of which is integrated into the chip card adapter modules (10).

6. Slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a storage device (21).

7. Slot machine system according to claim 6, characterized in that the memory device (21) has a plurality of memory components, each of which is integrated into the chip card adapter modules (10).

8. Slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plurality of chip card adapter modules (10) with associated slot machines (1-i) are connected to one another via a network (30).

9. Slot machine system according to claim 8, characterized in that a central computer (34) with the network (30) is connected.

10. Slot machine system according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a computer till (32) is connected to the network (30).

11. Slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a master chip card with which the tills of the individual slot machines / chip card adapter modules (1/10) or the computer cash register (32) can be queried.

12. Slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by a reset chip card by means of which undisclosed winnings in the individual slot machines / chip card adapter modules (1/10) can be called up or debited. l .. Chip card adapter module (10) for

Slot machines, in particular for a slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, with

an operating and input device (12,

14, 1) for entering a certain game amount,

a read / write device (18) for chip cards,

a slot machine interface (26) for connection to slot machines (1),

a signal generating device (22) for generating signals which are equivalent to output signals as are generated by coin validation devices in coin-operated slot machines and correspond to the input amount of the game, and

a converter device (24) for converting signals, such as are provided for the hopper in slot machines, into corresponding control signals for controlling a memory device (21, 34).

15 ". Chip card adapter module according to claim 14, characterized by a control device (12), in particular in the form of a microcomputer circuit.

16. Chip card adapter module according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the memory device is a chip card (19) and the converter device (24) provides control signals for controlling the read / write device (18) for chip cards.

17. Chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 16, characterized by a display device (14).

18. Chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by a network interface (20) for connection to a network (30).

IQ • Chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 18, characterized by a noise generator (17).

20. Chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 19, characterized by a device (28) for monitoring the power supply.

21. Chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 20, characterized by a monitoring device (36) for monitoring the communication between read / write device (18) and chip card.

22. Slot machine system according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by a chip card adapter module according to at least one of claims 14 to 21.

23. A method for operating a slot machine system according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising the method steps:

Booking a certain amount, which is available as a maximum of a game bet, on the player chip card (19) and / or an assigned memory area in a central memory device; Debiting the respective game bet from the player chip card (19) and / or the assigned memory area; and

Book a win made on the respective player chip card (19) and / or the assigned memory area.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that a certain number of transactions of the game with the slot machine are stored continuously.