Gaming machine payout dispensing system and method

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6289261
  • Patent Number
    6,289,261
  • Date Filed
    Monday, March 8, 1999
    25 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, September 11, 2001
    23 years ago
Abstract
In a system and method for a payout in the form of paper tokens from a gaming machine, the system includes a hopper for dispensing the paper tokens, a cassette for containing the paper tokens, and software for controlling the operations of the payout of the paper tokens from the gaming machine. The cassette and hopper are located in the gaming machine in plain view of a player, and are locked for security purposes. Each paper token is transported through a payout path by mechanisms in the cassette and the hopper which interact to dispense a paper token. A plurality of sensors sense the transport of the paper token through the payout path, the operation of the transport mechanism, and the status of the paper token supply. An escrow area is provided in the cassette for rejected paper tokens, as sensed by sensors and diverted by a diverting mechanism into the escrow area. A memory element in the cassette stores operational information regarding dispensing of the paper tokens. A communicating device in the gaming machine sends messages to a central monitoring system regarding the gaming machine operations. Monitoring devices monitor security and accounting functions of the gaming machines, including security cameras which monitor the payout of the paper tokens from a gaming machine after being signalled by the system that the payout is about to begin.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




1. Field of the Invention




This invention relates generally to improvements in gaming machines and, more particularly, to a new and improved system and method for dispensing a payout in the form of paper tokens from a gaming machine, whereby software-controlled dispensing of the paper tokens provides enhanced player satisfaction and excitement, while providing improved gaming machine reliability, security, and accountability.




A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.




2. Description of the Related Art




In a typical casino gaming machine, a player inserts currency, such as tokens, coins, scrip or paper denominations, into the gaming machine to activate play. In addition, a player may insert a gaming card into the machine and designate the number of credits to be played. If the particular pay results in a winning combination, the gaming machine dispenses the appropriate payout for that particular combination.




In such an event, the win is frequently dispensed from the gaming machine in the form of coin tokens or coins which are stored in the gaming machine's coin hopper. In another embodiment, the gaming machine may provide credits to a player's gaming card that has been inserted into the machine.




Where the win is dispensed in the form of coin tokens or coins, the gaming machine accesses a coin hopper in order to make the payout. However, the coin hopper only has a limited storage capacity, e.g. 400-800 coins, and this can limit the amount of payouts and the size of the payouts that can be made. In fact, if a substantial win occurs, an attendant may be required to make the payout to the player.




In the event that a large number of payouts has occurred within a short period of time, the coin hopper can run out of coin tokens or coins. This results in a problem for casinos in that player dissatisfaction can occur, it requires the casino to refill the hopper, and the time the machine is off-line results in no play on the gaming machine and, consequently, a loss of income to the casino.




Moreover, with the inclusion of bill acceptors into gaming machines, the risk of the hopper running low or empty is exacerbated. In this case, players insert paper denominations or script into the machine and are still paid out via coin tokens or coins. In this regard, when the player inserts paper currency into the machine, the coin tokens paid out from the hopper are not replenished. This results in the need for additional fills to the gaming machine more often than before the inclusion of bill acceptors, which results in higher operating costs to the casinos, and in greater player dissatisfaction when the machine fails to payoff and/or when it is taken off-line.




Clearly, dispensing payouts from gaming machines in the form of paper tokens such as paper money, paper scrip, or gift certificates provides advantages over coin tokens in convenience, security, reliability, and entertainment value for casinos and players. However, there may also be problems associated with dispensing paper tokens. Paper tokens do not make noise when hitting a tray, and therefore a player might not be aware that he or she has been paid. In other words, coin tokens or coins which are dispensed from gaming machines direct the player's attention to the payout by making noise when they hit the coin tray, so that a player knows he or she has been paid. The player can easily view the coin tray, and the coin tokens or coins collect in the coin tray where they can be readily retrieved by the player. In addition, paper tokens are lightweight and might miss the tray entirely and fall to the floor, causing an apparent short payout from the gaming machine.




Moreover, security is a major issue in the gaming industry, including the prevention of theft by customers and employees. It is important to provide systems in gaming machines to insure the integrity of the dispenser and the paper tokens to be dispensed therefrom. Security measures are consequently necessary to monitor the installation and removal of the dispenser and the paper tokens. Further, security measures are necessary to verify and insure that the proper denomination of bills in a paper token dispenser are being inserted into a gaming machine. And obviously, monitoring of the actual dispensing of paper tokens to the player is important to the security of the overall system.




Tight accounting controls and internal operating procedures for tracking and reporting on the flow of money are also essential for casino operations. Also, state regulatory agencies have placed specific requirements on casinos regarding the handling, counting, and distribution of money and tokens within the casino, which must be followed. Still further, money in and out of each gaming machine must be tracked on a machine-by-machine basis to measure and insure proper operation of each gaming machine. Accordingly, such accounting requirements must be taken into account in systems which dispense paper tokens.




In addition, an important security and accounting concern for casinos is the ability to track and monitor the amount of money and quantity of tokens in and out of the dispensers. Also, the data generated in the gaming machine, required for reconciliation of security and accounting data, needs to be readily and reliably available from the gaming machine.




Even casinos which do not have central systems for collecting data regarding the operations of their gaming machines would benefit from the use of paper token dispensers for added player convenience. Data collected in such casinos regarding gaming machine operations would need to be collectable in and retrievable from the gaming machine. Further, technicians in such casinos would need an indication on the gaming machine to signal malfunctions of the dispenser or to signal a low condition of paper tokens in the dispenser. If a gaming machine is broken or in a non-operational state, the machine's earnings decrease, with corresponding increase in casino cost and player dissatisfaction. It is, therefore, important to maximize the up time of gaming machines through efficient and effective maintenance capabilities.




Moreover, in gaming machines, critical space constraints require the placing of the dispensing system for paper tokens in an optimal manner.




Furthermore, enabling the speed of dispensing paper tokens from the dispenser to be dependent on the player would provide a more entertaining and enjoyable reward cycle for the player, increasing player satisfaction in playing the game.




In view of these considerations, effective operational, security, and accounting systems must be implemented in a paper token dispensing system for the dispensers which dispense the paper tokens, the containers which contain the paper tokens, and for the gaming machines in which the dispensers and containers are installed.




Therefore, those concerned with the development and use of improved gaming machines and the like have long recognized the need for improved systems and methods for dispensing tokens from gaming machines, that is, a system which can alert the casino to low token or hopper states (preemptive fill) while minimizing gaming machine operating and maintenance costs, track player payouts, track and monitor paper token cassettes/containers, and that pays out to the player in a fast, efficient and effective manner while still maintaining player excitement and satisfaction. Accordingly, the present invention fulfills these needs by providing efficient and effective dispensing of the paper tokens under the control of the software for enhanced gaming machine operations and increased player enjoyment.




SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION




Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a new and improved system for dispensing, containing, tracking and monitoring paper tokens in gaming machines in a reliable secure, verifiable, and convenient manner, while enhancing player satisfaction and excitement and reducing operating and maintenance costs. The system provides software-controlled dispensing of paper tokens for increased player enjoyment and improved gaming machine operations.




By way of example, and not by way of limitation, the present invention provides a new and improved system and method for dispensing a payout in the form of paper tokens from a gaming machine, in addition to conventional metal tokens. The system may further include a plurality of gaming machines, each of which includes means for dispensing paper tokens, and a central monitoring system for monitoring the dispensing of paper tokens from the gaming machines. The system may also include a docking station for performing setup and accounting functions relating to the dispensing of paper tokens.




More particularly, the present invention includes means for dispensing paper tokens from a gaming machine, and software means for comprehensively controlling the operations of the payout of the paper tokens from the gaming machine in an efficient and effective manner. The hopper for dispensing paper tokens may be located in the gaming machine in a position so as to provide ease of use, to be readily visible to the player, i.e, operable so as to dispense and hold paper tokens in plain sight of the player, so as to direct the player's attention to the payout such that the player knows he or she has been properly paid. This prevents apparent short pays. Also the system provides security for insuring the integrity of the hopper and the paper tokens to be dispensed therefrom. This is accomplished by signaling security personnel that a payout of paper tokens is about to begin. Once signaled, the security personnel can then position casino security cameras so that the payout may be viewed and/or recorded to ensure proper payouts.




The system, in accordance with the present invention, also includes software for tracking hopper, cassette, and gaming machine operations. The system also provides an indication in a gaming machine to notify technicians of malfunctions or low paper token conditions which enable repairs to be made efficiently and effectively. This is particularly true for casinos which do not have an on-line data collection system because there is a great need for prominent notification of repairs required in order to enable prompt repairs to be made and to return the gaming machine to operability for the benefit of the casino and the players.




The system also is adapted to dispense paper tokens in the form of paper scrip. This embodiment reduces the lost-interest expense necessitated by filling and refilling a plurality of gaming machines. That is, the actual monetary currency can remain in a deposit account to earn interest as opposed to remaining idle in a gaming machine. Such an embodiment is enhanced since paper scrip is adaptable to be accepted in bill acceptors currently installed in gaming machines, and can be optimized for counterfeit detection by such bill acceptors.




The system of the present invention also provides a hopper adapted to dispense paper tokens optimally in view of space considerations in gaming machines, so as to reduce the effective width of the mechanism. The system further provides locking capabilities for both the hopper which dispenses the paper tokens and for the cassette which contains the paper tokens to prevent theft by both customers and casino employees.




The system, in accordance with the present invention, further provides accounting controls in the tracking and filling of paper tokens in hoppers and in cassettes. This may be accomplished using on-board memory on the cassette and/or via a central processing system. The system further provides an escrow area in the cassette for storing paper tokens rejected or jammed during the dispensing process. The system also maintains security and accounting controls for the dispensing of paper tokens.




The system of the present invention also monitors the installation and removal of the cassette and hopper, and tracks casino personnel having access to the paper tokens, to provide additional security for the system. The system further includes security measures to enhance system operations, including verification of the denomination of paper tokens inserted into the gaming machines.




The system of the present invention also enables rapid replacement of empty cassettes to minimize customer inconvenience and gaming machine down time, enabling convenient storage of the loaded cassettes at various locations in a casino, and effectively maintains theft prevention safeguards. The system further allows for dispensing of paper tokens one at a time, and monitors dispensing so as to enable manual counting of paper tokens being dispensed, to catch malfunctions and to reduce fraud.




The system further requires that the player remove a paper token before another paper token is dispensed for a payout, thereby increasing the length of the player reward cycle and further enhancing player satisfaction in playing the game. The system is also adapted to dispense paper tokens in the form of coupons or gift certificates for effective marketing and promotion.




Therefore, one advantage of the present invention is that it includes comprehensive software for effectively controlling the operations of the payout of the paper tokens from the gaming machine.




A further advantage is that the present invention reduces the number of coin fills required by maintaining coin hopper levels by providing an additional method of pay out and, therefore, reduces operating and maintenance expense for the casino. It also reduces the downtime of a machine and the need for an attendant to service the machine. Thus, the security of the machine is also enhanced.




Another advantage is that the present invention provides tracking information that can assist the casino in maintaining security and accounting in the gaming machine.




Still another advantage is that it provides players with an exciting and efficient method of payment. Not only can the player be paid in tokens or coins, but the player can now receive paper currency, e.g., bills or casino scrip. The use of currency reduces or eliminates the need for the player to take his winnings to the cashier. In turn, player satisfaction is increased and time spent playing the machines is increased.




Still another advantage is the ability to code (color or via on-board memory) the bill cassette for security and tracking purposes.




Still another advantage is the interfacing of the cassette with the gaming machine such that only the proper denomination or value of paper tokens in the cassette will be operable in a given machine. This eliminates the potential of a gaming machine inadvertently dispensing $100.00 bills in lieu of $20.00 bills.




Still another advantage is the locking mechanism for improved security.




Another advantage is the placement of the bill dispenser in the machine at a location in plain sight for the player. This placement enhances player satisfaction and excitement. It also reduces the chance that bills will fall into a payout hopper or onto the floor without notice. Also, it maintains security, by allowing for the counting of bills through a camera focused on the bill dispenser location, which may always be on or be activated in response to a signal sent to security that the dispensing is about to begin, or under the physical observation of an attendant.




Still another advantage is providing the escrow of bills rejected for dispensing, such as for a double feed which aids in proper dispensing of tokens and minimizes attendant involvement for every jam or paper token rejection.




These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of illustrative embodiments.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a gaming machine in accordance with the present invention in which a hopper is installed for dispensing paper tokens, and in which a cassette for containing paper tokens is installed;





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of the hopper and the cassette installed and locked therein, in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 3

is a partly exploded perspective view of a hopper and a cassette positioned so as to enable installation of the cassette into the hopper, in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of an unlocked cassette with the cover open and with paper tokens inserted therein;





FIG. 5

is a front perspective view of a hopper without a cassette installed therein, in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 6

is an elevational view of one side of a hopper, in the practice of the invention;





FIG. 7

is an elevational view of another side of a hopper, in the practice of the invention;





FIG. 8

is a partly-sectional elevational view of a hopper and a cassette installed therein, filled with paper tokens, illustrating the path of transporting, dispensing, and escrowing paper tokens;





FIG. 9

is a partly-sectional elevational view of a hopper, and a cassette installed therein wherein paper tokens have been dispensed therefrom, in accordance with the present invention;





FIG. 10

is diagram showing a docking station with a cassette inserted therein, in the practice of the present invention;





FIG. 11

is a flow chart illustrating system startup and initial processes, in accordance with the invention;





FIG. 12

is a flow chart for a system reset process, in the practice of the invention;





FIG. 13

is a flow chart for a non-game process, in accordance with the invention;





FIG. 14

is a flow chart for payout processes, in the practice of the invention;





FIG. 15

is a flow chart for a paper token dispensing process, in accordance with the invention; and





FIG. 16

is a flow chart for monitoring of conditions and responses, in the practice of the invention.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS




The present invention is directed to an improved system and method for dispensing paper tokens from a gaming machine which is convenient and entertaining for the player, and which is efficient, secure and reliable for the casino. The improved system and method provides effective dispensing of paper tokens in an efficient manner, under the operational control of the software.




Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawing figures and, particularly to

FIG. 1

, a system


10


is utilized for dispensing a payout in the form of paper tokens


12


from a gaming machine


14


. The paper tokens


12


comprise paper money, paper scrip, or a gift certificate. In other words, the paper money may comprise United States currency or currency of other countries, the paper scrip may comprise preprinted casino scrip, and the gift certificate may comprise a coupon. The system


10


includes a hopper


16


for dispensing the paper tokens


12


, adapted to be installed in the gaming machine


14


, and a cassette


18


for containing the paper tokens, adapted to be installed in the hopper


16


.




As illustrated in

FIG. 1

, the gaming machine


14


includes a housing


20


in which the hopper


16


is adapted to be installed. The housing


20


includes a frame permanently mounted therein for the hopper


16


, which frame includes a power supply, control electronics, and connecting cables. As shown in

FIGS. 6 and 7

, a bar


19


is slidable in slots


21


and engages a tab (not shown) in the frame in the housing


20


, to lock the hopper


16


in the housing frame in the gaming machine


14


. Referring to

FIG. 1

, the hopper


16


is an assembly of paper dispensing mechanisms including wheels, gears, and belts, which slides and locks into the frame. The cassette


18


is a secured locked paper token box that holds the paper tokens


12


to be dispensed, which slides and locks into the hopper


16


. The housing


20


also includes a front panel


22


. The gaming machine


14


further includes a game play display


24


, typically being a video monitor or spinning drums commonly called a slot machine, push buttons


25


in a slot machine, and one or more mechanisms


26


for accepting a wager. Alternatively, the hopper


16


and the wager accepting mechanisms


26


may be integrated into a single mechanism (not shown) which includes a mechanism for accepting wagers in the form of paper tokens


12


of the same denomination, and a mechanism for transporting the paper tokens from the accepting mechanism for dispensing thereof from the hopper


16


. Alternatively, the system


10


may include a mechanism (not shown) for accepting and separating a wager of paper tokens


12


of different denominations, and a mechanism for separately transporting paper tokens


12


in accordance with the denominations thereof required for a payout. The gaming machine


14


also includes a coin token dispenser (not shown) which dispenses coin tokens into a tray


27


.




As shown in

FIG. 1

, the hopper


16


is adapted to be installed in the frame and located in the housing


20


adjacent the front panel


22


and proximate the game play display


24


. It is preferably located proximate the top and in the right side of the front panel


22


, in plain view of the player. It is also easily viewable by casino security cameras and personnel in this position. The hopper


16


is located above the wager accepting element


26


, and preferably aligned therewith such that a central line of a paper token


12


dispensed by the hopper


16


is in line with a central line of a wager accepted by the wager accepting element


26


. In this way, the player can readily see the hopper


16


and view each paper token


12


as it is dispensed from the hopper


16


.




As illustrated in

FIG. 5

, the hopper


16


further includes a compartment


28


from which the cassette


18


may be installed or removed. Referring to

FIG. 3

, the hopper


16


also includes locks


30


, operable by keys


32


, for locking and unlocking the cassette


18


relative to the hopper


16


. There are preferably one or two locks


30


operable by one or two keys


32


for the hopper


16


. In the one lock configuration, for example, the lock may be offset from center in one of the two locations of each lock in the two lock configuration. As shown in

FIGS. 5 and 9

, upon insertion of the cassette


18


into the hopper compartment


28


, a locking bar


33


in the hopper


16


causes a rod


34


to pivot and disengage from locking engagement with a transport mechanism in the cassette


18


, enabling the transport of the paper tokens


12


from the cassette


18


for the dispensing thereof.




As seen in

FIG. 2

, the hopper


16


still further includes a slot


36


, through which each paper token


12


is dispensed. As shown in

FIG. 9

, the hopper


16


also includes a mechanism


38


, and the cassette


18


includes a mechanism


40


, which interact to transport each paper token


12


through a payout path


42


for dispensing thereof. The mechanisms


38


and


40


are adapted to transport one paper token


12


at a time through the payout path


42


. As illustrated in

FIG. 5

, the hopper transport mechanism


38


includes a plurality of motor-driven rollers


44


rotably journalled on shafts


46


, and a belt


47


extending about the rollers


44


, with gears


48


mounted on ends of the shafts


46


, and a plurality of non-motor-driven rollers


45


. Referring to

FIG. 4

, the cassette transport mechanism


40


also includes a plurality of rollers


50


rotably journalled on the shafts


52


with the gears


54


mounted on the ends of the shafts


52


. The motors


56


and


58


, as shown in

FIG. 7

, are adapted to sequentially drive the gears


48


and the rollers


44


in the hopper


16


, which drive the gears


54


and the rollers


50


in the cassette


18


to transport the paper tokens


12


along the payout path


42


from the cassette


18


through the hopper


16


as shown in FIG.


8


. In accordance with the present invention, it should be noted that one of the gears


54


moves in one direction only, and locks if an attempt is made to obtain unauthorized access into the cassette


18


.




The hopper


16


is adapted to dispense one paper token


12


at a time, and to delay dispensing a further paper token


12


until a dispensed paper token


12


projecting through the slot


36


is removed. In the present invention, as shown in

FIGS. 8-9

, the hopper


16


is further adapted to dispense each paper token


12


, which includes a short side


60


, such that the short side


60


is dispensed first. The gaming machine


14


may further include a dispenser for dispensing coin tokens, such that coin tokens may be dispensed in the event that paper tokens


12


run out during a payout. The coin tokens may have a value different from the value of the paper tokens.




The cassette


18


is adapted to be filled with a minimum number of the paper tokens


12


, as for example and not by way of limitation


400


, and, upon being filled with the paper tokens


12


, may be locked so as to prevent access into the cassette


18


, as by locking the locks


62


with the keys


64


. Again, there are preferably one or two locks


30


operable by one or two keys


32


for the hopper


16


. Also again, in the one lock configuration, for example, the lock may be offset from center in one of the two locations of each lock in the two lock configuration. However, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that any number of locks


30


or


62


may be used. Also, the locks and keys may be replaced with a rotating dial or knob connected to the lock cam, where a decreased level of security is acceptable.




In accordance with the present invention, the cassette


18


may further include elements adapted to enable a person, after locking of the cassette


18


, to determine the denomination of the paper tokens


12


therein, wherein the paper tokens


12


comprise a plurality of bills of the same denomination, so as to determine and verify the denomination of bills in the cassette


18


. As shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4

, such elements may comprise openings


66


in the cassette


18


, which are adapted to be positioned and sized so as to enable observation of the denomination of the paper tokens


12


while preventing pulling of the paper tokens


12


out of the cassette


18


. Alternatively, for example, the cassette


18


may be color coded, with a color which represents the denomination of bills contained therein, such as, by way of example only, red for 5s, green for 20s, or black for 100s. Also, the cassette


18


may be manually labeled with any type of indicia such as a number or a bar code.




As depicted in

FIG. 8

, the cassette


18


further includes an escrow area


68


to which rejected paper tokens


12


, such as bills stuck together or damaged bills, may be diverted and stored. As shown in

FIGS. 6

,


8


and


9


, in accordance with the present invention, the cassette


18


further includes a mechanism


70


for actuating diverters


72


for diverting rejected paper tokens


12


to the escrow area


68


. The mechanism


70


comprises a solenoid actuated diverter.




For the cassette


18


and the hopper


16


to be operational, the denomination value of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


is monitored under the operational control of the software, such that only a cassette


18


with a denomination value matched with a hopper


16


will be able to operate. If there is a mismatch, the hopper


16


will be disabled. In another system (not shown) for monitoring the matching of the denomination value of the paper tokens


12


, the cassette


18


may include a series of holes in the back wall thereof, and the hopper


16


may include a matching series of pins in the back wall thereof, which line up with the holes in the cassette


18


. The pattern of pins in the hopper


16


must match the pattern of-holes in the cassette


18


to enable the cassette


18


to be properly inserted in the hopper


16


. If there is no matching hole in the cassette


18


for a pin in the hopper


16


, the cassette


18


will not be able to be fully inserted into the hopper


16


. Alternatively, the pins and the holes may be on separate metal plates adapted to be attached to the hopper


16


and the cassette


18


, which would enable convenient and efficient changes in the denomination value for the cassette


18


and the hopper


16


.




In the present invention, as shown particularly in

FIG. 8

, the hopper


16


and the cassette


18


further include a plurality of sensors for sensing various functions in the operation of the hopper and the cassette. The plurality of sensors, which may comprise, for example, optical sensors, include a sensor


74


proximate the beginning of the payout path


42


, for sensing that a paper token


12


is in the cassette transport mechanism


40


and out of the cassette


18


. The sensors


76


comprise optical detectors which measure the optical transmission characteristics of the paper token


12


to determine if it constitutes more than one paper token


12


or a damaged paper token


12


. If so, the sensors


76


send a signal which activates the diverter actuating mechanism


70


and the diverters


72


to divert the selected paper token


12


into the escrow section


68


. A sensor


78


senses that a paper token


12


has reached proximate the middle of the hopper


16


. The sensors


80


proximate the end of the payout path


42


sense that a paper token


12


has reached the end of the hopper


16


, that is, it projects through the slot


36


, and also detects when a player has removed the paper token


12


therefrom. In addition, sensors are mounted on elements for flagging the condition of the motors


56


and


58


, as shown in FIG.


7


. For instance, the sensors monitor whether the motors


56


and


58


are running, the length of time the motors


56


and


58


have been running, and whether the motors


56


and


58


are running slowly, which also enables the sensors to measure the length of the payout tokens


12


being dispensed.




In accordance with the present invention, a sensor


84


projects an optical beam across and diagonal to the paper tokens


12


stored in the cassette


18


, to determine when the cassette


18


is empty. This is accomplished such that the optical beam projected by sensor


84


is not detected by the sensor


86


until the paper tokens


12


stored in the cassette


18


are depleted. The sensor


86


is also used to detect a “low condition” of the paper tokens


12


stored in the cassette


18


. This occurs as more of the optical beam projected by sensor


84


is received by sensor


86


as the paper tokens


12


are dispensed from the cassette


18


.




As shown in

FIG. 9

, a mechanical flag may be connected to and operable with a tray


88


which supports the paper tokens


12


. The tray


88


is biased by a spring


90


to be movable upwardly as the paper tokens


12


are dispensed, and activates a sensor upon low condition of the paper tokens to indicate such condition. Signal states in the system


10


are adapted such that a failed or disconnected sensor will result in a “tilt” or non-operational condition.




In accordance with the present invention, as shown in

FIG. 8

, the cassette


18


further includes a memory device


94


which is adapted to connect with a mating connection (not shown) in the hopper


16


upon installing the cassette


18


in the hopper


16


. The memory device


94


may be located on the cassette


18


at a location where electrical connection to the hopper


16


may be effected by sliding the cassette


18


into the hopper


16


, such as for example in the back of the cassette


18


. The mating hopper connector may comprise, for example, three pin connectors projecting from a plate in the back of the hopper


16


. The memory device


94


is adapted to store data for general purposes including game operations and casino accounting. The memory device


94


may comprise, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a button cell, for example a button interface referred to as the 128 byte version of button memory which is supplied by MacSena, Inc. of Bend, Oreg., which has one connection for both signal and power, a battery—backed RAM, or an EEPROM, which may be connected by conventional connectors, for enabling information to be stored in memory therein.




Game operations and accounting information adapted to be stored in the memory device


94


include, for example: (1) an identifier for each particular cassette


18


; (2) an identifier for each particular gaming machine


14


in which a cassette


18


may be installed; (3) the number of the paper tokens


12


that have been diverted to the escrow area


68


; (4) the denomination of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


; (5) the number of the paper tokens


12


loaded in the cassette


18


; (6) the number of the paper tokens


12


dispensed by the hopper


16


, such number being incremented each time a paper token


12


is dispensed by the hopper


16


; (7) the number of the paper tokens


12


dispensed by the hopper


16


during a non-payout of the paper tokens


12


, such as during testing and maintenance of the gaming machine


14


; (8) the date and time of installation of the hopper


16


in a gaming machine


14


; (9) the date and time of filling the cassette


18


with the paper tokens


12


; (10) an identifier, particular to each person authorized to access the hopper


16


or the cassette


18


, to show the person last accessing the cassette


18


; and (11) a data integrity check for insuring the integrity of the stored information. In addition, an element for indicating that the memory device


94


is being used and is valid may be provided by a value stored in a particular memory location.




In particular and in accordance with the present invention, data adapted to be stored in the memory of the memory device


94


includes an identifier for the cassette


18


, which, once assigned, for example, may be permanent, such as date stored in a ROM, or which may be a value stored in RAM that, once set, would be expected not to be changed. This cassette identifier is assigned by a docking station (not shown). Also stored in the memory device


94


is the identifier for the gaming machine


14


and the date and time of installation of the cassette


18


into the hopper


16


. This identifies the gaming machine


14


in which the cassette


18


is first installed after being filled with the paper tokens


12


. The date and time of installation of the cassette


18


may be downloaded to the gaming machine


14


from the central monitoring system to insure a synchronized date and time. The memory device


94


also stores the denomination of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, the fill count and a fill date for the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, and when each cassette


18


is refilled. In addition the memory device


94


maintains a count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed from the cassette


18


, a count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed from the cassette


18


during testing, a count of the paper tokens


12


in the escrow area


68


(reflecting the number of the paper tokens


12


rejected by the hopper


16


) and the values of a cyclic redundancy check (an error detection method involving the division of a data stream by a polynomial, reset at fill time and kept current according to the activity of the cassette


18


in the hopper


16


of the gaming machine


14


).




The gaming machine


14


may further include a memory element for storing information therein. In accordance with the present invention such information may comprise, for example, the denomination of the paper tokens


12


to be installed in the gaming machine


14


. The gaming machine


14


may also include an element for comparing the denomination of the paper tokens


12


in the memory device


94


of the cassette


18


with the denomination of the paper tokens


12


stored in the memory element in the gaming machine


14


. Should a mismatch be detected, a signal is sent to alert casino personnel. The gaming machine


14


may further include an element for inhibiting operation thereof when the comparing element determines that the denomination of the paper tokens


12


stored in the memory device


94


of the cassette


18


and in the memory element in the gaming machine


14


do not match. The gaming machine


14


may also include an element therein for generating a running count of the paper tokens


12


remaining in the cassette


18


, and a visual indicator thereon for indicating that the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


are at or below a preset level responsive to the running count generated. There is also a message sending device therein for sending a message to a central monitoring system to the same effect. Moreover, the gaming machine


14


may include an element for checking the operability of the hopper


16


upon installation of the hopper


16


into the gaming machine


14


. The gaming machine


14


may also include an element for generating an alarm if an unauthorized person is found installing or removing the hopper


16


.




In the present invention, in a system


10


which includes a central monitoring system, wherein each gaming machine


14


may include a device for communicating with the central monitoring system. The communicating device may be adapted to send a signal or message to the central monitoring system relating to a security or accounting function of the gaming machine


14


. The message may comprise, for example: the unique identifiers of the cassette


18


and the gaming machine


14


in which the cassette


18


is installed; that the hopper


16


is about to dispense a paper token


12


, that a paper token has or has not been dispensed or in the alternative, the number of paper tokens


12


to be dispensed by the hopper


16


for each payout; that the hopper


16


has been installed or removed from the gaming machine


14


; that the cassette


16


continued to dispense the paper tokens


12


to a player after paying out to the player the appropriate number of the paper tokens


12


that should have been dispensed in a payout; or that the hopper


16


has been prevented from dispensing a paper token. After sending a message to the central monitoring system that a payout of the paper token


12


is to start, the hopper


16


may further include an element for delaying the payout of a paper token


12


for a period of time, such as about one second, for the central monitoring system to decide upon and take any action which is necessary. Also, the central monitoring system may include a device for communicating with each of the plurality of gaming machines


14


, for providing instructions thereto.




In particular, messages are sent, in accordance with the present invention, wherein the house protocol for the gaming machine


14


regarding the memory in the memory device


94


is such that the gaming machine will determine the status of the memory in the memory device


94


and will communicate that information by sending messages to the house accounting system using standard protocols. A message is sent when a cassette


18


is inserted into the hopper


16


in the gaming machine


14


, and the memory in the memory device


94


is verified. A message is also sent at the start of the operation of dispensing a paper token


12


, when the motor is first turned on for a payout, or when an attendant pay is required, including attempts to dispense a paper token


12


during testing. A message is also sent when the gaming machine


14


detects that the cassette


18


has been removed. A message is sent whenever a paper token


12


is presented to the player or operator, having been successfully dispensed. A message is sent whenever the gaming machine


14


determines that the cassette


18


does not have any more paper tokens


12


, that is, when the internally calculated count of the remaining paper tokens is zero. A message is also sent when a cassette


18


is inserted into the hopper


16


in the gaming machine


14


, and the cyclic redundancy check of the cassette


16


does not match the cyclic redundancy check calculated by the gaming machine


14


. A message is sent whenever the gaming machine


14


determines that the hopper


16


is running after it should have been shut off, in that the dispensed signal continues to appear or appears without cause, which results in the lockup condition for the gaming machine


14


. A message is sent when the gaming machine


14


detects a loss of the signal that the hopper


16


is present. A message is sent when a cassette


18


is inserted into the hopper


16


in the gaming machine


14


and the docking station flag is set, and the identifier of the gaming machine


14


in the cassette is not zero and does not match the identifier of the gaming machine


14


. A message is sent when the gaming machine


14


determines that a paper token


12


is jammed or misfeeding, thereby preventing the hopper


16


from dispensing paper tokens


12


, in that the dispensed signal stays active, whereupon the hopper


16


is disabled. A message is sent whenever the gaming machine


14


detects a signal from the hopper


16


that a paper token


12


is rejected. A message is sent when a paper token


12


is dispensed and the gaming machine


14


determines that the number of paper tokens


12


left in the cassette


18


is equal to the low limit for paper tokens


12


, or the gaming machine


14


determines that the number of paper tokens


12


left in the cassette


18


is equal to or less than the low limit for paper tokens


12


. A message is sent in response to a “meter request” message from the host, and, in the case where the memory in the memory device


94


is not addressable at the time of the meter request, all data in this field will be returned as zero. A message is sent when a cassette


18


is inserted into the hopper


16


in the gaming machine


14


and the denomination in the gaming machine


14


of paper tokens


12


does not match the denomination set in the cassette


18


based on the logic defined for docking station operation. If the hopper


16


has bills or script, a jammed or empty message is sent, and the gaming machine


14


continues operation by attempting to pay the remaining payout from a coin hopper. If the hopper


16


has coupons, if a jam or empty occurs, a message is sent and the operation of the gaming machine


14


is halted until the hopper


16


is filled or unjammed. This is so since the gaming machine


14


does not know the value of the coupon, and therefore must stop operation and award the player the coupon.




In accordance with the present invention, other messages may also be sent from the central system to the gaming machine


14


. A message may be sent by the house system to disable the hopper


16


or to re-enable it remotely when it is otherwise operational. A message may be sent whenever the house system wants the values stored in the memory in the memory device


94


, which information can be requested for periodic monitoring, house-to-game reconciliation, or to confirm a previously sent error message.




The system


10


of the present invention may further include devices for monitoring security and accounting functions of the gaming machines


14


, in response to signals or messages received from the gaming machine


14


. The monitoring devices may include for example, videocameras focused on the gaming machine, monitoring the gaming machine


14


, for example, when a message has not been received from the gaming machine


14


that a paper token


12


has been dispensed within a specified period of time after receipt of a message from the gaming machine


14


that dispensing of a paper token


12


is about to begin; when the cassette


18


does not have any paper tokens


12


remaining therein; when the actual dispensing of the paper tokens


12


from the gaming machine


14


(for visually counting the amount of paper tokens


12


dispensed in a payout); the installation and removal of the hopper


16


relative to the gaming machine


14


; or the installation and removal of the cassette


18


relative to the hopper


16


.




In accordance with the present invention, the system


10


is adapted to support either a docking station mode of operation or a non-docking station mode of operation. In a docking station mode of operation, the system


10


includes a station


96


for docking the cassette


18


, and the docking station


96


and the gaming machine


14


are adapted to read data from and write data to the memory in the memory device


94


of the cassette


18


. In a non-docking station mode of operation, the system


10


does not include a docking station


96


, and the gaming machine


14


is adapted to enable a casino operator to initially obtain data from the memory in the memory device


94


of the cassette


18


, and enter data in the gaming machine


14


, and to subsequently obtain data from the gaming machine


14


.




Initially, a docking station flag, comprising a value to indicate whether the system


10


does or does not include a docking station


96


, is set in the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


. The docking station flag, for example, may comprise a value of zero as a default value to indicate that the system


10


does not include a docking station


96


, or a value of one to indicate that the system


10


does include a docking station


96


.




As shown in

FIG. 10

, in a docking station mode of operation, the docking station


96


may comprise for example a computer


98


or the like, such as a desktop or laptop personal computer, and a housing


100


into which the cassette


18


may be inserted, which housing


100


is connected to the computer


98


. The docking station


96


is is adapted to read data from and write data to the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


, for initializing the cassette


18


and for casino accounting purposes.




The docking station


96


provides the initialization, reconciliation, and filling or refilling functions required to account for the monetary value passing through the hopper


16


. Further, in the docking station


96


, the system software and memory interface are defined to operate to allow setup, to clear memory, to reload meters after extraction of memory from the gaming machine


14


, and to initialize house accounting for fills and refills. All data written to the memory of the memory device


94


implies that the value of the cyclic redundancy check in the cassette


18


is also updated correctly.




In the docking station mode of operation, the memory in the memory device


94


may be initialized the first time the cassette


18


is connected to the docking station


96


, by loading the unique identifier for the cassette


18


into the memory device


94


. The memory in the memory device


94


may then be cleared of any other data therein including the denomination value of bills, the quantity of bills, and the date and time of filling. The operator may then fill the cassette


18


with paper tokens


12


, for example loading in 400 twenty dollar bills. Then, the operator may program the values into the memory in the memory device


94


in cassette


18


at the docking station


96


terminal, including the denomination value of the bills which is twenty dollar bills, the quantity of bills which is 400, and the date and time of filling. All other memories are cleared out, except a cyclic redundancy check which is updated.




The cassette


18


may then be removed from the docking station


96


, installed in a hopper


16


, and then installed in a gaming machine


14


. When the cassette


18


is inserted into a gaming machine


14


, a game cassette memory communication interface is established. The gaming machine


14


then verifies the memory in the memory device


94


by reading all the data in the memory and verifying the cyclic redundancy check value. If the cyclic redundancy check value is found to be invalid, the gaming machine


14


sends an error message to the host and disables further operations of the hopper


16


. Otherwise, the installation process continues.




The gaming machine


14


then reads the docking station flag from the memory device. If the docking station flag is set to indicate that the system


10


does include a docking station


96


, the gaming machine


14


will support the operation of the memory device


94


. The identifier of the gaming machine


14


is then read from the memory in the memory device


94


. If the value of the identifier is zero, the identifier of the gaming machine


14


is written to the memory device


94


when the cassette


18


is accepted by the gaming machine


14


. If the value of the identifier is equal to the identifier of the gaming machine


14


, the gaming machine continues the acceptance process. If the value of the identifier is not zero and is not equal to the identifier of the gaming machine


14


, the cassette


18


is not accepted by the gaming machine. This will cause the hopper


16


to be disabled and an error message will be sent to the host. The gaming machine


14


also reads the denomination of the paper tokens


12


from the memory of the memory device


94


. If the denomination of the paper tokens


12


does not match the denomination set in the gaming machine


14


, an error message of a denomination mismatch is sent to the central system, and the hopper


16


is disabled. If the docking station flag is set, the identifier for the gaming machine


14


is zero, and if the cyclic redundancy check is valid, the identifier of the gaming machine


14


and the date of installation of the cassette


18


are written to the memory of the memory device


94


. In addition, the fill count of the paper tokens


12


is transferred to the gaming machine


14


, and the gaming machine image of the memory device


94


is verified.




After installation and verification of the cassette


18


in the gaming machine


14


, play of the game may proceed. Then, each time an event takes place in the gaming machine


14


which relates to the paper tokens


12


, an appropriate meter in the gaming machine


14


is incremented, and a value is written in the memory of the memory device


94


. If a player wins the game, the gaming machine


14


dispenses the payout of the paper tokens


12


, and loads in its internal counters, and writes in the memory device


94


, the value of the count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed. If there is a double feed of the paper tokens


12


, that is detected, the double-fed paper coupons


12


are diverted into the escrow area


68


, and the gaming machine


14


increments the count of the paper tokens


12


in the escrow area by the default value of two, decrements the count of the paper tokens


12


remaining in the cassette


18


by the default value of two, and the value is written in the memory device


94


. If a test is run to diagnose any problems in the gaming machine


14


, the count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed during testing is updated, and the value is written in the memory device


94


. If the count of the paper tokens


12


remaining is below a set number, such as twenty, the gaming machine


14


sends a message to the central system that the paper tokens


12


are low. Then the cassette


18


in the gaming machine


14


is removed, a new cassette


18


filled with the paper tokens


12


is installed in the gaming machine


14


, and the process in the gaming machine


14


starts over again.




The removed cassette


18


is then taken to the count room in the casino, and plugged into the docking station


96


. The docking station


96


then reads the values in the memory device


94


and writes and stores them in the docking station


96


, including the number of bills dispensed, the number of bills in escrow, the number of bills remaining, and the number of bills dispensed in test mode, and displays for the operator the number of bills which should be left in the cassette


18


. The operator may then open up the cassette


18


, take out the bills and count them. If everything matches, the count is reconciled.




In particular, in the docking station mode, the clearing of all memory in the memory device


94


is a one-time procedure performed with a password protected program. The docking station


96


will write and read appropriate values to each memory location in the memory device


94


to verify acceptable memory operation. A memory test failure will be alerted to the operator. If the memory test is successful, the user will be prompted to set the identifier of the cassette


18


. In addition, the current date and time, to the minute, is required to designate the fill date for the cassette


18


. Also, the docking station


96


flag for the cassette


18


will be set; the remaining values of the memory in the memory device


94


will be set to a pre-selected value such as zero which indicates the memory is cleared or inactive; and the calculated value of the cyclic redundancy check will be written.




The docking station


96


displays all values read from the memory of the memory device


94


. The user will be given an opportunity to enter actual quantity or values of paper tokens


12


physically counted to the reconciliation data record, under the security of password protection. The user will also be prompted to store the data to hard disk and/or to print the statistics as they are presented. A reconciliation record will be created and appended to a reconciliation file for use with a spreadsheet or database reporting system. The user will be prompted to send the reconciled data to the host accounting system. The simultaneous downloading and reconciliation of multiple memories of memory devices


94


will also be provided.




The docking station


96


will then present a display screen to allow the operator to set the appropriate values in the memory device


94


when the cassette


18


is filled or refilled. The user is prompted for the denomination and fill count of the paper tokens


12


and the default values are read. The docking station


96


then writes fill count, denomination, and fill date/time of paper tokens


12


; clears the identifier of the gaming machine


14


, the install date, and all other counts; sets the docking station used flag; and calculates and writes the cyclic redundancy check. In addition, meter reads require the user to verify the actual count of the paper tokens


12


left in the cassette


18


, and the actual count of the paper tokens


12


in the escrow area


68


. Any discrepancies in the reconciliation will be documented by the docking station


96


and accompanied by a date and time stamp and user entry.




At the docking station


96


user interface, the functions available to the operator include clearing the memory, a password secured function, which includes verifying the memory; initializing the identifier of the cassette


18


, with a prompted default of the previous identifier read; initializing the fill date of the cassette


18


with the current date and time; setting the docking station used flag for the cassette


18


; zeroing the remaining memory storage automatically; and writing the cyclic redundancy check. Another function is the “meter read”, including reading the meters; prompting for verification of the actual counts of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, the paper tokens


12


in the escrow area


68


, and recording the discrepancies in meter counts versus actual counts of the paper tokens


12


and the time stamp; prompting the user to store and/or print a report of the statistics; prompting the user to send data to the central accounting system; and permitting simultaneous downloading and reconciliation of multiple memories. Another function is fill or refill, including providing the ability to do the meter read function; prompting the user for the fill count and denomination count, with a default of the prior read; writing the fill count and denomination of the paper tokens


12


; automatically writing the fill date and time for the cassette


18


; zeroing the identifier for the gaming machine


14


, the installation date, and all other counts; setting the docking station used flag; and calculating and writing the cyclic redundancy check.




In the present invention, the docking station


96


also validates all data before it is communicated to the central system, including reconciling memory data with the house system. The docking station


96


sends messages to the central system, including a message sent when a new cassette


18


is being initialized and a new identifier for the cassette


18


is required—used when all identifiers for the cassettes


18


are generated by the house system. Similarly, the house system sends messages to the docking station


96


, including a message sent in response to a message requesting an identifier for the cassette


18


, which returns a new identifier to be assigned to a new cassette


18


.




In a non-docking station mode of operation, the system


10


does not include a docking station, and each gaming machine


14


is adapted to enable a casino operator to initially obtain data from the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


, and to enter the data in the gaming machine


14


upon installation of the cassette


18


in the gaming machine


14


, and to subsequently obtain data from the meters in the gaming machine


14


at the time of removal of the cassette


18


from the gaming machine


14


.




Initially, the denomination of the paper tokens


12


to be inserted in the gaming machine


14


is requested and displayed to the casino operator for either acceptance thereof or alteration, in a one-time setting that is performed only when the gaming


14


is installed and set up for the first time. Once accepted, operation continues




Upon installation of a cassette


18


in a gaming machine


14


, the gaming machine


14


is adapted to read the value of the docking station flag in the cassette


18


. If the docking station flag indicates that the system


10


does not include a docking station


96


, the gaming machine


14


does not read data from or write data to the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


. A casino operator, may then obtain the data from the memory device


94


relating to the paper tokens


12


which have been inserted upon filling of the cassette


18


and enter the data in the gaming machine


14


. The data adapted to be entered in the gaming machine


14


includes the denomination of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, and the quantity of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


.




After installation and verification in the gaming machine


14


of the cassette


18


, play of the game may proceed. Each time an event then takes place in the gaming machine


14


relating to the paper tokens


12


, an appropriate meter is incremented in the gaming machine


14


.




When the cassette


18


is to be removed from the gaming machine


14


and replaced by a new cassette


18


filled with the paper tokens


12


, a casino operator may then obtain access to the meters in the gaming machine


14


, to obtain the information from the incremented meters regarding the status of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, through an appropriate access-enabling device. The access-enabling device may comprise, for example, referring to

FIG. 1

, a touch screen keypad (not shown) in the display


24


for a casino-type video game, or the push buttons


25


for a slot machine. The information obtained by the operator from the incremented meters includes the count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed, the count of the paper tokens


12


in the escrow area


68


, and the count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed during testing. In systems


10


wherein the gaming machines


14


are connected to a central system, this information may be sent in real time to the central system. In systems


10


which wherein the gaming machines


14


are not connected to a central system, this information may be recorded by the operator, and the number of paper tokens


12


which should be left in the cassette


18


may be determined therefrom. The cassette


18


may then be removed by the operator, and the operator may then open up the cassette


18


or take the cassette


18


to the count room in the casino, and take out the bills and count them. If everything matches, the count is reconciled.




Referring now more particularly to

FIGS. 11-16

of the drawings, the application of the system


10


, in accordance with the present invention, and as previously shown in

FIGS. 1-9

, to achieve secure, reliable, and convenient dispensing, containing, and monitoring of paper tokens


12


in a gaming machine


14


through the payout controlling software is described. The payout controlling software comprehensively controls the operations of the payout of the paper tokens


12


. The operations of the payout of the paper tokens


12


which may be controlled by the payout controlling software may include, by way of example only, the setup, reset, testing, maintenance, startup, payment, and monitoring operations thereof.




As shown in

FIG. 11

, upon initial machine installation, in a one-time process that is only performed on machine installation, one-time settable values and parameters are set under the control of the payout controlling software. At step


96


the system


10


will startup and complete clearing of memory in the memory device


94


. The system


10


will then determine if a hopper


16


is present, at step


98


. If the hopper


16


is not determined to be present, at step


98


, the system


10


immediately exits at step


108


. If, on the other hand, the hopper


16


is present, the operator will be prompted at step


100


to set options for the gaming machine


14


and the dispensing means for the game identifier, the denomination of the paper tokens


12


and the fill count in the hopper


16


. At step


102


the memory of the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


will be verified. If the memory of the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


is found to be invalid at step


104


, the hopper


16


will be considered to be inoperative at step


106


, the proper messages will be sent to the host system when connected, and the routine exits at step


108


. If the memory is found to be valid, however, at step


104


, operation will continue at step


110


.




At step


110


, the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


will be checked to determine which logic support path to use for continued operation of the hopper


16


. If the game determines that it will not use the memory device


94


, support logic for the system


10


other than the docking station, which comprises the non-docking station, will be set and administered at step


112


, and the routine exits at step


108


. If the game determines that it will use the memory, docking station support logic will be set and administered at step


114


. The game will download the memory and verify its options accordingly at step


116


, and the routine exits at step


108


.




Referring now to

FIG. 12

, for system reset at step


118


, the memory in the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


will be verified under the control of the payout controlling software at step


120


and, if found valid, at step


122


operation will continue. If the memory is found to be invalid at step


122


, the hopper


16


will be considered to be inoperative at step


124


, the hopper messages will be sent to the host system, a local “tilt” message will be displayed at the gaming machine


14


, and the routine exits at step


126


. If, however, the insertion of the cassette


18


is detected at step


128


, for docking station support, the gaming machine


14


will automatically obtain the fill count of the hopper


16


from the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


at step


130


. For non-docking station support, the operator will be prompted to set the fill amount at step


132


, with a default of no change, and to change the count of paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


at step


134


, with a default of no change.




As shown in

FIG. 13

, for non-game operations, such as testing and maintenance, a diagnostic function will be provided under the control of the payout controlling software at step


136


to test the hopper


16


by completely dispensing a single paper token


12


at step


138


. If the game senses proper operation, it will display “pass” or “fail” accordingly.




If it displays “pass”, the game will treat this as a bill out test at step


142


, incrementing the game test meter for the paper tokens


12


and the count of paper tokens


12


dispensed from the cassette


18


. Furthermore, if the docking station support is set, the system decrements the game count of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, and increments the other meters and sends signals as needed, and continues the routine at step


144


to start the meter display at step


146


, and to present meters at step


148


to monitor all of the related signals. It will be appreciated that a metering group displays the game meters. The routine will then continue at step


150


, to start an input test at step


152


. The current status of the input signals for the hopper


16


, will be displayable at step


154


, such as that the hopper is installed, the cassette


18


is installed, the cassette


18


is empty, the motor is on, a paper token


12


is at the end of the payout path, and/or a paper token


12


is rejected. The routine then continues at step


156


. If the game displays “fail” at step


140


, the hopper


16


will be set as inoperative in step


158


, and the routine continues at step


144


.




As illustrated in

FIG. 14

, after a win or collect lockup evaluation has been completed, when a direct payout of a win in paper tokens


12


occurs, the payout starts under the control of the payout controlling software at step


160


. If the paper tokens


12


dispensed are coupons, as determined at step


162


, if the payment is not a collect from a credit meter, as determined at step


164


, and if the win warrants a coupon as determined at step


166


, then a coupon is dispensed at step


168


, error messages are properly supported and host messages are sent accordingly, any remaining payout is paid in coins, at step


170


, and pay is complete, at step


172


. If the payment is a collect from a credit meter, as determined at step


164


, then any remaining payout is paid in coins, at step


170


, and pay is complete, at step


172


. If the win does not warrant a coupon, as determined at step


166


, any remaining payout is paid in coins, at step


170


, and pay is complete at step


172


. If, on the other hand, the paper tokens


12


dispensed are not coupons but are instead bills, as determined at step


162


, the number of bills to be dispensed is calculated at step


174


. If no attendant assisted payment is required as determined at step


176


, then whether the payout is over the bill limit is determined at step


178


, and, if not, the required payment of bills begins at step


180


. If an attendant assisted payout is required, as determined at step


176


, then the attendant assisted payout and value are displayed at step


182


, jackpot music is started at step


184


, and a game timer “tower” lamp is set. Then a message is sent to the central system notifying that attendant assisted payment is required, and the value owed to the player is presented in credits along with an annotation that an attendant assisted payout is required, an audit keyswitch is then activated at step


186


.




Once the keyswitch is activated, at step


186


, whether the payout is by handpay is then determined at step


188


. When handpay is required, as determined at step


188


, the handpay is accounted for, at step


190


, and pay is complete at step


172


. When no handpay is required, as determined at step


188


, and when payment begins at step


180


, the payout sounds are started, at step


192


, and the game tower lamp is cleared. The paid amount is then displayed, incremented by the value of the paper tokens


12


in credits as the paper tokens


12


are taken from the hopper


16


, and the paper tokens


12


are dispensed at step


194


until the required number of bills have been dispensed. The appropriate paper tokens


12


meters are updated, such as paper tokens dispensed, paper tokens value dispensed, and paper tokens rejected. The count of the paper tokens


12


is updated in the cassette


18


, and if no errors have occurred such as a misfeed, jam, or insufficient paper tokens


12


, as determined at step


196


, any remaining payout is paid in coins, at step


170


, and payment is completed at step


172


.




If an error has occurred, as determined at step


196


, the game tower lamp is set to “tilt”, a message is sent to the central system, and it will be determined at step


198


whether handpay is required. If there is to be no handpay, as determined at step


198


, the game will return to a coin payout mode at step


170


, evaluating the payout for regular lockup conditions. If the hopper


16


lockup is not set or is evaluated to be inactive, the paper tokens


12


are dispensed until the required number of paper tokens


12


have been dispensed, or an error occurs, such as a misfeed or jam, or there are insufficient paper tokens


12


. The appropriate meters are updated, including paper tokens dispensed, the value of paper tokens dispensed, and paper tokens rejected, and the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


are counted. The remaining amount of money is paid out in coins at step


170


, and pay is complete at step


172


. If handpay is required, as determined at step


198


, proper accounting will be performed at step


190


, and the game will return to a pay completed and game over state at step


172


.




Referring to

FIG. 15

, upon beginning the operation of dispensing paper tokens


12


, at step


200


, an initial signal will be sent under the control of the payout controlling software comprising a “begin dispensing” signal at step


202


sent to the hopper


16


, and a message that the dispensing of the paper tokens


12


is beginning is sent at step


204


to the central system, when the motor is first turned on during a payout session. If a signal is received at step


206


of paper tokens


12


which are rejected, for example such as a double feed, the count in the meters will be adjusted at step


208


, including the count of paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


which will be decreased by two. The counts for the game paper tokens rejected meter, the cassette paper tokens dispensed, and cassette paper tokens escrowed, will be increased by two. Whether there are bills remaining to dispense is then determined at step


210


. If there are bills remaining, dispensing will continue at step


212


; if not, the game will send a “stop dispensing” signal to the hopper


16


at step


214


, and coinpay will begin at step


216


. If there is no double feed, as determined at step


206


, whether there is a jam will be determined at step


218


. If there is a jam, as determined at step


218


, that is, the jam timer expires, the game will send a “jammed paper tokens” error message at step


220


, an error notification signal will be invoked, and a game tower light “tilt” indication will be activated. If there is no jam, as determined at step


218


, whether there are bills remaining to be dispensed is determined at step


210


. If so, dispensing will continue at step


212


; if not, a “stop dispensing” signal will be sent by the game to the hopper


16


at step


214


, and coin payout will begin at step


216


.




For each paper token


12


that is dispensed, at step


222


, the metering presentation shall appear like that of a payout from a coin hopper, except that the amounts shall increase by the value of the paper token dispensed, at step


224


. A signal will be returned at step


226


to the main program and a message will be sent to the central system indicating that a paper token


12


has been dispensed. The meters for game paper tokens


12


to pay and game paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


will be decremented, whereas the counts for the game paper tokens


12


dispensed and the paper tokens


12


dispensed from the cassette


18


will be incremented. The meter for the game value dispensed will also be increased by the value of the paper tokens


12


dispensed. If the last paper token


12


has been dispensed, as determined at step


228


, a “stop” signal will be sent to the hopper


16


, at step


214


; otherwise dispensing will continue at step


212


. If there are no paper tokens


12


remaining to dispense, a “stop dispensing” signal is sent to hopper


16


, at step


214


, and coin payment begins at step


216


.




As shown in

FIG. 16

, monitoring of conditions and responses at step


230


includes determining at step


232


under the control of the payout controlling software whether the count of paper tokens


12


remaining in the cassette


18


has dropped to a preset value, such as


50


, whereupon a “cassette low” message will be generated at step


234


, and monitoring will continue at step


236


. If the count of paper tokens


12


left in the cassette


18


is zero as determined in step


238


, a “cassette empty” message will be generated at step


240


. If the payout is in coupons, at step


242


, the game is flagged to be disabled when the next coupon is won, at step


244


, and monitoring continues at step


236


. If the payment is not in coupons, at step


242


, the hopper


16


will be disabled at step


246


, with monitoring continuing at step


236


. If the count of paper tokens


12


left in the cassette


18


is zero at step


238


, and if the paper tokens


12


are paper money, all further payments will be made in coins if the remaining amount of payout is less than the lockup level of the hopper. If the further payment amount is more than the lockup level of the coin hopper, an attendant pay “tilt” will be declared. If a paper token


12


is not dispensed within a set period of time, such as three seconds, as determined at step


248


, and as indicated by expiration of the timer for dispensing of paper tokens


12


, a “jammed/misfeed” message will be sent to the host, at step


250


. A “tilt” tower light will then be activated in game machine, the hopper


16


will be disabled, at step


246


, and monitoring will continue at step


236


. If a paper token


12


is not removed from the hopper


16


by the player within a set period of time, such as three seconds, as determined at step


252


, a special sound will be produced to prompt the player at step


254


, and monitoring will continue at step


236


. If the count signal goes low at any unrequested time, as determined at step


256


, a “run on” message will be sent at step


258


, and the total of any paper tokens


12


overpaid and any cassette


18


overpays will be incremented at step


260


. If none of these conditions occurs, monitoring continues at step


236


.




There are functional responsibilities for each system interfacing with the memory device


94


, and protocol is required to implement the cassette


18


with the memory device


94


therein with the hopper


16


and the gaming machine


14


. The timing sequences of operation of the hopper


16


are: a motor-on signal is set high, which starts the hopper


16


, and a jam timer is started; a paper token


12


reaches the end of the hopper, a count signal goes low, the jam timer is cleared, and a player timer is started. If a paper token


12


has not been removed prior to the time the player timer expires, a “paper token waiting” sound is played. A paper token


12


is removed from the hopper


16


, and the count signal goes high. The next paper token


12


starts feeding, the paper token


12


waiting sound is stopped, and the jam timer is started.




If a paper token


12


is rejected, as for example when two paper tokens


12


are stuck together, a reject signal goes high, the rejected paper token


12


is diverted to the escrow area


68


, and the jam timer is cleared. The rejected paper token


12


is in the escrow area, the reject signal goes low, the next paper token


12


starts feeding, and the jam timer is started.




If the hopper


16


is jammed, the jam timer expires, the hopper motor-on signal is set low, and a paper token


12


jammed message is sent. The paper token


12


is removed from the hopper


16


, the count signal goes high, and the player timer is cleared. When all of the paper tokens


12


to be paid out have been dispensed, the hopper motor signal is set low.




If the cassette


18


runs empty, the last paper token leaves the cassette


18


, and the cassette


18


empty signal goes high.




Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, initially, the cassette


18


may be filled with the paper tokens


12


of a particular denomination, and the cassette


18


may then be locked via the keys


64


inserted in the locks


62


so as to seal the cassette


18


, as shown in

FIGS. 4

, and


8


-


9


. The denomination of bills in the cassette


18


may then be stored in the memory element


94


of the cassette


18


, and may be verified visually through the openings


66


in the cassette


18


or by color coding or other indicia on the cassette


18


. The fill level of bills in the cassette


18


may be verified by openings (not shown) in the side of the cassette


18


, such as for example a slot or a series of holes therein. The locked cassette


18


may then be inserted in the compartment


28


in the hopper


16


, and the hopper


16


may then be locked through the keys


32


inserted in the locks


30


, as shown in

FIGS. 2-3

and


5


. The hopper


16


may then be installed in a gaming machine


14


. When the cassette


18


is removed from or replaced in the gaming machine


14


, in non-docking station operation, the operator will be prompted to respond to a query asking if the cassette had been refilled. If no, regular initialization will continue. If yes, another prompt will ask the operator if the value in the fill amount of the number of the paper tokens


12


put into the cassette


18


previously should be used as the refill amount, with the default answer “yes”.




Under software control, upon installation of the hopper


16


in gaming machine, the gaming machine


14


may test the functioning of the hopper


16


, and information relating to the hopper


16


and the cassette


18


may be stored in a memory element in the gaming machine


14


. In particular, in docking station operation, when the cassette


18


is installed in the gaming machine


14


, the gaming machine


14


writes its identifier into the memory device


94


the cassette


18


, and obtains the fill amount and denomination of bills from the memory device


94


in the cassette


18


. The fill amount initializes the count to determine when the cassette


18


is low and empty, and the denomination is to test for a denomination mismatch or token operation. A zero value for the denomination will indicate that there are non-value coupons in the hopper


16


. If the paper token


12


value is selected, it must be equal to or greater than the game's single credit value. If, however, the paper token


12


value selected is less than the game paper token value, the hopper


16


will be disabled.




For non-docking station operations, all parameters, such as fill amount, denomination of bills, and accounting for the cassette


18


, are kept in the gaming machine


14


. The gaming machine


14


will also maintain a set of game meters. The game meters will indicate the current paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


; the number of paper tokens in the escrow area


68


; the number of paper tokens


12


dispensed during testing; the number of the paper tokens


12


actually dispensed, not including testing; and the total value of the paper tokens


12


dispensed, not including testing. The game meters for the count of the paper tokens


12


dispensed and total value of paper tokens


12


dispensed will be cumulative and will not be reset upon a fill of the paper tokens.




For docking station operation, the gaming machine


14


ascertains that the hopper


16


will be operated through use of docking station supported logic, information, and operation. The gaming machine


14


will maintain a set of meters, contained in and updated by the gaming machine


14


, and an image of the memory device


94


model referred to as cassette meters. The game meters for the count of paper tokens


12


dispensed and total value of paper tokens


12


dispensed will be cumulative and will not be reset upon a fill of paper tokens. The count of the paper tokens


12


in the cassette


18


, the paper tokens


12


rejected, and the paper tokens


12


dispensed during testing will be reset upon a fill of paper tokens or upon a new cassette


18


being installed in a gaming machine


14


.




A player may then insert a wager in the wager accepting mechanism


26


in the gaming machine


14


, play the game, and if he or she wins the game, the paper tokens


12


are dispensed through the slot


36


at a location in the gaming machine


14


where the player will be aware of the dispensing thereof.




The paper tokens


12


are transported through the payout path


42


in the cassette


18


and the hopper


16


, for dispensing thereof by the interaction of the cassette transport mechanism


40


and the hopper transport mechanism


38


, as shown in

FIGS. 8-9

. The motors


56


and


58


drive the gears


48


and the rollers


44


in the hopper


16


which engage and drive the gears


54


and the rollers


50


in the cassette


18


to pull a single paper token


12


from the paper tokens on the tray


88


biased upwardly by the spring


90


, and to transport the paper token along the payout path


42


until it projects through the slot


36


, where it awaits removal by the player. Upon removal of a paper token


12


by the player, a further paper token


12


is transported through the payout path


42


so as to project through the slot


36


for removal by the player, until the amount of the payout has been dispensed.




A paper token


12


, while being transported along the payout path


42


through the cassette


18


and the hopper


16


, passes sensors which sense payout status, including the sensor


74


proximate the beginning of the payout path


42


, for sensing that a paper token


12


is in the cassette transport mechanism


40


and out of the cassette


18


. The sensor


78


senses that a paper token


12


has reached the location thereof. The sensors


80


proximate the end of the payout path


42


sense that a paper token


12


has reached the location thereof, that it is projecting through the slot


36


, and that a person has removed the paper token


12


therefrom.




Other sensors in the hopper


16


and the cassette


18


sense conditions relating to operations thereof and the status of the supply of paper tokens


12


. The sensors


82


are mounted on elements for flagging conditions of the motors


56


and


58


, such as that the motors are running, the length of time the motors are running, or that the motors are running slowly, and to measure the length of the bills being dispensed. The sensors


84


project an optical beam across and diagonal to the paper tokens


12


, to sense when the cassette


20


is empty. The sensor


86


is used to detect low condition of the paper tokens


12


. A mechanical flag is connected to and operable with a tray


88


which supports the paper tokens


12


, which tray


88


is biased by a spring


90


to be movable upwardly as the paper tokens are dispensed, and activates a reflective sensor


92


upon low condition of the paper tokens to indicate such condition.




If more than a single paper token


12


, e.g. as when two paper tokens


12


are stuck together, moves along the payout path


42


, this condition is sensed by the sensors


76


, which activate the solenoid actuated diverting mechanism


70


, actuating the diverters


72


to direct such paper tokens into the escrow area


68


for storage therein, as shown in

FIGS. 8-9

.




Security and accounting information relating to the paper tokens


12


, the hopper


16


, and the cassette


18


may then be stored in the memory device


94


. Such stored information includes an identifier for the cassette


18


, different from the identifiers for the other cassettes


18


in the system


10


and an identifier for a gaming machine


14


in which a cassette


18


has been installed, which identifier is different from identifiers for other gaming machines


14


. It further include the number of the paper tokens


12


that have been diverted to the escrow section


68


, the denomination of bills in the cassette


18


, and the number of the paper tokens


12


loaded in the cassette


18


. Also included are the number of the paper tokens


12


dispensed by the hopper


16


, incremented each time a paper token


12


is dispensed by the hopper


16


, and the number of the paper tokens


12


dispensed by the hopper


16


during non-payout of the paper tokens


12


, as during testing and maintenance of the gaming machine


14


. Further included are the date and time of installation of the hopper


16


in a gaming machine


14


and the date and time of filling the cassette


18


with the paper tokens


12


. Also included are an identifier of a person last accessing the cassette


18


, wherein the identifier of each person authorized to have access to the cassette


18


is different from the identifier for each other authorized person, and a data integrity check for insuring the integrity of the stored information.




Messages relating to security and accounting functions of the gaming machine


14


may then be sent by a communicating device in the gaming machine


14


to a central monitoring system, including: the unique identifiers of the cassette


18


and the gaming machine


14


in which the cassette


18


is installed; that the hopper


16


is about to dispense a paper token


12


, adapted to be sent prior to the start of dispensing of a paper token


12


; that a paper token


12


has or has not been dispensed or the number of the paper tokens


12


to be dispensed by the hopper


16


for each payout; that the hopper


16


has been installed or removed from the gaming machine


14


; that the cassette


18


continues to dispense the paper tokens


12


to a player after paying out to the player the number of the paper tokens


12


to be dispensed in a payout; or that the hopper


16


has been prevented from dispensing a paper token


12


.




Monitoring of security and accounting functions of the gaming machine


14


may then be conducted by devices which monitor when a message has not been received from the gaming machine


14


that a paper token


12


has been dispensed, within a period of time after receipt of a message from the gaming machine


14


that dispensing of a paper token


12


is about to start; that the cassette


18


does not have any paper tokens


12


remaining therein; the dispensing of a paper token


12


from the gaming machine


14


; the installation and removal of the hopper


16


relative to the gaming machine


14


; or the installation and removal of the cassette


18


relative to the hopper


16


.




The present invention provides improved systems and methods for dispensing tokens from gaming machines in a secure, verifiable, reliable, and convenient manner, while enhancing player satisfaction and excitement and reducing operating and maintenance costs.




In accordance with the present invention, the system and method provide for the effective dispensing of paper tokens under the control of software, from a securely locked cassette and hopper, wherein the paper tokens are effectively transported therethrough and rejected paper tokens are directed into an escrow area therein, the dispensing takes place in plain view of the player and of the security monitoring system, and the cassette memory device securely stores critical operational, security and accounting information which is communicated to the central system from the gaming machine.




Examples of a preferred form of source code for use in carrying out the above described software and firmware steps in conjunction with the hardware as described above, is included in the microfiche appendix as Appendix A, attached to this application and incorporated herein. Appenndix B attached to this application and incorporated herein comprises a preferred form of the source code for an operating system used in conjunction with the current invention.




It will be apparent from the foregoing that, while particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.



Claims
  • 1. A system for dispensing a payout from a gaming machine which includes means for enabling playing a game of chance, comprising:means for dispensing a payout from a gaming machine in the form of paper tokens, wherein the dispensing means are adapted to be installed in a gaming machine; and software means for interacting with the game play enabling means and for controlling the dispensing means for the payout of the paper tokens responsive to a winning event in the play of the game; and means for containing the paper tokens to be dispensed by the dispensing means, wherein the containing means are adapted to be installed in the dispensing means, and wherein the containing means further comprise means for storing data therein.
  • 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the storing means comprise a memory device which includes memory therein.
  • 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the memory device further includes means for checking the integrity of the data stored in memory therein.
  • 4. The system of claim 2, further comprising means for docking the containing means, adapted to read data from, and write data to, the memory in the memory device in the containing means.
  • 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the data integrity checking means comprise a cyclic redundancy check.
  • 6. The system of claim 4, further comprising means for selecting the paper tokens to be rejected from being dispensed and to be diverted into the escrow area, and means for diverting the rejected paper tokens into the escrow area.
  • 7. A system for dispensing a payout from a gaming machine which includes means for enabling playing a game of chance, comprising:a dispenser adapted to provide a payout from a gaming machine in the form of paper tokens, wherein the dispenser is adapted for use with the gaming machine; and software means for interacting with the game play enabling means and for controlling the dispensing means for the payout of the paper tokens responsive to a winning event in the play of the game; and means for containing the paper tokens to be dispensed by the dispenser, wherein the containing means are adapted to be installed in the dispenser, and wherein the containing means further comprise means for storing data therein.
RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/041,279, filed Mar. 11, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,014,594, issued Jan. 11, 2000.

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