WO1998000818A1 - Compteur a memoire permanente pour machine de jeu - Google Patents

Compteur a memoire permanente pour machine de jeu Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998000818A1
WO1998000818A1 PCT/AU1997/000405 AU9700405W WO9800818A1 WO 1998000818 A1 WO1998000818 A1 WO 1998000818A1 AU 9700405 W AU9700405 W AU 9700405W WO 9800818 A1 WO9800818 A1 WO 9800818A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
gaming machine
controller
machine
volatile memory
meter assembly
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU1997/000405
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Geoffrey Stephen Engel
John Shi Feng Hwang
Original Assignee
Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty. Ltd. filed Critical Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty. Ltd.
Priority to AU31606/97A priority Critical patent/AU3160697A/en
Publication of WO1998000818A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998000818A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to gaming machines of the type generally referred to as slot machines, fruit machines or poker machines, and in particular, the invention provides a hard meter for use in such machines.
  • Gaming or poker machines have been well known in the state of New South Wales for many years, and have more recently gained considerable popularity throughout Australia, with quite substantial amounts wagered on these machines. Such machines have also been popular in various casinos throughout the world for many years. There is a growing tendency for State Governments to legalise the use of gaining machines by licensing operators, with resulting revenue gains through licence fees and taxation of monies invested.
  • the licensed operation of gaining machine is the subject of state legislation and regulation.
  • the regulations almost always dictates a minimum percentage payout for a gaming machine, for example, a minimum of 85% of monies invested must be returned as winnings.
  • a manufacturer of gaming machines must therefore design their machines around these regulatory controls.
  • electro-mechanical hard meters are installed in gaming machines. Gaming machines often include up to eight such meters, one meter may record the number of coins put into the machine. Other meters may record the number of coins paid out, the number of games won, the number of games played, the amount of cancelled credits, the total money in, or the total money out.
  • the meters record such data and other data relating to machine functions as required by the relevant regulations of the State or Country in which the gaming machine is installed. Each item of data relating to a machine function which has to be recorded has its own associated meter. That arrangement enables the gaming machine to be audited to check that the machine is being operated under the guidelines of that particular State or Country and that the correct taxes have been paid for that machine.
  • the meters must be "hard” - ie. they must retain their data when the machine is powered down.
  • the meters comprise electro-mechanical counters which, as is well .known, operate by stepping a series of reels bearing the numbers 0 to 9. To save space, the reels of the electro-mechanical counters commonly used in gaming machines tend to be very small and the size of the figures on the reel can be as small as 1mm.
  • the meters are located inside the housing of the gaining machine, and a torch is usually required to enable an engineer, or the like, to read the meter. The above makes meter reading a time consuming and awkward process, particularly since eight such meters may have to be read.
  • a meter assembly for an electronic gaming machine, including a gaming machine control unit , the meter assembly comprising:- a controller adapted to be operatively connected to the control unit of the gaming machine so as to receive data, including data values related to selected gaming machine functions, from the electronic gaming machine; a non-volatile memory (such as an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), a static random access memory SRAM) coupled to a back-up battery, a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM).
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read only memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • NVRAM non-volatile random access memory
  • Flash memory operatively connected to the controller and adapted to store data supplied by the controller including a data value for selected gaming machine functions and, optionally, an indication of what machine function each stored data value relates to; and a display means operatively connected to the controller for displaying data values stored in the electrically erasable programmable read only memory.
  • the meter assembly of the present invention may be retro-fitted to existing gaming machine to replace the existing electro-mechanical hard meters used in such machines.
  • the present invention also provides a gaining machine incorporating the meter assembly of the present invention.
  • the present invention simplifies the manufacture of the gaming machine since only one meter assembly is required.
  • the memory can store data relating to many different functions of the machine.
  • non-volatile memory may be socketed.
  • the display means is an alpha numeric LCD display. It is preferred that a key-switch is used to enable the display thereby restricting access to the metered data.
  • data value relating to a first machine function say the number of coins inserted into the machine
  • the display After a period of time, typically 5 to 10 seconds, the display then progresses to the next data value, relating to second machine function and so on.
  • a backup battery is provided to power the LCD and controller during this period.
  • the system is arranged so that the back light for the LCD display is not powered by the back-up battery during power down conditions. This arrangement prevents excessive drain on the battery's power, since powering a light uses a lot of energy.
  • the controller may include means for predicting when the back-up battery is low. or about to fail, and displaying a message on the LCD to that effect.
  • a metal enclosure is provided which encloses at least the controller, the enclosure being provided within the body of the electronic gaming machine.
  • Figure 1 shows a gaining machine cabinet
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a metering system embodying the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a slot machine control circuit. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment
  • the illustrated embodiment of the present invention is housed in a conventional slot or gaining machine cabinet 2 including a prize display 4, a coin entry slot 6, a payout tray 8, a game display means 9, and internally mounted game control processor circuits, (refer to Figure 3).
  • the game display means ⁇ comprises a video display screen controlled to display images of the game being played such as cards dealt in a particular hand if the gaming machine is programmed to play a card game such as poker, or simulations of rotating reels if the machine is a "fruit machine"
  • the video screen is preferably of the touch sensitive variety, having an array of touch sensitive areas located on the screen surface.
  • Player controls are implemented by displaying images corresponding to controls on the screen such that when the control images are touched, the associated function is caused to be performed.
  • a controller 10 is operatively connected to receive data from a serial peripheral interface 11 (SPI interface) of a standard gaining machine control processor 12 of an electronic gaming machine EGM.
  • this processor 12 forms part of a gaming machine control unit 30 which drives the display screen 9 and receives touch input signals from the from touch sensors 32 as well as receiving coin input pulses from a coin chute mechanism 33, and driving a coin payout mechanism 34.
  • cash credits may be remotely transferred to and from the gaming machine control unit 30 electronically via an external central credit control unit linked to a number of gaming machines.
  • the controller may receive pulse based data input 13 from a communication link with the control unit 12 of the electronic gaming machine.
  • the controller is powered by a 5 volt power supply 14 from the electronic gaming machine.
  • a back-up battery 16 is provided which can supply electrical power to the controller if the electronic gaming machine is powered down.
  • the controller 10 is connected to an alpha numeric LCD display 18 turned on and off via a key-switch 19, and to an electrically erasable programmable read only memory EEPROM 20.
  • information which would normally be stored on a number of electro-mechanical hard meters is transferred from the control unit 12 electronic gaming machine along the SPI interface 12 to the controller 10.
  • the data is then transferred to the EEPROM 20 from the controller and written serially onto the EEPROM 20.
  • the EEPROM 20 does not require power to maintain data once that data has been written to the EEPROM. therefore even if the power supply to the system fails or is switched off, the information will still be held on the EEPROM 20.
  • the system is therefore as tamper proof as existing electro-mechanical hard meters for gaining machines.
  • the battery 16 is not necessary for maintaining information already written to the EEPROM.
  • An EEPROM has a high, but limited, number of times (approximately
  • the controller also includes means for recording how many times the EEPROM has been serially written so that it can be replaced when necessary.
  • data relating to a metered function of the machine changes eg. a coin is entered into the machine, the reel of the associated dedicated electro-mechanical hard meter must be stepped to record that event.
  • data can be held in the controller for a period of time before it is transferred to the EEPROM.
  • the controller stores the information relating to the ten events and then merely increments the data in the EEPROM relating to the insertion of coins by ten, once only.
  • the system is arranged so that if the electronic gaming machine powers down while there is still information in the controller which needs recording in the EEPROM. the controller is powered by the back-up battery or retains enough power from the electronic gaming machine to transfer that information on the EEPROM and does so, as soon as the electronic gaining machine powers down.
  • the batteiy should ensure that the controller 12 shuts down after the EGM, when the EGM is shut down.
  • the EEPROM also contains a labelling/description of each "meter” as well as the value associated with that meter.
  • the LCD display includes a key switch which is required to enable the display and which thus restricts access to the metered data to authorised keyholders.
  • the information stored relating to the first metered data is presented on the LCD. After a period of time, normally five to ten seconds the display progresses to the next meter's value and so on.
  • the alpha numeric LCD display will show a label or description, which identifies what metered data is being shown (up to eight characters) and a value of up to ten digits for each meter. Hence a twenty by one or sixteen by two LCD display can be used for displaying the metered data.
  • the controller is arranged so that the sequential display process can be accelerated by operating the key switch to the section on off on within a short period, being approximately two seconds. This immediately steps the display to the next meters value.
  • At least the controller 10 is enclosed in a metal enclosure or casing 22. This is necessary to maintain the security of the meter.
  • the system is includes means to detect opening of the metal enclosure by means of a micro switch 24. Opening of the metal enclosure may be detected even when the electronic gaming machine or control unit is powered down. It is preferred that the entire system is housed in a single location this location being the location at which the LCD is to display the metered data.
  • the cabling to the controller and the display consists of a single unbroken cable extending from the electronic gaining machine logic cage which houses the control unit, into the electronic metering system metal enclosure.
  • the controller 10 is housed in a metal enclosure in the body of the electronic gaming machine.
  • a single unbroken cable extends from the electronic gaming machine logic cage into the controller.
  • Another cable extends from the controller to the LCD display 18.
  • the LCD is also housed in a metal container.
  • the hard meter system of the present invention may be retro-fitted to existing electronic gaining machines.
  • the keyswitch may be retro-fitted to the existing machine or alternatively another pole may be added to an existing key-switch on the machine.
  • the present invention provides a system which can replace an array of electromechanical meters which does not have to be stepped in the manner of the reels of electro-mechanical meters, which is easy to read and where values which would normally be stored on a number of different meters can all be displayed on the same display serially.
  • EEPROM electrically erasable programmable read-only memory
  • SRAM static random access memory
  • FRAM ferroelectric random access memory
  • NRAM non-volatile random access memory
  • Flash memory Flash memory

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne une machine de jeu électronique (2) comprenant un système de compteur. Ce système de compteur comprend une unité de commande (10) qui est connectée de manière fonctionnelle afin de recevoir des données (12) provenant de la machine de jeu électronique (2). Ce système comprend également une mémoire ROM (20) programmable et effaçable électroniquement (EEPROM), laquelle est connectée de manière fonctionnelle à l'unité de commande. Ce système comprend enfin un dispositif d'affichage (18) connecté de cette même manière à l'unité de commande (10). Cette invention permet de simplifier la fabrication de la machine de jeu (2) étant donné qu'elle ne fait appel qu'à un seul système de compteur. La mémoire (20) est capable de stocker des données relatives aux nombreuses et diverses fonctions de la machine (2), telles que l'introduction de jetons, la valeur du jackpot, etc. Le dispositif d'affichage consiste en un affichage alphanumérique à cristaux liquides (18), lequel est actionné à l'aide d'un commutateur clé afin de limiter l'accès aux données mesurées (12).
PCT/AU1997/000405 1996-06-27 1997-06-26 Compteur a memoire permanente pour machine de jeu WO1998000818A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU31606/97A AU3160697A (en) 1996-06-27 1997-06-26 Hard meter for gaming machine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AUPO0704 1996-06-27
AUPO0704A AUPO070496A0 (en) 1996-06-27 1996-06-27 Hard meter for gaming machine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998000818A1 true WO1998000818A1 (fr) 1998-01-08

Family

ID=3795020

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/AU1997/000405 WO1998000818A1 (fr) 1996-06-27 1997-06-26 Compteur a memoire permanente pour machine de jeu

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AUPO070496A0 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998000818A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2264877A1 (es) * 2005-02-21 2007-01-16 Universal De Desarrollos Electronicos, S.A. Dispositivo modular para la proteccion de datos.
US7176308B2 (en) 2002-06-17 2007-02-13 Verification Technologies, Inc. Processes for preparing novel methylene blue derivative
US8579705B1 (en) * 1998-06-17 2013-11-12 Eugene Thomas Bond Software verification and authentication

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2739768A1 (de) * 1977-09-03 1979-03-22 Peter Eiba Anzeigevorrichtung insbesondere fuer geldspielgeraete mit gewinnmoeglichkeit
GB2124418A (en) * 1982-05-24 1984-02-15 Coin Controls Monitoring system for gaming machines
AU2594684A (en) * 1983-03-28 1984-10-04 Aruze Corporation Control system for several slot machines
EP0431724A2 (fr) * 1989-12-07 1991-06-12 Snk Corporation Jeu vidéo
DE4028762A1 (de) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-12 Nsm Ag System zur auswertung von daten aus einem muenzbetaetigten geraet
DE4135447A1 (de) * 1991-10-23 1993-04-29 Bally Wulff Automaten Gmbh Verfahren zum betreiben eines geldspielgeraetes
US5386369A (en) * 1993-07-12 1995-01-31 Globetrotter Software Inc. License metering system for software applications
EP0638882A1 (fr) * 1993-08-13 1995-02-15 Maria Cristescu, S.A. Système pour contrôle de paiements et de gains aux machines à sous

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2739768A1 (de) * 1977-09-03 1979-03-22 Peter Eiba Anzeigevorrichtung insbesondere fuer geldspielgeraete mit gewinnmoeglichkeit
GB2124418A (en) * 1982-05-24 1984-02-15 Coin Controls Monitoring system for gaming machines
AU2594684A (en) * 1983-03-28 1984-10-04 Aruze Corporation Control system for several slot machines
EP0431724A2 (fr) * 1989-12-07 1991-06-12 Snk Corporation Jeu vidéo
DE4028762A1 (de) * 1990-09-11 1992-03-12 Nsm Ag System zur auswertung von daten aus einem muenzbetaetigten geraet
DE4135447A1 (de) * 1991-10-23 1993-04-29 Bally Wulff Automaten Gmbh Verfahren zum betreiben eines geldspielgeraetes
US5386369A (en) * 1993-07-12 1995-01-31 Globetrotter Software Inc. License metering system for software applications
EP0638882A1 (fr) * 1993-08-13 1995-02-15 Maria Cristescu, S.A. Système pour contrôle de paiements et de gains aux machines à sous

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8579705B1 (en) * 1998-06-17 2013-11-12 Eugene Thomas Bond Software verification and authentication
US8939834B2 (en) 1998-06-17 2015-01-27 Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited Software verification and authentication
US7176308B2 (en) 2002-06-17 2007-02-13 Verification Technologies, Inc. Processes for preparing novel methylene blue derivative
ES2264877A1 (es) * 2005-02-21 2007-01-16 Universal De Desarrollos Electronicos, S.A. Dispositivo modular para la proteccion de datos.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AUPO070496A0 (en) 1996-07-18

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