EP0219306A2 - Betriebssystem für einen münzbetätigten Apparat - Google Patents

Betriebssystem für einen münzbetätigten Apparat Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0219306A2
EP0219306A2 EP86307750A EP86307750A EP0219306A2 EP 0219306 A2 EP0219306 A2 EP 0219306A2 EP 86307750 A EP86307750 A EP 86307750A EP 86307750 A EP86307750 A EP 86307750A EP 0219306 A2 EP0219306 A2 EP 0219306A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
machine
coin
control unit
coin mechanism
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP86307750A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0219306A3 (de
Inventor
John Laurence Wain
John Corrigan Marshall
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Barcrest Ltd
Original Assignee
Barcrest 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 Barcrest Ltd filed Critical Barcrest Ltd
Publication of EP0219306A2 publication Critical patent/EP0219306A2/de
Publication of EP0219306A3 publication Critical patent/EP0219306A3/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • G07F17/3244—Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes
    • 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
    • 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
    • G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
    • G07F17/3232—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed
    • G07F17/3234—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users wherein the operator is informed about the performance of a gaming system, e.g. revenue, diagnosis of the gaming system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F9/00—Details other than those peculiar to special kinds or types of apparatus
    • G07F9/08—Counting total of coins inserted

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an operating system for a coin-freed machine particularly although not exclusively a coin-freed pool table.
  • coin as used herein includes both coins and tokens.
  • a known kind of coin-freed pool table has a ball rack concealed within the table. In order to play a game it is necessary to release the balls from the rack so that they run along runways to an access opening at one end of the table. This is effected by inserting a coin into an aperture in a coin mechanism slide and then pushing the slide in to cause the ball rack to tilt.
  • An object of the present invention is to provide a versatile operating system for a coin-freed machine which is convenient to install and use.
  • an operating system for a coin-freed machine said system having a control unit, a link between the contro unit and the machine, an operating device within the machine operable when actuated to put the machine into an operational state, and a coin mechanism operable to actuate the device when coins to a predetermined value have been inserted into the mechanism, characterised in that the control unit is at a location remote from the machine, and the coin mechanism is provided within the unit whereby the device is arranged to be actuated by the coin mechanism via the link between the machine and the control unit.
  • the link being disposed between the machine and the remote control system can be constructed as desired to meet requirements with regard to the nature of the link and the nature and location of the power source.
  • the link comprises a radiation link.
  • the operating device may be an electromechanical device
  • the link may be a low voltage cable link where it is desired to avoid the inconvenience of a battery power source within the table or the inconvenience and possible risk of a high voltage (e.g. a.c. mains) power cable.
  • a battery or other power source within the table is acceptable it is feasible to use a radiation link e.g. an ultrasonic or infra-red link.
  • a non-radiation non-­electrical link e.g. a pneumatic or hydraulic line with which a suitable operating device in the machine can be operated by change in fluid pressure in the line effected by suitable apparatus in the control unit.
  • a pneumatic/hydraulic power source may be provided in the unit and/or the machine.
  • the arrangement of the invention can be advantageous over known systems even where an internal battery source or other power source is provided in so far as the control unit can be powered separately from the power source (e.g. from a local mains source) whereby any failure of the battery need not involve failure of the coin mechanism or of any associated control devices contained in the control unit.
  • a further advantage of the use of the remote control unit is that this can be conveniently constructed, independently of the construction of the machine, to give good security with easy access for authorised personnel.
  • control unit may be housed in a box structure mounted on a nearby room wall.
  • the said operating device may be an electromechanical device for example comprising a solenoid or motor. Where the machine is a pool table, the device may be arranged to tilt the usual ball rack or take other action to release balls to make these accessible to the player.
  • the control unit preferably incorporates, in addition to the coin mechanism, electronic circuitry arranged to monitor and record data pertaining to the usage of the machine, for example, the number of times the machine is used, the value of coins inserted, the frequency of use at different times of the day.
  • This data may be made available for access to an authorised person in any suitable manner.
  • the data may be stored so that it can be collected electronically for subsequent assessment at a central control location.
  • an operating system for a coin-freed machine comprising a control unit, an operating device within the machine operable when actuated to put the machine into an operational state, a coin mechanism operable to actuate the device when coins to a predetermined value have been inserted into the mechanism, characterised in that the coin mechanism is provided within the unit and electronic circuitry is provided within the unit connected to the coin mechanism arranged to monitor and store data relating to operation of the mechanism, and an interface is provided via which said stored data can be transferred to data receiving equipment.
  • the arrangement may be such that portable data receiving equipment is plugged into the interface to receive the data, and the equipment is then transported to a remote central control location at which the data in the equipment is transferred to a computer for storage and analysis.
  • the data received by the equipment may additionally include site information e.g. identifying the machine and/or its location.
  • site information may be derived from a plug-in key or the like which is inserted into the control unit which may therefore be of standardised form.
  • site information may be derived from a plug-in key or the like which is inserted into the control unit which may therefore be of standardised form.
  • the system of the second aspect of the invention may have all of the features of the first aspect of the invention.
  • the aforesaid electronic circuitry of the control unit may also act to control operation of the coin mechanism and/or the machine in accordance with a predetermined operational program.
  • the circuitry may include a real time clock and the arrangement may be such that, in the case of a game-playing machine, the price per game is varied at different times so that the price is reduced at less popular playing times.
  • an operating system for a coin-freed machine comprising a control unit, an operating device within the machine operable when actuated to put the machine into an operational state, and a coin mechanism which is pre-set to actuate the operating device when coins to a predetermined value have been inserted into the mechanism, characterised in that the coin mechanism is provided within the unit, and electronic circuitry is provided within the unit connected to the coin mechanism, said circuitry including a real time clock and being arranged to change the said pre-setting so as to change the predetermined value of coins required to actuate the device at predetermined times.
  • Figure 1 shows a coin-freed pool table 1 connected to a remote control unit 2.
  • the pool table 1 is generally of conventional form and comprises a large box structure body 3 mounted on floor-standing legs 4.
  • the body 3 supports a top playing surface and within the body beneath this surface there is an elongate ball rack 5 (Figure 2) which is connected via runways to pockets at the periphery of the playing surface and also to an outlet aperture at one end of the table.
  • the ball rack 5 has a support surface 6 on which the usual pool object balls can be retained in a row when this surface is disposed generally horizontally.
  • the rack 5 can be tilted to allow the balls to escape from the surface 6 over one longitudinal edge 7 thereof to run to the outlet aperture in the table 1 and this tilting is effected by longitudinal movement of a rod 8 connected to the rack 5 at one end thereof.
  • the rod 8 With a conventional all-mechanical table, the rod 8 is connected to a slide-operated coin mechanism. A coin of the requisite denomination is inserted into the slide which projects from the front side of the table, and the slide is pushed in so that the coin falls into an internal cash box and the rod 8 is moved to tilt the rack. The slide is then pulled out whereupon the balls are allowed to run to the outlet aperture and the rack is returned to the horizontal position ready to retain pocketed object balls.
  • an electromechanical actuator for example comprising an electric motor 9 connected via a crank linkage 10 to the rod 8. Rotation of the motor acts to move the rod 8 axially backwards and forwards in like manner to the action of the conventional coin slide.
  • the motor 9 is connected to the control unit 2 via a low voltage cable 11.
  • the unit 2 is mounted at a convenient position, for example, on a nearby wall of the room in which the table is located, and the cable 11 is suitably installed in a protected/concealed manner down one leg of the table, along the floor, and up the room wall.
  • the control unit 2 comprises a box structure 12 having a locked front door 13 containing a display panel 14. On the display panel 14, in addition to printed instructions and the like, there is a coin slot 15 and an alphanumeric LED display 16. Within the box structure 12 there is an electronic coin mechanism 17 connected to the coin slot 15 and electronic control circuitry 18 connected to the display 16 to the coin mechanism 17 to mains supply 19 to an interface arrangement 20 and to a triac switching circuit interposed between a transformer 21a connected to mains supply the low voltage cable 11, and to the cable 11 itself.
  • the electronic control circuitry 18 includes a programmed microprocessor-based control circuit 18a and a real time clock 18 b The circuitry 18 is further connected to a door switch 32 and an audible alarm 33.
  • the electronic coin mechanism 17 is of a known kind. It is capable of receiving and validating coins of a range of denominations and it is arranged to produce an electrical signal at an output 22 representative of the value of validated coins.
  • the control circuit 18 is arranged to store the level of credit and an output signal is fed to the switch 21 when a predetermined level of credit is reached. This predetermined level can be changed as explained hereinafter. Verified coins are discharged into a cash box locked within the box structure 12.
  • the credited value is indicated on the display 16.
  • This display 16 also provides information (e.g. the price of a game).
  • the signal from the control circuit 18 causes the triac switch 21 to be actuated so as to cause low voltage to be supplied to the motor 9 via the cable 11 thereby to cause the rod 8 to be moved to tilt the ball rack 5.
  • a limit switch (not shown) may be connected to the cam link 10 so that supply of power is interrupted after tilting of the rack has been completed thereby to allow the rack to return to the horizontal position under the influence of a spring.
  • the load across the cable 11 is monitored by the control circuit 18 and the switch 21 is deactuated when the motor circuit is opened by the limit switch.
  • the control circuit 18 can monitor the load and take appropriate action (e.g. by switching off the coin mechanism 17 and preventing further use of the pool table) if there is a fault in the motor circuit.
  • the control circuit 18 includes a memory device which is powered with a rechargeable battery or is otherwise of a non-volatile nature. Data relating to use of the pool table is stored in the memory device, such data comprising for example (but not necessarily limited to) number of games played, value of coins inserted into and credited by the coin mechanism, frequency of games played at different times of the day.
  • the interface arrangement 20 includes a jack socket 24 and two multi-pin sockets 25, 26.
  • One socket 25 contains a site identifying key 27. This comprises a removable plug the pins of which are interconnected in a predetermined pattern unique to the site at which the pool table is located.
  • the collector can also collect data with equipment 28 as shown in Figure 3.
  • the equipment 28 comprises a portable battery-powered unit containing a memory device and having a keyboard 29 and an alphanumeric display device 30. There is a trailing jack plug 31 which can be inserted into the socket 24.
  • the door switch 32 is actuated and the audible alarm device 33 is triggered in the control unit 2.
  • the collector In order to silence the alarm and enable transfer of data from the memory device of the control circuit 18 into the memory device of the equipment 28 it is necessary for the collector to insert an identifying plug into the other multi-pin socket 26.
  • the identifying plug has its pins interconnected in a predetermined pattern unique to the collector.
  • Data representing the game-playing information stored in the memory device and also representing the site and collector identification codes (and possibly a code identifying the table which may be programmed into the control circuit 18 or may be defined by the site key 27 in the socket 25) is then transferred serially from the interface 20 to the memory in the equipment 28.
  • Data relating to date and time of collection and also information relating to machine faults, attempt at tampering with the unit, incidences of opening of the door 13 etc. may also be transferred.
  • the transfer operation can be controlled using the keyboard 29 in correspondence with prompts appearing on the display 30.
  • Other data can also be entered via the keyboard and stored in the memory. In particular, the value of collected coins can be entered.
  • the collected coins and the equipment are then taken to a central control location where the data stored in the equipment memory is transferred via the jack plug 31 to a computer for analysis purposes. For example, the cash collected can be compared with the cash credited on the coin mechanism.
  • the coin mechanism 17 can be used with coins of a range of different denominations and there is the possibility of storing credit so that two or more games can be purchased in advance.
  • the circuit 18 can be pre-set for a desired price per game and the pre-setting can be readily changed, to allow for changes in game pricing, as desired.
  • the game pricing may change in accordance with the time of day and the day of the week (as determined from the real time clock) so that the game price is less expensive at less popular times annd more expensive at very popular times.
  • the pattern of price changing may be selected for the particular site and may be programmed into the control unit by means of press buttons or a keyboard within the unit utilised in conjunction with the alphanumeric display 16. Alternatively the programming may be effected automatically when the site identifying plug is inserted into the unit as determined by the coded wiring of the plug.
  • the coded plug 27 inserted into the socket 25 and the plug inserted into the socket 26 are described as wired plugs but alternatively (and preferably) one or both (preferably both) may include a readable memory device (e.g. ROM) additionally or alternatively (preferably alternatively) to the coded wiring.
  • a readable memory device e.g. ROM
  • control circuit 18 may be arranged to be connected to the remote central computer via a telephone line or other data link so that data can be transferred remotely.
  • a link may also be used to transmit data or instructions to the circuit 18 e.g. instructions for the changing of the price per game.
  • the control circuit 18 may act to control playing time using the timing facility incorporated in the circuit 18.
  • the balls may be released e.g. by lifting of a barrier whereby pocketed balls are returned to the player until a predetermined time has elapsed whereupon the barrier is lowered and balls are retained as they are pocketed.
  • Any other suitable time-based control procedure may be utilised.
  • auxiliary functions may be time controlled, such as lighting of the table.
  • the usual overhead canopy light may be switched on at the start of a game and switched off after a predetermined time.
  • the control unit may be arranged to give a bonus credit if a predetermined amount of money is inserted; e.g. insertion of £1.00 may give £1.20 game playing credit.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)
  • Control Of Vending Devices And Auxiliary Devices For Vending Devices (AREA)
EP86307750A 1985-10-09 1986-10-08 Betriebssystem für einen münzbetätigten Apparat Withdrawn EP0219306A3 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8524907 1985-10-09
GB858524907A GB8524907D0 (en) 1985-10-09 1985-10-09 Operating system for coin-freed machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0219306A2 true EP0219306A2 (de) 1987-04-22
EP0219306A3 EP0219306A3 (de) 1987-08-05

Family

ID=10586419

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86307750A Withdrawn EP0219306A3 (de) 1985-10-09 1986-10-08 Betriebssystem für einen münzbetätigten Apparat

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0219306A3 (de)
GB (2) GB8524907D0 (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1992010818A1 (de) * 1990-12-10 1992-06-25 Nsm Aktiengesellschaft Münzbetätigter unterhaltungsautomat
US6511377B1 (en) 1997-08-07 2003-01-28 Casino Data Systems Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6676515B1 (en) 2000-10-19 2004-01-13 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for a secure ticket actuated gaming system
US6852029B2 (en) 2000-10-19 2005-02-08 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Method for retrofitting gaming machines to issue and redeem tickets
US8042043B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2011-10-18 Keith Donald Kammler Adaptive display system and method for a gaming machine

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2269039B (en) * 1992-07-23 1996-10-09 Barcrest Ltd Entertainment machines
AU748907B2 (en) * 1998-06-21 2002-06-13 A. Hankin & Co. Pty. Limited Remotely enabled pool table
AUPP541898A0 (en) * 1998-06-21 1998-09-10 A. Hankin & Co. Pty. Limited Remotely enabled pool table
GB9918427D0 (en) * 1999-08-04 1999-10-06 Maygay Machines Data transfer devices and methods

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GB1103601A (en) * 1963-10-21 1968-02-21 United Gas Industries Ltd Improvements in prepayment time switches or meters
GB1121002A (en) * 1964-09-08 1968-07-24 Orbit Engineering Remotely-controlled amusement apparatus
US3360094A (en) * 1966-04-04 1967-12-26 Bowser Inc Currency operated fuel dispensing pump
US3448843A (en) * 1967-06-08 1969-06-10 Gilbert & Barker Mfg Co Fluid dispenser having multiple signal generators
GB1391060A (en) * 1971-08-17 1975-04-16 Bell Fruit Mfg Co Ltd Gaming machines
BE794439A (fr) * 1972-01-25 1973-05-16 Nsm Apparatebau Gmbh Kg Compteur a sous
GB1512857A (en) * 1974-09-13 1978-06-01 Bally Mfg Corp Monitoring system for use with amusement game devices
SE7502611L (sv) * 1975-03-10 1976-09-13 Multi Automat Ind Ab Sett att utfora spelfunktioner i en spelautomat och anordning for utforande av settet
GB1559497A (en) * 1977-04-07 1980-01-23 Neale W Boothby R J Counting arrangements
US4335809A (en) * 1979-02-13 1982-06-22 Barcrest Limited Entertainment machines
DE2919006A1 (de) * 1979-05-11 1980-11-20 Polymat Automaten Ag Spielautomat fuer rouletteartige spiele
EP0024184B1 (de) * 1979-08-15 1984-01-25 Bell-Fruit Manufacturing Company Limited Spielgerät
GB2124418A (en) * 1982-05-24 1984-02-15 Coin Controls Monitoring system for gaming machines
US4611808A (en) * 1982-11-29 1986-09-16 Ainsworth Nominees Pty. Limited Statistical information gathering
ES8507274A1 (es) * 1983-05-02 1985-09-16 Ainsworth Nominees Pty Ltd Perfeccionamientos en los sistemas de maquinas de juego
GB2144566A (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-03-06 Hawker Siddeley Revenue Contr Remote metering system
DE3404971A1 (de) * 1984-02-11 1985-08-14 Horst 2741 Kutenholz Erzmoneit Kombinierte ausgabevorrichtung fuer spielmittel durch muenzbetaetigung und pfandeingabe

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5370306A (en) * 1990-12-10 1994-12-06 Nsm Aktiengesellschaft Coin-operated entertainment machine
WO1992010818A1 (de) * 1990-12-10 1992-06-25 Nsm Aktiengesellschaft Münzbetätigter unterhaltungsautomat
US7217190B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2007-05-15 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6511377B1 (en) 1997-08-07 2003-01-28 Casino Data Systems Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US8974291B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2015-03-10 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6890258B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2005-05-10 Casino Data Systems Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US8500547B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2013-08-06 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6896616B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2005-05-24 Casino Data Systems Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6997807B2 (en) 1997-08-07 2006-02-14 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Cashless gaming system: apparatus and method
US6676515B1 (en) 2000-10-19 2004-01-13 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for a secure ticket actuated gaming system
US6896619B2 (en) 2000-10-19 2005-05-24 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Apparatus and method for a cashless actuated gaming system
US6852029B2 (en) 2000-10-19 2005-02-08 Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. Method for retrofitting gaming machines to issue and redeem tickets
US8042043B2 (en) 2003-09-12 2011-10-18 Keith Donald Kammler Adaptive display system and method for a gaming machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2181590B (en) 1989-12-28
GB8524907D0 (en) 1985-11-13
GB2181590A (en) 1987-04-23
GB8624122D0 (en) 1986-11-12
EP0219306A3 (de) 1987-08-05

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