GB1559161A - Amusement with prizes machines - Google Patents

Description

(54) AMUSEMENT WITH PRIZES MACHINES (71) We, BELL - FRUIT MANUFAC- TURING COMPANY LIMITED, a British Company of Leen Gate, Lenton, Nottingham NG7 2ND, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: This invention relates to coin or tokenoperated amusement-with-prizes machines that dispense coins or tokens as prizes.

Coin-operated amusement - with - prizes machines generally include counters to count the number of coins of different denominations that are inserted into the machine and dispensed from it as prizes. This is done in order that a check can be made on the value of the coins stored within a machine at any time so as to deter operating personnel such as supervisors or maintenance staff from stealing coins from the machines. However, the counters employed have been mechanical and electromechanical counters with a visual display of their counting state, and these have proved to be vulnerable to tampering, which has meant that the reliability of the check provided by them has been reduced.An object of the present invention is to provide a coin or token-operated amusement - with- prizes machine having more reliable means for checking the value of coins or tokens stored therein.

This object is achieved according to the present invention by providing a coin or token - operated amusement - with - prizes machine that includes coin acceptor/rejector means, coin dispensation means, and a solid state memory in which one or more records of the total number of coins or tokens accepted and dispensed by the machine is recorded, said one or more records being updated in response to operation of said acceptor/rejector means and said coin dispensation means.

The solid state nature of the memory and the fact that the totals are recorded without there being any visual indication of the totals makes the memory inherently tamper-proof.

Preferably, the code used in making said records is a non-standard code selected by the manufacturer or operator of the machine so that the memory is more secure against tampering.

Preferably, the memory is of a type that is unaffected by power failures so that disconnection of the power supply does not give a person the opportunity to cancel the check facility provided by the memory.

Preferably, the memory is of a type that allows a plurality of different records to be kept separately therein; for example, records of the total number of coins of each separate denomination accepted and dispensed.

The memory may be an electrically alterable readsnly memory (EROM), but is preferably a solid state non-volatile memory.

Because the memory gives no visual indication of the recorded totals, specially adapted reading means has to be provided, this being provided externally or internally of the machine. For example, the memory may be provided as a plug-in unit so that it can be removed for reading, the unit either being connected to a special reading device carried by an authorised collector and then being replaced in the machine, or being replaced by another memory unit and then taken by the collector to a central point for reading. Alternatively, reading means is provided within the machine, for example, in the form of a magnetic read/ write device into which a magnetic card is inserted by the collector, the card preferably carrying an identification code that is read, and when declared valid, causes the recorded information to be read out of the memory and written onto the card.

Preferably, the machine includes a microprocessor that controls recording in the memory and also other machine functions such as the game played on the machine.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which : - Figure 1 is a front view of a machine according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram of the machine of Figure 1.

The illustrated amusement machine is of the kind which selects a combination of symbols at random during each game and awards prizes when predetermined prize-winning combinations occur. Said combination of symbols is selected by a reel mechanism 1 of a known type comprising a set of co-axial independently rotatable reels 2 each of which carries a plurality of symbols 3 around its circumference and can assume any one of a plurality of predetermined stop positions in which it displays a corresponding one of the symbols on a payline in a display window 4 so that the reels together display a combination of symbols on the payline, there being three reels and therefore a combination of three symbols in a row in the illustrated embodiment.During a game on the machine, the reels are spun by an electric motor and each is stopped at random at one of said stop positions by individual stop means.

The symbol 3 displayed by each reel 2 is detected by an individual detector that produces a coded output signal characteristic of said symbol, the detector being any one of the known types, such as rotary switch means that uses rotation of the reel to selectively make and break electrical output circuits, or photoelectric or magnetic detector means that senses coded characteristics that rotate with the reel.

These coded output signals are fed to decoder means which determines whether or not the signals correspond to the display of a prizewinning combination of symbols on the payline, and which signals the award of a corresponding prize for each prize-winning combination that is detected. Suitable decoder means is that disclosed in our U.K. Patent Application No. 15780/75 (Serial No.

1,531,754).

The machine is controlled by a microprocessor 5 which is interfaced with the machine through interface circuitry 6 and which oper- ates according to programme instructions stored in a memory 7 so that the machine performs a set sequence of operations during each and every game including spinning and stopping the reels 2, decoding the detector output signals, and signalling the award of any prizes.

The machine includes a coin acceptor/ rejector mechanism 8 into which a player inserts a coin of one or more denominations in order to play a game on the machine, and which signals the acceptance of a valid coin and its value to the microprocessor 5. A num ber of game credits corresponding to the value of the inserted coin is stored by the micro processor in a random access memory (RAM) 9, and once stored therein the microprocessor activates a start actuator 10 so that the player can operate this to start a game. Once the game is completed, the microprocessor sub tracts one from the number of game credits stored in the memory 9. If one or more game credits are still stored in the memory, the player can play another game.

If a game results in a win this is signalled by the win decoder means incorporated in the microprocessor 5 and programme memory 7, and causes the microprocessor to operate a coin dispenser mechanism 11 to dispense a corresponding number of coins.

The coin acceptor/rejector mechanism 8 and coin dispenser mechanism 11 may both be any of the well known types used in coinoperated amusement - with - prizes machines.

The machine also includes a solid state non-volatile memory 12 in which information derived from the coin acceptor-rejector mechanism 8, the coin dispenser mechanism 11 and start actuator 10 is recorded under control of the microprocessor 5. The memory 12 is of the selective word alterable type in which separate records of different information can be recorded. Records are made in binary digits using a special language for reasons of security. The information derived from the start actuator 10 consists cf the total number of games played, the recorded total being increased by one each time the start actuator 10 starts a game.The information derived from the coin acceptor/rejector mechanism 8 consists of the total number of coins of each different denomination accepted by the mechanism, a different signal being produced by a coin of each different denomination and causing a corresponding total record to be increased by one. The information derived from the coin dispenser mechanism 11 consists of the total number of coins of each different denomination payed out by the mechanism. The microprocessor may also process the coin accepted and dispensed information and use this to produce separate records of the total monetary value of each and all the accepted coins and of all the dispensed coins, and possibly a record of the difference in value between the accepted coins and dispensed coins.

The memory 12 may be a plug-in unit which is located so that it can easily be removed by an authorised collector and either taken away to a central location for reading on a special reading device, or read there and then on a special reading device carried by the collector. This reading device is adapted so that the memory unit 12 can be plugged into it and all of the recorded information in the memory read out. The information read out by the reading device may be presented on a video display which the collector himself reads and records, or may be recorded within the reading device, for example, on a printed or punched tape or a magnetic tape. In order to identify the recorded information with the memory 12 from which it is taken, the memory may store a recorded identification code which is also read out by the reading device. Such an identification would also help to detect unauthorised replacement of one memory unit 12 for another by persons attempting to change the recorded information.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, special reading means is provided within the machine to read out the recorded information in memory 12. This may take the form of a magnetic read/write device 13 (Figure 2) into which a magnetic card can be inserted to cause the recorded information to be read out of the memory and written onto the card.

The read/write device 13 is controlled by the microprocessor 5. Any of the known forms of magnetic card read/write devices can be used.

A suitable device is the programme card reader made by Canon K. K. of Japan in which a card inserted into an inlet slot is drawn into the device to a set position and is read in the process, and is then moved on through the device to an outlet slot and is written on during this subsequent movement.

The information read from the card is an identification code that is checked by the microprocessor and has to be judged valid before the device 13 is caused to write the recorded information from memory 12 into the card. Also, fixed information such as the machine type, the site of the machine and the name of the lessee of the machine is recorded on the card so that the recorded coin information is related to the particular machine.

If the identification code on the card is not judged to be valid, the card is ejected without anv information being written onto it.

In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the special reading means 13 may take the form of means which is adapted to receive a coded key device, for example, a plug-in electrically coded device or a magnetically coded key, and which when triggered by the correctly coded key device operates to cause the recorded information in memory 12 to be displayed on visual display means within the machine. The visual display means may be specially provided or may be means present in the machine for another purpose, for example, video display means that normally gives the player visual instructions and information.

The solid state non-volatile memory 12 may be that manufactured by Plessey as MN 9410 in their Novol range. This has a capacity of 256 bits.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention the non-volatile memory 12 may be replaced by an electrically alterable read-only memory (EROM). This can only count and has a limited counting capacity. Once this capacity has been used the memory has to be reset by exposing it to ultra-violet light.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: - 1. A coin or tokenoperated amusement with - prizes machine that includes coin acceptor/rejector means, coin dispensation means, and a solid state memory in which one or more records of the total number of coins or tokens accepted and dispensed by the machine is recorded, said one or more records being updated in response to operation of said acceptor/rejector means and said coin dispensation means.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the memory is a solid state non-volatile memory.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the memory is an electrically alterable readonly memory.

4. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the memory is of the selective word alterable type in which separate records of the coins or tokens inserted and dispensed are made.

5. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the memory is provided as a removable unit so that it can be removed for reading.

6. A machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 which includes reading means to read out the records recorded in the memory.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the reading means comprises a device that is adapted to receive an inserted card and to record said records thereon.

8. A machine as claimed in claim 7 in which said device is adapted to read an iden tification code on said inserted card and to record said records on said card only if the identification code read is a predetermined code.

9. A machine as claimed in claim 8 in which said reading means comprises a magnetic read/write device.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the reading means is adapted to receive a coded key device and to respond to the correctly coded key device by causing the records recorded in memory to be displayed on visual display means within the machine.

11. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding dais which includes a microprocessor that controls the memory.

12. A coin or token operated amusement with - prizes machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (12)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, special reading means is provided within the machine to read out the recorded information in memory 12. This may take the form of a magnetic read/write device 13 (Figure 2) into which a magnetic card can be inserted to cause the recorded information to be read out of the memory and written onto the card. The read/write device 13 is controlled by the microprocessor 5. Any of the known forms of magnetic card read/write devices can be used. A suitable device is the programme card reader made by Canon K. K. of Japan in which a card inserted into an inlet slot is drawn into the device to a set position and is read in the process, and is then moved on through the device to an outlet slot and is written on during this subsequent movement. The information read from the card is an identification code that is checked by the microprocessor and has to be judged valid before the device 13 is caused to write the recorded information from memory 12 into the card. Also, fixed information such as the machine type, the site of the machine and the name of the lessee of the machine is recorded on the card so that the recorded coin information is related to the particular machine. If the identification code on the card is not judged to be valid, the card is ejected without anv information being written onto it. In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the special reading means 13 may take the form of means which is adapted to receive a coded key device, for example, a plug-in electrically coded device or a magnetically coded key, and which when triggered by the correctly coded key device operates to cause the recorded information in memory 12 to be displayed on visual display means within the machine. The visual display means may be specially provided or may be means present in the machine for another purpose, for example, video display means that normally gives the player visual instructions and information. The solid state non-volatile memory 12 may be that manufactured by Plessey as MN 9410 in their Novol range. This has a capacity of 256 bits. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the non-volatile memory 12 may be replaced by an electrically alterable read-only memory (EROM). This can only count and has a limited counting capacity. Once this capacity has been used the memory has to be reset by exposing it to ultra-violet light. WHAT WE CLAIM IS: -

1. A coin or tokenoperated amusement with - prizes machine that includes coin acceptor/rejector means, coin dispensation means, and a solid state memory in which one or more records of the total number of coins or tokens accepted and dispensed by the machine is recorded, said one or more records being updated in response to operation of said acceptor/rejector means and said coin dispensation means.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the memory is a solid state non-volatile memory.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 1 in which the memory is an electrically alterable readonly memory.

4. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the memory is of the selective word alterable type in which separate records of the coins or tokens inserted and dispensed are made.

5. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the memory is provided as a removable unit so that it can be removed for reading.

6. A machine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 which includes reading means to read out the records recorded in the memory.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the reading means comprises a device that is adapted to receive an inserted card and to record said records thereon.

8. A machine as claimed in claim 7 in which said device is adapted to read an iden tification code on said inserted card and to record said records on said card only if the identification code read is a predetermined code.

9. A machine as claimed in claim 8 in which said reading means comprises a magnetic read/write device.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 6 in which the reading means is adapted to receive a coded key device and to respond to the correctly coded key device by causing the records recorded in memory to be displayed on visual display means within the machine.

11. A machine as claimed in any one of the preceding dais which includes a microprocessor that controls the memory.

12. A coin or token operated amusement with - prizes machine substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.