GB2262635A - Betting terminal. - Google Patents

Abstract

A transactional terminal comprises a reader for reading data from a betting slip, coupon etc. Electronic processing means are provided for processing the data. An interface communicates the data to a remote host over a telecommunications link and a printer produces a receipt. The arrangement allows the bets to be "pooled" centrally at the remote host without requiring time for manual processing and collation. <IMAGE>

Description

DATA TRANSFER APPARATUS AND SYSTEM The present invention relates to a data transfer apparatus and system particularly, although not exclusively suited to recording bets, for example placed in respect of a horse race.

It is conventional for bets to be placed by writing the bet on a betting slip and giving it, together with the stake money to a cashier. The cashier validates the bet manually, or in some cases, types it into a keyboard.

The conventional system is time-consuming and vulnerable to mistakes made by the cashier. It does not enable the bets to be "pooled" centrally without allowing time for manual processing and collation.

A novel apparatus and system has now been devised, which mitigates or overcomes the drawbacks of the conventional system. The present invention relates not only to a novel form of terminal for receiving bets or other information but to a novel data transfer system which incorporates the novel terminal or an analogous terminal.

The terminal constitutes a first aspect of the present invention which provides a transactional terminal comprising a reader for reading transactional data from a data recording means, electronic processing means for processing the transactional data read by the reader, an interface for communicating the transactional data to a telecommunications link and receipt generating means for producing a receipt of the transaction.

Although the terminal according to the first aspect of the invention is suited to receiving bets, it could equally be adapted to receive and record other kinds of transaction, for example in banking or commerce or for a lottery. The same applies to a reader according to a second aspect, and a system according to a third aspect of the present invention as defined hereinbelow.

In a preferred embodiment, the reader is adapted to read transactional data from a coupon, for example made from card or paper.

Preferably, in use the coupons are marked with predetermined fields, for example respectively relating to event, time, name or number of horse, type of bet and stake. The punter can then indicate the nature of the bet selections by blacking in the appropriate fields with a pen and taking the coupon to a cashier, together with the stake money. The cashier simply inserts the coupons and the receipt is issued automatically.

A preferred method of marking the coupon is by blacking in appropriate areas, eg. with a pen or pencil.

However, other methods of coupon marking could be used instead, eg. by punching-out relevant areas with a pointed object.

Alternatively, it is possible for the data recording means to be adapted to receive transaction data electronically. It may for example be a plastics card or cardboard card provided with a magnetizable zone or strip, or a so-called "smart card". Part or all of the transaction would then be recorded by means of a separate encoder or input device provided for the purpose.

When the data recording means is a coupon is provided with fields to be marked in a particular way, then generally the reader will be an optical reader comprising a plurality of light paths arranged between respective light sources such as light emitting diodes and respective photoelectric sensors. The light paths will then be so arranged as to reflect light from each predetermined field. The blacking in of a given field will be detected by a change in reflectivity. In the case of punched-out areas, changes in optical transmission can be used, in which case the light sources and detectors would be arranged on opposing sides of the coupon.

It is convenient for the light paths to be arranged side-by-side. Of course a single light source and detector could be used and the fields arranged in-line on the coupon to be read sequentially.

Preferably, the reader provides a curved path for the coupon, eg so that it is ejected above or below the input slot. The coupon is transported across the heads under electronic control.

One novel alternative configuration of such an optical reader comprise a plurality of heads, each mounted so as to be movable relative to one another for accommodating coupons of differing size.

Thus, a second aspect of the present invention comprises an optical coupon reader comprising a plurality of reader heads, each comprising a respective photodetector, at least two of the heads being movable relative to each other.

The heads may for example be moveable width-wise and/or length-wise with respect to the coupon. Each head may also contain its own light source, although other arrangements can be envisaged, eg using a single wide-angle light source or a plurality of divergent-beam sources.

In a preferred embodiment, the reader has a plurality of heads (say 12) for receiving information, and a reference head.

Optionally, the terminal may be provided with an auxilliary reading device such as a bar-code reader, for other functions such as reading data from previously issued lottery tickets.

In the preferred embodiment, the receipt generating means is a printer preferably of the thermal type.

Preferably also, the receipt is produced with a unique identification code. However, receipts may be produced by any appropriate means. The receipt could even be marked (physically or electronically, as appropriate) on the data recording means.

The reader, receipt and generating means electronic processing means embodied as a single piece of equipment, may be regarded as a stand-alone unit but is preferably connected to a central host so as to be able to send and receive appropriate data. Received data may for example comprise a unique code latest odds and an indication of when a race has started so no more bets are to be taken in that regard. Sent data, for example, comprise details of a bet accepted, in order to be recording centrally for accounting purposes and or for re-calculation of a pool.

After the initial transaction, the same data recording means may be input again to initiate another event, especially when it bears a unique code. For example, in the betting context, a winner may re-insert his data recording means (eg. coupon). The terminal will transmit the identification code to a remote host which identifies it as belonging to a winner. The host will then send a 'win confirmation back to the terminal, together with the value of the winnings as calculated by the host. This will be displayed on the terminal display, whereupon a cashier can pay-out the appropriate amount.

The simplest telecommunications link comprises a telephone line so that the terminal(s) and host have their own modems. Of course, dedicated high bandwidth data lines could also be used. The system is designed particularly with a view to providing a large number of remote terminals, eg with a plurality of same, both at a racecourse and in betting shops. The telecommunications link may alternatively comprise a radio or microwave link which may even comprise a satellite link.

The interface(s) may comprise modem(s) or there may be, for example, direct interchange of digital information.

In betting applications it is preferred for an encryption and decoding unit to be attached to the terminal equipment to prevent unauthorised tampering with the data travelling to and from the host. The host will then be equipped with a similar encryption and decoding unit.

In the preferred embodiment, the terminal equipment preferably comprises a screen for displaying pertinent information, eg race information. The terminal may be equipped with a keyboard or touch-screen facility so that the operator can input the relevant information manually, should the coupon reader malfunction.

The applicants may also claim any novel feature, apparatus, system or method herein described or illustrated, including a method of performing a transaction using any described apparatus or system.

The invention will now be explained in more detail by the appended description of a preferred embodiment called the "TFT" which is a betting terminal and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram of the TFT; Figure 2 is a wiring diagram shown in Figure 1; and Figure 3 shows the main functional parts of the reader of the TFT.

Referring to the TFT as shown in Figures 1 and 2, transactions are recorded by the coupon reader 1 under control from microprocessor 3 and instructions stored in memories 5, 7 and 9.

The transaction data is validated with reference instructions and data in memories 5, 7 and 9 and then transmitted via interfaces 11, 13 or 15 and telecommunications link 19 to a central control computer 17.

The central control computer may carry out further validation and also store and collate the transactions from one or more TFT' s or other data capture devices.

The central control computer may also return an acknowledgement message via the telecommunication link to enable the thermal printer 21 to issue a receipt under control from the microprocessor and memories.

Memory 5 is a read only device containing instruction which may not change and cannot be erased. Memory 7 is a device containing instructions which may be changed by the central control computer and transmitted via the telecommunications link. In this way the functions of the TFT may be changed when required. This facility is known as Down Line Loading.

The receipts issued by the thermal printer also include coded marks which may also be read by the coupon reader and by means described above validated or qualified from transactions previously recorded in the central control computer (ie for payout).

Instructions may also be stored in memories 5, 7 and 9 which may enable transactions to be stored in batches in memory 9, receipts to be printed on the thermal printer prior is trial validation by the central computer of the transactions when transmitted in a batch at a time and in a manner pre-determined by the central control computer at the start of each session or operating cycle. This facility is known as store and forward.

Messages may be displayed to the terminal user or operator on the liquid crystal display 23. These messages may instruct the user or provide information associated with a transaction or batch of transactions.

A touch panel 25 overlays the display and provides means for the entry of control information or transaction data by the user.

The touch panel and coupon reader are connected directly to the microprocessor. The memories, printer, display are connected by a data bus 29 to the microprocessor.

An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 27 is also connected to the data bus. The ASIC is custom designed 15 given: a) memory management b) bus management c) real time clocks d) logic functions e) timers f) additional input/output interfaces for an optional keyboard 33 and security module 31 which will provide electronic tagging or encryption of all transmitted messages and description of all received messages to prevent modification or intrusion.

An industry standard printer may be connected via the parallel printer interface 35.

An optional bar code reader 37 may be attached for reading bar codes of a similar form to the Universal Product Code markings. In this way other transaction data or instruction may also be recorded by the TFT.

An internal rechargeable battery 39 will maintain the contents of memory 9 and the realtime clock in the ASIC.

Figure 3 shows part of the coupon reader 1. This comprises a guide member 41 defining a curved guide path 43. A plurality of openings 47 are arranged across the width of the guide path. A pinch drive wheel 49 mounted on a drive shaft 51 is arranged to bear down on a coupon 53 at a point substantially where it traverses the opening 47.

The drive shaft 51 is rotated by a motor 54 so that the pinch wheel drives the coupon around the guide path, over the openings. A linear array of light emitting diodes 55 are arranged below and across the width of the openings.

A parallel linear array of photodetectors 57 are likewise arranged below across the width of the guide path. Respective LEDs and photodetectors are oriented so that light from each LED passes through a corresponding opening 47 to be reflected off coupon to the appropriate detector. Changes in reflectance indicate selection of individual fields on the coupon.

For completeness, the following is a technical specification of a commercial embodiment of the TFT.

The TFT is a microprocessor based betting terminal.

The unit comprises of an integral coupon reader, a thermal printer, a liquid crystal display with "touch screen" overlay and a bar code reader as well as the integral microprocessor and memory. The foot print is small. The TFT will accept bets marked on a standard coupon (eg. Tote Jackpot, Placepot or Trio) or bets printed on the thermal printer together with a unique bar code. This will be the customer receipt.

The bar code can be "read" so that the bet details can be located and settled in a central computer after the results are known.

There is an integral 1200 baud modem for connection to a central computer and terminals may be daisy-chained in a single location. In addition there is a paralled printer port, 2 serial BQ > ts and means to connect an external keyboard (IBM

Application code can be developed in a PC environment in "C" and ported to the TFT.

There will be some validation carried out by the terminal against daily racecard (downloaded at start of day) but all bets will normally be validated (and written to disc) by the central computer. It is anticipated that bets may be forwarded to the central computer one at a time as they are accepted or in batches using store and forward methods. In the former case the bet receipt will be printed after validation by the central computer, and in the latter case the bet receipts will be printed immediately after validation by the TFT.

Physical dimensions Terminal console 280mm. W x 450mm. D x 120mm. H max.

Weight Terminal console 10 Kgs.

Input power 240 Vac single phase 50/60Hz or 120 Vac single phase 50/60 Hz.

Operational environment Temperature: + 10 to 35 degrees C.

Humidity: 10 to 85% at 35 degrees C non-condensing.

operator input Integral touch screen mounted on a glass pressure plate in front of the LCD display module.

Operator display High contrast back-lit Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 256 x 128 pixels offering free from graphics and characters. (Gives at least 16 lines of 40 characters using 7 x 5 pixel per character).

Customer ticket printer Thermal dot, 8 dots per mm, 576 dots per line.

Ticket width 80mm, print width 72mm.

Print speed 400 dot lines per second (50mm per second).

Customer Ticket media Thermal coated roll stock (Jujo TF50-KSE2 or similar) Print format Graphic under software control. Each customer ticket will include a unique bar code.

Customer Ticket size Width 80mm, length - variable under software control.

Mark sense coupon transport Read speed - 350mm per second or better.

Mark sense coupon format 12 data channels plus clock/ID channel.

Mark sense coupon size 82. 6mm wide x 67 mm long, minimum. No reasonable maximum.

Mark sense coupon customer handling Selections marked with pen or pencil any colour but ref, yellow or orange.

Bar code reader/sensor A fixed single channel element is provided to read the bar code by "wiping" the ticket across the sensor.

Communications Integrated V.2 modem (1200/1200 baud) with auto dialler supporting pulse or tone dialling (BS6305).

Inter-terminal daisy chaining via multidrop RS-422 interface.

General purpose RS-232 asynchronous interface operating at 1200 or 9600 baud (9 way D type).

V24 usyne interface (25 way D type).

Auto-answer capability.

Communications protocols are software programmable and data content can be protected by secure encryption device (option).

Software All application software is written in the 'C' programming language and can be developed in any IBM-PC type machine environment.

Expansion Optional security processor.

Optional external keyboard.

Optional audit printer (simple contronics optional standard).

In the light of this disclosure, modifications of the described embodiments, as well as other embodiments, all within the scope of the appended claims will now be apparent to persons skilled in the art.

Claims (16)

1. A transactional terminal comprising a reader for reading transactional data from a data recording means, electronic processing means for processing the transactional data read by the reader, an interface for communicating the transactional data to a telecommunications link and receipt generating means for producing a receipt of the transaction.

2. A terminal according to claim 1, wherein the interface is adapted to receive data from the telecommunications link.

3. A terminal according to claim 2, further comprising a display for displaying the data received from the telecommunications link.

4. A terminal according to any preceding claim, wherein the reader is adapted to read data from a pre-marked coupon.

5. A terminal according to claim 4, wherein the reader comprises a plurality of light sources and a plurality of optical sensors defining respective light paths.

6. A terminal according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the reader comprises coupon guide means defining a curved path therethrough.

7. A terminal according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the reader is adapted to read transactional data from a data recording means in which the data is recorded electronically.

8. A terminal according to any preceding claim, in which the electronic processing means comprises at least one memory and a microprocessor.

9. A data transfer system comprising a terminal which terminal comprises a reader for reading data from a data recording means, electronic processing means for processing the data read by the reader, first interface for communicating the data to a telecommunications link, the data transfer systsm further comprising a remote host and a second interface for receiving the data sent through the telecommunications link.

10. A data transfer system according to claim 9, wherein the terminal is a terminal as claimed in any of claims 1-8.

11. A data transfer system according to claim 9 or claim 10, further comprising a telecommunications link.

12. A data transfer system according to claim 11, wherein the telecommunications link comprises a telephone line.

13. A data transfer system according to claim 11, wherein the telecommunications link is a radio or microwave link.

14. A data transfer system according to any of claims 9-13, wherein the terminal and host are each provided with encryption and decoding equipment.

15. A transactional terminal substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A data transfer system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.