GB2390724A

GB2390724A - Credit transfer device for a gaming apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2390724A
Application number: GB0315896A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Barry Marchini
Original assignee: Astra Games Ltd
Current assignee: Astra Games Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-11
Filing date: 2003-07-08
Publication date: 2004-01-14
Also published as: GB0315896D0

Abstract

A credit transfer device shown in Figure 1, comprising a recognition unit for recognised type of payment being made, a microprocessor 3 for transferring data to a host gaming apparatus and an interface 4, adapted to cooperate with the coin receiving mechanism of the host gaming apparatus so that credits can be recorded by the apparatus. The credit transfer device 1 is provided as a self-contained add-on unit that can be attached to the host gaming apparatus or it is provided as an integral unit within the body of the host gaming apparatus. In using a credit transfer device, this allows for payment by players to enable them to start gaming without the need for coinage as it allows for payment via notes or credit cards. Once gaming is over, credits can then be transferred to the device from the host machine and a payment amounting to the unused credits an be then paid to the player or transferred back to the host machine for further gaming.

Description

Credit Transfer Device This invention relates to a credit transfer device

for a gaming apparatus, which is arranged so that the gaming apparatus may record one or more credits thus allowing a person to play the apparatus using a non-coin form of payment.

5 In addition the invention relates to a method of transferring credits to a gaming apparatus using a non-coin form of payment.

Various types of gaming apparatus are known such as amusement machines where coins are fed into a receiving unit which forms an integral part of the gaming apparatus and, on winning a game, coins are paid out to that 10 individual directly fron1 the gaming apparatus. Such machines are only operable by using coins or tokens. Coins are fed into a receiving unit for individual gaming and credits are recorded so that a player is allowed to play a set number of games up to a total of the credits recorded by the gaming apparatus. Coins are held within the gaming apparatus in tubes, with each tube holding a certain 15 denomination of coinage.

A particular problem associated with known types of gaming apparatus is that the apparatus may only accept coinage and then the coinage accepted may only be of a particular denomination. This has the disadvantage that if a player does not have the correct coinage, they will not be able to play the apparatus, 20 resulting in lost revenue for the gaming apparatus owner. Further, as known apparatus store coinage for pay-outs in tubes, there is a limited amount of coinage that can be stored and consequently the apparatus often runs out of money for paying out to players. The problem with this is that the gaming apparatus may be out of action if money cannot be paid out and also there is the

associated cost of having to provide individuals who replenish the coinage in the machines. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a credit transfer device arranged to transfer one or more credits to a credit receiving 5 system of a host gaming apparatus, the credit transfer device including a recognition unit to identify one or more details of a non-coin form of payment, a transfer system to provide the credit receiving system with said detail(s) so that the credit receiving system may record a credit total against which payments may be made to operate the gaming apparatus, and a return device which can 10 be operated to return a balance for the amount of unused credits to the credit total when gaming has finished or which can be operated to release money/tokens amounting to the said balance.

Preferably, the credit transfer device, is mounted on a host gaming apparatus, wherein details of the non-coin form of payment, are recorded as a 15 credit total by the credit receiving system of the host gaming apparatus so that the host may be played up to an amount equal to the credit total, the credit transfer device also including an input control operable by the player to control the number of credits held by the host gaming apparatus and/or money/token release from said host gaming apparatus, independently of money/token release 20 from the credit transfer device.

It is envisaged that the credit transfer device can be used to control the amount of money/tokens that can be paid out from the host gaming apparatus or from the credit transfer device itself.

In a preferred embodiment, the recognition unit comprises a system to recognise the visible characteristics of the non-coin form of payment. Ideally, this system may be a scanner having means for character recognition. However, it is envisaged that a data reader such as magnetic reader may be incorporated in i 5 the recognition unit, especially when the non-coin form of payment is a credit or cash card. This allows for reading of data encrypted on the card. It is also i possible for the recognition unit to comprise both means to recognise visual characteristics of the non-coin payment as well as encrypted information, where added security is required.

10 It is envisaged that the scanner is adapted for example to determine the; denomination of a bank note. In addition, the scanner may be adapted to determine whether the bank note has genuine security features so that identification of counterfeit notes can be made. The security features that can be identified include whether a watermark is present on the note and also, whether 15 a metallic strip runs through the body of the note. If notes are identified as being counterfeit, the credit transfer device may be adapted to send a signal to the gaming apparatus to prevent play. This signal may be transmitted by the recognition unit. The signal can either block all signals to the gaming apparatus so that no credits may be transferred. Alternatively, the signal may co-operate 20 with the gaming apparatus itself so that an existing security mechanism for the apparatus is activated to prevent credits accruing. In addition, the signal may also operate an alarm to alert third parties such as the operator of a gaming arcade where the apparatus is held or even the police, to notify them that payments are being attempted by using non legal means.

Preferably, the transfer system comprises a signal generator adapted to transmit signals to the credit receiving system of the host gaming apparatus so that information about the non-coin form of payment may be recorded for example the types of payment or the history of the payments being made over a 5 given time period.

Preferably, the credit transfer device includes a microprocessor unit (MPU) that controls the payout tube drive signal of the host gaming apparatus.

This is achieved by disconnecting the payout device of the host gaming apparatus and connecting the MPU of the credit transfer device to the host. By 10 doing this, the coin mechanism is operated as usual so that the credit-receiving unit of the gaming apparatus records credits as if it is being fed by coins passing through the coin-receiving mechanism. The amount of credit or credits may be calculated by the microprocessor unit of the credit transfer device, on the basis of the information about the non-coin method of payment and then this 15 information will be transferred directly to the gaming apparatus. Alternatively, the information from the recognition is simply passed on by the microprocessor and a calculation of the number of credits to be accrued is carried out by a processor in the host gaming apparatus. The microprocessor may also be adapted to convert for example currency shown on a bank note and calculate the credits 20 that accrue for a particular currency.

It is envisaged that the recognition unit and the transfer system may be provided as an integrated unit having a microprocessor unit for processing data recorded by the recognition unit and arranging for the processed data to be sent by the transfer system to the host gaming apparatus. The microprocessor unit

may be provided as part of the recognition system. However, the recognition unit and transfer system may be provided as separate units, operated by a common control such as a microprocessor unit.

Further, the credit transfer device may access a data bank either as a 5 integral component or which is provided at a remote location for holding information about modes of non-coin payment. For example, the data bank may hold information stored for the various types of notes that are used around the world and the different denominations for these notes. The credit transfer device may incorporate a control allowing it to be programmed to recognise particular 10 notes for a particular country or even a selected range of notes that may be accepted by the apparatus to buy credit for the gaming apparatus.

It is envisaged that recognition unit of the credit transfer device can recognise various notes and can compare this data with information held by the databank so that the non-coin form of payment can be changed into money or 15 coinage or tokens that will be acceptable to a particular gaming apparatus, so that a player may start gaming, without having to change money first.

It is preferred that the credit transfer device includes a display device, -

which can display the amount of credits used or remaining from playing or the credits that have been transferred to the gaming apparatus. This may be a 20 digital display using a LCD. Also, there may be an audible indicator to inform a player of the number of credits recorded or remaining at a particular point in time. The indicator may act on a random basis during periods of play or it may be operable by the person playing the apparatus when information is required.

Preferably, the non-coin form of payment is a bank note but it is

envisaged that a credit note, credit card or cash card may also be used.

It is envisaged that the input control is arranged to transfer credits automatically from the credit transfer device to the gaming apparatus so that further games can be played, unless this automatic transfer is overridden by the 5 player to release money.

In addition, the input control can be arranged to transfer signals to the gaming apparatus so that money held by said host gaming apparatus can be transferred to the credit transfer device with said money being paid out through the credit transfer device to the individual once gaming is over.

10 In a further embodiment, the return device of the credit transfer device comprises a push button which is operable by the player once gaming is over to return any unused credits. This may be in the form of reusable tokens for future gaming or it may be in the form of change to a monetary value relating to the amount of credits unused. The return device may also include a warning device 15 operable after a set amount of time after play has elapsed so that a player can be prompted to either request return of unused credits or they may recommence gaming. It is preferred that the credit transfer device is provided as a separate device adapted to be retrofitted to an existing host gaming machine. However, 20 it is possible for the credit transfer device to be integrated with a host gaming apparatus during production. With such arrangement, the credit transfer device provides the host gaming apparatus with the facility whereby it can accept modes of payment, which it previously could not.

Preferably, the credit transfer device includes a hopper for holding

money/tokens prior to release. Money can either be paid out from the host gaming apparatus's own hopper, which is driven by the credit transfer device, or alternatively by a hopper contained within the credit transfer device itself. This provides a mean by which host machines which have payout tubes may be 5 overridden by using the payout mechanism for the credit transfer device so that there would be much larger reserves of cash available to pay out winnings to individuals. Further, the credit transfer device may be in communication with an input on the gaming apparatus, whereby on activation of said input, the credit input 10 device of the gaming apparatus receives signals which are transmitted to the display of the credit transfer as information showing how many credits have been used and/or are remaining by the host gaming apparatus. The input on the gaming apparatus may comprise a transfer forward/collect button that can be pressed and information from the host is transferred to the credit transfer device 15 and the amount of credit units remaining are indicated on the display of the credit transfer device.

Ideally, when the credit transfer device has displayed the number of credits remaining or used, the display activates a prompt asking the player whether they wish to activate the transfer system to transfer credits to continue 20 gaming, or whether they wish to operate the return to release money as a prize, or as the remaining credits.

Preferably, the credit transfer device, has a sensor in communication with the gaming apparatus whereby the amount of money held in the gaming apparatus can be detected and reserves of money held by the credit transfer

device can be fed to the gaming apparatus or alternatively, money from the gaming apparatus can be transferred for storage in the credit transfer device.

It is envisaged that the credit transfer device includes an alarm, whereby when the sensor detects that reserves of money in the gaming apparatus and/or 5 the credit transfer device are low, then the alarm is activated to indicate that the money reserves need to be replenished.

It is also envisaged that the input control of the credit transfer device may be activated so that a proportion rather than the total of the credits can be transferred to the gaming apparatus and the remaining proportion of the total 1D credits can then be paid as money or tokens to the player. The player has the option of activating the transfer system on the credit transfer device to transfer monetary value, preferably in 2 multiples back to the host gaming apparatus so that gaming may continue, or alternatively the player may press the return button on the credit transfer device by which money is paid out to that individual.

15 Again, in such an arrangement the money/tokens may be paid out from the credit transfer device or alternatively a signal is sent by said device to the gaming apparatus and the money is paid out from the host gaming apparatus.

This is achieved by the transfer device being in signal communication with the payout circuit of the host gaming apparatus.

20 According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of transferring credits to a gaming apparatus using a non-coin form of payment whereby the non-coin form of payment is placed in a recognition unit to identify details thereof, the details of the non-coin form of payment are transferred to a credit receiving system of the gaming apparatus so that the credit total against

which payments can be made to operate the gaming device is recorded, and after a period of gaming, a return mechanism may be operated to return a balance of any unused credit to the credit total if applicable.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example 5 only, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic arrangement of a credit transfer device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows, in particular, details of, including the controls for a credit transfer device according to an embodiment of the invention, and 10 Figure 3 shows a credit transfer device attached to a host gaming apparatus. As shown in Figure 1, a credit transfer device, generally shown as 1, comprises a recognition unit 2, for recognising the type of payment being made, a credit receiving system such as a microprocessor unit 3, for transferring data 15 to a host gaming apparatus, and an interface 4, such as a transfer system adapted to cooperate with the coin receiving mechanism of a host gaming apparatus so that credits can be recognised by the apparatus. The device 1 may be provided as a self- contained add on unit that can be attached to a host gaming apparatus.

20 The recognition unit 2 includes means into which a non-coin payment method such as a bank note or a credit card may be Introduced. The coin recognition can scan the non-coin payment to identify details for the payment such as the denomination of the note or in the case of a credit card, the credit card number. The information that is recorded is processed by the

microprocessor unit 3, which acts as a transfer system sending the data to the gaming apparatus. The microprocessor 3 provides data in the form of information about the scanned note, for example what is the amount printed on the note or alternatively, the microprocessor may be able to access data, held 5 on an external database about the credit details of the user. The user can then operate controls on the credit transfer device to indicate how much credit to be transferred from the note or from the credit card to the gaming apparatus. The microprocessor unit 3 will then transmit signals to the interface 4, which is In communication with the gaming apparatus via the coin receiving mechanism of 10 the apparatus. This is done using circuitry 5. The circuitry has circuitry interfaces 6, between the various components making up the credit transfer device.

The microprocessor unit can send signals to the coin receiving mechanism by way of an interface (usually a slot for receiving coins) and these signals can operate the normal coin mechanism of the gaming apparatus to 15 emulate coins being inserted into the gaming apparatus via the slot. The microprocessor unit recognizes the amount of money that has been selected by the user and can calculate the number of credits that can be accorded to that monetary value prior to the player starting a game. When gaming is ended, unused credits can be returned by pressing a return mechanism (not shown) 20 which can co-operate with the microprocessor to calculate the amount of credits to be returned.

A credit transfer device, generally shown as 1 in Figure 2, comprises a elongate casing 7 which can be attached to the side of a host machine. The device has a display 8 for indicating the number of credits or the amount of

money that has been fed into this device via a note/card acceptor 9. The display is an LCD display. However other known types of display devices may be used. There is a collect button 10 on the front of the casing whereby on pressing, any credits due after gaming can be paid out either in the form of 5 winnings for example monies/tokens or as return credits which are payable up to the amount of credits that have not been used by the player. The return credits can be transferred back to the host apparatus. Also, the collect button can be operated as a way of changing a note to coinage such that when a note has been fed into the note acceptor 9 the credit transfer device can be activated to 10 release tokens or coinage up to the value of the note or an amount entered on the card, to the player so that he/she can start gaming.

The money is released through an aperture 11 towards the base of the credit transfer device and the money is released from a coin/token storage hopper, which feeds money to the aperture. The credit transfer device also 15 includes a transfer button 12, which an individual can press when they want to transfer credits or indeed money from the device to the host machine onto which the device is attached.

Figure 3 shows the host machine 8 having a credit transfer device in situ.

The credit transfer device may be positioned on either side of the host machine 20 depending on access requirements and is attached to the host by secure attachment members such as bolts and/or locking mechanisms to prevent detachment from the host. Again, there are display unit bodies 7 and collect and transfer buttons 10 and 12, as well as note acceptors 9. Each of the devices has a money release aperture 11, which releases money from a hopper

within the body of the credit transfer device. In addition, the host gaming apparatus 13 has its own money release aperture 14, which, in turn, is connected either to a hopper or to tubes carrying money within the apparatus.

The host machine may have its own transfer button 15, which can be controlled 5 by or interact with the credit transfer device to collecVcontrol transfer of credits between the host and the credit transfer device.

If a player presses the Transfer/collect' button 15 on the host, the amount that would have been paid out is instead transferred to and displayed upon the credit transfer device. This is achieved by coupling the pay out signal from the 10 host machine back into the credit transfer device. The player now has the option to press the transfer button on the credit transfer device to transfer money back to the host, or press the collect on the credit transfer device to have the money paid out. The money will be paid out either from the host's own hopper associated with release aperture 14 (if fitted), this being driven by the credit 15 transfer device, or by the hoper in the credit transfer device, if the host is fitted with a pay out tube(s).

Machines with pay out tube(s) have minimal cash reserves and frequently run dry, resulting in short pay outs and disputes over payments with the owners of the host gaming apparatus. The hopper in the credit transfer device has a 20 much larger cash reserve and thus resolves this problem.

The controls may include an added security feature whereby the credit card holder logs enters a code or information about him or herself via a control unit on the credit transfer device so they may be identified as the correct holder of the credit card through which payment is being made.

An example of the operation of the device using UK currency is that a note, say 10.00 will be inserted into a note acceptor and the 10.00 will be held in a bank display. The player can then decide to use a maximum of 2.00 as 5 credits and play this off as games after which he can transfer a further 2.00 and so on until all 10.00 has been played or he decides to stop and collect the balance as cash.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description is an

embodiment of the invention and is provided by way of example only. Various 10 details of the invention may be modified without departure from the true spirit or scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A credit transfer device arranged to transfer one or more credits to a credit receiving system of a host gaming apparatus, the credit transfer 5 device including a recognition unit to identify one or more details of a non-coin form of payment, a transfer system to provide the credit transfer system with said details so that the credit receiving system may record a credit total against which payments may be made to operate the gaming apparatus, and a return device wh ich can be operated to return a 10 balance to the amount of unused credit to the credit total when gaming is finished or which can be operated to release money/tokens amounting to said balance.

2. A credit transfer device according to claim 1 mounted on a host gaming apparatus, wherein details of the non-coin form of payment, are recorded 15 as a credit total by the credit receiving system of the host gaming apparatus so that the host may be played up to an amount equal to the credit total, the credit transfer device also including an input control operable by a player to control the number of credits held by the host gaming apparatus and/o and/or release from said host gaming 20 apparatus, independently of money/token release from the credit transfer device.

3. A credit transfer device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the recognition unit includes a character recognition system to identify characteristics of the non-coin form of payment.

4. A credit transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the recognition unit includes a scanner for character recognition.

5. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim wherein the recognition unit includes a data reader to read encrypted data on a card 5 which has been inserted in the credit transfer device or the host device.

6. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including an alarm which is activated if a counterfeit or non-valid form of payment is recognised.

7. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim, arranged to 10 transmit signals to the credit receiving system of the host gaming apparatus to prevent credits accruing on said apparatus should a counterfeit or non-valid form of payment may be identified.

8. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a microprocessor unit adapted to control a payout tube drive signal of the 15 host gaming apparatus.

9. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a databank for holding information about types of non-coin payment.

10. A credit transfer device according to 9, adapted to convert the value of the non-coin form of payment based on information held by the databank 20 and calculate the credits that can be accrued for the non-coin form of payment.

11. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim wherein the recognition unit and the transfer system are provided as an integrated unit having a microprocessor unit for processing data recorded by the

recognition unit so that the processed data can be sent by the transfer system to the host gaming apparatus.

12. A credit transfer device according to claim 11 in the microprocessor unit is provided as part of the recognition unit.

5

13. A credit transfer device according to claim 11 wherein the recognition unit is provided as a separate entity from the transfer system, but said unit and transfer system are operated by a comcnon control.

14. A credit transfer device according to claim 13 wherein the common control is a microprocessor unit.

10

15. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a display device arranged to display the amount of credits used and/or remaining after playing and/or the number of credits that have been transferred to the host gaming apparatus.

16. A credit transfer device according to claim 15 including an audible 15 indicator to alert a player to the number of credits remaining at a particular point in time.

17. A transfer device according to any preceding claim wherein credits are automatically transferred from the credit transfer device to the host gaming apparatus unless said automatic transfer is overridden by a 20 player in order to release money as a payout.

18. credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including an interface with the host gaming apparatus, so that credits can be transferred to the host gaming apparatus or money/tokens can be transferred to the credit transfer device from the host gaming apparatus

by a player so that said money/tokens can be paid out through the credit transfer device once gaming is over.

19. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim, wherein when the input of the gaming apparatus is activated, to the display of the credit 5 transfer device is activated to show the number of credits that have been used and/or which are remaining.

20. Credit transfer device according to any preceding claim when the credit transfer device is adapted to be retro fitted to an existing host gaming machine. 10

21. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a hopper for holding money/tokens.

22. A credit transfer device according to claim 21 wherein the hopper of the credit transfer device is in communication with the hopper in the host apparatus so that money can be transferred from the hopper of the host 15 gaming apparatus to the hopper of the credit transfer device for payout to a player.

23. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a prompt to alert a player of the status of play and/or ask the player whether he or she wishes to activate the transfer system to transfer 20 credits to continue gaming or whether to operate or return to release money as a prize or as remaining credits.

24. A credit transfer device according to any preceding claim including a sensor to detect the amount of money/tokens held in either the gaming apparatus and/or the credit transfer device so that coinage/tokens can be

transferred between said devices should the amounts in one or other devices fall below a defined level.

25. A credit transfer device according to claim 24 wherein the gaming apparatus and/or the credit transfer device includes an alarm to alert that 5 money/token reserves need to be replenished in either or both devices.

26. A method of playing a gaming apparatus by way of a credit transfer device according to any preceding claim wherein the player transfers credits to a gaming apparatus using a non-coin form of payment by way of placing a non-coin form of payment in a recognition unit which 10 identifies details thereof, the details of the non-coin form of payment being transferred to a credit receiving system of the gaming apparatus so that a credit total against which payments can be made to operate the gaming device is recorded, and after a period of gaming, a return mechanism is operable to return a balance of any unused credits to the 15 credit total applicable or to release winnings from the host or credit transfer device.

27. A credit transfer device substantially described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.