WO2008113964A1

WO2008113964A1 - Extended casino deposit unit and system

Info

Publication number: WO2008113964A1
Application number: PCT/GB2007/000995
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alexander Charles Harold James; Bryan James Christophersen
Original assignee: Talaris Holdings Limited
Priority date: 2007-03-21
Filing date: 2007-03-21
Publication date: 2008-09-25

Abstract

There is provided an article of value deposit apparatus comprising an article of value inlet into which articles of value to be deposited are inserted; a processing device adapted to monitor at least for the presence of an article of value; a transport pathway for transporting all articles of value from the article of value inlet through the processing device; a temporary store to which all the articles of value from the processing device are fed by the transport pathway and which is accessible to a user from outside the apparatus through an access door; a secure store to which the articles of value from the temporary store are deposited; and a controller for storing process data generated by the processing device; wherein the article of value deposit apparatus is characterised by: an identification reader for reading user data identifying a user associated with the articles of value to be deposited; and the controller is further adapted to associate the read user data with the process data generated by the processing device to generate a deposit operation record.

Description

Extended Casino Deposit Unit and System

The invention relates to an extended casino deposit unit for efficient automated deposit and auditing of articles of value used within the casino environment. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods adapted to gather and process data related to users of the deposit unit.

Definitions:

A "casino" is any gaming establishment.

A "gaming table" is a location or table used for gambling within the casino. It may be equipped with a gameboard and slots for chips and cash deposits. Common games include blackjack, roulette, poker and craps. If a table is "live" it signifies that it is in operation and open for players.

A "pit" is an area of the casino in which a group of gaming tables are arranged. The tables are usually arranged elliptically around a centre area that is usually restricted to dealers and other casino staff.

An "electronic gaming terminal" provides a remote terminal at which bets can be placed on a live game. For example, a terminal may display a roulette wheel viewed by a digital camera. The customer can place a bet, and win tickets that can be redeemed for cash, at the terminal based on the results of a spin of the roulette wheel.

The "gaming day" is a time period within which a gaming table is open to take cash deposits.

A "croupier" or "dealer" is a member of casino staff who operates the gaming table. They are usually responsible for overseeing monetary transactions in exchange for gaming chips.

An "inspector" is a member of casino staff who oversees a small number of gaming tables and croupiers. In particular they are responsible for spotting possible fraudulent transactions by either staff or customer.

A "pit boss" is a member of casino staff who is responsible for overseeing a pit. They oversee the inspectors, providing the next level of management in the casino hierarchy. A "chip" is an article of value, usually a small plastic token, used within the casino. Normally they are provided in a number of denominations and are used to place bets at gaming tables. Items of monetary value can be exchanged for chips at the gaming table under the supervision of a croupier. A "cash drop" is the name given to the deposit of items of monetary value at a gaming table or machine terminal.

A typical casino environment will now be described. Within the casino a standard cashflow cycle will begin with a customer or casino member will enter the casino with a certain amount of cash upon their person or, alternatively, retrieve cash from cashier stations or automatic teller machines (ATMs) within the casino. The customer can withdrawal cash and/or purchase plaques at a cashier station using known means, for example cash, credit cards, cheques, debit cards etc. If the customer wishes to use large cash amounts, as is often the case with high stakes gaming, the customer can be offered the choice of using plastic plaques, which represent monetary quantities of high denom inations. The customer will then proceed to one of the gaming tables. At a gaming table, he is able to place bets on the game present. If he so requires, the customer will exchange a certain amount of cash, or perhaps cheques, plaques or other items of monetary value, with the croupier for a number of chips. These chips can then be used to place bets on the current game.

PCT publication W 02006/077423 published on 27 July 2006 discloses a casino management system that can be used to efficiently deposit cash at a given gaming table and that can aid auditing processes within the casino. The system described therein uses a table deposit unit (TDU) to automate the cash drop performed by the croupier, which in the past involved simply depositing cash into a drop box below the gaming table. By using the said TDU, the management of cash deposits within a casino becomes greatly improved and downstream auditing processes become simpler and more reliable.

While the TDU system makes major in-roads into reducing fraud in the casino environment, opportunities remain for criminal elements to use the casino cash deposit procedures to their own advantage; for example to use these procedures to launder money. It is possible for criminal elements to use spread or even betting odds to win back a given amount of cash spent at a gaming table in the form of gaming chips. These gaming chips can then be exchanged for a cheque or cash at a cashier desk before leaving the casino. In this way, the money deposited. at the gaming table is effectively "cleaned" and cannot be traced. The same methods can also be used in order to avoid tax responsibilities. Thus there is required a system to help prevent the casino system being exploited in these ways and to legitimise gaming in the eyes of consumers and state regulating authorities.

Additionally, even when using the table deposit unit described in the aforementioned PCT publication, the time taken to make a deposit at the gaming table is still a limiting factor in the casino environment. Often the dealer will need to deposit cash for multiple customers and each of these cash deposit processes takes a set amount of time. This time is limited by mechanical and software processes within the TDU. Thus, it is also desired to provide a TDU system wherein the time for a set deposit is reduced and the demands upon a croupier are reduced.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of value deposit apparatus comprising an article of value inlet into which articles of value to be deposited are inserted; a processing device adapted to monitor at least for the presence of an article of value; a transport pathway for transporting all articles of value from the article of value inlet through the processing device; a temporary store to which all the articles of value from the processing device are fed by the transport pathway and which is accessible to a user from outside the apparatus through an access door; a secure store to which the articles of value from the temporary store are deposited; and a controller for storing process data generated by the processing device; wherein the article of value deposit apparatus is characterised by: an identification reader for reading user data identifying a user associated with the articles of value to be deposited; and the controller is further adapted to associate the read user data with the process data generated by the processing device to generate a deposit operation record. According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for operating an article of value deposit unit located within a casino environment comprising: obtaining user data identifying a user associated with one or more articles of value to be deposited; depositing a plurality of articles of value onto at least one deposit apparatus located at a gaming table; processing said plurality of articles of value at the gaming table using said deposit apparatus to generate process data for a deposit operation; and associating the process data with the user data to generate a deposit operation record.

Description of Figures

Figure 1 is a side view of an exemplary table deposit unit from the front and one side;

Figure 2 is a systems diagram showing how the different system components of a casino management system incorporating the table deposit unit interlink;

Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of the extended table deposit unit;

Figure 4 is a process diagram demonstrating the steps involved in a deposit operation;

Figure 5 is a block diagram of a control system for the extended table deposit unit;

Figure 6 is a process diagram demonstrating the steps involved in a deposit operation with more than one player;

Figure 7 is a process diagram demonstrating the steps involved when player position data is used; and Figure 8 is a process diagram demonstrating the steps involved in an alternate embodiment of the deposit operation.

Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a table deposit unit (TDU) 100. This unit is placed at a gaming table to take the place of the standard drop box. The table deposit unit 100 can either be placed next to a single table or between two tables, in which case both tables use the same TDU 100 for cash deposits. Whilst the exemplary embodiment shown is designed to stand on castors 108 next to or at the end of the table it is also possible that the apparatus could be mountable within the table itself. If castors 108 are used the TDU is fitted with adjustable spacer modules to match the TDU position to the table height. The TDU 100 may also be equipped with a key switch 104 to enable only authorised key holders to activate the unit.

Figure 5 illustrates a control system for use within a standard TDU 100, with additional features provided to implement the present invention. These features are described in more detail in relation to Figure 3. An exemplary standard TDU comprises a document counter 506 which provides the document inlet 103 and is mounted in metal housing 106 below this inlet. The counter 506 is employed to count, denominate and validate documents of value and transport them to a temporary or escrow store located behind an escrow door 105. The temporary or escrow store (not shown) can optionally be secured by a locking mechanism present on the escrow door 105. This mechanism requires a key to unlock and open the escrow door 105. This key can be the same key used to enable key switch 104.

The temporary or escrow store is used as a holding area for any deposits. As an optional security feature the opening of the escrow store at any time can automatically cancel the current deposit operation involving the TDU 100. If this feature is combined with the locking mechanism described above then only members of staff with suitable keys can cancel a deposit by unlocking the escrow door 105. Below the temporary store resides a secure cassette (not shown), which is designed to be mounted within a steel enclosure within the metal housing 106. Access to this cassette is facilitated using a lockable access door 107. TypicallyT the bottom platform of the temporary store is designed to move back into the housing of the TDU to enable deposits to drop into the cassette. This deposit mechanism is typically actuated using one or more electric motors 505. Details of an exemplary secure note storage cassette can be found in PCT application number PCT/GB2007/000042. To facilitate electronic control of the TDU 100, each unit is equipped with a TDU controller 500 provided by a printed circuit board or other known apparatus and an associated power supply unit 501. An example of a TDU 100 similar to that of the exemplary embodiment is disclosed in EP-A-0613107.

Referring to Fig. 2, the TDU 100 can now be seen as part of a larger casino management system. Each TDU 100 is connected to a data processing application resident on a variety of personal computers or networked servers 207, 209 within the casino. The methods of the data processing application can also alternatively be realised on dedicated hardware. The data processing application is distributed across a plurality of locations. These can either be within the casino or can extend outside of the casino. Within the casino one installation is typically based within the pit boss or cashier offices and another installation is located within a count room. Outside the casino the application can be present on networked computers connected over a WAN, for example outside servers storing customer records. One of the data processing servers 207 can be connected to each TDU 100 via a variety of communication means. These can include, but are not limited to, a direct serial connection (not shown), an Ethernet connection 202,203,204 or a wireless modem connection, 201 , 205. If the TDU 100 is connected via an Ethernet connection 202 then each TDU 100 can be fitted with a 10baseT Ethernet device server 204, as known in the art. If a TDU 100 is required to communicate with the data processing server 207 wirelessly then each TDU 100 can be equipped with a wireless networking card, for example an RS232 radio modem, and aerial 201. The data processing server can oversee the running of these communication systems in ways known to those skilled in the art.

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of an extended TDU. Such an embodiment uses the standard TDU features as described with regard to Figures 1 and 2 but provides additional features to implement the present invention. Thus, as well-as comprising a TDU 100 as illustrated in Figure 1 , the apparatus of Figure 3 further comprises a user display 306 mounted to the top of the unit. An additional user interface 304 is also provided within the front panel of the TDU unit 100 in between Quick-keys 101 and 102. This user interface 304 comprises additional inputs and displays to implement the additional features of the extended TDU. The present embodiment of the extended TDU further comprises a loyalty card reader 302 mounted to the upper surface 109 of the TDU machine 100. However, the loyalty card reader can also be located at any other location on the TDU body. This loyalty card reader 302 is connected to an embedded controller 303 through an interface printed circuit board (PCB) 511. Alternatively, the loyalty card reader 302 can be connected directly to the embedded controller via a dedicated connection. The embedded controller 303 is in turn is connected to a central server 305 via control link 307. The embedded controller 303 performs the functions of the controller 500 in Figure 5. As discussed with relation to Figure 2, control link 307 could comprise a wired ethemet link 203 or a wireless data link 201 , 205. The embedded controller 303 can comprise dedicated processing hardware or an inbuilt personal computer (PC) system adapted to implement the present invention.

The loyalty card reader 302 is adapted to read information on a loyalty card 301. The information may be stored upon the loyalty card 301, using any manner known in the art, for example by using a magnetic strip, an integrated circuit (IC) or a wireless transmitter. The loyalty card reader 302 is then adapted to read the information from the loyalty card 301 and to pass this information to the embedded controller 303 located within the TDU unit 100. Typically, this information comprises a uniquely identifying customer or member identification code, such as those used as a primary key within customer or member databases. The loyalty card reader 302 can be provided by a suitable card reader such as the HNFR series produced by Omron-Hitachi. The loyalty card reader 302 can be connected to the embedded controller 303 using interfaces such as the RS 232 standard or a suitable direct digital interface. The loyalty card reader can be seen as an identification device as it reads data from a variety of sources that uniquely identifies the holder of the card. The step of associating the identifying data with customer or member records can be performed at a downstream processing stage, for example by central server -305r^~Assoeiating identifying data with process data produced by the extended TDU can also be performed using jany number of intermediate linking files or indexes. The extended TDU 100 is adapted to include a keypad comprising number keys 0 to 9 and six bespoke function keys. This keypad can be in a form resembling a standard telephone keypad or can be adapted to enable a croupier to quickly enter the required information. In certain embodiments it can be provided by a 16 key keypad incorporated into the loyalty card reader 302. In alternate embodiments, the keypad and function keys could also be provided as part of user interface 304. For example, user interface can comprise a touch sensitive user display with the keypad and function keys comprising "virtual" buttons displayed on a suitably adapted display screen. Such a touch sensitive user display would then be connected to the embedded controller 303. Each function key corresponds to a different function which will be referred to in the description of deposit operation. These function keys will be referred to as keys F1 to F6. A cash deposit operation utilising the extended TDU 100 will now be explained with reference to Figure 4. The process begins when a customer or casino member approaches a gaming table and asks to buy a certain number of gaming chips in exchange for one or more articles of value. This will introduce the customer or member as a player in the game featured at the table. The one or more articles of value used in this transaction will vary from casino to casino but common articles comprise bank notes, cheques, coins, specially designed casino currency, or casino plaques. Whilst describing the operation of the TDU, reference will be made to banknotes 400, but it is understood that any other article of value could be used. The present invention makes use of a loyalty card system in order to reduce money laundering within the casino and to provide increased data on customer transactions. The method described below assumes that each customer in the casino will have a suitable form of customer identification. For example, most casinos operate a form of membership system and thus a customer may be issued with a membership card identifying the customer as a casino member. Such a membership card typically will feature a member ldentlfιcatiόh^"cbderwhife the f^bwTήg^~drøcTϊpliόn Wl refeTTo casino membership cards, the present invention can also be applied to any other forms of customer identification. In the present case, relevant membership details are stored on such a membership card using a magnetic strip. As stated previously the present invention can also be used with other forms of identification, such as IC chips or wireless transmitters. Such information could include a unique membership number or customer identification number, member name or address or financial information related to the member's casino account. Returning to Figure 4, if the potential player has such an identification or loyalty card then the deposit process begins at step S401. If the player does not have a suitable membership or loyalty card then the system is also adapted to deposit articles of value without player identification. However, in the latter case, the deposit cannot be linked to a particular casino member. Assuming that the player does have a suitable loyalty card, the player approaches the gaming table and asks to buy a specified amount of gaming chips using a quantity of banknotes 400. The croupier then supplies the player's banknotes to the inlet of the cash deposit apparatus S401. The inlet to the cash deposit apparatus comprises a feed hopper which is adapted to feed notes into the counter 506 and associated transport path which reside below it. Once the croupier has placed the notes on the inlet the Quick-key 101 can be pressed to begin the note feed into the transport path and/or note counter 506. This begins note processing S403.

The TDU 100 is able to feed a total of a hundred notes 400 of up to twenty denominations or sizes per deposited bundle. The document size range is optimally 120mm x 62mm to 160mm x 82mm and optimal document thickness is between 0.075mm to 0.15mm. If there is only a single TDU 100 for the current table the notes 400 will automatically feed through into the unit. The TDU can be configured so that the notes 400 will not be fed into the TDU unless the escrow door 105 is shut. Within the unit 100 there resides the document counter 506 for processing the deposited notes. This processing S403 will generate an amount of process data. Once the processing has been completed the notes 400 are deposited in the temporary store S404 which resides behind the escrow door 105.

the croupier is able to use his time to gather player identification data. This data can then be associated with the process data that is concurrently generated. As part of the player transaction, the player at the table presents their loyalty card to the croupier. The croupier then takes the loyalty card from the customer or player and swipes the loyalty card 301 through the loyalty card reader 302. This is illustrated in steps S405 and S406. If alternative forms of identification are used then these forms of identification will be presented to a suitable reader in order to input identification information into the embedded controller 303 of the TDU 100. Assuming in the present embodiment that a magnetic card reader is used, the croupier will then be informed as to the success of the current card read operation S408. This can be communicated to the croupier via display 306 or user interface 304. For example, the user display 306 can display the name of the customer or their membership identification number.

If the croupier is informed that the reading of the card is not successful, then he has an option to enter a member identification number manually through the attached keypad S407. This is achieved by first pressing function key F1 which will switch to a user input mode. The croupier can then enter a membership identification code featured on the card using either the numeric keypad or the touch screen user interface 304. Function key F1 can be pressed either after an unsuccessful card read has been communicated to the croupier or alternatively at any time when the casino TDU 100 is in an idle state. If a touch sensitive user interface 304 is used, then the croupier can enter a loyalty card number through an appropriate screen displayed on this touch screen panel. Typically, the membership identification number will be displayed on the front of a loyalty or membership card. An additional function key F6 also exists to cancel any operation and return to a previous state in the deposit operation. This is useful if the croupier makes an error and is available throughout the procedures described herein.

After the customer or member identification number has been entered into the casino TDU 100, then the croupier is given the option to assign the current customer or player to a specified position around the gaming table. For example, in a card game, each player of the game will sit at a specified position around the gaming fable and thus the position of each player can be identified. Alternatively, a 'position' could be assigned to a particular colour of chips used at a roulette table. In the latter case the players can be positioned anywhere around the table and a numeric position value entered by the croupier will correspond to the colour of the current player. In a typical card game up to eight players can sit around the gaming table. At step S410 in the deposit process, the croupier has the option to assign a player as identified by the previously read membership identification number to a specified position around the gaming table. This is performed by pressing the F3 function key. If it is not suitable to assign a player to a position then an enter function key (function key F5) can be pressed and the deposit process moves to step S411. If a player position is to be entered and function key F3 is pressed, then at step S409 the current player will be assigned a position at the gaming table by the croupier operating the TDU. This is typically performed by entering a numeric value via the attached keypad. For example if eight people are playing a card game then their respective positions will be identified by numeric values 1 to 8. Once the numeric value identifying the player position has been entered into the keypad then the enter function key (F5) is pressed and the deposit operation proceeds to step S411.

It is also possible to assign a player to a position at the gaming table even if they do not have a suitable loyalty card. In this case, before the croupier confirms the deposit operation at step S412 the croupier can press the F3 function key and assign a position without first reading information from the loyalty card. Even though no membership information will be associated with the resulting transaction record, the position of the currently depositing player may still be recorded. This can help to identify persons within CCTV footage at a later date or to accumulate data on general customer preferences.

Returning to the parallel processing path of steps S403 and S404, the processing of the banknotes 400 in step S403 allows a transaction record to be generated and this record to be linked to player or customer information. Once the notes are fed into the processing means a new transaction record is created in the TDU memory 507 by the embedded controller 303. If multiple croupiers are sharing one extended TDU 100, an entry is marked in the transaction record ^"to^^e^fyThe^rl^Yroϋpier or tab^"le7This^~cό^~ϋlc! takeT:he WrfTofah index field storing the index value N. If the extended TDU 100 is used by more than one table it will record two sets of transaction records, each set corresponding to a different gaming table. This then allows these records to be sorted and assigned to the respective table in later data processing.

To process a note, the processing means of the extended TDU feeds one note at a time, and first checks its validity. Possible authentication features could be machine readable infrared markings upon a bank note, such as is present within certain currencies including the Euro. Alternatively, an ultra violet detector, any other conventional banknote authenticity detector, can be provided to facilitate an entry level of counterfeit detection. If the note is found not to be valid an error is recorded in a transaction log, and the next note to be processed is obtained.

If a note is valid then the denomination of the note is obtained and recorded. This may be achieved using a detector which optically determines the value of each note by measurement of the long and short edges of the note. Alternatively, pattern recognition or infrared or magnetic thread coding could be used. The use of any particular method depends on the currency in-use within the casino and the country of residence. Once the denomination of the current note has been determined then the total for the particular denomination processed is incremented. The next note then is selected and the process continues. Once all the notes deposited in the inlet 103 have been processed and deposited temporarily in the temporay or escrow store, a complete transaction record is generated S411 by the TDU embedded controller 303.

If only a single player has been linked to the current cash deposit operation then the membership identification number of the current player will be added as a data field to the generated transaction record. Alternatively, any other link or association could be used to associate the player identification information and the process data. For example, the transaction record could instead be provided with an index to the player or member record other than the read identification code. This may be required if the extended TDU is equipped with its own internal member database or where the identification data is sent oveTthe cόmmύn]cafionlϊήF3ϋ7 and the central server 305 returns a required index.

With reference to Fig. 5, after the processing of the banknotes has been completed, the document counter 506 will send information concerning the result of the processing operation to the embedded controller 303. If the processing has been successful then a quick key 101 upon the front face of the extended TDU will be illuminated green. This can be implemented by providing power to a green light emitting diode (LED) resident below the quick key 101 and actuated by the TDU embedded controller 303. Alternatively, a number LEDs of any colour could be mounted in a variety of positions within the area of the quick key 101 , for example encircling the quick key 101. The TDU embedded controller 303 also enables the same quick key 101 on successful processing. The croupier now knows that the operation has been successful and can press S411 the quick key 101 to deposit the notes 400 into the secure storage cassette S414. This cassette resides behind lockable door 107.

On confirming the deposit by pressing the Quick-key(s) 101 or 102 the transaction record will then be saved into TDU memory 507 S412. Depending on the level of data required by the managers of the extended TDU system, transaction records can also be stored after each set of banknotes has been deposited into the temporary or escrow store S404. In this case if the processing is successful and the croupier deposits the notes into the secure cassette by pressing a Quick-key 101 , 102 then a field in the transaction record can be marked to represent this success. At specified times, this and other transaction records can be send over communication link 307 to central server 305 to be recorded in a central database 209. Back office processing can then be performed using the transaction records stored within this database. Typically, the TDU memory 507 is able to store up to 250 transaction records. The embedded control 303 is then polled at regular intervals by the central server 305 which first downloads and then clear the contents of this memory 507.

If the processing is not successful the quick key 101 is illuminated red. Again, this can be implemented by the embedded controller 303 supplying power to a red LED 502 on receipt of a signal from the document counter 506. ^"TrTe croupier can

has occurTed.^" The TDU embedded controller 303 within the extended TDU 100 will also disable the quick key 101 , so, even if the croupier tries to activate it, the notes 400 will not be deposited into the secure cassette. These notes must then be retrieved from the escrow store. If this is the case and it has been decided that the transaction records are to be stored after each set of banknotes has been deposited into the temporary or escrow store, then when the escrow door 105 is opened a field in the current transaction record can be marked as unsuccessful. One way to do this would be to use a boolean flag.

If an extended TDU 100 is placed so that two tables can use the unit to deposit cash then a further set of operational steps are required to enable two separate croupiers to operate the system. Bank notes 400 are supplied to the inlet 103 as before, S401 , but now the relevant croupier has a choice of which quick key to press, either the original quick key 101 if the table is to the right of the extended TDU 100 or a second quick key 102 if the table is to the left of the extended TDU 100. The embedded controller 303 within the TDU 100 then records which buttons have been pressed e.g. in the current example either button 1 or button 2. This is recorded as an index value which can later be recorded in a transaction record. Once the croupier has pressed the key the notes will proceed to be fed into extended the TDU as before.

If the extended TDU is being used by more than one table, then, if a processing step has been successful, the quick key which the croupier originally pressed will be illuminated greeh. For example, if the croupier pressed the second quick key 102 then this quick key will now be illuminated. As before this particular quick key will also be enabled, and the croupier can press the key to deposit the notes into the secure cassette within the TDU. If the processing is not successful then the respective quick key will be illuminated red, and as before the quick key will also be disabled. A similar process of inspection is then carried out. As stated previously, a variety of illumination methods and functions can be linked to the particular quick key selected.

Generally, it is possible within the scope of the present invention to read player or casino member information at anytime before the banknotes 400 are deposited in the secure cassette S413. For example, in one embodiment the OsTjTfbf the prdcessirTg operation can be^~displayed to the croupier and the Dlayer and if the player agrees with the values displayed they hand over their ioyalty card 301 to be read by the loyalty card reader 302 as discussed previously. In another embodiment the loyalty card 301 could be read and other player information and preferences gathered before the banknotes are deposited. An example of this alternate embodiment is demonstrated in Figure 8 . It is also possible to use a loyalty card reader 302 that accepts a loyalty card 301 and retains the card while a deposit operation proceeds. Figure 6 demonstrates the additional method steps required for adding an additional player to a cash deposit operation. In a cash deposit operation with multiple players, the cash deposited in a single deposit operation is split between the entered players. A transaction record is created for each player and the value of each player's deposit is assigned in accordance with the player split parameters. In this case, the TDU escrow or temporary store is used to build up a single cash bundle for deposit from a series of individual player deposits.

The steps illustrated in Figure 6 begin at point A on Figure 4 after a first player has given their banknotes to the croupier, had their identification read by loyalty card reader 302 and had their banknotes processed by the extended TDU and deposited into the temporary store. At step S601 , the croupier is given the option to enter more players to be associated with the current operation. This can be beneficial as the time overheads for a deposit are generally fixed for each atomic deposit operation. In prior art systems, a deposit operation involving articles of value belonging to more than one player would require multiple cash deposit operations. As the time for each single deposit operation is fixed then the time taken to perform multiple deposits would be proportional to the number of players. In the present invention, however, the apparatus is adapted so that single deposit multiple players can share a single cash deposit operation and thus the time required for depositing articles of value from multiple players is significantly reduced.

To enter another player, the croupier can either be given a prompt on the user display 306 or user interface 304 or alternatively be given a set amount of time to choose to enter the additional player. In either case, if another player wishes to be added to the current cash deposit operation then the croupier will Dress the F21ϋTictiδiTRey^"S^"6O21vhich will inform^" the embedded controller 303 hat a new player will be added to the current deposit operation.

The additional player will then hand the banknotes they wish to deposit to enter the current game to the croupier. The croupier will then supply the notes to the inlet of the extended TDU 100 in step S603. Steps S604 to S610 then provide equivalent operations to the operations described with regard to steps S403 to S410 of Figure 4. While the second set of notes is being processed S604 the player presents their loyalty card to the croupier which will be read as for the first player. A position of the second player at the gaming table can also be added as was possible for first player. The membership identification information for one or more players can thus be associated with a single banknote deposit operation. For example, the croupier could take banknotes and loyalty cards from three players and combine the banknotes to form one bundle in the temporary store and each player's loyalty cards will be read in each repeated cycle of the process of Figure 6.

As with the deposit for a single player, whilst the second player's identification is read the second player's banknotes are processed S604. The second set of banknotes are then placed into the temporary or escrow store on top of the banknotes of the first player. Hence, a bundle of notes amasses within the escrow for multiple players which can then be deposited into the secure cassette in a single operation. After the notes for the second player has been processed S604 by the extended TDU 100, a new transaction record is created S611. As before, this transaction record will contain the membership identification code of the current player as read from the loyalty card 301 by the loyalty card reader 302. The transaction record for each individual player will record process details of the respective banknotes deposited for that player. If the croupier chooses to enter a second player then a second transaction record will be created with the membership identification code of the second player which is then stored together with the first record. For example, a first player could deposit 100 pounds which will generate a transaction record with the first player's identification code and a deposit value of 100. A second player could then deposit 50 pounds which will generate a transaction record with the second player's identification code aTid a deposit value^~όT50TTh^"is processlhen continues for multiple players.

Once all the players have been entered the process flow returns to point A in Figure 4. At this point the generated transaction records for each player are stored within the TDU memory 507 S411. Alternatively, each transaction record can be stored within the TDU memory 507 at the point at which the croupier is prompted to enter a new player. The croupier then presses a deposit key, i.e. Quick-key 101 or 102, or the enter function key (F5) which completes the deposit operation S412 and deposits S413 the banknotes in the escrow or temporary store into the secure cassette S611.

As much of the time required for an atomic deposit operation involves the deposit of banknotes from the escrow area into the secure cassette the process of combining multiple players into one deposit operation significantly reduces the time required for multiple deposits. This can not only provide faster gaming at the gaming table but also place less stress on the croupier's limited resources. The croupier is also able to scan through the transaction records generated so far while the notes are still in the temporary store or escrow. This can be achieved by repeatedly pressing the F2 key before the croupier is prompted to add another player. When the F2 key is pressed the transaction record for the next processed player deposit will be shown on the user display 306 or the user interface 304 and the amount shown can be edited by manually typing the correct amount in the keypad.

The assignment of a cash value to each player's deposit record can be performed in a number of ways. In an alternative embodiment, the croupier identifies the value of the total deposit to allocate to each player by using the numeric keypad. For example, after the croupier has read the loyalty card in step S405 or S605, the croupier will type a value into the keypad to identify the amount of the current deposit that should be assigned to the current player as referenced by their membership identification code. After a value has been entered and the enter function key F5 has been pressed, then the croupier will be presented with the option to enter other players, as in step S601. The croupier can then enter any remaining players and their allotted value amounts using the F2 key on the numeric keypad as described before. It is also possible for the croupier to enter the value amount or a proportion through a suitably designed interface screen presented on the touch screen user interface 304.

Returning to Figure 4, the process of storing player position data will now be described in more detail. While recording player position, as specified in step S405, the time taken for a deposit operation can also be reduced as player identification information can be retrieved from memory rather than retrieved via an additional scan of the player's loyalty card. The embedded controller 303 further comprises a number of memory locations to store the member identification code read from the loyalty card 301 by the loyalty card reader 302. For example, if a gaming table could accept eight players then the TDU 100 would be equipped with eight memory locations which would store the customer identification numbers of the one or more players playing at the table. Each respective memory location then defines a particular position at the gaming table. When player identification information is read into the embedded controller 303 via the loyalty card reader 302 it is stored in a temporary memory location. When the F3 function key is pressed and a numeric value is entered via the keypad designating the player position, then the membership identification code stored in a temporary memory location can be copied to the memory location associated with the player position around the gaming table. The membership identification code will then be stored in one of the multiple memory locations until a further function key F4 is pressed to deallocate the player position and remove the relevant membership identification code from the identified memory location. Alternatively, if a subsequent player is assigned a position on the gaming table whose corresponding memory location contains an existing membership identification code then the data read from the subsequent player's loyalty card 301 can replace the existing code data. Once a customer has performed a first deposit and has been assigned and player position on the table, then he can be identified in subsequent deposits using his player position. This process is shown in Figure 7. After requesting a subsequent deposit S701 , the croupier will supply the notes of a player to the inlet of the TDU 100 S702 and press the Quick-key S703 to deposit the notes as discussed with regard to Figure 4. While the notes are being processed S706 and placed in the temporary store S707, the croupier will enter the position of the player-S704-using-the-numerie keypad or user interface 304. When the process data is created, the membership identification code of the current player is retrieved from the memory location indexed by the player position entered in by the croupier S705 and is stored as a field in a newly created transaction record S708. The transaction record will then be stored in the memory and the notes will be deposited into the secure cassette S710 if the processing is successful (i.e. the Quick-key 101 is functional S709). As the customer does not have to provide his identification and this identification does not need to be read by the extended TDU system significant time savings can be achieved.

As well as recording player deposit information the extended TDU can also be used to record customer or player payouts at the gaming table. When a player wishes to leave a given table after a win, before the winning chips are provided to the player or customer, the croupier will ask for the loyalty card 301 and read the membership identification code using the loyalty card reader 302. The croupier can then enter the amount won using the numeric keypad (or the user interface 304) and press the enter key F4 in order to save this as a transaction record. This then provides a more advanced player tracking as both the inflow and outflow of articles of value can be documented. This can reduce money laundering and increase auditing efficiency.

Recording a customer payout can also be linked to the player deallocation process. Typically, a player will play at a gaming table for a set period of time and then either leave the table empty handed or with a set of winnings. Using the procedure illustrated in Figure 4, when the player approaches the table they will present their loyalty card 301 which will then be read by the loyalty card reader 302. If the player is to remain at the gaming table they will be assigned a position at the table as previously shown in step S406. When the player wishes to leave the gaming table, the croupier can either deallocate the player position using the F4 function key, if a customer has no winnings, or check out the player from the table by entering the position of the leaving player into the extended TDU and then recording the winnings of that player as described above. The record of the winnings will then be recorded as a transaction record which will contain the associated player information. By -setting-eRtFy-and-ex'it-proeedures for-a-gaming'tablerand-by'bising^he extended TDU to implement these procedures, a more rigorous playing system is set up. This not only simplifies policing of the gaming tables by the pit bosses and inspectors but also allows more information to be audited.

The loyalty card reader 302 can also be used to enter croupier information. In certain embodiments, each dealer or croupier is equipped with a dealer identification card and associated pin number. When a new croupier comes to a table, they will swipe their dealer identification card through the loyalty card reader 302. The user interface 304 or display user 306 will then prompt the new croupier for a security code comprising a specified number of digits and this code can be entered by the croupier using the numeric keypad. This code can then be cross-checked with other information read from the card or retrieved from embedded controller 303 or from central server 305 and if is the code is verified then the croupier can be logged into a operating extended TDU. The current croupier can then be identified using a unique croupier identification code which can also be added to transaction records for use in audit procedures in the back office. Croupier logging can be performed in association with the player logging described previously or can be implemented on its own as a standalone system. If dealer logging is combined with player logging then by analysing transaction records, it can be easier to spot collaboration between dealers and customers in order to defraud the casino. In the back office of the casino or at a remote site outside the casino the collected transaction records stored in database 209 can be used in a number of ways. The complete set of records can be exported from the database as a suitable file and inputted into other applications. Alternatively, all transaction records for a given membership identification number can be displayed to a user on the screen of a remote system. These transaction records can also be further sorted by gaming table.

Claims

We claim:

1. An article of value deposit apparatus comprising: an article of value inlet into which articles of value to be deposited are inserted; a processing device adapted to monitor at least for the presence of an article of value; a transport pathway for transporting all articles of value from the article of value inlet through the processing device; a temporary store to which all the articles of value from the processing device are fed by the transport pathway and which is accessible to a user from outside the apparatus through an access door; a secure store to which the articles of value from the temporary store are deposited; and a controller for storing process data generated by the processing device; wherein the article of value deposit apparatus is characterised by: an identification reader for reading user data identifying a user associated with the articles of value to be deposited; and the controller is further adapted to associate the read user data with-the- proeess-data-generated-by the-pr-ocessing-device to generate a deposit operation record.

2. The article of value deposit apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the identification reader comprises a card reader for reading user data stored on a user identification card.

3. The article of value deposit apparatus of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the user comprises one of: an operator of the apparatus; or a user to which the articles of value originally belonged.

4. The article of value deposit apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus is located at a gaming table in a casino and the user comprises one of: a dealer at the gaming table; or a player at the gaming table.

5. The article of value deposit apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more memory elements to store the user data of one or more respective users.

6. The article of value deposit apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the apparatus further comprises one or more memory elements to store the deposit operation record.

7. The article of value deposit apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the apparatus further comprises a communication link over which the deposit operation record is transmitted to a central server.

8. The article of value deposit apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the apparatus further comprises: a display adapted to display information to the user; and an input device adapted to input information from the user.

9. The article of value deposit apparatus of claim 8, wherein the input device comprises a numeric keypad and one or more function keys.

10. The article of value deposit apparatus of claim 8, wherein the display and input device are combined in a touch screen user interface.

11. A method for operating an article of value deposit unit located within a casino environment comprising: a) obtaining user data identifying a user associated with one or more articles of value to be deposited; b) depositing a plurality of articles of value onto at least one deposit apparatus located at a gaming table; c) processing said plurality of articles of value at the gaming table using said deposit apparatus to generate process data for a deposit operation; and d) associating the process data with the user data to generate a deposit operation record.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the method further comprises: e) storing the deposit operation record in memory.

13. The method of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the method further comprises the step of: storing the plurality of articles of value in a secure container within the deposit apparatus.

14. The method of any of claims 11 to 13, wherein step a) further comprises the steps of: a1) obtaining user data identifying a second user associated with one or more additional articles of value to be deposited; and a2) combining the articles of value of the first user and the second user to form a bundle of articles of value to be deposited; and wherein step d) turtner comprises the steps or. d1) associating a portion of the process data with the first user data to generate a first deposit operation record; and d2) associating a portion of the process data with the second user data to generate a second deposit operation record.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein step a) further comprises: a3) entering the proportion of the bundle of articles of value to be associated with the first user; a4) entering the proportion of the bundle of articles of value to be associated with the second user; and wherein steps d1) and d2) further comprise: d1 a) associating a portion of the process data with the first user data based on the entered proportion value in step a3); and d2a) associating a portion of the process data with the first user data based on the entered proportion value in step a4).

16. The method of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein step a) is performed concurrently with or after any of steps b) or c).

17. The method of any of claims 11 to 16, wherein the user is one of: a dealer at the gaming table; or a player at the gaming table.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the user data obtained in step a) is further associated with a position of a player around the gaming table.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein step a) further comprises entering a player position into the deposit unit through one of a keypad or a user interface.

20. The method of any of claims 11 to 19, wherein step a) further comprises the step of allocating the user data to a memory element of the deposit unit.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein step a) further comprises the step of deallocating the user data from a memory element of the deposit unit.

22. The method of claim 11, wherein the method further comprises the steps of: f) obtaining a second set of user data identifying a second user associated with one or more additional articles of value to be deposited; g) depositing a second plurality of articles of value onto the at least one deposit apparatus located at the gaming table; h) processing said second plurality of articles of value at the gaming table using said deposit apparatus to generate process data for a deposit operation; and i) associating the process data with the second set of user data to generate a second deposit operation record.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the method further comprises: j) storing the second deposit operation record in memory.

24. The method of claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the method further comprises the step of: storing the first and second plurality of articles of value in a secure container within the deposit apparatus.

25. The method of any of claims 11 to 24, wherein the method further comprises the step of obtaining a second set of user data identifying a user associated with the operation of the deposit unit before performing step a).

26. The method of claim 25, wherein step d) further comprises associating the process data with the user data generated in step a) and the second set of user data to generate at least one deposit operation record.