Cashless Gaming Apparatus, System and Method
a technology of gaming equipment and gaming machines, applied in the field of gaming, can solve the problems of inconvenient firmware change high cost for manufacturers and casinos, and time-consuming approach
Inactive Publication Date: 2006-08-03
BALLY GAMING INC
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- Summary
- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
AI Technical Summary
Problems solved by technology
Changing the firmware in every gaming machine on a casino floor in such a manner is undesirable by both the manufacturer and casino.
For one reason, this approach is very expensive to both the casinos and the manufacturers.
In addition, this approach is time consuming, taking the machine out of service for some time.
Method used
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[0029] The invention is a method and apparatus for modifying a cash-only accepting or paying machine, such as a gaming machine, to a cash-less or cash-optional type machine. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention
[0030] The present invention is described with specific reference to and has particular applicability to a gaming machine. Such machines are known as “slot” machines, “video poker” machines and the like depending on the different games which they offer for play. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that the invention may be applied to a wide variety of other apparatus which are arranged to accept and / or pay out cash. For example...
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The invention comprises methods and apparatus for modifying or converting a gaming machine to permit fully cash-less or optional cash-less transactions in a manner which avoids changing the existing firmware or software of the gaming machine. In an optional cash-less arrangement, a player selects the form by which funds are added or paid to the machine and / or paid out by machine. The cash-less forms of payment may comprise the acceptance and / or payment of funds or value electronically to a system account, coded card or ticket, smart card, magnetic card and other non-cash elements. In one or more embodiments, the invention consists of hardware and / or software for intercepting and / or emulating any or all combinations of the electronic signals associated with the coin acceptor, cash out button, hopper, serial communication interface(s) and bill acceptor(s) associated with a gaming machine to create optional currency transfers. These currency transfers comprise the dispensing or adding of coins, tokens, bills, or any physical item of value and / or any method of transferring funds electronically.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09 / 678,169 filed Oct. 2, 2000, currently pending, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 157,463 filed Oct. 1, 1999, now expired, both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to gaming and similar machines, and more particularly, to gaming machines configured to accept and dispense cash. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Presently, a large number of older machines are in use which are arranged to accept or dispense cash. By cash, it is meant paper and coin currency. For example, many existing casino gaming machines are operable only upon input of cash. In some instances, the cash input must comprise coins. In other arrangements, the input may comprise paper bills and / or coins. These machines are generally arranged to pay out credits, winnings or previously ac...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): A63F9/24
CPCG07F17/32G07F17/3202G07F17/3244
Inventor CROWDER, ROBERT W. JR.NELSON, LOREN T.
Owner BALLY GAMING INC