Money Dispensing Unit Coded Voltage Sequence Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing money-operated entertainment gaming devices face challenges in preventing unauthorized manipulation of the cash dispensing unit, which is often complex and expensive to secure.

Innovation Solution

A secure entertainment gaming device system that includes a game sequence control connected to a control device of a money dispensing unit, featuring an electric motor coupled with a switch and a comparator module, using a coded voltage sequence to ensure only authorized activation of the motor for dispensing money, with a shift register filtering and forwarding the code for comparison.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If complex security measures are implemented to prevent unauthorized manipulation of the money dispensing unit, then security level is improved, but device complexity and implementation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidcomplexity of security measures
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical security measures with an electronic control system. The money dispensing unit uses an electronically controlled switch that requires a specific coded voltage sequence to activate the motor, substituting physical security mechanisms with electronic authentication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from simple voltage presence to a specific voltage sequence with defined characteristics (voltage gaps, timing). The control device outputs a code as a voltage sequence with voltage gaps, and the switch is controllable with current/voltage for a certain time, creating a temporal and pattern-based security parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If expensive security systems are deployed to protect against unauthorized money withdrawal, then security level is improved, but implementation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidimplementation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive electronic components (switch, comparator module, shift register) rather than expensive security systems. These components can be easily manufactured and integrated into the money dispensing unit at low cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a comparator module as an intermediary between the control device and the motor switch. This module receives the voltage sequence, compares it with a predefined code, and only activates the motor if the codes match, providing security through a simple comparison mechanism rather than expensive authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If simple security measures are used for the money dispensing unit, then device complexity is reduced, but security level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of security measuresVSAvoidsecurity level
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic voltage sequences with specific timing characteristics to control the motor. The code is transmitted as a voltage sequence with voltage gaps, creating a time-based authentication mechanism that is simple in structure but effective in security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex mechanical security measures with an electronic control system that uses a switch controllable with current/voltage for a certain time. This electronic approach provides security while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If manual code entry or complex authentication is required for money dispensing, then security level is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidease of activation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-authentication by automatically generating and verifying the voltage sequence code internally. The control device outputs the code and the comparator module verifies it without requiring external manual intervention, maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution provides a high level of security against unauthorized manipulation while being relatively inexpensive to implement, as it only requires minor changes to existing systems, and the code is unique to the manufacturer, making external manipulation difficult.

Implementation Method 1

The cash dispensing unit (23) has an electric motor (25) which can be supplied with voltage for dispensing money

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A shift register (27) is arranged upstream of the comparator module (28), whereby the code can be filtered serially from the voltage for the electric motor (25) and forwarded in parallel to the comparator module (28)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal filtering and register storage:

Data Source

PatentEP2920772B1Money dispensing unit and gaming machine having a money dispensing unit
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 NOVOMATIC AG
  • EP2920772B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2920772B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a money dispensing unit (23), comprising an electric motor (25), a control device (24), which has a storage unit (32), wherein the electric motor (25) is coupled to the control device (24) by means of a controllable switch (26) and can be activated with current/voltage by means of the switch (26) in order to dispense money; and wherein the control device (24) is provided and designed to provide a code; and a comparison module (28) for receiving the code and comparing the code with a predefined code, wherein if the received code is identical to the known code, the switch (26) can be activated in order to supply voltage to the electric motor (25) in order to dispense money.