Patent ID: 6626749
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G07D,G07F

Abstract:
A system for detecting the status of a gaming machine coin hopper, the system comprising:a probe for determining the fill status of the coin hopper; a detection circuit for determining if the coin hopper level is below a limit based upon a state of said probe; an enunciator responsive to said detection circuit for alerting an operator as to the status of said coin hopper; an output device responsive to said detection circuit for providing a signal to a player tracking system monitor; a voltage divider for interfacing to the gaming machine voltage supply; said voltage divider reducing the gaming machine supply voltage to a secondary supply voltage provided to said detection circuit; wherein said probe comprises an electromechanical switch having two states, said switch being electrically conductive when said coin hopper level is above said limit, and non-conductive when said coin hopper level is below said limit; and wherein said probe is connected to said detection circuit via a probe interface such that said probe provides a continuity path when said coin hopper level is above said limit and an open circuit when said coin hopper level is below said limit.