Abstract:
A money dispensing unit, including an electric motor, a control device, which has a storage unit, wherein the electric motor is coupled to the control device of a controllable switch and can be activated with current/voltage of the switch in order to dispense money; and the control device is provided and designed to provide a code. Additionally, a comparison module for receiving the code and comparing the code with a predefined code, wherein if the received code is identical to the predefined code, the switch can be activated in order to supply voltage to the electric motor in order to dispense money is also disclosed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is the U.S. national phase of PCT Application No. PCT/EP2013/073534 filed on Nov. 12, 2013, which claims priority to DE Patent Application No. 10 2012 111 080.8 filed on Nov. 16, 2012, the disclosures of which are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a game sequence controller, which is connected to a control device of a money dispensing unit, wherein the game sequence controller communicates with the control device for the purpose of dispensing money. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating a gaming machine comprising a game sequence controller, which is connected to and communicates with a control device of a money dispensing unit for the purpose of dispensing money. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The prior art discloses money-operated gaming machines comprising in each case at least one money dispensing unit, in particular for paying out winnings, wherein the money dispensing unit comprises a control device coupled to a game sequence controller, for example. For unauthorized pay-out of money or non-cash objects from the money dispensing unit, a so-called hopper, attempts are made to manipulate the money dispensing unit via an interface, for example, specifically by targeted loading of data which do not originate from the control device, or supply with voltage in order to activate a motor of the money dispensing unit. In order to counteract such manipulations, a multiplicity of measures are implemented, but often they can be realized only very complexly and expensively. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,380,008 A describes a gaming machine comprising a game sequence controller, which is connected to a control device of a money dispensing unit. In this case, the game sequence controller communicates with the control device for the purpose of dispensing money and the money dispensing unit comprises an electric motor, to which voltage can be applied for the purpose of dispensing money. 
     Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 4,250,533 A discloses an electronically encrypted security system. Said system comprises a physical receptacle for a key which is insertable into the receptacle and which comprises a code which is read out contactlessly if the key is situated in the receptacle. Accordingly, an electronically protected mechanical lock is made available. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a gaming machine and a method for operating a gaming machine of the type mentioned in the introduction which have a comparatively high security against unauthorized manipulations of the money dispensing unit, wherein the money dispensing unit is realized with relatively simple means. 
     According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of the features of the independent claims The dependent claims represent advantageous embodiments of the invention. 
     A gaming machine comprises a game sequence controller, which is connected to a control device of a money dispensing unit. In this case, the game sequence controller communicates with the control device for the purpose of dispensing money. In this case, the money dispensing unit comprises an electric motor and the control device comprising a storage unit. In this case, the electric motor is coupled to the control device via a controllable switch, which is encapsulated with the electric motor, and is drivable with current/voltage for a specific time via the switch for the purpose of dispensing money. A monostable multivibrator assigned to the switch generates a specific run time of the electric motor by means of a voltage/current supply of corresponding length by virtue of the electric circuit being closed by means of the switch. The control device is provided and designed for outputting a code designed as a voltage sequence with voltage gaps. In this case, a two-core electrical line via which the electric motor is to be supplied with operating voltage/operating current is usable for transmitting the code. Furthermore, the money dispensing unit comprises a comparator component for receiving and comparing the code with a predefined code. A shift register is disposed upstream of the comparator component, wherein the code is filterable by the shift register serially from the voltage present for the electric motor and is forwardable in parallel to the comparator component. In the case where the received code is identical or equal to the known, predefined code, the switch is drivable for the purpose of supplying voltage/current to the electric motor for the purpose of dispensing money via the monostable multivibrator. 
     The code is for example specifically adapted to the money dispensing unit and is known to the control device and to the comparator component. The code is transmitted in order to ensure that the switch is driven only if the correct code has been transmitted. It is thereby ensured that the information for dispensing money originates from the control device of the money dispensing unit rather than from a manipulation device, wherein the driving of the switch results in supply of voltage/current to the electric motor and therefore dispensing of money. This measure can be realized relatively cost-effectively since, compared with a known money dispensing unit, only minor changes in the construction—such as e.g. merely addition of the comparator component—are required. Furthermore, there is a relatively high security against manipulations from outside, since the transmitted code must be known only to the manufacturer, who coordinates the control device and the comparator component with one another. It goes without saying that the comparator component, the switch and the electric motor can be encapsulated in order that these sensitive components are protected against mechanical manipulation. It is apparent to the person skilled in the art in an obvious way that the switch does not serve directly for supplying voltage/current to the electric motor, but rather is arranged between a voltage/current source and the electric motor in order to interrupt or close an electric circuit. 
     In the context of the invention, the electric voltage should substantially be equated to the electric current. 
     The code is formed as a voltage sequence with voltage gaps. The voltage with which the electric motor of the money dispensing unit is operated contains voltage gaps at specific time intervals, wherein these time intervals of the voltage gaps represent a data sequence. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special data transmission device. Rather the control device supplies a pulsed voltage which is 0 and 1, for example, in the form of the code and then a voltage which is 1 and corresponds to the operating voltage of the electric motor in order to pay out money, tokens or similar non-cash winnings. Furthermore, the electric motor cannot be activated by simple application of voltage/current or a short circuit in order to dispense the content of a money storage unit from the gaming machine via the assigned money dispensing unit. Modulation of sinusoidal or trapezoidal voltage signals also does not suffice to start the electric motor and therefore to manipulate the money dispensing unit. In this way the unauthorized influencing of the money dispensing unit is made significantly more difficult. 
     The two-core electrical line via which the electric motor is drivable with operating voltage/operating current is usable for transmitting the code. Accordingly, it is not necessary to change a wiring harness or electrical lines of the money dispensing unit. The invention can therefore be implemented in an existing money dispensing unit without any problems. 
     A shift register is disposed upstream of the comparator component. The shift register filters the code serially from the voltage for the electric motor and then transfers the code in parallel to the comparator component. 
     A so-called monostable multivibrator is assigned to the switch. A monostable multivibrator is an electronic or electromechanical circuit which has only one stable state. In a manner driven by an external pulse or trigger pulse, a switching state of the monostable multivibrator is changed for a specific time duration until the monostable multivibrator returns to a quiescent position (stable state). The specific time duration is determined by a dimensioning of the monostable multivibrator. In the case of the substantive invention, the trigger pulse is initiated by the comparator component. As a result, the triggered monostable multivibrator generates a fixedly set run time of the electric motor. If the code is sent by the control device only once, for example, then the monostable multivibrator switches off the electric motor after a minimum run time. The monostable multivibrator is retriggerable, however, as a result of which the electric motor can be switched on without interruption. 
     In order to enable simple adaptation when components are exchanged, expediently the comparator component is assigned a coding switch, in particular a DIP switch, or a memory for the predefined code. The comparator component can then be adapted to the code of the control device by means of a corresponding manual setting of the DIP switch. 
     The indicated object is furthermore achieved by means of a method for operating a gaming machine comprising a game sequence controller, wherein the game sequence controller is connected to and communicates with a control device of a money dispensing unit for the purpose of dispensing money. In this case, the money dispensing unit comprises an electric motor and a control device comprising a storage unit. In this case, the electric motor is coupled to the control device via a controllable switch, which is encapsulated with the electric motor, and the electric motor is driven with current/voltage for a specific time via the switch for the purpose of dispensing money. In this case, a monostable multivibrator assigned to the switch generates a specific run time of the electric motor by means of voltage/current supply of corresponding length by virtue of the electric circuit being closed by means of the switch. In this case, the control device is provided and designed for outputting a code formed as a voltage sequence with voltage gaps. A two-core electrical line via which the electric motor is supplied with operating voltage/operating current is used for transmitting the code. Furthermore, in the case of the money dispensing unit, a comparator component for receiving and for comparing the code with a predefined code is provided, and in this case a shift register is disposed upstream of the comparator component. The code is filtered by the shift register serially from the voltage present for the electric motor and is then forwarded in parallel to the comparator component. In the case where the received code is identical or corresponds to the known, predefined code, the switch is driven for the purpose of supplying voltage to the electric motor for the purpose of dispensing money via the monostable multivibrator. 
     The control device comprises for example the storage component or the like in order to store the code which is sent to the comparator component. In order to provide a comparatively high security against unauthorized manipulation, each money dispensing unit can be assigned an individual code. It is also possible to assign a common code to a specific series of money dispensing units. 
     The code is filtered serially from the voltage serving as an operating voltage for the electric motor and is forwarded in parallel to the comparator component by the shift register. In the case where the received code corresponds to the known code, that is to say the predefined code, the monostable multivibrator and therefore the switch, by means of which the electric motor is supplied with the operating voltage/operating current for a specific time, are addressed by the comparator component. 
     The code is input by means of a code input unit at the comparator component. The code input unit can for example be integrated into an electronic service device or, as already explained, be embodied as a DIP switch at the comparator component. 
     The above-explained money dispensing unit can be integrated in a simple manner into arbitrary devices in which money processing or a pay-out of money or non-cash objects takes place. The money dispensing unit is preferably used in a gaming machine, but such a restriction is not mandatory; rather, the money dispensing unit can also be provided in a money changer, a goods vending machine or a so-called cash dispenser, without this being an exhaustive enumeration. 
     If a money return switch of the gaming machine is actuated, for example, corresponding signaling to the game sequence controller is effected. In this case the game sequence controller in turn drives the control device of the money dispensing unit in order to activate the electric motor for dispensing money. In this case, with the voltage the code comprising voltage signals is sent to the comparator component of the money dispensing unit, which comparator component compares the received code with a known, predefined code and, in the case where the received code is identical or corresponds to the predefined code, drives the switch via the monostable multivibrator for the purpose of closing an electric circuit for the purpose of supplying voltage or current to the electric motor. 
     It goes without saying that the features mentioned above and those yet to be explained below can be used not only in the combination respectively indicated, but also in other combinations. The scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention is explained in greater detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the associated drawing, in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic illustration of a front view of a gaming machine comprising a money dispensing unit according to the invention, and 
         FIG. 2  shows a schematic partial illustration of the money dispensing unit for the gaming machine according to  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The front of the housing  1  of the money-operated, computer-controlled gaming machine with a win opportunity has three display devices  2  in the form of screens  3  arranged one above another, the top screen  3  of which is used to present a gaming device  4 . The gaming device  4  is visually presented in the form of a symbol gaming device with three revolving bodies  5  in cylindrical form that are arranged next to one another. In a computer-controlled manner, a game sequence controller  33  generates an image corresponding to rotating revolving bodies  5  with circumferential symbols  6 . Furthermore, in a computer-controlled manner, reading windows  7  are presented on the screen  3 , which are used to display a randomly controlled game result, that is to say a specific combination of symbols  6 . The presentation of the game result is accompanied by a display of the virtual revolving bodies  5  that corresponds to stopped cylinders. From the displayed symbols  6 , the user can read off the game result, in particular also whether there is a win according to a displayable win plan. 
     The screen  3  in the middle of the gaming machine is embodied as a touchscreen  8  and is used to present supplementary gaming devices  10  embodied as risk ladders  9 . The winnings attained in the gaming device  4  by achieving a symbol combination determined in a randomly controlled manner can be transferred under key or computer control as a stake to one of the supplementary gaming devices  10  arranged on both sides of the central screen  3 . The left-hand risk ladder  9  comprises a plurality of display panels  11  presented one above another, which are allocated winnings values from 10 to 5000 points in ascending order. The right-hand risk ladder  9  likewise has a plurality of display panels  11  presented one above another, which are allocated winnings values from 15 to 6000 points in ascending order. 
     The winnings displayed in the risk ladder  9  are gambled by virtue of the fact that the next higher display panel  11  in relation to the visually highlighted display panel  11  that displays the winnings is presented so as to flash alternately with a total loss display panel  12  labeled “0” that is placed below the risk ladder  9 . When a key  13  embodied as a pushbutton key is actuated, the momentary contact switch  14  of said key being arranged in a lower housing section  15 , either the next higher winnings are attained or the staked winnings are lost, under random control. This process can be continued until the presented maximum winnings in terms of points are reached. 
     The bottom screen  3  is provided with displays  16  for credits, points, winnings and the like, with one of the displays  16  representing a points bank  17 . When there is a credit in a display  16  embodied as a credit display  18 , a specific sum of money from the credit display  18  is converted into a specific number of points and added to the points bank  17 , from which a specific number of points are debited as a stake for a game in the gaming device  4  and to which points won in the gaming device  4  are added. When a cash value is paid out, the points value in the points bank  17  is first of all converted into a credit in a prescribed time interval, which credit is to be presented in the credit display  18 . 
     Restart/stop keys embodied as pushbutton keys  19  with corresponding momentary contact switches  14  are arranged in the lower housing section  15  of the gaming machine, and when said keys are acted on, that symbol  6  of the assigned revolving body  5  which is displayed in the gaming device  4  can be restarted or prematurely stopped. That is to say, the display is influenced in such a way that the revolving bodies  5  appear in a stationary or rotating form. It goes without saying that all of the momentary contact switches  14  can be backlit, preferably in color, in particular depending on the progression of the game. Furthermore, a coin insertion slot  20  and a banknote feed slot  21  of a money processing device (not illustrated in more specific detail) are provided. Moreover, a return key  22  is arranged next to the coin insertion slot  20 , and actuation of said return key enables a credit displayed in the credit display  18  to be withdrawn to a dispensing tray (not illustrated), wherein a momentary contact switch  14  is likewise assigned to the return key  22 . 
     The money processing device of the gaming machine comprises a money dispensing unit  23 , comprising a control device  24  connected to the game sequence controller  33  of the gaming machine. Furthermore, the money dispensing unit  23  comprises an electric motor  25 , which is to be supplied with current/voltage for the purpose of dispensing money, wherein the current/voltage is released by the control device  24  for a specific time by means of the actuation of an electronic, controllable switch  26  disposed upstream. In order to prevent a manipulation of the pay-out process by illegitimate supply of voltage/current to the electric motor  25 , a comparator component  28  is provided or disposed upstream for controlling the switch  26  of the electric motor  25 . A code, which is stored in a storage unit  32  of the control device  24 , is sent to the comparator component  28  by the control device  24  via a two-core electrical line  29 . This code, which is filtered by means of a shift register  27 , is compared with a code which is known to the comparator component  28  using said comparator component  28 . In the case where the received code is identical or corresponds to the known or predefined code, the switch  26  is driven for the purpose of supplying voltage/current to the electric motor  25  for the purpose of dispensing money via a monostable multivibrator  30 . 
     The code sent to the comparator component  28  by the control device  24  is present in the form of gaps in the voltage that supplies the electric motor  25 , wherein the voltage gaps represent a data sequence. This data sequence firstly must be generated correctly and subsequently must also be identified as correct by the comparator component  28  in order that the switch  26  encapsulated with the electric motor  25  is closed in order to supply the electric motor  25  with the voltage required for paying out money or non-cash objects. 
     The code which is communicated by the control device  24  in a so-called pulse packet and which can also be set by means of a DIP switch  31  at the comparator component  28  is filtered by the shift register  27  serially from the voltage present for the electric motor  25  and is forwarded in parallel to the comparator component  28 . The comparator component  28  compares the code which has been set or predefined by means of DIP switch  31  with the preset code received from the control device  24  via the shift register  27 . In the event of a correspondence, the comparator component  28  then initiates a pulse for as short a time as desired. The monostable multivibrator  30  driven with the pulse subsequently generates a specific run time of the electric motor  25  by means of a voltage/current supply of corresponding length by virtue of the electric circuit being closed by means of the switch  26 . If the code is sent by the control device  24  only once, then the monostable multivibrator  30  interrupts the voltage/current supply by opening the switch  26  and accordingly switches off the electric motor  25  after a minimum run time. Since the monostable multivibrator  30  is embodied in a retriggerable fashion, the switch  26  disposed upstream of the electric motor  25  can be switched on without interruption. 
     In one possible implementation of the circuit, the code, that is to say the logic signal, is tapped off and voltage/current for supplying the electric motor  25  is generated. In this case, it is possible to accept the voltage gaps, that is to say 0V levels, having a duration of less than 1.5 ms as a 0 and having a duration of greater than 1.5 ms as a 1 into the shift register  27 . In the time in which the shift register  27  has to be filled, it is necessary to send the 0V levels within less than 3.5 ms, for example. If a greater level, that is to say a so-called high level, is sent or received for longer than 3.5 ms, then the content of the shift register  27  is compared with the code set by way of the DIP switch  31  by means of the comparator component  28  and, in the event of a correspondence between the content of the shift register  27  and the predefined code, the switch  26  embodied as a MOS-FET is turned on in order to supply the electric motor  25  with voltage/current. 
     REFERENCE SIGNS 
     
         
           1 . Housing 
           2 . Display device 
           3 . Screen 
           4 . Gaming device 
           5 . Revolving body 
           6 . Symbol 
           7 . Reading window 
           8 . Touchscreen 
           9 . Risk ladder 
           10 . Supplementary gaming device 
           11 . Display panel 
           12 . Total loss display panel 
           13 . Key 
           14 . Momentary contact switch 
           15 . Housing section 
           16 . Display 
           17 . Points bank 
           18 . Credit display 
           19 . Pushbutton key 
           20 . Coin insertion slot 
           21 . Banknote feed slot 
           22 . Return key 
           23 . Money dispensing unit 
           24 . Control device 
           25 . Electric motor 
           26 . Switch 
           27 . Shift register 
           28 . Comparator component 
           29 . Line 
           30 . Monostable multivibrator 
           31 . DIP switch 
           32 . Storage unit 
           33 . Game sequence controller