Abstract:
Tracking information in a note handling facility, such as an amusement gaming facility, involves, in some implementations, communications between components of the system to facilitate tracking the location and movement of note acceptors and cassettes for storing notes. Such components can include host machines, note acceptors, cassettes for storing notes, databases, and/or note counting machines. RF tag chips can be embedded in or mounted to some of the components to facilitate the communications. RF tag readers can be provided at appropriate locations within the facility to facilitate reading information from and writing information to the RF tag chips.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)  
       [0001]     This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/813,863, filed on Jun. 14, 2006. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     In the currency handling industry, it is important to be able to monitor and track currency, such as banknotes and similar documents of value. Notes often are stored in a cash box, which sometimes may be referred to as a currency cassette. Depending on the context in which the cash box is being used, the cash box may be securely located in, or attached to, for example, a safe, a gaming machine, a vending machine or a change machine. The locked cash box typically is removable from the safe or the machine by authorized service personnel so that the cash box can be transported to a secure, central location where the cash is removed and counted. Part of monitoring and tracking the currency, for example, in a gaming facility (e.g., a casino) may include tracking the location and movement of the cash boxes, as well as tracking note acceptors that determine whether currency inserted into the machine is genuine.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]     This disclosure relates to tracking information in a note handling facility.  
         [0004]     Tracking information in a note handling facility involves, in some implementations, communications between components of the system to facilitate tracking the location and movement of note acceptors and cassettes for storing notes. Such components can include host machines (e.g., gaming or vending machines), note acceptors, cassettes for storing notes, databases, and/or note counting machines.  
         [0005]     In some implementations, radio frequency (“RF”) tag chips are embedded in or mounted to various of the components to facilitate the communications. RF tag readers can be provided at appropriate locations within the facility to facilitate reading information from and writing information to the RF tag chips.  
         [0006]     As used herein, the term “note” (or “notes”) includes, but is not limited to, paper currency such as banknotes, bills, security documents, paper currency checks, coupons, tickets and other documents of value that may be used as legal tender in exchange for goods or services.  
         [0007]     Various aspects of the invention are defined by the claims.  
         [0008]     In one aspect, a disclosed method includes scanning identification information from a label on a host machine, transferring the scanned identification information to a note acceptor coupled to the host machine, and storing the transferred identification information in memory associated with the note acceptor.  
         [0009]     In some implementations, the identification information on the label includes bar-coded identification information. A hand-held bar-code reading device can be used to scan the identification information from the label and transfer it to the note acceptor.  
         [0010]     In a second aspect, a method for a host machine (e.g., a gaming machine or vending machine), with a note acceptor coupled the host machine, includes interrogating the note acceptor for identification information stored in memory associated with the note acceptor and receiving identification information from the note acceptor. The host machine is operated in a manner dependent on whether or not the identification information from the note acceptor matches identification information stored by the host machine.  
         [0011]     In some implementations, if the identification information from the note acceptor does not match the identification information stored by the host machine, the host machine reports occurrence of an error. Also, in some implementations, if the identification information from the note acceptor does not match the identification information stored by the host machine, the host machine updates the identification information in the note acceptor.  
         [0012]     In a related aspect, a method includes installing a note acceptor in a host machine, transferring identification information from the host machine to memory associated with the note acceptor, and storing the identification information in the note acceptor memory. In some implementations, the identification information transferred from the host machine is permanently programmed into host machine memory. The identification information can be transferred to the note acceptor memory, for example, upon power up of the note acceptor.  
         [0013]     A third aspect relates to a method for a note acceptor installed in a currency handling system that includes a host machine and a cassette for storing notes received by the note acceptor. The method includes communicating with the cassette to request that the cassette provide identification information if predetermined identification information is stored in memory associated with the note acceptor. Identification information is received from the cassette, and the identification information received from the cassette is stored in the memory associated with the note acceptor. In some implementations, the predetermined identification information stored in the memory associated with the note acceptor indicates that the note acceptor is a replacement or spare note acceptor.  
         [0014]     In a related aspect, a note acceptor includes a micro-processor and memory, and is operable, upon being powered up, to communicate with a cassette coupled to the note acceptor to request that the cassette provide identification information, if the note acceptor previously determines that predetermined identification information is stored in the memory. The note acceptor further is operable to receive identification information from the cassette and to store the identification information received from the cassette in the memory.  
         [0015]     According to a fourth aspect, a method of processing a cassette for storing notes includes removing the cassette from a first location where it is coupled to a note acceptor that is coupled to a host machine, placing the cassette on a RF tag reader station, and using a RF tag reader to read contents of a RF tag chip mounted to the cassette while the cassette is on the RF tag reader station. In some implementations, the method includes opening the cassette and removing notes from the cassette while the cassette is on the RF tag reader station, and using the RF tag reader to mark the RF tag chip electronically with an indication that the cassette has been emptied. A copy of the contents read from the RF tag chip can be printed.  
         [0016]     A fifth aspect relates to a method for a note acceptor to operate with a newly installed cassette for receiving notes. The method includes checking the contents of memory associated with the newly installed cassette, and operating the note acceptor in a manner dependent on whether the contents of the cassette memory indicate that the cassette is empty. In some implementations, the method includes operating the note acceptor in a manner dependent on at least one of whether the contents of the cassette memory indicate that the cassette is empty and whether identification information in the cassette memory matches identification information stored in memory associated with the note acceptor. The note acceptor can be inhibited from accepting notes if the contents of the cassette memory indicate that the cassette is not empty and if the identification information in the cassette memory does not match the identification information stored in the memory associated with the note acceptor.  
         [0017]     According to a sixth aspect, a method includes communicating information indicative of a software version with which a note acceptor is configured, the information being communicated from the note acceptor to a cassette for storing notes. The information is stored in memory associated with the cassette. Subsequently, the information is read from the memory associated with the cassette. In some implementations, the method includes storing the information read from the memory associated with the cassette in a database. The method can include interrogating the database to check what version of software is being used by the note acceptor and confirming that the version of software being used by the note acceptor matches an expected version.  
         [0018]     In a seventh aspect, a method for processing information in a first RF tag chip mounted to a cassette for storing notes includes placing the cassette in the vicinity of a RF tag reader and placing a card in the vicinity of the RF tag reader, wherein the card has a second RF tag chip embedded therein or mounted thereto. The information in the first RF tag chip is transferred to the second RF tag chip via the RF tag reader. A stack of notes is removed from the cassette, and the card is transported together with the stack of notes after transferring the information to the second RF tag chip. The notes are fed into a note counting machine, and the information is transferred from the second RF tag chip to the note counting machine. In some implementations, prior to placing the cassette in the vicinity of the RF tag reader, the cassette is detached from a host machine where the cassette stores notes received from a note acceptor and where the first RF tag chip mounted to the cassette stores information received from the note acceptor.  
         [0019]     Other aspects, features and various advantages that are present in some implementations will be apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side view of an example of a currency handling system.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded view of a currency handling system.  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a currency handling system.  
         [0023]      FIG. 4A  illustrates a printed circuit board mounted in a frame.  
         [0024]      FIG. 4B  is a block diagram of an example of a cash box.  
         [0025]      FIG. 5  illustrates a cash box mounted in a RF tag reader station.  
         [0026]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart.  
         [0027]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart.  
         [0028]      FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of a cash box mounted for reading at a RF tag reader station.  
         [0029]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart.  
         [0030]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate examples of communications between a host machine and a note acceptor.  
         [0031]      FIGS. 11, 12 ,  13  and  14  are flow charts. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     As illustrated in the example of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the currency handling system includes a micro-processor-based note acceptor  20  (e.g., a MEI Cashflow SC acceptor) to receive banknotes or other documents of value (e.g., coupons). In the illustrated example, the note acceptor  20  is operable to check the authenticity of the inserted note and, if authentic, to determine its denomination. Notes that are accepted (e.g., validated as being genuine) are transported to a cash box  22  (sometimes referred to as currency cassette), where they are stored in a secure manner until the cash box is removed by authorized personnel. Notes that are not accepted (e.g., not validated as being genuine) can be returned. Both the acceptor  20  and the cash box  22  are removably attached to a chassis (i.e., a frame)  24 .  
         [0033]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the acceptor  20  is coupled to a host machine such as a gaming machine (e.g., a slot machine)  40 . Other than the opening (e.g., slot) in the front of the acceptor  20  through which notes are inserted, unauthorized personnel do not have access to the chassis  24 , the cash box  22  and the remainder of the acceptor  20 . Those components can be hidden, for example, behind a locked door such that they are accessible only to authorized personnel. In other implementations, the note acceptor  20  is coupled to a vending machine, change machine or other host machine.  
         [0034]     In the illustrated example, the acceptor  20  has a RF antenna associated with it to transmit and receive data. As shown in  FIG. 4A , an interface printed circuit board (“PCB”)  26  is attached to the chassis  24  and is positioned between the location for the acceptor  20  and the cash box  22 . The interface board  26  includes circuitry to control various aspects of the acceptor  20 . An antenna PCB  28  (see  FIG. 3 ) is positioned below the interface PCB  26  and has circuitry that includes a small antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (“RF”) signals. As discussed below, the antenna board  28  allows the note acceptor  20  to communicate with the cash box  22 . An interface connector  27 , for example, allows the note acceptor  20  and host machine to communicate through the interface board  26 .  
         [0035]     As indicated by  FIG. 4B , a RF tag chip  30  is mounted to a surface of the cash box  22  that is adjacent the antenna board  28  when the cash box is installed in the chassis  24 . The RF tag chip  30  can take the form, for example, of a small, circular tag having an adhesive on one of its surfaces to facilitate mounting on the cash box. The RF tag chip  30  includes memory  31 , and data can be written to and read from the RF tag  30  on the cash box  22 .  
         [0036]     For example, once the cash box  22  is installed in a chassis  24  with an associated note acceptor  20  having an interface board  26  with a fixed antenna, data can be written to the cash box memory  31 . With the RF tag  30  in close proximity to the note acceptor  20 , modulation of the acceptor&#39;s antenna energizes an antenna in the RF tag that allows data to be communicated to the RF tag chip  30  and transferred to the RF tag&#39;s memory  31 .  
         [0037]     Although the illustrated implementations uses a RF tag chip  30  to facilitate radio frequency communications between the cash box  22  and the note acceptor  20 , in other implementations, the cash box and acceptor can communicate through other means, such as electrical or optical communications.  
         [0038]     Various types of data that can be transferred from the note acceptor  20  for storage in the cash box memory include product performance and audit data. Such data may contain information such as, but not limited to, operating hours, number of notes processed, tamper attempts detected, number of notes and how they were inserted, number of jams and jam recoveries, acceptance rates, number of resets, and the number of times the cash box became full. Other information also can be stored in the RF tag memory.  
         [0039]     For example, it can be advantageous to store information indicative not only of the total number of notes and the number of notes for each denomination, but also the number of notes within a particular series for each denomination. For example, U.S. $5 bills have multiple series. The bills of each series are generally accepted as currency in the U.S., and various note acceptors can differentiate among the different series of bills by detecting differences in their optical or other characteristics. Thus, the note acceptor can communicate to the cash box memory the number of bills in each particular series.  
         [0040]     Another example of the type of data that can be transferred from the note acceptor  20  for storage in the cash box memory  31  is identification information (e.g., a location number or asset number). Preferably, the identification information includes a unique identifier associated with the host machine. This facilitates tracking and monitoring of the movement of each cash box in the gaming or other facility so that currency stored in each cash box can be tracked and monitored more easily. The movement of the note acceptors also can be tracked and monitored in this way.  
         [0041]     The identification number (e.g., the location number or asset number) can be provided to the note acceptor  20  in any one of various ways. In some implementations, the location or asset number is entered into the note acceptor using a computer (e.g., laptop) or a handheld device coupled to the note acceptor. The location or asset number can be entered via the computer or handheld device using, for example, a keyboard, swipe device, memory stick or other data entry device. For example, the asset number can be provided to the bill acceptor by connecting a personal computer or handheld device to a USB port on the front of the bill acceptor. In other implementations, a Universal Serial Bus-based (“USB-based”) scanner is coupled directly to the note acceptor to read identification from the host machine and report it directly to the note acceptor.  
         [0042]     Alternatively, a hand-held bar-code wand attached, for example, near the front of the host machine and coupled to the note acceptor can be used to scan unique identification information (e.g., a location or asset number) encoded as a bar code on a label mounted to the gaming or other machine. The location or asset number then is written from the bar code wand to the note acceptor memory. When the cash box  22  is installed in the chassis  24 , the unique location or asset number is transmitted from the note acceptor  20  to the cash box memory  31 .  
         [0043]     Data also can be read from the cash box memory  31 . For example, if the cash box memory  31  is part of a RF tag chip  30 , the data can be read by a RF tag reader having an antenna. In the context of a gaming facility, the RF tag reader can be located, for example, in a soft count room where the contents of the cash box  22  are verified. In a particular scenario (see  FIG. 6 ), authorized personnel would remove the cash box  22  from the chassis  24  (block  100 ), replace an empty cash box in the chassis (block  102 ), and take the locked cash box  22  to a secure soft count room (block  104 ). As indicated by block  106 , the cash box  22  then is placed on a RF tag reader station  32  (see  FIG. 5 ) on whose upper surface is mounted a RF tag reader. The RF tag reader reads the data previously stored in the cash box memory  31  (block  108 ). A printer (not shown) can be coupled to the RF tag reader station  32  so as to receive the data read from the RF tag  30 . The printer is operable to generate a ticket with the data from the RF tag printed thereon. Also, the RF tag reader marks the RF tag chip memory  31  electronically to indicate the cash box  22  is empty. At the same time, authorized personnel can unlock and open the currency access door  34  of the cash box  22  to remove the currency stored therein. As indicated by block  110 , the authorized personnel can feed the currency removed from the acceptor  20  and the printed ticket into a sorter or counter. The emptied cash box can be reused for a subsequent “drop” (i.e., for subsequent replacement of another cash box that is removed from a gaming or other host machine).  
         [0044]     The information read by the RF tag reader from the cash box memory  31  can be stored, for example, in a database. The stored information can be used to generate reports to assist management in monitoring and tracking various activities taking place at the gaming or other facility. For example, the gaming facility may determine that there appears to be potentially fraudulent activity with respect to the use of a particular series of bills. In such a situation, management personnel may choose to reconfigure (e.g., change the software in) the note acceptors used at the gaming facility so as not to accept notes of the specified series.  
         [0045]     In some currency counting applications, it is desirable to have the currency sorting and counting equipment located in a different area from where the notes are removed from the cash box. In such situations, the information contained within the cash box memory  31  should be physically transported together with the notes so that the information remains available when the notes are counted. The following paragraphs describe a technique to copy stored data from the cash box memory to a RF tag attached to a card, which then is transported with the notes from the location where the notes are removed from the cash box to the location where the notes are counted.  
         [0046]     As shown by  FIG. 7 , after a cash box  22  is detached from a note acceptor  20  on the gaming floor (block  152 ) and transported to the counting room (block  154 ), the cash box and a “separator” card  38  are placed in the vicinity of the RF tag reader station  32  (block  156 ). As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the separator card  38  can be, for example, a plastic card slightly larger than the size of the notes and can be used to separate one stack of notes from another when they are transported to the sorting and counting machine. Like the cash box  22 , the separator card  38  also includes a RF tag  40  embedded within it or mounted to its surface. In the example of  FIG. 8 , the separator card  38  (with the RF tag  40 ) is placed on an RF tag reader station  32 , and a cash box  22  (with the RF tag  30 ) is placed over the separator card. The RF tag  40  embedded in or mounted to the separator card  38  can include a special identifier so that the RF tag reader recognizes the RF tag  40  as being associated with a separator card. Any data stored within the cash box memory is read by the RF tag reader station  32 , which transfers the data to the RF tag  40  of the separator card  38  (block  158 ). The separator card  38  then is placed together with (e.g., on top of) the stack of notes removed from the cash box  22  (block  160 ). The separator card can be transported, together with the stack of notes, in a plastic bin sometimes referred to as a “chute.” Multiple stacks of notes sometimes are placed atop one another in the chute. In that case, the separator cards also serve to separate one stack from the next. The notes and separator card  38  are transported to the note counting machine. Meanwhile, the empty cash box is ready for re-use (block  162 ).  
         [0047]     As illustrated by  FIG. 9 , once the stack of notes and the associated separator card  38  are transported to the note counting machine (block  164 ), the separator card is placed onto another RF tag reader station near the note counting machine (block  166 ) so that the information stored in the RF tag  40  of the separator card is transferred electronically to the note counting machine or printed on a ticket (block  168 ). The stack of notes is fed into the counting machine, which counts the notes (block  170 ). In some cases, the counting machine also sorts the notes, for example, by denomination. The separator card  38  then can be returned, for subsequent re-use, to the location where the notes are removed from the cash box (block  172 ).  
         [0048]     An issue that occasionally can arise when a note acceptor  20  is replaced or swapped, for example, with an empty note acceptor is that the location or asset number which is associated with the empty note acceptor may be incorrect for the new location (i.e., the gaming or vending machine in which the empty note acceptor is being installed). Thus, the location or asset number should be programmed to ensure the note acceptor contains the correct location or asset number.  
         [0049]     One way of addressing the issue of location or asset number errors is to program the identification information (e.g., location or asset number) permanently into memory of the host machine  40  (e.g., gaming or vending machine). In some implementations, in addition to the exchange of any other messages that takes place between the host machine  40  and the note acceptor  20  (for example, upon power-up), a message is added to provide the identification information from the host machine to the note acceptor (see  FIG. 10A ). This message would inform the note acceptor  20  of the correct location or asset number.  
         [0050]     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 10B , the host machine  40  can interrogate the note acceptor  20  for the location or asset number already stored in the note acceptor memory. The note acceptor  20  responds to the interrogation by sending to the host machine  40  the identification information currently stored in its memory. If the information is correct (i.e., it matches the identification information stored in the host machine), then the host machine  40  will continue to operate normally. If the information is incorrect (i.e., it does not match the identification information stored in the host machine), the host machine  40  can take corrective action, such as reporting an error. This can help ensure that a host gaming machine, for example, will not be operable for playing a game if the location or asset number stored in the note acceptor is incorrect. In some situations, in the event of a mismatch, the host machine updates the location or asset number in the note acceptor automatically.  
         [0051]     In some implementations, the replacement note acceptor is configured with predetermined special identification information (e.g., asset number) in its memory that indicates the acceptor is a “spare” or “replacement” acceptor that is being used to replace the note acceptor currently coupled to the host machine. As indicated by  FIG. 11 , upon being powered up after the replacement acceptor is installed in the chassis (block  114 ), the acceptor&#39;s microprocessor recognizes the special identification information (block  115 ) and communicates with the cash box  22  already installed in the chassis. In particular, the replacement note acceptor requests the cash box  22  to send the asset number or other identification number stored in the cash box memory  31  to the note acceptor (block  116 ). In response, the RF tag chip  30  or other circuitry mounted to the cash box  22  retrieves the asset number or other identification information from its memory  31  and send that information to the note acceptor  20  (block  117 ). Upon receipt of the asset number or other identification information from the cash box  22 , the replacement note acceptor stores that information in its own memory (block  118 ).  
         [0052]     To facilitate testing of note acceptors during manufacturing, a “dummy” asset number can be stored in the note acceptor&#39;s memory. The “dummy” asset number is recognized by the note acceptor&#39;s microprocessor and allows the note acceptor to continue operating during testing even though there is no separate confirmation that the asset number in the note acceptor matches the identification information in a particular host machine or is otherwise correct.  
         [0053]     As explained above, in a typical scenario such as may occur in a gaming facility, when a cash box  22  is filled to capacity (e.g., when it is filled with banknotes), the cash box is removed from the chassis  24  by service personnel, and an empty cash box is installed in its place. The removed cash box  22  is taken to a counting room and placed on the RF tag reading station  32 . The currency or other notes in the cash box  22  are removed, and a bar coded ticket is printed with the information retrieved from the cash box memory  31  and other relevant data (e.g., time and date). When the data stored in the cash box  31  has been read and saved, the cash box memory  31  is marked electronically to indicate that the cash box  22  has been emptied (or is now empty). The cash box  22  then is ready to be reinstalled in a chassis  24  to receive notes from an acceptor  20  coupled to a host machine  40 .  
         [0054]     An accounting issue, however, can occur if the cash box being installed in the chassis is not, in fact, empty. As illustrated by  FIG. 12 , when the cash box initially is installed in the chassis  24 , the note acceptor can detect the status of the cash box by checking the contents of the cash box memory  31  in the RF tag chip  30  mounted to the cash box. The note acceptor  22  can check the contents of the cash box memory  31  by requesting the cash box to send information indicative of whether the cash box is empty as well as identification information. If the information stored in the cash box memory  31  indicates the cash box has been emptied or if the RF tag has the expected location or asset number stored therein, the note acceptor  20  will operate normally (i.e., the note acceptor is enabled to receive notes, to check their authenticity and denomination, and to store them in the cash box). If, on the other hand, the information stored in the cash box memory  31  indicates that the cash box in not empty, and the location or asset number stored in the cash box memory  31  is not the expected one (i.e., does not match the identification information stored in the note acceptor memory), then the note acceptor  20  automatically is inhibited from accepting additional notes and, in some implementations, is operable to report automatically to a central system controller that an error has occurred.  
         [0055]     The cash box system also can be used to deliver information to a note acceptor unit  20  in the field or, for example, on the gaming facility floor. To change or update functionality of a note acceptor, service personnel typically must change a setting or update firmware or software. The cash box memory allows such updating to be done automatically by taking advantage of the fact that the cash boxes  22  are removed from and replaced in the host machines on a regular or periodic basis. Once the cash box  22  is emptied of its contents or the cash box memory  31  is electronically marked to indicate the cash box is “empty,” new information can be written to and stored in the cash box memory, as indicated by block  130  of  FIG. 13 . When the cash box  22  is transported to and installed in the note acceptor  20  (blocks  132 ,  120 ), the newly stored information in the RF tag  30  is transferred to and stored in the note acceptor&#39;s memory (block  122 ). The transferred information can include, for example, configuration data such as an identification of the type of notes to be accepted or rejected, operating modes, or any other required settings. The foregoing techniques also can facilitate updating of the note acceptor&#39;s firmware or software.  
         [0056]     The cash box memory  31  also can be used to track the software version with which a particular note acceptor  20  is configured. For example, as indicated by  FIG. 14 , when the cash box  22  is installed in the chassis  24  (block  140 ), the note acceptor  20  communicates to the cash box information indicating the version of software that the note acceptor is using (block  142 ). The information indicating the software version is stored in the cash box memory  31  (block  144 ), from where it subsequently can be read, for example, by the RF tag reader when the cash box is brought to the soft count room (block  146 ). The information read from the cash box memory  31 , including the identity of the note acceptor  22  and the version of software it is using, is transferred to and stored in a database (block  148 ). The database then can be interrogated to confirm the software version being used by the note acceptor in the gaming or other facility matches the expected version (block  150 ). This can facilitate management&#39;s confirming that all units in the gaming facility have been updated with the proper software, which can be important in avoiding violations of applicable regulatory rules.  
         [0057]     Other implementations are within the scope of the claims.