Abstract:
An apparatus ( 312 ) for use with a gaming machine ( 102 ), the apparatus ( 312 ) comprising:
       an electronic processing board ( 144 );   a first data interface ( 366 ) that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board ( 144 );   a second data interface ( 126 ) that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board ( 144 ); and   a ticket printer ( 318 ) that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board ( 144 ),   wherein the electronic processing board ( 144 ) is arranged to perform the following steps in response to a cashout signal ( 134 ):   communicate with the gaming machine ( 102 ) via the first data interface ( 366 ) in order to effect a removal of wagerable credits from the gaming machine ( 102 );   communicate with a computer system ( 120 ), which is remote to the gaming machine ( 102 ), via the second data interface ( 126 ) so as to: provide the computer system ( 120 ) with details of the removal of wagerable credit; and receive from the computer system ( 120 ) ticket data that is associated with the removal of wagerable credits; and   communicate with the ticket printer ( 318 ) in order to cause the ticket printer ( 318 ) to issue a ticket ( 136 ) that associated with the ticket data.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/073,909 filed Oct. 19, 2000, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/960,696 filed Sep. 21, 2001 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,619) which, in turn, is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/963,183 filed Oct. 19, 2000 (U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,515). 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a gaming system and, more particularly, to retrofitting a gaming machine or gaming network. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Gaming machines, particularly slot machines, have in recent years become one of the more popular, exciting, and sophisticated wagering activities available at casinos and other gambling locations. At the same time, slot machines have also become a source of greater revenue for gaming establishments. 
         [0004]    Typically, a player, when finished playing, “cashes out” at the slot machine by activating a cash out button. At that time, the slot machine converts the amount of credits pending in the slot machine to a currency payout that is dispensed (e.g., as coins) to the player. The player must then collect all of the coins, fill a cup or pockets, then move to the next slot machine and re-enter all of the coins. Thus, the prior payout techniques tended to interrupt gameplay, thereby reducing profits and also reducing the excitement and entertainment experience that arises from uninterrupted game play. 
         [0005]    In the past, slot machines have attempted to address the interruption caused when a player collects coins and moves to another slot machine. In particular, some slot machines have issued paper tickets that encode the amount of credit pending in the slot machine when the player presses the cashout button. The player may then simply pick up the ticket dispensed by the slot machine and proceed to a new slot machine without incurring the time delay and distraction associated with collecting currency and reinserting it into the new slot machine. 
         [0006]    Successful ticketing, however, requires a comprehensive system level approach to ensure that the tickets are secure (e.g., they cannot be duplicated and reused, they cannot be forged, and the like), that as many slot machines as possible can accept tickets, and that ticketing does not cause as much interruption as the coin/currency payout that the tickets are designed to replace. However, in prior ticketing systems for example, the slot machines typically had to spend the time and processing resources to generate their own ticket validation numbers, or had to incur the delay of requesting a ticket validation number from a central authority each time the slot machine needed to print a ticket. As a result, prior slot machines exposed the player to unnecessary processing delay, thereby slowing play, and reducing the overall level of player enjoyment. 
         [0007]    In addition, preexisting gaming machines do not have the capability to print and redeem tickets, making them apparently obsolete in a ticket environment. A player having received a printed ticket from one gaming machine, crosses the casino floor only to find that the next machine of choice is unable to redeem the ticket. This causes player frustration and potential confusion as to the purpose of the ticket. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to an aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use with a gaming machine, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0009]    an electronic processing board; 
         [0010]    a first data interface that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board; 
         [0011]    a second data interface that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board; and 
         [0012]    a ticket printer that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, 
         [0013]    wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to perform the following steps in response to a cashout signal: 
         [0014]    communicate with the gaming machine via the first data interface in order to effect a removal of wagerable credits from the gaming machine; 
         [0015]    communicate with a computer system, which is remote to the gaming machine, via the second data interface so as to: provide the computer system with details of the removal of wagerable credit; and receive from the computer system ticket data that is associated with the removal of wagerable credits; and 
         [0016]    communicate with the ticket printer in order to cause the ticket printer to issue a ticket that associated with the ticket data. 
         [0017]    In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a visual display that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to communicate with the visual display to display information in response to the cashout signal. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment of the invention the electronic processing board is arranged to receive the cashout signal from the gaming machine via the first data interface. 
         [0019]    In an embodiment of the invention the electronic processing board is arranged to use a predefined electronic funds transfer protocol in order to communicate with the gaming machine via the first data interface to effect the removal of wagerable credits from the gaming machine. 
         [0020]    In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus further comprises a memory storage means that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to store the ticket data in the memory. 
         [0021]    According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for use with a gaming machine, the apparatus comprising: 
         [0022]    an electronic processing board; 
         [0023]    a first data interface that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board; 
         [0024]    a second data interface that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board; and 
         [0025]    a ticket reader that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, 
         [0026]    wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to: 
         [0027]    communicate with the ticket reader in order to obtain ticket data that is associated with a ticket that is inserted into the ticket reader; 
         [0028]    communicate with a computer system, which is remote to the gaming machine, via the second data interface so as to: provide the computer system with the ticket data; and to receive from the computer system information about wagerable credits associated with the ticket data; and 
         [0029]    communicate with the gaming machine via the first data interface in order to add the wagerable credits to the gaming machine. 
         [0030]    In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a visual display that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to communicate with the visual display device to display information in response to the ticket being inserted into the ticket reader. 
         [0031]    In an embodiment of the invention the electronic processing board is arranged to use a predefined electronic funds transfer protocol in order to communicate with the gaming machine via the first data interface to add the wagerable credits to the gaming machine. 
         [0032]    In an embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises a memory storage means that is electrically coupled to the electronic processing board, wherein the electronic processing board is arranged to store the ticket data in the memory. 
         [0033]    It will also be appreciated that in the claims which follow and in the description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a gaming system using the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 2  shows a front view of a ticket used with the gaming system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a gaming system in which a central authority or game interface exercises direct control over a bill validator, a ticket printer, and a ticket reader of the individual gaming machine. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a gaming network  100  includes several gaming machines  102 ,  104 ,  106 . The gaming machines  102 - 106  may be implemented, for example, as slot machines, video poker machines, video roulette machines, and the like. Each gaming machine  102 - 106  includes a game controller  108 , a display  110 , and a game network interface  112 . The game interface  112  may be, for example, and RS485 interface such that implemented by Sentinel™ Interface from Casino Data Systems. Other interfaces and network architectures (e.g. Ethernet, parallel port, and the like) may be substituted however. Furthermore, the game interface  112  may adhere to, for example, the IGT Gaming SAS™ communication protocol, the CDS GDAP™ communication protocol, a custom protocol, or another third party communication protocol for establishing and maintaining communication with the gaming machine  102 . The game interface  112  is physically present inside of the gaming machine  102 ; although, it may be located externally from and coupled to the gaming machine  102 . Each gaming machine  102 - 106  further includes a coin acceptor or comparator  114 , a bill validator/ticket reader  116 , and a ticket printer  118 . 
         [0038]    Gaming machine  102  may be originally manufactured with some or all of these components, or may be retrofitted with some or all of these components, as described below. Initially, the embodiment of  FIG. 1  will be described as if the bill validator/ticket reader  116  and ticket printer  118  are originally manufactured within the gaming machine. 
         [0039]    The game controller  108  is responsive to a cashout signal  134  to print a ticket  136  on paper, or other suitable material. Additionally, previously printed tickets (e.g., the ticket  138 ) may be redeemed for credits by the gaming machines  102 - 106 . The gaming network also includes a central authority or host computer system  120 . The central authority  120  includes a ticketing database  122  and a network interface  124  for connection over the network medium  126  to the gaming machines  102 - 106 . Support systems connect to the central authority  120 , including a ticketing workstation  128 , an administration workstation  130 , and an accounting workstation  132 . 
         [0040]    A dataport unit (DPU)  140  is provided as a data concentrator and buffering communication unit to address multiple gaming machines and to communicate with the poller  142 . The poller  142 , in turn, communicates with the DPU  140  and the central authority  120 . The game interface  112  may be generally configured as shown in  FIG. 1  to include a CPU  144 , a program and data memory  146 , and a serial controller  148 . 
         [0041]    The game controller  108  is responsible for operation of the gaining device  102 . Thus, the game controller  108  may include a microprocessor, memory, game software, and support circuitry to implement a slot machine or other type of game. The display  110  presents to the player a representation of the pending credit in the gaming machine  102  (e.g., $455.50). During play, the game controller  108  tracks the pending credit according to the rules of the game and the interaction with the player (including the deposit of additional funds via the coin acceptor  114  and bill validator  116 ), and further monitors for assertion of the cashout signal  134 . Thus, the central authority  120  need not monitor the pending credit in each gaming machine  102 - 106 , as each gaming machine  102 - 106  preferably tracks the pending credit locally and independently of the central authority  120 . 
         [0042]    In response to the cashout signal  134 , the game controller  108  prints the ticket  136  which may be redeemed later at gaming machines  102 - 106  or at independent workstations with ticket readers. The cashout signal  134  may be generated by a player actuated switch, touchscreen input, or the like. As will be explained in more detail below, the game controller  108  prints the ticket  136  with a pre-loaded ticket validation number obtained from the central authority  120  through the network interfaces  112 ,  124  and over the network medium  126 . The central authority  120  may use a number generator to generate validation numbers, and, if desired, may use an encryption algorithm to generate the validation numbers. The number generated may be based on, for example, the time and/or date as well as the gaming machine number. 
         [0043]    The ticketing database  122  stores information obtained from the gaming machines  102 - 106 , as well as locally generated validation numbers. The ticketing workstation  128  provides cash redemption of tickets separate from the gaming machines, the administration workstation  130  provides an interface for setting up system parameters, and the accounting workstation  132  provides for ticket and gaming machine accounting functions. Note that in general, when a ticket validation number is pre-loaded into a game interface  112 , the ticket validation number is also stored in ticketing database  122  (albeit without an associated pending credit amount). Thus, should the gaming network fail, validation may still occur through human intervention. 
         [0044]    Turning next to  FIG. 2 , a ticket  200  includes a validation number bar code  202  (e.g., in JCM or Code  205  format), a human intelligible validation number  204 , and a human intelligible pending credit amount  206 . The ticket  200 , as shown, also includes a machine number  208  and a ticket number  210  (e.g., a sequential ticket number generated in the gaming machine  102 ). The validation number bar code  202  is a machine readable representation of a pre-loaded validation number (as discussed in more detail below) but the validation number bar code  202  generally does not encode other information (e.g., the pending credit amount). In other words, the ticket  200 , when it is advantageous to do so, may omit a machine readable pending credit amount. Additional information may also be printed on the ticket  200 , including a date/time of cashout, casino name, ticket expiration date, and the like. 
         [0045]    In using the system of  FIG. 1 , a player presses a cashout button and thereby generates the cashout signal  134 . In response to the cashout signal  134 , game controller  108  proceeds to obtain a pre-loaded validation number from the game interface  112  and to print ticket  136 . The game controller  108  sends the necessary information to ticket printer  118  and the ticket is printed. 
         [0046]    Information regarding the printed ticket is sent to the central authority  120  through the game interface  112 . The printed ticket information may include the casino name, ticket date and time, validation number, a bar code representing the validation number, a numeric pending credit amount, an alphanumeric description of the pending amount, a machine number, and a ticket number (typically up to 9999 and sequentially generated at each gaming machine). The game interface  112  also requests a new ticket validation number from the central authority  120 , and pre-loads it into a memory (e.g., the memory  146 ) for use when the next ticket is printed. Thus, a ticket validation number is immediately available at the gaming machine when the player activates the cashout button. 
         [0047]    The ticketing database  122  in the central authority may store, for example, a number of fields as desired. Examples of fields are set forth in Tables 1, 2 and 3 of parent application Ser. No. 09/693,483, the entirety of such application is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0048]    Also, in using the system in  FIG. 1 , a player may insert a ticket into a gaming machine  102 - 106 . The gaming machine queries the central authority  120  for validation of the validation number bar code  202  printed on the ticket. In general, the pending credit printed on the ticket is not read by the ticket reader. Rather, the system itself responds with the pending credit as explained below. 
         [0049]    The central authority attempts to find the validation number in its ticketing database  122 . If the validation number is not found, the system responds to the gaming machine with a Reject Message. If the ticket is a duplicate, i.e., it has been validated earlier, the system also responds with a Reject Message. If the validation number is not a duplicate, then the system determines whether the ticket status as recorded in the ticketing database  122  is issued and redeemable (i.e., it has not already been redeemed for money). If not, the system again responds with a Reject Message. The ticket/bill validator  116  then rejects the ticket, i.e., returns the ticket to the player. 
         [0050]    If the ticket is valid, the central authority responds to the gaming machine via the game interface  112  to indicate that the ticket is valid and provides the amount to be credited (e.g., in cents). The gaming machine loads the amount into its credit meter. 
         [0051]    Subsequently, the gaming machine replies to the central authority with the ticket processing result (e.g., the ticket was rejected or accepted). The central authority changes the ticket status in the ticketing database  122  to indicate, for example, that the ticket has been redeemed. 
         [0052]    With reference next to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram of a gaming network  300  illustrates control by central authority  120  over a coin acceptor  314 , a bill validator and ticket reader  316 , and a ticket printer  318 . As will suggest itself, a separate ticket reader and ticket printer may be used, however the functionality of a reader and printer may be incorporated into a single device.  FIG. 3  is similar to  FIG. 1 , and like reference numerals denote like parts. Note, however, that the coin comparator  314 , bill validator and ticket reader  316 , and ticket printer  318  are connected directly to the game interface  312  rather than to the game controller  108 . 
         [0053]    As a result, the central authority  120  may exercise control over the coin acceptor  314 , bill validator and ticket reader  316 , and ticket printer  318  through the game interface  312 . The game controller  108  is thereby relieved of those duties. Furthermore, pre-existing gaming machines that do not allow convenient game controller ticket printing and reading, may nevertheless issue and redeem tickets when retrofitted with the game interface  312 , bill validator and ticket reader  316  and ticket printer  318 . In such a retrofit, the coin comparator  314  is connected to game interface  312 . 
         [0054]    Interface  312  includes software in its memory  146  to directly control ticket printer  318  as well as coin acceptor  314  and bill validator and ticket reader  316 , and to correspondingly communicate with central authority  120 , as described herein. The hardware components of interface  312  may be incorporated onto a single printed circuit board (or several boards, if desired) which is fitted into gaming machine  102 . The printed circuit board may replace an existing machine&#39;s original interface board so as to retrofit the existing machine to provide ticketing capabilities. Thus, an existing machine gains the ability to print and redeem tickets. As will suggest itself, apertures may be cut out of the face of the gaming machine in order to locate the typical ticket receiving slot of bill validator and ticket reader  316  and to locate the typical dispensing slot of ticket printer  318 . Instructional information may also be printed on the face of the gaming machine, if desired. 
         [0055]    Game interface  312  controls the physical cashout button on the gaming machine. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the cashout signal, generated by activation of the cashout button, is sent to the game controller  108  which in turn communicates this event to game interface  312 . Alternatively, the cashout signal  134  may bypass game controller  108  and be sent directly to game interface  312 . 
         [0056]    When a player presses the cashout button, credits are removed from the game credit meter, a validation number is assigned to a ticket, information is logged into the database  122  and the ticket  136  is printed. Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) protocols are used to remove all player credits from the gaming machine. 
         [0057]    The game interface  312  stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number obtained from the central authority  120 , as described above in reference to  FIG. 1 . It is this pre-loaded validation number that is printed on the ticket. Alternatively, game interface  312  may independently generate the validation number by a number generator as previously discussed. Interface  312  may preload its memory  146  with the number generated. 
         [0058]    Upon actuation of the cashout button, a validation number, as well as other information, is sent by game interface  312  to the ticket printer  318  and to the ticketing database  122 . Other information sent may include machine number, sequential ticket number, amount, date/time, and expiration date. A ticket similar to that shown in  FIG. 2  is then printed. Ticketing database  122  will then have information regarding the particular ticket that may later be used to validate it. 
         [0059]    The flow of the process for printing tickets may be described as follows: 
         [0060]    1. A player pushes the cashout button on gaming machine  102 . The cashout signal  134  is generated and sent to game interface  312 . 
         [0061]    2. The game interface  312  responds to the cashout signal by removing all credits from the credit meter using EFT protocol. An EFT message is sent by game interface  312  to the game controller  108  to cause the removal of all credits. As will be understood, gaming machine  102  has EFT protocol capabilities. 
         [0062]    3. The game interface  312  also provides a validation ticket number and the credit amount to the printer. The validation number is preloaded into interface  312  after generation by the central authority  120 . Alternatively, game interface  312  may generate the validation number independently of the central authority, and provide data regarding that generation to the central authority for storage in database  122 . 
         [0063]    4. Ticket printer  318  prints a ticket and dispenses the ticket to the player. 
         [0064]    5. Data is stored in game interface  312  regarding the printing. Game interface  312  may keep a log of all printed tickets with date and time data, and may keep another log as to printer events. 
         [0065]    6. Game interface  312  sends data to central authority  120  regarding the printing, i.e., that the ticket was successfully printed, and a record of the ticket is sent as well. 
         [0066]    7. Central authority  120  generates the next validation number to be used by that gaming machine and loads that validation number into game interface  312 . 
         [0067]    When a ticket  138  is inserted into the bill validator and ticket reader  316 , the game interface  312  reads the ticket directly and proceeds to verify the validation number bar code with the central authority  120  as explained above. Valid tickets result in credit being applied to the gaming machine  102  using, for example, an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) message. The EFT message may be generated by the central authority. An invalid ticket is rejected, and is returned to the player. In addition, the game interface  312  may also read standard currency (e.g., bills and coins) input to coin comparator  314  and bill validator  316 , and appropriately report to the central authority  120 . Again, the central authority  120  may respond with an EFT message to the gaming machine  102  to apply credit thereto. Alternatively, the game interface  312  may determine the amount of standard currency inserted and report that amount directly to the gaming machine  102  via an EFT message (to appropriately increment its bill and coin meters). Gaming interface  312  may log the bill and coin amounts into memory. In that regard, the game interface  312  may act as a filter, such that only printed tickets generate appreciable network traffic to the central authority  120 . 
         [0068]    The flow of the process for redeeming tickets may be described as follows: 
         [0069]    1. A player inserts a ticket into the bill validator and ticket reader  316 . 
         [0070]    2. The game interface  312  responds by storing pertinent data and transmitting the ticket&#39;s validation number to the central authority  120 . 
         [0071]    3. Central authority  120  checks its database  122  to determine whether the validation number exists in the database, whether the ticket is a duplicate, and the status of the ticket. If valid, the central authority changes the ticket&#39;s status to indicate redemption is in process and then sends the ticket type (cashable) and the amount (cents) to the game interface  312 . 
         [0072]    4. The game interface  312  tells the ticket reader  316  that the ticket is acceptable and data is stored accordingly. The ticket reader  316  retains the ticket. 
         [0073]    5. The game interface  312  sends a message to the game via EFT protocol and stores data accordingly. 
         [0074]    6. The game controller  108  responds to the EFT message and loads an amount into the credit meter which is displayed at display  110 . The game controller  108  may store data and informs interface  312  that credit has been given to the player. 
         [0075]    7. The game interface  312  sends data to central authority  120  that the ticket was redeemed. 
         [0076]    8. The central authority  120  changes the ticket status to redeemed. 
         [0077]    If the ticket is not accepted by the game, the central authority is notified accordingly so that it may change its database to reflect the status of the ticket. If the game is able to accept some, but not all of the ticket amount, the game is able to print a ticket for the difference in order to give “change” back to the player. Some gaming machines can only accept whole dollar amounts, based on the gaming machine&#39;s denomination. The game interface  312  may print a change ticket to return the change balance to the player. Game interface  312  prints the change ticket in the same manner it prints a cashout ticket, but using a validation number and communicating with the central authority, as described above. Data is stored in the central authority, accordingly. 
         [0078]    Thus, the present invention provides a secure ticket actuated gaming network. In particular, the gaming machines are pre-loaded with ticket validation numbers in preparation for printing a cashout ticket. As a result, the player need not wait while the gaming machine generates or requests a new validation number. Preexisting machines may be retrofit to participate in the ticketing process. 
         [0079]    A retrofit kit may be used to retrofit preexisting gaming machines. As used herein, “retrofit” means to furnish a preexisting machine or system with additional parts, either new parts or used parts. A retrofit kit includes a game interface, a ticket printer and a bill validator and ticket reader. The game interface may include a four port serial I/O Board which connects the serial port of the interface to the ticket printer and bill validator and ticket reader. The game interface will also include the necessary software to perform its functions as described above. As will suggest itself, additional software may be provided so as to permit game interface  312  to display messages on display  110 . For example, the message ADDING CREDITS may be displayed to ensure player awareness during the validation process. Other messages may include TICKET ACCEPTED or TICKET REJECTED. 
         [0080]    While the invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular step, structure, or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.