Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-'~ -
COLLECTTON SYSTEM FOR MULTIPLE MONEY-ACTUATED MACHINES
Descri tp ion
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the storing of data of
a validation system and, more particularly, to a detachable system to reliably
download data from an operating machine and display the same in usable form.
Background of the Invention
The present invention is particularly adapted for use with the validator
system of a coin or currency operated gaming devices of the type used in
gambling casinos or similarly large volume operations. The validator includes
mechanical and electronic hardware to keep track of a given machine's
operation. That is to say, each machine includes electronic hardware or a
mechanism that keeps track of the machine's performance, money intake,
output of winnings and the like. The data that is collected and intended to be
stored include such operational parameters as down time, maintenance
routines, payouts, machine uses (activity), faults, credit card use and the
like.
The problem is that at present neither the machine builders nor their
customers
have a simple, systematic and reliable way to retrieve the information that a
given machine has compiled in its validator. In the past and in order to
access
the information, an employee is sent to each machine or selected machines
which are then taken out of service for repair or downloading. When more than
a few machines are involved (and some casinos have hundreds of machines),
such past practice is expensive and error prone. Therefore, a need exists for
a
method and apparatus for reliably retrieving and utilizing the data compiled
in a
given machine.
Summary of the Invention
The inventive memory management system handles a wide range of
information functions. These functions are deemed necessary enhancements in
the industry and provide a competitive edge over existing methods which,
heretofore, are used to access data in the machine. More particularly and
according to the inventive system, the enhancements are downstacked from the
validator to a Dallas Semiconductor DS1990A Touch Memory Device and the
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-2-
Dallas Semiconductor DS2405 Addressable Switch Device. The DS2250, in
combination with the inventive software, gives the inventive system a flexible
way to access machine performance. According to the inventive method, touch
memory data is stored in a binary format. Memory locations of various lengths
are assigned as needed for various purposes.
Full details of the present invention are set forth in the following
description of the invention and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Objects of the Invention
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automated means for
extracting and downloading data accumulated in a machine.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a memory
management system that includes a wide range of storage functions.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a means to read
data stored in a machine and then communicate such data to a remote
computer or laptop, whereby the data can be displayed and manipulated by this
computer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide the hardware and
software for an accountability system in currency handling that is applicable
to
currency validators and currency stacking mechanisms.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a soft count
tracking system of closed loop design.
Description of the Drawings
Other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from
the following detailed description considered in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are
designed for purposes of illustration only and not as a definition of the
limits of
the invention for which reference should be made to the appended claims.
In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same element
throughout the figures:
Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the inventive apparatus;
Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a Dallas Semiconductor
DS1994 and a Dallas Semiconductor DS2400 are connected to an 8052 CPU;
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-3-
Fig. 3 is a flow chart of write function assembly code according to the
present invention;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the detachable buss or harness
used in the present system; and
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of an LRC containing the DS1994 or DS1993
touch memory clip.
Detailed Description of the Invention
Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a block diagram of the inventive
apparatus seen generally as reference number 10. An Identification System
(IDS), (i.e., currency validator) unit 16 acts as a downstacker for the
operating
machine receiving all the data generated by an identification adaptor (IDA)
12.
The IDS unit contains the conventional currency sensors and detectors as well
as the CPU or computer device and display. The IDA reads and analyzes all
information including the currency value, unequal amounts, cash receipts and
efficiency of the machine. The inventive system is a closed loop design for
the
automatic accounting of cash in gaming and other markets (machines) using
coin or currency validators. In other words, the inventive system provides for
an
accountability routine for currency handling in currency validators and
stacking
mechanisms. The IDA 12 is built into a wiring hamess as an integral active
electronic component and is provided with a unique serial number. The IDA 12
electrically communicates with one end of a hamess section 14, the other end
of
which terminates in a host machine interface connector 14a. During use and
operation, described below, connector 14a plugs into a host gaming machine,
not shown, for electrical and data communication therewith. The validator or
IDS unit 16, a Dallas Semiconductor DS2250, about which more is said below, is
placed in electrical or data communication with IDA adapter 12 via a
detachable
buss or hamess 18 shown in detail in Fig. 4. Hamess 18 includes a muting or
quick disconnect between the IDA 12 and the IDS or validator 16. More
particularly, harness 18 comprises hamess sections 18b and 18c each, on one
end, respectively terminating in associated mating quick disconnect elements
18d and 18e.
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCTIUS97/08157
-4-
The validator or IDS unit 16 is a currency note validator with
microcontroller in which the DS2250 interrogates IDA 12 for identification
number. IDS 16 validates notes, security papers and bar coded coupons used
as money substitutes. A lockable removable cassette (LRC) 20 is placed in
electrical or data communication with IDS 16 by means of a harness or harness
segment 22. As with harness 18, noted above, harness 22 includes a mating or
quick disconnect IDS-LRC connector 22a. More particularly, harness 22 is
formed of harness buss sections 22b and 22c each, on one end, respectively
terminating in associated mating quick disconnect elements 22d and 22e.
L.C. 20 is a storage mechanism, such as a box or lockable container, for
the secure stacking and transportation of notes and coupons. The L.C. 20 is
portable and designed with a stacking mechanism 34 to hold the currency and
notes securely once they pass through the validator. Integral to L.C. 20 is a
nonvolatile storage memory to receive and hold the IDA and IDS information
generated by these units. The L.C. is provided with a connector buss 34 for
connection to a power source, motor sensors and to provide for the memory
output to the CPU.
Additionally, the inventive system includes a soft count supervisor (SCS)
24 which is preferably portable or located at a remote position from the
validator
or IDS 16. The SCS 24, about which more is said below, is detachably placed in
data or electrical communication with L.C. 20 by means of hamess or harness
segment 26. Similar to harnesses 18 and 22, hamess 26 includes a mating or
quick disconnect SCS-L.C. connector 26a. More particularly, hamess 26 is
formed of hamess sections 26b and 26c on one end, respectively terminating in
associated detachable disconnect elements 26d and 26e. Typically, SCS 24 is
a personal computer (PC), laptop computer or handheld data storage device
that, with hamess 26, can be detachably coupled to L.C. 20 to download data
therefrom. SCS 24 interrogates the memory device within L.C. 20 once the L.C.
is removed from the host system. The SCS provides spread sheet type
accounting of notes and coupons as well as status and performance information
of system components. Since the L.C. is removed frequently, maintenance
personnel may be directed accurately to systems performing efficiently or
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-5-
performing only marginally. L.C. 20 may be optionally interrogated through the
communication port of validator IDS 16.
Referring now to Fig. 2, there is shown in schematic form how the
DS1994 and the DS2400 are electrically connected or placed in data
" communication with a host CPU 210. A single wire or data lead 212 is, on one
end, electrically connected to data port 214 of CPU 210. The other end of wire
212 is electrically connected to Dallas Semiconductor Memory Device DS1994,
as shown. Line 212 is "pulled-up" by pull-up resistor 216. A single wire or
data
lead 218 is, on one end, electrically connected to data port 220 of CPU 210.
The other end of wire 218 is electrically connected to a Dallas Semiconductor
DS2400, as shown. Wire 218 is electrically pulled-up by resistor 222.
Referring now to Fig. 3, there is shown the Flow Chart for the Write
Function Assembly Code according to the present invention.
In operation or in operational sequence, all components are connected
via power-on and reset switch (POR). The validator or IDS unit 16 loads the
unique serial number of IDA 12 into its local nonvolatile memory and L.C. 20
is
interrogated by IDS 16 for identification (ID). If L.C. 20 has no ID, as in
the case
of cash collection, the L.C. 20 is retumed to system and IDS 16 will load the
L.C.
20 with serial number and the following information:
time and data stamp factory ID
validation histogram manufacture date
malfunction summary IDS configuration
CPU revision cash and coupon accounting
data
The L.C. 20 will further be strung with the various reasons for rejection of
currency (optically and/or magnetically sensed), i.e., a full stack of bills,
channel
jams and whatever other data is supplied.
Overall, the inventive system will store:
a) time - stacker was attached;
b) time - stacker was removed;
c) date - stacker was attached;
d) date - stacker was removed;
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-6-
e) asset number - a serial identification number for the gaming
machine;
f) registers for note denominations and running totals;
g) registers for coupon information storage;
h) registers for fault determination and running totals;
I) self-determining mode;
j) providing performance data; and
k) flexible data conversion format so data can be displayed on
any PC with simple programs.
There are two main components to this system feature. The first is the
DS1990A, noted earlier, and the second is the DS2405 Addressable Switch,
also noted above. In the DS2250, data is transferred serially via a one-wire
protocol. This protocol requires only a single data lead and a ground return.
The DS2405 is an open drain N-channel field effect transistor that can be
turned
on and off to follow the standard Dallas one-wire protocol. This protocol is
implemented with a single port of an 8052 microcontroller CPU. Data is
transferred to the DS2250 via a stacker connector, and data in binary form is
written to the touch memory device as described in the flow chart of the Write
Function Assembly Code. The DS2405 Addressable Switch is housed in the
cabling assembly so each machine has a unique identification and not the
stacker. This provides flexibility for putting any given stacker on any given
machine.
Since the memory device is housed within the money stacker or
containers, it is easy for a user to retrieve the data. When the stacker is
removed and emptied of coins or currency, the data can be retrieved by a
fixture
and downloaded to a PC, laptop, or handheld data storage device.
Time and date stamps are used for accounting purposes. This
information will tell the user when the stackers are accessed and provide
detailed information on hourly activity, and thus provide the user with a
system
for scheduling maintenance, stacker removal, and various other needed
activity.
According to the present invention, an asset number is assigned to a given
gaming machine, i.e., it is the "name" of a given machine. This feature
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-7-
eliminates the need for the user or maintenance personnel to write down which
currency stacker or data provider goes to which machine. In the inventive
apparatus, since the read/write memory is nonvolatile, the removed stacker
does
not have to be replaced in the same machine. When a stacker is replaced, the
asset number of the machine into which it is placed is written to memory.
The registers set up for bill denominations will keep a running total of how
many bills of a particular denomination were inserted. This will give the user
an
instant tally of the amount of notes in the stacker and the total dollar value
contained in the stacker. Other registers are set up to handle bar coded
coupons. In this case, the complete encoded bar code number will be stored in
memory. This eliminates the need for the user to hand read the coupons into
the system because in the inventive technique it can now be downloaded
directly from the stacker.
In the inventive implementation, other registers are set up to handle fault
counts. More particularly, these registers are set up to handle optical window
faults and optical ratio faults, magnetic faults, power faults, stacker
faults,
unrecognizable bill faults and front-end sensor faults. Such data will give
the
user insight into how well the machine is performing and which areas need
improving. Knowledge of this fault data will also allow the inventive system
to
warn the user of potential problems. For example, if the machine records an
excessive number of faults, it can be programmed to warn the user via network
connection or by flashing LED's. The user now has a reliable way
systematically
to maintain the gaming machine at the highest possible performance level, thus
increasing the machine's profit potential.
To ensure the integrity of the data and provide the highest possible level
of accuracy, CRC and write verify read procedures are employed in the
inventive
system.
It is to be understood that in this application use of the terms electrical
and data communication are meant to be synonymous-that is, where an
element is said to be in electrical communication it can be read as meaning in
data communlcation, and, of course, to those in this art, data communication
CA 02288634 1999-11-05
WO 98/52165 PCT/US97/08157
-8-
also includes wireless communication wherein the link can be RF radio
frequency, light and infrared, to name a few.
While only a single embodiment of the present invention has been shown
and described, it is to be understood that many changes and modifications can
be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope hereof.
