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(11) | EP 0 499 315 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Method for application with the exploitation of a slot machine, means for use with the method and slot machine provided with such means |
| (57) Method for application with the exploitation of a slot machine, in which use is made
of an electronically operating receiving and recording block (6) provided with electrical
contact members (7), in which block a memory chip has been incorporated, in such a
way that in a central checking device certain data can be recorded in the block, after
which the block can be mounted in a specific slot machine, in such a way that its
contact elements (7) engage electrical terminal members (8) which are situated on
a contact strip (9), which is fixedly mounted in the slot machine. The time of mounting
the block is recorded therein and the slot machine will then be in working order.
The money thrown into the machine is counted and in case of a gambling machine, the
paid out money is counted and these data are recorded in the block (6). After a certain
time, the block (6) is removed from the machine. The time of removal is again recorded
and the data from the block are read in the central checking device. |
[0001] Firstly, the invention relates to a method for application with the exploitation of a slot machine.
[0002] This could be both a game of chance and an amusement machine. In case of a game of chance machine, there is the possibility of the player getting money back, whereas this possibility is absent with an amusement machine.
[0003] In general, certain companies provide coexploiters (cafés, cafetarias, camping sites etc.) with slot machines, which receive a certain percentage of the proceeds of a machine in return. Therefore, often counters are mounted in the machine, in order to be able to determine the proceeds, so that the coexploiter can remove the money from the machine, for example at the time the space where the machine is positioned is closed for the public. By means of the counter, the owner of the machine can check how much the machine concerned has brought in over a certain period of time, so how much the coexploiter should pay him over.
[0004] In order to facilitate payment as much as possible, according to NL-A-8702595 it is provided for, that a counter unit can be mounted in the slot machine, which counter is protected against removal by means of a lock or seal and which counter unit has terminal contacts, so that it can record coins thrown into the slot machine and, in case of a gambling machine, also the coins given out by the machine, or the value represented by the coins. The counter unit concerned can be taken from the machine by a collector to the office of the owner of the machine, so that a certain checking can be achieved.
[0005] The invention seeks to improve the possibility of checking further and to that end provides a method, which is characterized by the following steps:
a) in an electronically operating receiving and recording block provided with electrical contact members - simply referred to as recording block in the following - certain data are recorded in a central checking device;
b) the recording block is placed in the slot machine concerned, for which corresponding electrical terminal members have been mounted in such a way that in mounting, the time of mounting in the recording block is recorded and the slot machine is ready for operation;
c) recording of the money thrown into the slot machine during the use of it and the possibly returned money therefrom;
d) taking the recording block away from the slot machine after a certain period of time and if necessary immediately replacing it by another recording block, with the time of this act being recorded in the recording block; and
e) reading and recording of data which were recorded in the recording block in the central checking device.
[0006] In this way, an easier yet more thorough supervision over the use of a slot machine can be excercised.
[0007] According to a further development of the invention, the data recorded in the central device in the recording block can be adapted to a slot machine in such a way, that the block is only suitable for one specific slot machine, or for several specific slot machines.
[0008] For example, the data could be adapted to a certain coexploiter and to certain types of slot machines, so that changing is not possible, which would complicate checking.
[0009] The invention also relates to the means for application of the method described above, which means substantially consist of a box fixedly mounted within the slot machine and a slit made in one wall thereof and with a terminal contact strip behind this slit, in such a way that a recording block provided with electric contacts can be put through the slit, which block can cooperate with the terminal contact strip, in which block means, like in the shape of a memory chip, have been provided for recording the data supplied to the terminal contact strip, at which a clock connected to the contact strip is present for continually supplying the contact strip with data concerning date and time.
[0010] Although the box will be fixedly mounted within the housing of the slot machine and will not be easily accessible, it will nevertheless preferably be provided for, that the recording block can be latched in the box by means of a lock.
[0011] Although it is possible to incorporate the clock in the recording block, it will in particular be provided for, that the clock is situated in the slot machine and in the box connected therewith and is provided with an individual current supply.
[0012] Even when the slot machine is disengaged from the mains, the lock will remain to perform its function, so that the data recorded by the recording block are correct.
[0013] The invention is further explained by means of an embodiment, illustrated in the drawing, in which:
Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows a side view of a slot machine provided with means for application of the method according to the invention; and
Fig. 2 diagrammatically shows a side view of the box, mounted in the slot machine of fig. 1, with a recording block put in the box.
[0014] Fig. 1 shows a slot machine 1 of a known type, in which a diagrammatically indicated box 3 has been secured within the casing 2 of this slot machine.
[0015] The box 3 is further illustrated in fig. 2 and has a front wall 4 with a slit 5 therein. The recording block 6 can be slid into the slit 5, in such a way that its contact elements 7 can engage terminal members 8, which protrude from a contact strip 9, which is situated behind the slit 5. The contact strip 9 will be supported by the side walls not further indicated and front wall 4 of the box 3 in such a way, that the contact members 7 of the recording block 6 will engage the right terminal members 8 when the recording block 6 is slid into the slit 5.
[0017] A clock 11 which is powered by a separate battery and which is connected to some of the terminal members of the contact strip 9 can be situated in the box 3. In a way not further indicated, electrical lines will run from the contact strip to parts of the slot machine 1.
a) in an electronically operating receiving and recording block provided (6) with electrical contact members (7) certain data are recorded in a central checking device;
b) the recording block (6) is placed into the slot machine concerned, for which matching electrical terminal members have been mounted in such a way that in mounting, the time of mounting in the recording block (6) is recorded and the slot machine is ready for operation;
c) recording of the money thrown into the slot machine during the use of it and the possibly returned money therefrom;
d) taking the recording block (6) away from the slot machine after a certain period of time and if necessary immediately replacing it by another recording block (6), with the time of this act being recorded in the recording block; and
e) reading and recording of data which were recorded in the recording block (6) in the central checking device.