DATA HANDLING SYSTEM
[0001] This invention relates to a data handling system for use with data-generating machines.
[0002] The invention is particularly concerned with entertainment machines, such as coin-operated
amusement or gaming machines of the kind referred to as slot machines or fruit or
poker machines, the term 'coin' being used to include means of credit or monetary
value other than actual coins. However the invention is not intended to be restricted
to this field of application and the data handling system may be used with other kinds
of machines whether or not coin-operated and whether or not for entertainment purposes.
Thus, the invention can be used with vending machines, coin-operated pool tables,
EPOS systems and the like.
[0003] Amusement with Prizes (AWP) machines of the fruit machine kind generate operating
data representative of normal and abnormal machine functions, such as data indicating
money paid in and paid out, occurrence of different kinds of awards, incidence of
faults, attempts at unauthorised entry or intervention, etc.
[0004] It is usual practice for this data to be monitored, stored within the machine, and
then made available for collection and transfer to external reading and interpretative
equipment located in the vicinity of the machine or at a remote control centre. Data
can be collected from the machine with a hand held reader which is plugged into a
data port of the machine or which is radiation-connected, e.g. via an infrared or
optical link, to the machine. The hand held reader can then be taken to a remote control
centre where collected data is downloaded into computer equipment.
[0005] It is also possible to transfer data from a machine to a remote control centre by
means of a network link which may utilise telephone or similar line communications.
[0006] In order to avoid the cost and inconvenience of different dedicated systems for collection
and transfer of data from different machines, it is known to use data transfer protocols
and communication techniques which are standardised between different machines. Machines
can be provided with standardised interfaces for connection to standardised data collection
and transfer equipment.
[0007] However, inevitably there are different, and changing requirements for different
machines which cannot all readily be accommodated with known standardised interfaces
and systems.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a data handling system with which
the benefits of standardisation can be realised whilst being able readily to accommodate
differing machine requirements.
[0009] According to the invention therefore there is provided a data handling system for
use in the collection and transfer of data from a data-generating machine, comprising
a base module mountable relative to the machine to receive data therefrom, and at
least one output interface module connected to the base module for communication with
data reading equipment externally of the machine, characterised in that the (or each)
interface module is removably connected to the base module so as to be interchangeable
with one or more further different said interface modules.
[0010] With this arrangement, differing requirements, such as different processing or modification
of collected data, and/or different output transfer protocols or connections, can
be accommodated by appropriate selection of the (or each) interface module to be connected
to the base module. Also, when requirements change these can be readily accommodated
by updating the (or each) interface module.
[0011] Standardisation of data handling can therefore be achieved whilst allowing for different
kinds of machines and systems.
[0012] Most preferably the connection between the base module and the (or each) interface
module is such as to provide releasable mechanical retention therebetween additionally
to data communication connection. A spring clip or other retention arrangement may
be used together with male/female data connectors.
[0013] Preferably multiple interface modules are connectable together to the base module
and this may be achievable in any suitable series and/or parallel arrangement with
regard to mechanical and/or data connection.
[0014] In a particularly preferred embodiment multiple interface modules are releasably
mechanically interconnected in series. Connection in different numbers or combinations
may be possible.
[0015] Preferably also the base module and the (or each) connected interface module, or
at least major parts of these are of the same or similar cross-section and have outer
surfaces which are respectively flush or coplanar with each other. The cross-sections
may be rectangular, or generally rectangular, and the flush or coplanar faces may
be flat. In this way, a compact structure can be attained which easily and conveniently
fits within the machine.
[0016] The (or each) interface module may perform one or more functions such as: conversion
of data from the base module to a desired output transfer protocol, adaptation for
communication with a desired output connection (ethernet, RF, RS 232, RS 485, optical,
etc), conversion of data from machine data generating devices to a desired format
to be fed to the base module, adaptation for communication with a desired data-input
connection (from machine meters, etc), security coding/decoding of data, connection
to mains supply, etc.
[0017] Preferably the base module and/or the (or each) interface module is self powered
by an internal battery.
[0018] The data handling system of the invention may be used with fruit machines or any
other suitable kind of coin-operated entertainment or other machines.
[0019] The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
- Figure 1
- is a diagrammatic perspective view of a base module in accordance with one embodiment
of the invention;
- Figure 2
- is a similar view showing a series of interface modules connected to the base module;
and
- Figure 3
- is a block circuit diagram of the arrangement of Figure 2.
[0020] Figure 1 shows a base module 1 of a data handling system which can be used with a
coin-operated AWP machine of the fruit machine kind.
[0021] The module 1 comprises a plastics housing of rectangular cross-section with flat
side faces, namely two large flat faces 2 parallel to each other and two narrow flat
faces 3 parallel to each other.
[0022] One end of the housing is provided with a convexly shaped end cap 4 having flat side
faces coplanar with the large faces 2, and curved ends which merge with the smaller
flat faces 3.
[0023] At the other end of the housing there is a generally flat end face with a male (or
female) data connector 5, and also spring clip arms 6.
[0024] Figure 2 shows an interface module 7 mated with the base module 1 by interengagement
of a female (or male) connector of the interface module 7 with the connector 5 of
the base module, and by releasable retaining interengagement of the module 7 with
the clip arms 6.
[0025] Figure 2 also shows two further interface modules 8, 9 connected with each other
and with the interface module 7 by means of male/female data connectors. These data
connectors preferably provide sole mechanical interconnection between the modules
7, 8, 9, although if desired spring clip arms of the kind described above or other
clips may be also provided on each interface module 7-9.
[0026] The free end of the final interface module 9 has attached thereto an end cap 10,
like the cap 4. These caps 4, 10 may be solely decorative or protective or may also
be interface modules. In particular they may be interface modules which perform a
checking function to establish that there is a completed, properly interconnected
assembly before the power is switched on.
[0027] The interface modules 7-9 have rectangular cross-sections and flat faces, like the
base module 1, whereby the assembly, as shown in Figure 2 has coplanar side faces
and forms a compact, slim bar-shaped structure which can be easily and conveniently
installed within an AWP or other machine.
[0028] The base module 1 contains a battery back-up power source 11 and data storage components
12.
[0029] As shown, the interface modules 7-9 comprise, in sequence, an output module 7, an
input module 8 and a security module 9.
[0030] The output module 7 is connected to the base module 1 to receive stored data therefrom.
This module 7 has output connectors or leads 13 which link to appropriate data output
connectors in the machine, such as a socket type data port or the like to supply data
thereto with a desired standardised transfer protocol.
[0031] The input module 8 is connected to the base module 1, via the output module 7, to
supply data from the machine to be stored in the module 1. This module 8 has connectors
or leads 14 which link to appropriate data-generating machine elements such as meters,
door switches etc. The base module 1 and output module 7 act to provide an output
in a desired standardised transfer protocol by appropriate conversion of the input
data.
[0032] The security module 9 is connected to the base module 1 via the input and output
modules 7, 8 and provides local data and security control of access to the data through
external interface.
[0033] The interface modules 7-9, as indeed also the base module 1, can be interchanged
with replacement such components as and when required to accommodate differing requirements
due to differences in machines and/or to allow for updating and changing of machines
and operational systems.
[0034] Thus, for example, the output module may be changed to allow for changes in kind
of output connection (e.g. data port, optical connection, etc). Modules may also be
changed to ensure that a desired output transfer protocol is obtained from the particular
input format of the machine.
[0035] Moreover, any number of additional modules may be introduced in series to provide
additional functions. For example, a mains power supply module may be fined so that
the system can be powered from local mains supply.
[0036] Any suitable means of relay of data along the series of modules may be utilised.
In one embodiment, shift registers may be used.
[0037] It is of course to be understood that the invention is not intended to be restricted
to the details of the above embodiment which are described by way of example only.
1. A data handling system for use in the collection and transfer of data from a data-generating
machine, comprising a base module mountable relative to the machine to receive data
therefrom, and at least one output interface module connected to the base module for
communication with data reading equipment externally of the machine, characterised
in that the (or each) interface module is removably connected to the base module so
as to be interchangeable with one or more further different said interface modules.
2. A system according to claim 1 characterised in that the connection between the base
module and the (or each) interface module is such as to provide releasable mechanical
retention therebetween additionally to data communication connection.
3. A system according to claim 2 characterised in that a spring clip is provided for
releasable mechanical retention, and male/female data connectors are provided for
data communication connection.
4. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that multiple interface
modules are connectable together to the base module.
5. A system according to claim 4 characterised in that the multiple interface modules
are releasably mechanically interconnected in series.
6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterised in that the base module
and the (or each) connected interface module have at least major parts which are of
the same or similar cross-section and have outer surfaces which are respectively flush
or coplanar with each other.
7. A system according to claim 6 characterised in that the cross-sections are at least
generally rectangular and the outer surfaces are flat.
8. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterised in that the (or each)
interface module performs at least one function selected from: conversion of data
from the base module to a desired output transfer protocol, adaptation for communication
with a desired output connection, conversion of data from machine data generating
devices to a desired format to be fed to the base module, adaptation for communication
with a desired data-input connection, security coding/decoding of data, connection
to mains supply.
9. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the base module
is self powered by an internal battery.
10. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 when used with a coin-operated entertainment
machine.