Coin dispensing mechanism

Abstract

 A coin dispensing device for an entertainment machine has a passageway (46) between an outlet (8) and a coin store (19). Dispense of coins from the store (19) is effected by a motor-driven feed device (50). A controller (40) which controls operation of the feed device (50) is located within the coin store (19) and is connected to a coin sensing arrangement (42, 44) in the passageway. The sensing arrangement has a transmitter (42) which produces a modulated light beam which is detected by a receiver (44). The beam is interrupted by a dispensed coin and operation of the feed device (50) is then arrested for a time period. The feed device (50) can only resume operation after this time period if the receiver (44) again detects the correctly modulated light beam.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a coin dispensing mechanism.

[0002] The invention is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a coin dispensing mechanism for use in a credit -operated entertainment or gaming machine such as the AWP (amusement with prizes) kind, e.g. a "fruit" or "poker" machine, with which a game is played and monetary prizes awarded on a random (or pseudo-random) basis. When a prize is awarded, an appropriate number of coins are dispensed from the machine by directing coins stored in a container (or containers) within the machine to an external payout tray available to the player.

[0003] One problem with this kind of machine is that they are prone to attacks of theft. One attempt to solve this problem has been to enclose the coin storage device(s) (and any associated wiring) within a metal box inside the machine in an effort to prevent physical access to these components. The exit path of coins to the payout tray may also be complicated in an effort to prevent unauthorised control over the dispensing of coins from the machine.

[0004] However, it is also a problem that the coin dispensing mechanism may also be interfered with by using electronic or other signals.

[0005] The number of coins paid out in prize money is normally under control of a control unit in the machine. Optical sensors detect the exit of each coin from the storage device. This is communicated to the control unit which arrests the exit of coins after the appropriate number of coins have been dispensed. One known arrangement comprises a light source in a wall of a coin passageway and a light detector on an opposite wall positioned so that a beam of light from the source normally crosses the passageway and falls on the light detector. The passage of a coin causes temporary interruption of the beam of light and thus is detected by a temporary change in the output of the sensor. However , this kind of device may be flooded with light (e.g. with a torch) so that it does not detect coins exiting the storage device.

[0006] A further problem is that the machine's control electronics may be interfered with by use of a powerful RF(radio frequency) or ESD (electrostatic discharge) signal which are used to arrest the functioning of the machine's main control unit during coin dispensing leaving the storage device to continue (unchecked) to supply coins to the payout tray.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least reduce the above problems by providing an improved coin dispensing mechanism which can be used to dispense coins in a controlled and secure manner.

[0008] According to the invention, therefore, there is provided a coin dispensing device, for dispensing coins from a coin store to a dispense outlet, said device comprising a passageway between the store and the outlet, a feed device which feeds coins to the passageway, and a controller which operates to provide an output for controlling the feed device characterised by the provision of a sensing means which provides an indication of the absence or presence of a coin in the passageway, wherein said sensing means uses a discriminate signal to produce said indication, and said indication is used to influence operation of said controller.

[0009] With this arrangement, the absence and presence of a coin is detected by a discriminate signal so that only a signal having the requisite characteristics will identify to the control means whether a coin has been dispensed, thereby eliminating or, at least, reducing the possibility that the dispensing means can be defrauded.

[0010] Coins may be tokens or any monetary object or any object exchangeable for money of any suitable nature.

[0011] Preferably the discriminate signal is a light signal which may be modulated so as to have a particular characteristic or characteristics or combination of characteristics, such as frequency, colour, amplitude, etc. which characteristic is identified by the sensing means.

[0012] For the purpose of the present specification the term "light" is not of course confined to light visible to the human eye. The discriminate signal may comprise any suitable form of electromagnetic radiation.

[0013] The coin sensor may be operable to produce and to detect the discriminate signal.

[0014] The sensor means may incorporate a signal generator and/or signal transmitter for generating and transmitting the discriminate signal.

[0015] The sensor means may incorporate a receiver operable to receive the transmitted signal.

[0016] Signal production/generation may be effected remotely from signal detection/receiving. To this end, the sensor may include separate components for production/generation and detection/reception. These separate components may be coupled so as to allow communication of e.g. data therebetween.

[0017] Detection of the discriminate signal may cause the sensor to produce an output signal (e.g. voltage level) so as to indicate to the control means that no coins are detected exiting the storage apparatus.

[0018] Preferably the sensor detects the presence of a coin by detecting an interruption in the discriminate signal. Interruption of the discriminate signal preferably effects a change in the output signal of the sensor, which indicates to the control means that a coin is exiting the storage means.

[0019] The coin sensor may be located in any suitable position, so as to be operative to detect the presence of a coin exiting the storage means. For example, the sensor may be position on, in or adjacent to a chamber or passage way which is external or internal of the storage means and through which coins pass as they exit the storage means. Alternatively, it may be located on an internal or external wall of the storage means.

[0020] In the case of a separate signal generation/production and reception/detection, these may be located in respective e.g. opposite sites in the above mentioned passageway or chamber.

[0021] The control means may be contained within the coin storage means.

[0022] The coin storage means may be enclosed in a metal container which may have a lockable closure means.

[0023] Coin dispensing means may be arrested for a time period after each coin exits the storage means. This may be a fixed predetermined period or a variable period. Resumption of dispensing after the, or each, period, may be dependent on authorisation by the control unit.

[0024] Such authorisation may be provided in response to identification from the sensor so that no coins are detected exiting the storage apparatus.

[0025] The authorisation may be provided in response to a signal from other components of the dispensing means.

[0026] With these arrangements the dispensing means can be investigated for interference after the exit of each coin.

[0027] If there is no arrest in the supply of coins, the control means may be operative to prevent further dispensing and/or to initiate an alarm and/or to communicate this information to a specified source.

[0028] The storage means may be a coin storage device of an entertainment machine of the above mentioned kind. However, the invention may be applied to any other suitable machine which dispenses coins e.g. other amusement machine, gaming machines, vending machine etc so as to control the dispensing of coins therefrom.

[0029] The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Fig. 1

is a diagrammatic perspective view of one form of an entertainment machine according to the invention;

Fig. 2

is a block circuit diagram of the machine, and

Fig. 3

is an enlarged diagrammatic view of part of the machine of Fig. 1.

[0030] Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 shows a fruit machine having a floor-standing box shaped housing 1 having a front wall which includes upper and lower glass panels 2, 3 a number of operating buttons 5,6 a coin slot 7 and a payout opening 8.

[0031] Within the housing 1 there are three axially aligned reels 9 having say 20 symbols at regularly spaced positions around their peripheries. The reels 9 are axially rotatable and are drivably connected to respective stepper motors 10. The reels 9 are arranged behind a window 11 defined by a printed region of the lower glass panel 3. Each reel 9 can be arrested by the respective stepper motor 10 in any of 20 stopping positions in which one symbol is in precise registration with a horizontal win line in the centre of the window 11 and two further symbols are visible above and below the win line.

[0032] The upper and lower panels 2, 3 are transparent glass panels within which there are printed display regions 15, 15a, which can be back-illuminated with a bank of lamps 16. The upper region provides a supplementary games feature.

[0033] The stepper motors 10 are connected to a microprocessor-based control unit 12 incorporating memory storage 18. This unit is also connected to a coin-receiving mechanism 13, a first storage means comprising a hopper 19 enclosed within a metal box, a second storage means comprising a cash box 14, the buttons 5, 6 and lamps 16. The coin receiving mechanism 13 is connected to the cash box 14 and the storage hopper 19 by chutes 20 (shown schematically in Figure 3). Likewise, the storage hopper 19 is connected to the pay out tray 8 by a chute 46. The hopper also includes a motor-operated coin exit device 50 which under control of the control unit 12 directs coins from the hopper 19 to the chute 46.

[0034] The machine further includes a coin controller 40 which is a small micro-controller enclosed in a small screening can (not shown) which is housed internally of the hopper 19. Radio frequency (RF) and electrostatic discharge (ESD) filters are provided on all external lines. The controller 40 is coupled to a coin sensor 42 and to the main control unit 12. The coin sensor 42 is located in the wall of the exit chute leading from the hopper 19.

[0035] The coin sensor comprises a light source 42 (a light emitting diode [LED]) which is operable to produce a modulated light beam, and a corresponding light detector 44 which are located on opposite sides of the chute 46. Alternative arrangement would be to locate the light source and sensor on a common side of the chute and a light reflector on the opposite side so as to reflect the light produced to the sensor.

[0036] The light beam is modulated so as to have a predetermined frequency and/or amplitude etc., and this is detectable by the corresponding detector 44.

[0037] The light detection produces a first output signal (voltage level) in response to detection of the modulated beam (i.e. when no coin is in the chute) and a second, different output signal (voltage level) in response to detection of any other received light signal due to an interruption in the modulated beam by a coin passing the sensor as it exits the hopper 19.

[0038] The output signals are then communicated to and evaluated by the coin controller 40 which in turn communicates control signals relating to the exit of coins from the hopper 19, to the control unit 12.

[0039] Control of the exit of coins from the hopper 19 by the control unit 12 is exercised in correspondence with such signals.

[0040] In use, the player inserts coins into the coin mechanism 13 through the slot 7 sufficient to generate playing credit for one or more games, and the machine is actuated so that a game can now be played. The game commences after a start button 5 has been pressed and the reels 9 spin and then come to rest so as to select a combination of symbols displayed on the win line. The displayed symbol combination is assessed by the control unit 12 and a win indication is given in the event that the combination is of a predetermined winning nature.

[0041] The control buttons 6 can be used to perform 'hold' or 'nudge' functions, when made available to the player, so that the player can seek to influence the outcome of a game, in conventional manner.

[0042] In the event of a win, an award is made available to the player. Awards vary e.g. monetary payout, free games, scored points, extra 'nudges' or 'holds' or other games features.

[0043] If the award is a monetary payout, coins are directed from the hopper 19 to the payout opening 8 thereby being made available to the player.

[0044] The received coins may be distributed between the hopper 19 and cash box 14 according to the level of coins in the hopper and/or the cash box.

[0045] In the event of a win, the appropriate number of coins (or other monetary object or token or the like) is made available to the player by directing the coins to the payout tray as described below.

[0046] Coins exit the hopper under control of the main control unit 12 which activates the coin exit device 50 (by supply of power to its motor) to release coins from the hopper 19 into the chute 46 where they then pass downward to the pay out tray 8 under the force of gravity.

[0047] The exit of a coin is detected by the coin sensor which communicates the appropriate (second) output signal (as described above) to the controller 40 and main control unit 12. In response to this signal the control unit 12 immediately arrests operation the coin exit device, by cutting the power thereto. There is therefore a short pause in coin dispensing before the next coin is released.

[0048] The absence of a coin in the passage way 46 is detected by the coin sensor which communicates the appropriate output signal to the controller 40 which then responds by communicating an authorisation signal to the main controller 12. Only if this authorisation signal is received by the controller, (and only if there are further coins to be paid out to the player) will the control unit activate the coin exit device to direct a further coin into the chute 46.

[0049] If during the abovementioned pause in coin dispensing, the coin sensor fails to detect the correct signal i.e. a light beam having precisely the correct characteristics, this is communicated to the controller 40 which then responds by preventing the control unit from releasing further coins. In this event, the control unit causes the exit device motor to reverse and also activates a coin alarm (not shown) on the control unit which then cuts the power to the dispensing apparatus.

[0050] In this way the dispensing control apparatus is checked after each coin is released from the hopper.

[0051] Any attempt to defraud the dispensing control apparatus using a light source to flood the coin sensor and prevent it from registering the exit of coins, will fail unless the light source has characteristics which precisely match those of the modulated beam produced by the sensor. Thus the apparatus can provide for secure dispensing of coins in so far as access to such modulation parameters are controlled.

[0052] A coin alarm may also trigger the machine to provide a highly visible or audible alarm to the player so as to deter defraud attempts. Coin alarms may, if desired, be communicated to machine monitoring apparatus or persons remote from the machine.

[0053] As a further safeguard of this system, application of motor power to the coin exit device is not applied before power is supplied to the coin sensor. In that way, the coin exit device remains powerless until the sensor is activated and able to protect the hopper dispensing process.

[0054] 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.

Claims

1. A coin dispensing device, for dispensing coins from a coin store (19) to a dispense outlet (8), said device comprising a passageway (46) between the store (19) and the outlet (8), a feed device (50) which feeds coins to the passageway (46), and a controller (40) which operates to provide an output for controlling the feed device (50) characterised by the provision of a sensing means (42, 44) which provides an indication of the absence or presence of a coin in the passageway, wherein said sensing means (42, 44) uses a discriminate signal to produce said indication, and said indication is used to influence operation of said controller (40).

2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that the said discriminate signal is a light signal.

3. A device according to claim 2 characterised in that the light signal is modulated so as to have at least one predetermined characteristic which is identified by the sensing means.

4. A device according to claims 2 or 3 characterised in that the sensing means comprises separate signal transmitting and receiving devices (42, 44).

5. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that the said signal is interrupted by the presence of a coin in the passageway (46).

6. A device according to claim 5 when dependent on claim 4 characterised in that the separate transmitting and receiving devices (42, 44) are mounted on opposite sides of the passageway (46) so that the coins pass therebetween.

7. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterised in that the controller (40) is contained within the coin store (19).

8. A device according to claim 7 characterised in that the coin store (19) is enclosed within a lockable metal container.

9. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the controller (40) is arranged so that after dispense of each coin, dispense of a subsequent coin is arrested for a time period.

10. A device according to claim 9 characterised in that resumption of dispense after said time period is enabled only in response to indication by the sensing means (42, 44) of the absence of coins in the passageway (46).

11. A device according to claim 10 characterised in that the controller (40) produces an alarm output in response to indication of the presence of a coin after said period.

12. An entertainment machine incorporating a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Drawing