US 4,283,709 A · Cash accounting and surveillance system for games

Abstract

A cash accounting and surveillance system for games, whereby operation of a number of player operated gaming devices may be monitored for purposes of detecting abnormal operation and/or cheating and for providing automatic accounting information for record keeping and pilferage detection purposes. The system utilizes a node concept with each node having a non-volatile data storage capability and a communications capability for communicating with each of a plurality of gaming devices coupled to the node. The exemplary embodiment disclosed operates in conjunction with slot machines having mechanically rotatable reels and a microprocessor control system for randomizing the reel stopping payouts and other machine functions. Alternate embodiments are disclosed.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A cash accounting and surveillance system for gaming machines comprising;

first means within each machine for monitoring the input of items of monetary value and the payout of items of monetary value, and for maintaining digital signals indicative of the cumulative numbers thereof,
second means within each machine for communication over data lines, said second means having a unique address on said communication lines and being responsive thereto to transmit said signals of said first means on said data lines,
node means coupled to a plurality of said second means through said data communication lines, said node means including means for polling all of said second means coupled thereto and for receiving said digital signals therefrom, said node means having non-volatile storage means for maintaining data responsive to said digital signals in spite of system power loss and node means failures.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Cash accounting and surveillance system for games

Life of this patent

Cash accounting and surveillance system for games

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24