US 6,852,029 B2Granted

Method for retrofitting gaming machines to issue and redeem tickets

AssigneeAristocrat Technologies, Inc.

InventorsVan F. Baltz, J. Christopher McNamee

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Abstract

A preexisting gaming machine is adapted or retrofitted to print valid tickets for a game player at low cost. The preexisting gaming machine includes a game microprocessor for controlling game operation (e.g., slot machine operation) and includes a cashout signal input. A game interface is fitted to the gaming machine and coupled to the game microprocessor for controlling ticket printing and redemption in conjunction with a central authority. A memory in the game interface stores a pre-loaded ticket validation number received from the central authority. In addition, a ticket printer is fitted into the gaming machine and coupled to the game interface for printing a ticket that includes game credit indicia and pre-loaded ticket validation indicia. The game interface controls printing in response to a cashout signal. After the ticket is printed, the game interface obtains a new pre-loaded validation number in preparation for the next ticket printing event. The preexisting gaming machine is also retrofitted with a bill validator and ticket reader in order to redeem tickets, without making any changes to the game controller. Thus, the casino's investment in the game is preserved, while ticketing capability is seamlessly added to the game at a fraction of the cost of purchasing new games.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method of retrofitting for ticketing a gaming machine incapable of ticketing, the gaming machine comprising a credit meter and a game controller arranged to control play of the game, the gaming machine being arranged to generate a cashout signal initiated by a player of the gaming machine and to direct the cashout signal to the game controller, the method comprising the steps of:

installing a game interface arranged to provide communication between the gaming machine and a central authority in the event no such interface is used in connection with the gaming machine and to provide communication between the credit meter and the game interface;
in the event that a game interface arranged to provide communication between the gaming machine end a central authority is used in connection with the gaming machine, modifying the game interface to accommodate ticketing;
redirecting the game cashout signal from the game controller to the game interface;
installing a ticket reader capable of reading tickets printed by a ticket printer in the event no such ticket reader is used in connection with the gaming machine and coupling the ticket reader to the game interface, the interface providing data to the credit meter in response to reading the tickets;
in the event that a ticket reader capable of reading tickets printed by a ticket printer is used in connection with the gaming machine, recoupling the ticket reader from the game controller to the game interface;
adding a ticket printer to the gaming machine capable of printing tickets readable by the ticket reader and coupling the ticket printer with the game interface, the credit meter providing data to the interface for printing the tickets;
and
enabling a monetary or credit transfer feature to be recognized by the credit meter in the event that such a feature is not enabled in connection with the gaming machine.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/968,622Filed 1 Oct 2001 · continuation in part
Priority: 19 Oct 2000
Published: US 2002/0111206 A115 Aug 2002
Granted: 8 Feb 2005
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification4 codes

G07F 17/42
Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services: for ticket printing or like apparatus , e.g. apparatus for dispensing…
G07F 17/32
Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services: for games, toys, sports, or amusements
G07F 17/3248
Payment aspects of a gaming system, e.g. payment schemes, setting payout ratio, bonus or consolation prizes: involving non-monetary media of fixed…
G07F
Coin-freed or like apparatus

Family

Application09/693,183Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 19 Oct 2000
Application09/945,566Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 30 Aug 2001
US 2002/0111206 A1Pre-grant publication · published 15 Aug 2002
US 6,676,515 B1Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 6,852,029 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.