Cash-operated apparatus includes biometric detector e.g. for sensing user's fingerprint to allow access to gaming machine etc.

The invention relates to a money-operated device a device for monitoring and activation of a groove tion authority, a money processing means and egg ner computerized control unit.

The DE 93 00 937 U1 discloses a vending machine with a Device for cashless and / or coin-operated goods output, wherein the vending machine with dialpad to select of the desired product, and an electrical / electrochemical American control for the output of goods, a coin entry with a checking and recognition device for turned admit provided NEN coins and the sum of the coins entered is. Particularly in the case of non-cash goods output user user-related data in the operation of Vending Machines entered and stored. If you enter and detecting data of a cashless use of Vending machines authorized user, the output ei ner selected goods released. To enter benutzerbezo sonal data is in the vending machine, a card reader arranged in the use over a card entry slot rindividuell programmed and / or memory cards a can be pushed. The card reader is connected to a test unit connected to a keyboard to enter a user specific numerical code and a goods release means connected that at acceptance of card and number code by the test unit dialpad for subjects to receive Goods are free to goods withdrawal. After completion of the Wa nephrectomy and blocking of the vending machine is the map outputted from the card reader and a printer a document printed on the extracted value of goods. On Such a vending machine, the publicly accessible typically is Lich erected, is not suitable for sale of Wa ren whose output example legal provisions subject, there is no effective use of control with regard to that of the authorization, which is owned by map and Zah lencode is, is made. The card can, together with the Numeric code can be passed to a third party or a Third party may gain unauthorized access to card numbers and code procure and use THEREFORE vending machines.

Furthermore, each user has of electronic diene costs and / or equipment under a conditional access there are a relatively large number of secret numbers (PINs) so numeric codes that are always with or without use a smart card of each service or device to correctly may be ordered and never forget, thereby Another problem with the use of a smart card in gives compound with a secret code.

To an unauthorized disclosure or acquisition of a card with numerical code and their common use or the United exclude forget a secret code, is known from DE 197 42 835 A1 a smart card in combination with one or more Devices for detecting biometric features in Form of text, voice and fingerprint known. The chip map takes when writing the forces exerted by the pin Forces to be, with a microphone for voice recording and an element for detecting the scan lines of a finger provided, wherein the value-dependent pre-selected maps of biometric features stored on the chip and by there abgegebe for comparison with the currently in the smart card NEN biometric feature can be used. The energy supply and data exchange of the chip card with a primary computer is made without contact and / or kontaktbe liable. To use the smart card is this the place where the Delivery of the biometric characteristic at a designated down box or inserted into a conventional smart card reader leads. In this field, or smart card reader are the benötig th devices for exchanging data with a superordinate integrated calculator. A disadvantage is this proving the complex and expensive construction of the chip card and thus verbun which smart card reader.

In other coin-operated entertainment machines are known, to be established as a rule in gambling halls, where Supervisors use of entertainment equipment a prevent by unauthorized persons to use should.

The object of the invention to provide a money-operated device initially to provide the type mentioned, which have an effective and for the user easy to use device for Control and activation of the user authorization features.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the A device for checking the usage authorization a Erken recovery device for receiving a biometric a user, and a comparison device for comparison the captured biometric with relevant, comprises in a memory stored comparison data, wherein the activation of the user authorization in accordance the captured biometric with gespeicher th comparison data occurs.

Due to these measures, the device includes a very effective Means for checking the usage authorization because after corresponding registration of the biometric features only the authorized access to the use of the device is replaced. Dar beyond is through the required control of the biome cal features a transfer of beneficial ownership excluded to third parties. In addition, a loss or Forget of resources and data to use the device entitle impossible because the biometric features of a User always present and over a relatively long time space are immutable. The comparator provides an externally almost unbeeinflußbares tool for reli denominated checking the date of the detection device Received data with corresponding reference data.

Preferably, the detection device comprises a Aufnahmeein device for receiving a fingerprint of a user. The fingerprint is a relatively easy from the recording device to be recognized biometric characteristic of Benut dec, after appropriate digitalization as its data Comparative data are to be stored and reviewed. Further is the means to control the use permission very simple to use, since no comprehensive data ma manually in the device must be entered, the laying on of Finger with the enrolled fingerprint is sufficient to enable the usage authorization.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention comprises the detection means includes image pickup means for Shot of an eye or a part of the face of a Benut dec. The eye and the facial region of a user stel also recorded very unique biometric features, which fall unmistakable vomit as digitized data comparison can be in memory and a use of the device by a exclude unauthorized because they neithergiven can be lost. The image recording device is a contactlessly operating input device by the user registered unnoticed the necessary data and therefore re is relatively comfortable to handle.

According to an alternative development of the invention the detection device comprises a receiving device for Recording a fingerprint and a Bildaufnahmeeinrich device for receiving an eye or a part of the face of a User. This recognition means for controlling the groove tion authority of the device provides an effective access control represents a relatively high level of security, since they more clearly identifiable biometrics the user receives and based according to previously behind submitted comparative data checked.

Conveniently, the receiving device as a camera or an area sensor is formed. Both the camera also the area sensor provide for a comparison suffi accordingly exact representations or data of the shot Fin gerabdrucks.

Preferably, the receptacle means is in an on / off switch or inte in a selection switch of the appliance grated, The user of the device inevitably touches a Be actuating element of a corresponding switch and leads this is usually a finger of the receiving device for the fingerprint, which is why no additional Handlun necessary gen for checking the usage authorization.

According to an alternative embodiment of the inventive concept is the receiving device in a finger at least partially receiving aperture of a housing installed. the User when inserting his finger into the Receiving means provided opening aware that he hereby can check its usage authorization. is further the fingers at least partially fixed within the opening, whereby the receiving device a relatively accurate recording can absorb the fingerprint.

Further, preferably, the image pickup means as a camera designed. The high-resolution single image points the camera in this case deliver corresponding data the recorded eye or facial area, the corre accordingly can be further processed.

To the device for checking the usage authorization not obvious to arrange for anyone who is beneficial liable legally the image pickup device in a front plate integrated the unit. Alternatively, is expediently , the image pickup device as gekoppel with the device te, separately formed to be placed camera. The user THEREFORE can the camera to suit the individual Be Align needs and the camera is in the case of Be damage easily replaceable.

Preferably, the detection device includes a sound recording means for receiving voice and speech features of a User. Voice and speech features provide also indi vidual biometric features, which fall Storag accordingly Rides can be stored and used to identify a user with comparative data are comparable.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention are the Comparative data for the activation of the user authorization on local storage stored. This is a relatively high level of security against unauthorized manipulation of Da th guaranteed and the comparison data can geräteabhän be deposited gig. Appropriately, the Speicherme medium fixed or interchangeable. In case of an out replaceable storage medium is an update on United comparative data, which to example, after registering ditional user of the device is required, relatively simply ensured that the appropriate data from a Registrar processed and appropriate on a secured memory medium and then to the operator can be sent to the device, then the existing Storage medium to the updated exchange.

Preferably, the money processing arrangement comprises a coin and / or bill acceptors and / or a card reader. Here after the user of the device there are several ways available to the device after the activation of Usage authorization to operate.

According to a preferred development of the invention the device is characterized by a configuration as Un terhaltungsspielgerät, Multimedia Computer, goods sale Car mat or the like. The embodiments relate to primarily but not exclusively to such devices, de ren using certain conditions to the user un are subject. For example, a registered user ei nes freely accessible established multimedia computer or Entertainment device, after appropriate use released and payment to retrieve games and perform the Al a subject ters control. In the embodiment of the device as publicly available goods vending machine is at for example the sale of spirits, the egg is usually ner age verification is subject to appropriate authorization Users possible after payment.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the inventions tion, in the device at least one device of the same kind to is ordered, the assignment of the device via a with a central computer equipped network, the Ver comparative data to enable user authorization on the Central computer are stored. This network convenient solution to manage the data comparison and for Monitoring of the network devices assigned to represent where the devices Kgs be placed at different locations NEN. It is also possible for the user be To activate liebiges device of the network.

To a relatively simple connection between the devices to create, is advantageously networking via tele FON or data lines realized.

Preferably, the central computer stores each Benut zer assigned, from this retrievable data. Kings These data NEN in an embodiment of the device as Unterhaltungsge advises or multimedia computer, for example, game data compre sen, so that the user of the device to a desired Time on any selected by him device interrupted can continue chenes game. It is also possible Umsatzzah len user or sent to him messages of other to store user and output.

To prevent unauthorized access to the device, he follows advantageously a disabling Nutzungsbe authorization time and / or key-controlled.

It is understood that the aforementioned features and next based features to be explained not only in the respective specified combination but also in other combina NEN be used, without leaving the scope of the present inven training leave.

The invention will, by way of Ausführungsbei Game with reference to the accompanying drawings nä ago explained. Show it:

<b>Fig.</b> 1 is a front view of an apparatus according to the invention in a first embodiment;

<b>Fig.</b> 2 is a front view of an apparatus according to the invention in an alternative embodiment,

<b>Fig.</b> 3 is a perspective view of an inventive Device in a further alternative embodiment form and

<b>Fig.</b> 4 is a schematic representation of a plurality with each other Paired devices.

The computer-controlled device that according <b>Fig.</b> 1 as Unterhal processing device <b>24</b> is formed, comprising a front pane <b>1</b> With display windows <b>2</b> a symbol playing device <b>3</b>, in the a housing <b>4</b> is received, said behind the Ablesefen star <b>2</b> discoid Recirculating <b>5</b> the symbol gaming establishment <b>3</b> are provided. The Recirculating<b>5</b> will after Inlaufsetzen game begins during or at the end the game from a random number generator in the control unit a potential of a plurality positions to a standstill brought. The detent positions are on the periphery of the circulation body <b>5</b> symbols <b>6</b> assigned to the display of Spielser gebnisses in the display windows <b>2</b> serve. From the displayed symbols <b>6</b> the player can read the result, in particular ticular also whether a profit after one on the front disc <b>1</b> explained profit plan of a combination of displayed symbols <b>6</b> found.

In the lower area of ​​the entertainment device <b>24</b> are located three, the revolving members <b>5</b> assigned key <b>7</b>With which the in the symbol playing device <b>3</b> displayed symbols <b>6</b> of the recirculating <b>5</b> be stopped or started from there prematurely can. In case of a win by achieving limited hours th symbol combination, a payout in cash, d. h. by cash dispensers in an output tray <b>8th</b>, Or by Au faddieren in a credit display <b>9</b> done, the au faddierte balances by actuating a memory key <b>10</b> storable.

The symbol in the game device <b>3</b> by achieving a randomly determined symbol combination scored Ge winn can button or computer control as used in a of each designed as additional win playing means Risk game device <b>11</b> be transmitted. The right and in the left-risk game device <b>11</b> each have meh eral to a risk manager <b>12</b> summarized illuminated display fields <b>13</b>Which in the lower region with increasing money win and in the upper region in increasing order with the numbers of special gambling winnings are occupied. Below every risk manager <b>12</b> is a "0" labeled Totalver loss display panel <b>14</b> arranged. The means of risk gaming establishment <b>11</b> which may be secured cashes who the in the credit display <b>9</b> and achieved, if appropriate Special Game-Winning be in a special game display <b>15</b> added. To apply the risk managers<b>12</b> are sorted Weil below the same risk keys <b>16</b> arranged.

To a game of entertainment device <b>24</b> To begin, it is necessary to achieve a balance. For this purpose, in the upper Be rich of entertainment device <b>24</b> a coin slot <b>17</b>. a token insertion slot <b>18</b>, A bill insert slot <b>19</b> and a card entry slot <b>20</b> a Darge unspecified presented provided money processing arrangement. After Enter a specific monetary value is the Nutzungsberechti tion of the entertainment device <b>24</b> activate what the Be user of the entertainment device <b>24</b> a start switch <b>21</b> trained selector switch actuated. In the start switch<b>21</b> is a recording device <b>22</b> configured Erken identification device <b>57</b> for receiving a registered previously and in the entertainment apparatus <b>24</b> stored fingerprint provided pressure of the user.

At the touch of the start switch <b>21</b> created as Mi trained niaturkamera or CCD area sensor Aufnah meeinrichtung <b>22</b> an image of the fingerprint, the ame converted speaking signals and a Vergleichseinrich tion of the entertainment device <b>24</b> is forwarded. The Comparing means compares the Aufnahmeeinrich tion <b>22</b> acquired signals with comparative data for the creates registry fingerprint and in the sub entertainment device <b>24</b> be saved. At the registration fingerprint, the personal data of Benut dec checked, after which it is ensured that at a Compliance of the receiving device <b>22</b> aufgenom Menen fingerprint with the corresponding comparative data only one to play with the entertainment device <b>24</b> Parental rating ter user the entertainment apparatus <b>24</b> activated. After Activation of the user authorization, the user has the aforementioned game-relevant functions of Unterhal processing unit <b>24</b> to disposal. Furthermore, the user can a previously with the memory button <b>10</b> stored credit by pressing a button <b>23</b> retrieve and so be aktuel les balances previous by the credit stored Games increase. The deactivation of the use authorization the entertainment device is based on the insufficient The availability of funds for another game or na Actuate tion of the memory key <b>10</b>, The permanent storage the credit balance in the control unit of the entertainment device The consequence.

The coin-operated device according to <b>Fig.</b> 2 is as Warenverkaufsau tomat <b>25</b> formed, in particular for the delivery of such Wa ren is, subject to their delivery of an age limit, which is why the use of this vending machines <b>25</b> not each user must be allowed. To check the groove tion authority of a user of the vending machines <b>25</b> is a camera <b>26</b> trained Bildaufnahmeeinrich tion <b>27</b> as recognizer <b>57</b> in a front plate <b>28</b> of vending machines <b>25</b> integrated. After pressing a start button <b>29</b> the camera takes <b>26</b> a facial region the user of the vending machines <b>25</b> sends and these data to a comparing means, the current which recorded data registered with previously and in a Store the vending machines <b>25</b> stored Ver comparative data compares with the user specifying his personal data for the deposit of the Vergleichsda th must be registered accordingly. In a Convention humor of the used by the camera <b>26</b> recorded data with corresponding comparative data, the activation the right of use of the vending machines <b>25</b>, Here after the user makes a selection from among the various Were by the actuation of a selector switch <b>30</b> the ever Weil below a goods chute <b>31</b> is arranged. After successful selection of the goods are the fees payable Ko first in a display window <b>32</b> shown. The user can entste settle costs incurred to by either a corresponding credit card into a card entry slot <b>33</b> imports or a corresponding monetary value in coins into a coin slot <b>34</b> enters. The Cards entry slot <b>33</b> and the coin slot <b>34</b> are with gekop a money processing means not shown pelt, which for a match of the costs incurred with the amount entered a release of the goods chute <b>31</b> causes in which the goods an output tray <b>35</b> refer to is.

A money-operated equipment used in accordance <b>Fig.</b> 3 as a multi media computer <b>36</b> is configured, includes a screen <b>37</b> on the camera as <b>26</b> trained Bildaufnahmeeinrich tion <b>27</b> for detecting a user's facial area to is ordered. The camera<b>26</b> is connected via a Verbindungslei tion <b>38</b> with in a housing <b>39</b> the Multimedia Computer <b>36</b> fixed interface in conjunction. The housing around bordered next to a on / off switch <b>40</b> a drive <b>41</b> to lead replaceable storage media and a card entry slot <b>42</b> for credit cards, which is not shown with a Money processing device is coupled. Furthermore in the housing <b>39</b> a microphone as <b>43</b> trained sound receiving device <b>55</b> and a speaker <b>44</b> integrated. Furthermore, the multimedia computer <b>36</b> Interfaces for ei ne alphanumeric keypad <b>45</b> and as a surface sensor <b>46</b> trained receptacle <b>47</b> for receiving a fin gerabdruckes a user of the multimedia computer <b>36</b> on.

The area sensor <b>46</b> is in a finger of the user at least partially receiving aperture <b>48</b> a separately from the Multimedia Computer <b>36</b> drawn up housing <b>49</b> instal lines and via a line <b>50</b> with the corresponding connected interface.

After switching on the multimedia computer <b>36</b> the user asked a credit card in the card entry slot <b>42</b> introduce, in accordance with his face on camera <b>26</b> and his finger in the opening <b>48</b> to place as well as some Sequences on speech data into the microphone <b>43</b> enter. Here after the camera takes <b>26</b> the user's facial area on and the area sensor <b>46</b> scans the fingerprint. These current data along with the voice or speech data fed to a comparator and vomit with previously sured comparables registered user compared. Lying by the current user of the multimedia computer <b>36</b> Comparative data, the activation of Nutzungsbe done authorization of Multimedia Computers <b>36</b> in accordance of captured fingerprint and the facial region and the voice and speech features with the corresponding Ver comparative data. done The storage of comparative data after registration of the user's lower information whose relevant personal data, the proper Benut tion of the multimedia computer <b>36</b> to ensure.

After activation of the user authorization is the Benut zer legitimizes on the multimedia computer <b>36</b> existing Programs, to debit the costs of the Credit card to run.

After <b>Fig.</b> 4 are more than Multimedia Computer <b>36</b> out recirculation te coin-operated devices via data lines <b>51</b> with a mainframe <b>52</b> crosslinked. The central computer<b>52</b> is just as each Multimedia Computer <b>36</b> On a receiving device <b>53</b> for a fingerprint and an image receiving device 54 for a part of the face and a tone receiving device <b>56</b> for voice and speech features in Compound capable of producing the relevant central Comparative data for registering the user's serve, wherein the comparison data from the central computer <b>52</b> vomit are chert. The legitimate user of any of the network factory assigned Multimedia Computer <b>36</b> can after Akti vation of the use authorization to databases of Zen tralrechners <b>52</b> access and store data on this, even retrieve and optionally further legitimized Be make-users are available.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

<b>1</b>

windscreen

<b>2</b>

reading window

<b>3</b>

Symbol playing device

<b>4</b>

housing

<b>5</b>

recirculating

<b>6</b>

symbols

<b>7</b>

button

<b>8th</b>

output tray

<b>9</b>

credit display

<b>10</b>

memory button

<b>11</b>

Risk game device

<b>12</b>

risk Head

<b>13</b>

display

<b>14</b>

Total loss display

<b>15</b>

Special games ad

<b>16</b>

risk key

<b>17</b>

coin slot

<b>18</b>

Token insertion slot

<b>19</b>

Bill insert slot

<b>20</b>

Card entry slot

<b>21</b>

Start switch

<b>22</b>

recording device

<b>23</b>

button

<b>24</b>

Entertainment device

<b>25</b>

Vending Machine

<b>26</b>

camera

<b>27</b>

Image recording device

<b>28</b>

front panel

<b>29</b>

Start button

<b>30</b>

selection key

<b>31</b>

goods bay

<b>32</b>

display window

<b>33</b>

coin slot

<b>35</b>

output tray

<b>36</b>

Multimedia computer

<b>37</b>

screen

<b>38</b>

connecting line

<b>39</b>

housing

<b>40</b>

On / off switch

<b>41</b>

drive

<b>42</b>

Card entry slot

<b>43</b>

microphone

<b>44</b>

speaker

<b>45</b>

keyboard

<b>46</b>

area sensor

<b>47</b>

recording device

<b>48</b>

opening

<b>49</b>

housing

<b>50</b>

management

<b>51</b>

data line

<b>52</b>

mainframe

<b>53</b>

recording device

<b>54</b>

Image recording device

<b>55</b>

sound recording device

<b>56</b>

sound recording device

<b>57</b>

recognizer