Player authentication for non-cash instruments of game machines

The invention relates to services related to the conduct of games on gaming machines such as video slot machines and video poker machines. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of authenticating cashless instruments and implementation of such vouchers in gaming machine systems.

A wide variety of auxiliary devices that may be connected to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or video poker machine. Some examples of these devices can be called a light source, a ticket printer, card reader, speakers, bill acceptors, ticket readers, coin acceptors, display panels, keyboards, coin hoppers and button pads. Many of these devices are built into the gaming machine or are associated with the gaming machine components grouped into separate units such consoles, which are usually placed at the top of the machine.

As a rule, with the help of the master gaming controller, the gaming machine controls various combinations of devices that allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine, and keep game play on the gaming machine. For example, to play a game on a gaming machine usually requires a player to input money or monetary sign in the gaming machine, indicate the amount of bets and start the game. These steps require the gaming machine control input devices, including bill acceptors and coin acceptors, to accept money into the gaming machine and recognize user inputs from devices such as keyboards and keypads, and determining wagering game start. After starting the game, the gaming machine determines the outcome of the game, the player is the result, and depending on the outcome of the game can give any incentive fee.

With the development of technology in the gaming industry the traditional method of dispensing coins or tokens as an incentive in the case of winning the game results have become complementary dispenser ticket, print ticket vouchers that can be exchanged for cash or accepted as proof of credit (as bank notes , credit banknotes) in other gaming machines for additional game play. Ticket incentive compensation system that allows ticket vouchers to give rewards and incentive to use them in other gaming machines, increases the efficiency of maintenance operations of the gaming machine and simplifies the process of paying for the players. An example of tickets incentive compensation is a system of tickets EZ PAY (lite payment) companies AyDzhiTi / International Game Technology (IGT) /, city of Reno, Nevada. Ticket incentive compensation systems and systems using other non-cash media called cashless systems.

Cashless systems like EZ PAY ticket system provides benefits for both participating in the games of players and casino operators. For example, many players find it convenient to carry a ticket incentive compensation than a large number of coins. For operators of gaming machines cashless systems help to reduce operating costs for gaming machines. For example, the infrastructure needed to export and counting monetary signs (eg coins, tokens, banknotes) to the gaming machine can be eliminated or minimized by replacing a cashless system that allows to reduce the operating costs of the gaming machine. In addition, the replacement of coin on a cashless system to avoid or minimize dust from the coins, which are potentially damaging to the components (eg electronic) gaming machines.

Currently, non-cash systems have become very popular and have been taken clientele. For example, ticket vouchers generated by the payment of winnings and redeemable for cash, credit or gaming machines within a single casino players have found approval. Currently, however, the type of ticket vouchers EZ PAY can be used to play a game on the gaming machine or redeemed for cash by any holder of the voucher regardless of whether it is the rightful owner or not. Therefore, the creation of methods that can give additional protective properties of cashless gaming vouchers to identify the owner, will help improve confidence in them by the players and the expansion of the boundaries of the possible use of these vouchers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention aims to satisfy specified above needs by creating a gaming system and method designed or configured to provide protection of cashless instruments gaming systems such as ticket vouchers EZ PAY through placement of player authentication data type of the signature, photo, biometric data, birth dates, social security, personal identification number or password, selected and introduced by the player, or the identity of the player assigned to the acting game system player tracking system for cashless gaming instrument. Player authentication data may be obtained via the interface provided by the gaming machine, and then placed on cashless gaming instrument type voucher, so that they can be later read and authenticated. The realization of cashless gaming instrument can then be carried out exclusively by identified by the player authentication data on the instrument, or by using information about these data.

In accordance with the present invention for use or cashing cashless igro Vågå tool needed to authenticate two things: 1) the value of the instrument (for example, the amount of payment) must be legal, and 2) a person who uses or cashes a tool should be legal (ie this owner or other authorized person). Among the advantages of the invention - strengthening the protection and expansion of the boundaries of the possible use of cashless gaming systems. In embodiments using in combination with player tracking systems, the invention provides an interface between player tracking systems and authentication of vouchers that provides for the mutual benefit of the player and operator of the gaming machine / system.

One object of the present invention is a method of authenticating a cashless gaming machine instrument. The method includes receiving player authentication data using a device on a gaming machine and placing the player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument. Validation of the player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument required for implementing a cashless gaming instrument.

Another object of the invention is a gaming machine. The gaming machine includes a master gaming controller structure designed or configured to control the sequence of the game, including a representation of one or more games on the gaming machine. The gaming machine also has input mechanism cashless gaming instruments and mechanism for receiving player authentication data, connected to the master gaming controller, and the output mechanism cashless instruments gaming machine designed or configured to generate a cashless instrument of a gaming machine and placing player authentication data obtained by the mechanism receiving, on the instrument.

Still another object of the invention is a cashless gaming machine instrument. The tool includes a tool carrier and placed on the carrier player authentication data identifying the player, the game master, as the owner of a cashless instrument.

Another object of the invention is a process for implementing a cashless gaming instrument. The method comprises (1) providing a cashless gaming instrument comprising first player authentication data printed on a cashless gaming instrument, wherein the first player authentication data associated cashless gaming instrument with the player and wherein the first player authentication data printed on a cashless gaming instrument when the cashless gaming instrument issued on the gaming machine; (2) receiving second authentication data player, the second player authentication data or information are known to the player, or the biometric information received from a player; (3) comparing the authentication data obtained using the first player authentication data printed on a cashless gaming instrument, with the second authentication data of the player; and (4) repayment cashless gaming instrument, when determining the correspondence between the authentication data and second authentication information of the player. It is possible to receive at least a portion of the authentication data from the remote device authentication player. Repayment of cashless gaming instrument involves the use of cashless gaming instrument for one or more of: a non-cash repayment of gaming tool for prize redemption cashless gaming instrument for additional compensation, repayment of cashless gaming instrument for cash or settlement of cashless gaming instrument for conducting games.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 - a perspective view of a gaming machine having a top box interface for receiving player authentication data, and other devices in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 - a flowchart of the implementation of a method of providing player authentication for a cashless gaming instrument in accordance with the present invention.

3 - illustration of a cashless gaming voucher with printed authentication data in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

4 - block diagram illustrating elements of a system supporting player authentication for cashless gaming instruments in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION specific embodiment,

Further description of the invention will be carried out with particular reference to particular embodiments. As an illustration of this particular embodiment will be used the accompanying drawings. However it is understood that references to these particular embodiments should not be considered as limitations imposed on the invention. Rather, these examples are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included in the invention within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Set forth in the following description, numerous particular are designed to provide a complete understanding of the present invention. In practice, the present invention may be practiced without some or even without these particulars. In other instances, detailed description of known technical procedures have been omitted as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention.

In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms of nouns include plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus all technical and scientific terms in the absence of the other definitions have the common meaning known to those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs.

The present invention provides a game system and a method designed or configured to provide protection of non-cash instruments of gaming systems such as ticket vouchers EZ PAY by placing player authentication data such as signatures, photographs, biometric data, birth dates, social security numbers, personal identification number or password selected and entered player or player identification data associated with a player tracking system operating on the gaming system, on the instrument. Player authentication data may be obtained via the interface provided by the gaming machine, and then placed on cashless gaming instrument type voucher, so that they can be later read and authenticated. Implementation of the voucher (ie use for gaming or redemption for cash or other valuables, such as prizes) can then be carried out exclusively by a person identified by the authentication data of the player on the instrument or using information about these data.

The present invention is implemented on a gaming machine. The gaming machine is typically one of several in a system of gaming machines and / or support devices, connected via a host system, known to those skilled in the art. In a preferred embodiment, one embodiment of the invention may be implemented in conjunction with a player tracking system.

1 is an illustration of the video game machine that can be used to implement the present invention. The gaming machine 2 includes a main body part 4, which generally surrounds the inner portion of the gaming machine (not shown) and is visible users (viewable by users). On its front side of the main cabinet includes a main door 8, which opens to provide access to the interior of the gaming machine. Attached to the main door are switches or buttons 32 for entering player coin acceptor 28 and bill validator 30, a coin tray 38, and a belly glass 40. After the main door can be visible video display monitor 34 and an information panel 36. The display monitor 34 as typically a cathode ray tube, flat panel LCD display with high resolution, or other conventional electronically controlled video monitor. The information panel 36 may be a glass or plastic panel with back-lit, silk screened lettering to indicate general game information including, for example, the number of coins played. Validator 30, input switches 32 for the player, video display monitor 34, and information panel are devices used to play a game on the gaming machine 2. The devices are controlled by circuitry (see. Figure 4), placed inside the main cabinet 4 of the machine 2. Gaming machines which are the subject of this invention allows to conduct all kinds of games, including traditional slots, video slots, video poker, video blackjack, keno, videopatinko, lotteries and other games of chance, as well as bonus games.

The gaming machine 2 is composed of a prefix 6, which sits on top of the main cabinet 4. The top box 6 houses a number of devices that can be used to add features to a game being played on the gaming machine 2, including speakers 10, 12, 14, ticket printer 18 which may print bar-coded tickets 20 used as a cashless instruments, and one or more interfaces 50 for receiving player authentication data. It should be noted that player authentication data may be administered or receive via the interface designed specifically for authentication of the player or, in a preferred embodiment, available for receiving input data in a variety of purposes including player tracking, betting game rates etc . The gaming machine 2 may also include in its composition a player tracking unit mounted within the top box 6. The player tracking unit includes at keypad 22 for entering player tracking information, a display 16 for displaying player tracking information, a card reader 24 for inputting cards magnetic stripe containing player tracking information, a microphone 43 for inputting voice data, a speaker 42 for reproducing sound and light panel 44 for display various light patterns used to convey gaming information. The player, a leading game on the gaming machine 2 or a person near the gaming machine can observe the light pattern from the light panel 16. In other embodiments, the player tracking unit and associated player tracking interface devices of type 16, 22, 24, 42, 43 and 44 may be inside the main cabinet 4 of the gaming machine, the gaming machine or the top side of the main body of the gaming machine.

Clearly, the gaming machine 2 is but one example from a wide range of gaming machine designs on which the present invention may be implemented. For example, not all suitable gaming machines have top boxes or player tracking features. Further, some gaming machines have two or more game displays - mechanical and / or video. Some gaming machines are designed for bar tables and have displays that face upwards. Moreover, some gaming machines may be designed entirely for cashless systems. Such machines may not contain devices such as bill acceptors, coin acceptors and coin trays. Instead, they may have only ticket readers, card readers and ticket dispensers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention as described below may be used on most gaming machines currently available or future.

2 is a flowchart diagram 200 in implementing a method of providing player authentication data on the voucher in accordance with the present invention. In step 202, a player adds credit to a gaming machine. The credit can be added to a player by entering the cash money through the coin or banknote machines. In addition, the player can use a cashless instrument of some type to register credits on the gaming machine. For example, the bill validator may accept a printed ticket voucher as a monetary sign. In another example, a card reading device 24 can accept a debit card, a smart card or a subscription card containing cash or credit information that may be used to register credits on the gaming machine. Making loans can also be done by electronic transfer from the account, previously organized by gaming institution.

Cashless gaming instrument typically contains information used to register credits on the gaming machine and confirming the registration transaction. For example, when used as a cashless gaming instrument printed ticket voucher may contain information including: 1) the cost of a ticket, 2) the date of issue of the ticket, 3) time of issue of the ticket, 4) number of ticketing transactions, 5) machine ID and 6 ) place of issue of the ticket. In addition to the information listed above, the cashless instrument may also store other types of information. For example, a ticket may contain information on incentive prizes that can be won by a player using a ticket voucher on the gaming machine 2. The incentive prize can affect the numerous features and specific types of gaming machines.

As described further below, in accordance with the present invention cashless gaming instrument may also contain player authentication data placed on the instrument in generating, for example, withdrawing money from another gaming machine. In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the device composed of the gaming machines that accept cashless gaming instruments to add credits to the gaming machine, such as bank note validators and card readers can be configured, for example, using logic stored in the memory associated with these devices, search for player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument. In the case of player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument, the gaming machine may require the player to confirm the player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument, such as by providing a password, personal identification number or personal or biometric data associated with the authentication data of the player on a cashless gaming instrument, with interface, which is provided with a gaming machine, such as a keyboard, touch screen, scanner (e.g., a bill validator) to scan a document type personal identification driving license or library card), or biometric device type fingerprint scanning device, etc. Without such validating credits may not be added to the gaming machine with a cashless gaming instrument. In the absence of any player authentication data for validating credits that will be added with a cashless gaming instrument, the player is not required.

Recording of information on the cashless instrument may be carried out when generating the instrument. For example, in the case of generating a ticket voucher the voucher may refer to the actual printing of the voucher on paper or some other medium. On the voucher can be printed a unique barcode that can be read by a special scanner to get information from the voucher. Print ticket voucher 20 may be performed with the printer 18. In the case of a smart card or debit card refers to the generation or preservation of the information encoded on the smart card or debit card. Generating a debit or smart card may occur when the smart card or debit card is inserted into card reading device 24 as part of the gaming machine 2 or at another node, issuing smart cards or debit cards. For example, smart or debit cards can be generated at terminals such as ATMs or cashier at the station when a player takes the money or pre-paid debit cards or smart you can buy in the gaming establishment (for example casinos).

In embodiments where player tracking is offered up to the beginning of game play session on the gaming machine, a player may insert a player tracking card into the card reader 24 on the machine 2 to initiate a player tracking session. The session tracking players on a gaming machine performance game for game play session on the gaming machine, such as the amount of bets during the game play session, may be converted into glasses player tracking and stored in a player account on the server, the player tracking, to which the gaming machine in the network . Later, the player tracking accumulated points can be refunded to him in the form of remuneration or compensation, such as free food or free hotel accommodation. Typically, the player tracking card inserted into the card reader contains at least player tracking credentials, including the player's name and some personal information.

After a player has inserted his card, he can be made visual or audio cues, respectively 16 on the display screen or by using a speaker having to enter identification information, such as a personal identification number (PIN-code), the keypad 22. Generally, during the game session player tracking card may remain in the card reader unit 24. In another example, the gaming machine may transfer player tracking information from portable wireless device that carries a player via a wireless interface device (not shown) on the gaming machine 2. An advantage of using a portable wireless device is that the transfer of player tracking information is carried out automatically and the player does not need to remember to correctly insert the card into the gaming machine tracking.

In step 204, the player plays the game on the gaming machine. In the process of the game a player may need to take certain decisions that affect the outcome of the game. For example, the player can change the amount of their bets in a particular game, select a prize for a game or make decisions that affect the outcome of a particular game. Choice of these embodiments, the player may be implemented using the input switch 32 for the player, a video display screen 34 or some other device that allows a player to input information into the gaming machine. Certain results of the player's choice can be fixed software player tracking loaded into memory as part of a gaming machine. For example, the speed of the game or the amount a player bets in each game may be captured player tracking software.

Under certain game events, the gaming machine 2 can play visual and sound effects that have a clear impact on the player. These effects give the game an extra emotional charge, causing the player to continue playing. Sound effects may be different sounds emitted from the speakers 10, 12, 14. As the visual effects may be used, flashing lights or tracer or other patterns reproduced light on the gaming machine 2 via tubes positioned behind a protective glass 40.

Figure 2 illustrates the case of application of the invention during normal operation of the gaming machine, which includes game play. However, game play on a gaming machine is not necessary for implementation of the method of the present invention. A player can add credits to the gaming machine and then decide not to play the game offered on the gaming machine, but instead to withdraw money. In this case, the player can obtain authentication for non-cash voucher generated by the gaming machine when withdrawing money.

In step 206, an event occurs withdrawal. It is usually initiated by the player, press the withdrawal on the gaming machine after the game. Among the options available for withdrawal at the gaming machine 2 may be generated cashless gaming instrument. Cashless gaming tool can be a printed ticket voucher, smart or debit card or other non-cash support. For example, a player may decide to withdraw the money and can receive a voucher of 20 from the printer 18, which can be used for further games or redeem for cash prizes. The player can view information about transactions with cashless gaming instrument on the screen of a video display screen 34 or 16 player tracking. For example, when a player takes the money from the gaming machines, the value stored on a cashless gaming instrument can be displayed using the video display 34.

System ticket vouchers EZ PAY (AyDzhiTi, Reno, Nevada) is an example of a cashless gaming system that can be used to implement the present invention. Further details regarding this cashless gaming system shown in co-pending US patent application №09 / 648382 Rowe (Rowe) "Clearinghouse for non-cash transactions" ("Cashless Transaction Clearinghouse"), filed on 25 August 2000 and is incorporated The invention in its entirety and for all purposes.

In accordance with the present invention, after the withdrawal by generating tool cashless voucher type player may select a player authentication technique to add security information to the instrument holder for Identification at block 208. For example, the gaming machine may prompt the player to select a player authentication technique by audio prompts through the speaker 12, 14, or a text query via one of the display screen 34 or 16. Each player authentication technique will have an associated interface receiving player authentication data, such as 50, by which the player provides some authentication data printed on the voucher (or placed on a cashless gaming instrument). A wide variety of interfaces for receiving player authentication data available for implementing the present invention. Some of them are described below.

Player authentication data can be entered manually using a PIN-code, date of birth or other information to confirm your identity using the keyboard. As noted above, the keyboard can be used by specially designed to authenticate the player or, in a preferred embodiment, available inputs for receiving data in a variety of purposes including player tracking, betting game bets, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the keyboard is provided with many conventional player tracking units may be used as a player authentication data interface in this way. These numeric or alphanumeric data can be read, store, process and / or encode (e.g., converted to barcode), and / or encrypt the print as a protection factor on a cashless voucher (or placed on a cashless gaming instrument) generated by the gaming machine when withdrawing money.

Operations with data input into the gaming machine using the keypad, and printing of encrypted and unencrypted data to the non-cash vouchers gaming machines made by well-known technology. The present invention adds a protection factor in non-cash instruments playing gaming machines through these mechanisms by further placing player authentication data on cashless gaming instrument. The player will offer to authenticate the authentication information on the voucher to authenticate the redemption of the voucher for cash. For example, the cashier electronically considers encoded player authentication data printed on the voucher and offer the person who submitted a voucher for redemption, confirm the PIN-code, date of birth or other authentication data entered from the keyboard and printed (in the form of code and / or encrypted) on the voucher.

Another player authentication data interface that may be used is a touchscreen. For example, display 34 may be provided with a touch screen, using it to be able to provide the display as the reception of input data and output this data. Details relating to the use of touchscreen technology in gaming machines that may be used to implement the present invention are shown in copending U.S. №09 / 961 051 "game service interfaces for display player tracking touch screen" ("Game Service Interfaces for Playing Touch Screen Display "), filed Paulsen (Paulsen) and others. September 20, 2001 and incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. In one embodiment, the player may input their signature using the touch screen machine. Text can be converted into a digital image of a gaming machine and then printed on a non-cash voucher when withdrawing money. This signature can then be compared with the previously introduced stored digitally signed by the player, the registered operator of gaming machines (eg, casinos) or signature on the driver's license player if by the time the voucher to the cashier to pay off previously recorded signature is missing.

To enter the player authentication data can also use the standard components of a gaming machine configured for this problem by using logic. For example, bankiotopriemnik machines can be configured to show an identification card player type library card or driver's license. The thus obtained data can be placed (e.g., image IDs printed) on a cashless gaming instrument for player authentication purposes.

Additional interfaces for player authentication data placed in the cashless gaming instrument (for example, printed on the voucher), can be called a variety of biometric devices such as fingerprint scanning device, scanning devices iris, digital camera (delivers images for comparison with other images or physiognomic analysis (detection of characteristic facial features) and / or a microphone (for a digital file (signature) with the voice of the player having a unique characteristic data Voice Player) that collect player authentication data. The details concerning the application of this biometric technology in gaming machines which can be used to implement the present invention are shown in copending U.S. №09 / 921 489 "Communication player tracking mechanisms in gaming machine" ("Player Tracking Communication Mechanisms in a Gaming Machine"), filed Hedrick (Hedrick) et al. on Aug. 3, 2001, and incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. In this description of the device as a fingerprint identification device is proposed in copending U.S. №09 / 172787 "Method and device for identifying the gaming machine" ("Gaming Device Identification Method and Apparatus"), filed Wells (Wells) and others. October 14, 1998 and incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. In each case, the appropriate biometric interface is incorporated into the gaming machine and available to collect player authentication data that is then digitized and / or encoded and placed on a cashless gaming instrument generated by the machine in a withdrawal.

Despite the fact that the above has been discussed only a few of the methods and interfaces for receiving player authentication data, it is understood that any method and apparatus for obtaining data that can be used for player authentication data or other data that can be used to authenticate a player and placing the received data on a cashless gaming instrument so that they can be later read and authenticated may find application in accordance with the principles of this invention.

Furthermore, with respect to the player authentication vouchers in accordance with the present invention may be preferably integrated in the player tracking system in the gaming machine. Using the player tracking unit components such as a keyboard and biometric devices to collect authentication information has been described above. Moreover, for the authentication of the voucher, the user can select data from a player tracking card (name, picture, barcode data matrix, etc.) or the player tracking data may automatically printed onto the voucher, for example, when withdrawing money. In this embodiment, a player identifies himself to the gaming machine and associated system at the beginning of a game session by tracking card inserted. Authentication data on the player tracking card may be sufficient to authenticate the present invention, and need to select a method of obtaining this data will disappear when withdrawing money. In other embodiments of the information read from a player tracking card may be used in the biometric information input device. Details relating to the player tracking technology in gaming machines that may be used to implement the present invention are shown in copending U.S. №09 / 838 033 "Universal Player Tracking System" ("Universal Player Tracking System"), filed criss Puskievich (Criss-Puskiewicz) and others. April 19, 2001 and included in this description in its entirety and for all, as well as in co-pending US patent application №09 / 642,192 "virtual player tracking service on the gaming machine" (" Gaming Machine Virtual Player Tracking Services "), filed LeMay (LeMay), and others. August 18, 2000 and included in this description in its entirety and for all purposes, and in co-pending US patent application №09 / 921,489, previously incorporated reference. Integration of the tracking and authentication of the player in accordance with the present invention has additional advantages in terms of possible unification of discrete databases and hardware, facilitating implementation on existing machines with a limited information capacity periphery and enable imparting new features to a game based on the known player profile or style games.

It should be noted that, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, player authentication data may be anonymous. That is, the player authentication data placed in the cashless gaming instrument can not transmit any authentication information and therefore can not identify the player as an individual, thus preserving his anonymity. For example, the player can enter a password or PIN-code using the keypad on the machine as its authentication data. These data can be placed on cashless gaming instrument, generally in coded form, generated by the gaming machine at a withdrawal. Then the player can confirm the accuracy of the instrument and to repay his cash by providing a password or code at a kiosk or cashier to identify himself as the owner of the instrument, without revealing his true identity.

Once the player authentication technique is selected in step 210 is used to enter player authentication data via the associated data acquisition interface. Data is read and, where appropriate, digitized, encoded, encrypted and / or stored. For example, the interface of data acquisition can be used with appropriate biometric software (e.g., fingerprint, iris or voice), provides: a) the logical device on the authentication module or the player tracking, b) a master gaming controller as a part of the gaming machine, or c) another intelligent device on the gaming system. Player authentication methods that are the subject of the present invention usually is embedded in a network gaming system in which various gaming machines are involved in data exchange with a server providing centralized services such as accounting, player tracking, etc. In some cases, details regarding the authentication of the player and other non-cash instrument data (eg, value of the voucher, the time and place of manufacture, etc.), can be transferred to the system for accounting, auditing, or other purposes.

In step 212, when a withdrawal is carried out non-cash generating tool (eg a voucher) with placed on it the player authentication data (eg, print). Data can be presented in plain text, encoded (for example in the form of a barcode or other data form), or other graphic forms (e.g., in the form of digital image signature player or the like). In some cases, the player authentication data may be provided in combination with other encoded data on conventional tickets. In other cases, the player authentication data is printed in a separate field on the voucher.

In step 214, to implement the cashless instrument validation is needed for player authentication data on the tool (eg, tool holder should agree or provide authentication details of the player printed on the voucher to exchange it for cash). Furthermore, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention, validation of the player authentication data on a cashless gaming instrument is required when using the tool for conducting games.

3 is an illustration of one type of cashless gaming instrument - a voucher with printed authentication data of the player in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Voucher 300 is, in other words, the standard ticket withdrawals in cashless gaming system, such as the EZ PAY AyDzhiTi companies. The voucher includes a machine-readable bar code 302 that provides information usually includes in its membership the name and address of the issuing institution of the game, the monetary value of the voucher, etc. (see. the list above). The voucher also includes printed player authentication data generated by the player authentication system described above. In this example, the player authentication data printed as barcode in a separate field 304. It is understood that the invention is not limited to player authentication data printed as barcode as shown in this example. As stated above, the player authentication data printed on a voucher (or stored on a cashless gaming instrument) may be in the form of a written signature, photograph, fingerprint, etc. These forms of player authentication data do not require encoding or encryption. When vouchers are the cashier to pay off, player authentication data are checked for authenticity person presenting the voucher to pay off as the legitimate holder of the voucher.

It should also be understood that, despite the Invention in this specification primarily with reference to printing player authentication data on a cashless voucher, the principles of the invention may also be used in relation to placing player authentication data on other cashless instrument media, such as a smart card. Details concerning the smart card technology in gaming machines that may be used to implement the present invention are shown in copending U.S. №09 / 718 974 "Smart Card and the EZ PAY ticket system" ("EZ PAY Smart Card and Ticket System "), filed by Rowe (Rowe) November 22, 2000 and incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. Further, instead of generating a tangible tool such as a voucher or smart card, the system gaming machines may be configured to input commands the player to have an electronic instrument (a "virtual card"), wherein the carrier tool is electronic data file and the player authentication data is stored in this file. The virtual ticket, including the cost of the instrument and player authentication data may be transmitted to the user by wire (e.g., by email Internet) or a wireless medium (e.g., pumped into the storage memory such as the PDA, cellular phone or the memory card Memory Stick), using communication protocols known to those skilled in the art, such as listed below. The player can then use this electronic tool for gaming or repayment of money or in electronic form on the gaming machine, kiosk or cashier device configured to enter and read the data, for example using known hardware interfaces and communication protocols. Or the player can transform the electronic instrument to the material tool, for example, by printing a voucher bearing the cost of the instrument and player authentication data or by storing electronic data tool on the smart card, and then use this material tool for conducting games or repayment of money .

The gaming machine which can be used to implement the present invention, moreover, will be described with reference to Figure 4. 4 is a block diagram with a plurality of gaming machines connected to the server that provides services to associated services such as accounting, tracking and accounting of players. In casino 150, the gaming machines 100, 101, 102 and 103 are connected through data acquisition module (MSD) 106 to the server 120. MSD 106, in particular example which may be connected to a player tracking unit 132 as part of a local network, combines information gathered from tracking and authentication modules players in the gaming machines 100, 101, 102 and 103 and sends this information to the server 120. Among the functions of the server can be called a 1) storing a player tracking accounting data, such as information about the identity of the player and held previous games, 2) charge player tracking points on the basis of games played, a player that could serve as the basis for remuneration, 3) storage of player authentication data for authentication of cashless gaming tools and 4) to achieve other marketing and promotional purposes.

The gaming machine 100 Casino 150 master gaming controller 104 controls various combinations of devices that allow a player to play a game on the gaming machine, and keep game play on the gaming machine, etc. It should be noted that in other embodiments, one or more other intelligent devices in the gaming system network may control one or more computer devices. The master gaming controller 104 is connected to a main, usually video, display 108, the module 130 authenticate players and module 107 player tracking through the main communication board 110 and interface board 105 of the slot machine (IMSP), which are installed inside the main cabinet 118 of the gaming machine . The structure of the machine also includes a periphery connected to the other components of the gaming machine 100 a ticket printer 134 which may print bar code tickets or vouchers. This device can be a standalone component or part of the one or more functional units of the machine 100 such player tracking unit 107 or the authentication module 130 of the player. The player tracking unit also includes in its structure one or more devices 132 for receiving player authentication data. In the illustrated embodiment, the player authentication feature is described as being implemented as a discrete player authentication unit 130 is connected to the periphery as the other components of the gaming machine 100. The player authentication Symptom may also be implemented as part of one or more other components of the machine, in particular tracking unit player. In the case of both signs authentication module 130 players and player tracking unit may be connected directly, so as to facilitate the sharing of I / O devices and drivers and data. The prefix 119 is mounted on the upper surface of the main body 118 of the gaming machine. The authentication module and / or the player tracking may be within the console 119 or the body 118 or can be installed outside.

Module 107 player tracking includes in its membership many devices tracking the player, includes in its membership the device 124 card reader, a keypad 122 and the display 116 is a conventional vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) or Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), which are installed inside the module . As other input / output devices player tracking data may also be used, as indicated at 117, for example, various biometric devices such as a digital camera or microphone device fingerprint or iris. As noted above, these player tracking devices may also find application in obtaining authentication information for use in a player authentication system players in accordance with the present invention. I / O devices to input player tracking information, which are necessary for the implementation of the program of tracking players and obtain the data necessary for the implementation of an authentication system players. 107 player tracking unit communicates with the server through IMSP 105, the main communication board 110 and the data collection unit 106. IMSP 105 module provides a 107 player tracking ability to collect information from the gaming machine 100, for example, the amount of bets players for a gaming session. This information may be used by the server 120 for tracking players scoring for the player tracking. Module 107 player tracking and authentication module players (two separate modules or integrated into one) are usually connected to the master gaming controller 104 via a serial connection of some type and communicate with the master gaming controller 104 using a communication protocol of some type . For example, the master gaming controller 104 may use the accounting systems for slot machines Protocol (SAS), developed by AyDzhiTi (IGT / International Game Technology /), the city of Reno, Nevada, to establish communication with the tracking unit and authenticating players.

The player tracking unit may include in its membership a logical device having a processor for execution of the software allows the module to perform various functions of authentication players such as the exchange of information with the server 120, the exchange of information with the master gaming controller 104 or control of various peripheral devices such device (s) 132 obtaining the authentication information, and printer 134. In one embodiment, application software for the player authentication unit and configuration information for the player authentication unit may be stored in a memory device such as programmable ROM (PROM), a nonvolatile memory, hard disk or flash memory.

Module 130 player tracking may include in its composition a memory configured to store: 1) the software player tracking type data collection software, 2) communication protocols authentication players providing module 130 authenticate players able to communicate with different types of servers, player tracking ( for example 120), 3) device drivers for many types of devices receiving player authentication data (e.g. 132), 4) biometric software (e.g., fingerprint, iris or voice) for receiving and processing data from the device (s) 132 5) a secondary memory device such as a nonvolatile memory configured for storing information relating to the game software (Information relating to the game software and the memory can be used in the process of downloading games or other software) and 6) transport protocol connection type TCP / IP, USB, IEEE1394, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11x (e.g., all the standards IEEE 802.11), HiperLAN / 2, and HomeRF, providing player authentication module 130 able to communicate with devices using these protocols or communication protocols allowing the logic device to communicate Data with various types of leading game controllers (e.g., master gaming controller using different types of communication protocols) type 104. Typically, the master gaming controller 104 establishes a connection type using a serial communication protocol. As a few examples of serial communication protocols that can be used to communicate with the master gaming controller can be called USB, RS-232, Netplex (a proprietary protocol developed by AyDzhiTi (IGT), the city of Reno, Nevada, and others.

For each type of remote peripheral device authentication players in the memory can store a plurality of device drivers. When replacing certain peripheral devices of the same type on the specific device other type of processor can be downloaded from the memory of a new device driver that provides the ability to communicate with the device.

From the above description, the concept of constructing the authentication module players may consist in the fact that the hardware components of the module can be composed of other devices existing in conventional gaming machines configured by logic to perform the functions necessary to implement the present invention, as will be understood by those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

CONCLUSION

The present invention provides a game system and a way to ensure the protection for cashless gaming instrument such as a ticket or voucher by placing player authentication data such as personal information data on the instrument. Among the advantages of the invention - strengthening the protection and expansion of the boundaries of the possible use of cashless gaming systems. In embodiments using in combination with player tracking systems, the invention provides an interface between player tracking systems and authentication of vouchers that provides for the mutual benefit of the player and operator of the gaming machine / system.

The foregoing has been a detailed description of the present invention, which is intended to clarify the essence of the invention. However, it is obvious that within the scope of the appended claims, it can be made certain changes and additions. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the process and components of the present invention. For example, despite the fact that the game machine in this invention have been described as being provided with attachment mounted on top of the main cabinet of the gaming machine, the use of gaming devices in accordance with this invention is not limited to such attachment. Furthermore, despite the fact that the above has been discussed only a few methods of obtaining player authentication data, it is understood that any method of obtaining data that can be used for player authentication data and placing the data on a cashless gaming instrument so that later can be was read and authenticated may find application in accordance with the principles of this invention. Consequently, the present embodiments should be considered as illustrative and not as imposed limitation, and the invention should not be limited to the details described herein but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.