EP0970452B1 - Data and value unit transfer system on slot machine network - Google Patents

Abstract

A data transfer network with at least one slot machine (200) having a value unit transfer element (300) and a data transfer link (123) connected to a central processing unit (1). Between each slot machine and the transfer link is a device (400) that provides a multichannel link including a first main channel (410) connecting to the central processing unit (1) via the network data transfer link (123), a second main channel (420) connecting to the slot machine (200), and a secondary channel (430) connecting to the value unit transfer element (300). A data transfer switching and coordinating means enables data to be transmitted between the slot machine (200) and the value unit transfer element (300), and data to be transmitted between the slot machine (200) and the data transfer link (123).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of slot machines, such as jackpot devices and other individual gambling devices of the type found in casinos.

We know slot machines that can receive or issue electronic money transfers corresponding to wagers or winnings for the account of a player. These electronic transfers have the advantage avoid transportation and handling of large amounts of money.

The document EP-A-0 360 613 thus describes a system electronic transfer of value units between a slot machine and a smart card storing an account value units of a player.

The document describes in particular a sub special including a transcriber of units of value on smart card.

A disadvantage of such a slot machine incorporating an electronic coin mechanism is that it does not allow to identify and verify transfers and gaming operations involving currency electronic.

We know secure management systems slot machine park in which the machines are networked with a central computer managing all accounting data (see EP-A-534,718). The machines receive electronic money transfers only to from the mainframe.

However, players no longer have the freedom to carry out their gaming operations in isolation, the initial down payments and the winnings being recorded by an operator in the computer central, usually a casino cashier.

A general disadvantage of these machine systems the downside is that they cannot adapt to any type of means of payment, bank cards, tickets, coins, tokens or centralized electronic transfers depending on the fashion of the moment or the preferences of the players.

An object of the invention is to provide a device for network of slot machines allowing to adapt various payment methods while allowing easy accounting verification of game operations by a central management body.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for a slot machine capable of performing electronic transfers to link these machines in network with a central management body.

These objects are achieved according to the invention as defined by the subject of claims 1,14,15 and 16 in providing that a slot machine capable of processing electronic money transfers, an electronic coin mechanism transmitting wire transfers and the organ central management overseeing transfers and data transfers are interconnected by a switching and coordination device data transfer, multiplexer type, routing transfers of data or value units from the slot machine either to the electronic coin mechanism or to the central management body.

Electronic coin acceptors can thus be inserted into a network of slot machines, without modification of the data transfer network. Else apart, the slot machines planned to be connected individually to an electronic coin mechanism can thus be networked with a central body of management.

Advantageously, the invention provides to interchange the data exchanges of the machine under and coin operated with data exchanges from the slot machine and management body.

Various types of mints subsequently called value transfer bodies can further be connected to a machine, providing that the device translates the transmission protocol of data used by the coin mechanism according to the protocol usable by machine.

• la figure 1 représente des machines à sous mises en réseau avec un ordinateur central selon l'art antérieur ;
• La figure 2 représente un réseau de machines à sous et de transcripteurs de données sur carte à puce reliés à un ordinateur central, avec des moyens de commutation et de coordination des transferts de données selon l'invention ; et,
• La figure 3 représente un schéma de réalisation de dispositif de transfert de données destiné à un tel réseau et comportant des moyens de commutation et de coordination de transfert de données selon l'invention.

The implementation of the invention will be better understood on reading the description and the drawings below, given by way of non-limiting example; in the accompanying drawings:

• FIG. 1 represents slot machines networked with a central computer according to the prior art;
• FIG. 2 represents a network of slot machines and data transcribers on a smart card linked to a central computer, with means for switching and coordinating data transfers according to the invention; and,
• FIG. 3 represents an embodiment of a data transfer device intended for such a network and comprising switching and coordination means for data transfer according to the invention.

A known example of networking of game is illustrated in figure 1. Such a setting network allows to record the game operations made with 200, 201 and 202 slot machines to establish the accounts of a casino for example or to check the regularity of the operations carried out.

It is currently envisaged to develop slot machine networks outside casinos for extend the use of gaming machines to locations various such as private game rooms, halls bar, or develop home game machines.

The network allows data to be transmitted between a 200 slot machine and a central management body 1 so as to store data relating to game operations. One can in particular transmit the amount of player's bet and winnings and balance of its gaming operations. This data transmission may also include a unit of value transfer between the network and the game machine, the computer central 1 managing for example an account of player value or distributing bonuses to a player regular.

Such a network notably includes machines with under 200, 201, 202, of known type, connected by network link means 123 to a central computer 1, or any other centralized management system.

The network connection means 123 can be constituted by any type of connection allowing a transmission of data, in particular data digital.

Transmission can be of any kind, electrical, radio or optical for example, using adequate connection means such as cables, antennas or optical fibers.

Generally, the connection means 123 of the network are connected to the slot machines 200, 201, 202 and to computer 1 by adapters 120, 121, 122 and 11. Such devices adapt the mode of transmission used on the network link in mode of data transmission used by the machine. The adapters can also be used as an interface for a data formatting according to protocols predefined data transfer.

In the case of a local network of slot machines casino, the means of connection are for example constituted by an RS 485 type serial link on shielded cable or on a two-wire connection. The link can also be a parallel link to allow a higher data throughput.

In the case of an extensive network of slot machines arranged in various public and private places, the link can advantageously be a link telephone. Each 200, 201 or 202 game machine is in this case connected to the connecting means by a telephone MODEM demodulator modulator represented in FIG. 1 under the reference 120, 121 or 122 respectively. The central computer 1 is in this case also connected by a telephone MODEM 11 to network connection means 123.

The invention implements slot machines can receive data transfers corresponding to transfers of value units. A player can make money transfers electronic to bet or record these gains. Various transfer procedures are envisaged.

Value unit accounts can thus be managed by central body 1, each player having a card such as a magnetic card, smart card, or contactless card to identify and authorize transactions from his account by crediting or debiting the slot machine.

Another procedure provides that each player has a smart card, such as a phone card, storing units of value to place bets each machine is then equipped with a smart card data transcriptionist, allowing read and record the units of value debited and / or credited. Player information such as that his age, his playing habits can also be stored on the card and transmitted by the transcriber. An advantageous variant of this procedure involves playing on a slot machine with a bank card, the machine being provided with a adapted bank card reader / validator.

Examples of realization of transfer organs of value units are described in documents of patent, in particular in patent application FR-96 10031 in the name of the plaintiff. These descriptions are incorporated herein as an example of production.

Another advantageous procedure provides that the player can play with tickets, each machine having a ticket recognition device bank. The device thus transfers electronically the corresponding sums to the front slot machine that the player makes his bets. Conversely the slot machine can credit the device so that the player collects his winnings in the form of tickets.

Generally therefore, the invention provides that each machine 200, 201 or 202 is provided with a transfer of value units 300, 301 or 302 which exchange of digital data messages corresponding to the sums of money at stake or to others information.

In addition, the invention provides that the machines for set 200, 201, 202 provided with such transfer members value units are connected in network 123 with a central management body 1 to monitor the regularity of gaming operations or performing accounting, tax or share statements promotional, such as delivery of value units to a regular player.

Such a network 123 of slot machines 200, 201 and 202 linked to the central management body 1 can therefore be used for data transfer of any type, including data corresponding to units of value.

So we see that various types of means of payment and winnings can be used according to the invention, such as smart cards, contactless cards, bank cards, tickets, coins, or tokens or transfers of units of value. It will suffice to provide a coin mechanism electronic, more generally called organ of transfer of value units, suitable for verifying the validity of the means of payment and to make the electronic transfer of corresponding value units to the slot machine.

The machine 200 which has been represented in FIG. 2 can of course be an electronic coin operated machine 300 exclusively, but also a double machine coin-operated, that is to say a machine which additionally this 300 electronic coin mechanism, a coin-operated or with visible tokens figure 1.

In the case of a double coin-operated machine, the player will have, according to the invention, the possibility play with coins or tokens and get return your winnings only in the form of coins.

According to the invention, means are provided for switching 400 allowing, on the one hand to transmit data between the slot machine and the transfer of value units on the other hand from transmit data between the slot machine and the central management body via the liaison means 123 from the network.

Such switching means 400 allow to direct data transmissions from the slot machine or intended for the slot machine.

In a first state, the switching means 400 thus allow the slot machine 200 and the organ transfer value 300 units to exchange data, including game value units.

For example if the transfer member 300 is a smart card data transcriptionist machine 200 can thus be informed of the balance of units of value stored on the smart card and counting down value units on the card. Conversely when the player wins games, machine 200 transfers gains in value units to transcriber 300 which saves them on the smart card. Machine 200 and the data transcriber 300 can further exchange player information, information can be stored on the card.

In a second state, the switching means 400 allow the slot machine 200 to receive and to send data to the link means 123 of the network. The data may in particular come from or be intended for a central computer 1 connected to the network 123. The data exchanged can be of any type. nature for example play value units if central body 1 manages the player's value account or if the central body allocates free games to regular players in an application of loyalty of the clientele.

We can thus transmit information on the player or operations data made with a specific card or on a machine determined, in order to allow an accounting statement or an audit of operations.

It is preferable to provide that the means of switching 400 also make it possible to transmit data directly between the transfer member 300 and the network connection means 123 therefore between the organ transfer of value units 300 and the central organ management 1.

As shown in Figure 2, the invention is made of preferably in the form of a device 400 containing switching means MUX, the device 400 being connected to the network 123 connecting means, to a slot machine 200 and a transfer member 300.

It can also be provided that the switching means MUX are arranged in the slot machine 200 or in the transfer member 300.

Such a 400 or MUX switching device preferably includes a multichannel link with at least three input-output channels. A first channel 410, assigned to the central computer 1, is connected by an adapter 120 to the connecting means 123 from the network.

A second channel 420, assigned to the slot machine 200, is connected to this machine 200.

A third channel 430, assigned to the organ of transfer 300, is connected to this transfer member 300.

According to the invention, the switching means MUX of the device 400 thus port two of three channels mentioned above.

The MUX switching means can be constituted simply by a multiplexer device or demultiplexer.

Multiplexer means an electronic circuit with one input channel and several output and performing the link between the input channel and one of the output channels according to a selection signal of the exit. A multiplexer can notably deliver format the data presented on the input channel in order to perform a data transmission relay to the outlet channel.

Conversely, by demultiplexer is meant a electronic circuit comprising several channels input and output channel and performing the link between one of the input channels and the output according to a input selection signal. A demultiplexer can in particular to relay the data transmitted.

The data transfer device can be simply made from an electronic circuit three-channel "multiplexer / demultiplexer" base known type. Various types of realization of such circuit can be contemplated by those skilled in the art and will not be detailed herein. We exhibit simply the operation of such a simple device multiplexing.

Consider that a data transmission must be performed between the central unit 1 and the machine 200. The start of the data message received on the channel 410 of the central organ has a signal indicating the recipient channel 420.

A corresponding signal, internal to the switching, selects one of the two channels communication, while another internal signal selects the other of the two channels communication.

In this example, the first signal selects the channel 410 and a multiplexer / demultiplexer of the transfer device. The second signal selects channel 420 and a second multiplexer / demultiplexer of the transfer device. The two channels 410 and 420 are thus interconnected.

The data can then be transmitted from the central organ 1 towards the machine 200 just like them can be transmitted from machine 200 to the central body 1.

It is preferable to provide in this case that the third channel 430 is disconnected. Neither of the two first channels 410, 420 are then not in communication with the third channel 430.

This avoids jamming the data transfer between the first two channels or initiate a communication protocol in error with the third channel 430.

Preferably, means are provided for coordination that put channels on hold that don't are not in communication.

In our example, a wait signal can thus be sent on the third channel 430 when both first channels 410 and 420 are in communication.

When a message must be transmitted on the channel 430, the transfer member 300 observes whether a signal is present on its channel 430. If there is no no waiting signal i.e. the machine under 200 is not in communication with the network 123, the transfer member 300 can send its message.

Consider for example that a player performs a game operation on the 200 slot machine with a Smartcard. By standing in front of the machine, the player inserts his card into a data transcriptionist on a smart card acting as a transfer device 300 value units. Reading the data recorded on the smart card is carried out by this transcriber. The transcriptionist can thus know and store the balance of card value units corresponding to the amount of money available to the player. The transcriptionist can still control the validity of the smart card from data card identification numbers, including its serial number and recognition keys or secret cryptography keys by applying a calculation algorithm or cryptography algorithm. Such well-known algorithms will not be detailed in this.

The transcriptionist 300 can then transmit these information to the slot machine 200, by issuing a message consisting of a series of data relating to the balance of value units read on the smart card.

The transcriptionist begins his message by signaling the body receiving the message, and the means of switching, recognizing the recipient, put in communication channels 430 and 420 corresponding to the sender and recipient of the message, joining so the transcriber 300 to the slot machine 200. A once machine 200 receives the message, it can return a reception signal to the transcriptionist.

The switching means can maintain the two channels 420 and 430 in communication as long as the dialogue continues between transcriber 300 and the slot machine 200, the other channel 410 being maintained in waiting.

Preferably, however, it is expected that after have transmitted the message to the slot machine 200 and waiting for the machine to calculate its response, the device can have this interval for insert a data transmission between the organ central office 1 and the unit transfer unit of value 300 or even between the central organ 1 and the slot machine 200.

The invention therefore provides means of coordination data transfers making it possible to interpose a secondary transmission of data between main data transmissions.

We can thus simultaneously perform main transmissions and transmissions secondary, secondary transmissions being inserted between the main transmissions.

In our example, the 200 slot machine is therefore informed of the balance of value units available on the player's chip card or receives a unit transfer of value corresponding to the stake of a game.

Thus, the slot machine 200 can pass on information to the central computer 1, via the network, on the gaming operations it performs.

Once the data exchange with the transcriptionist 300 completed, the transfer coordination means of data suppress wait signal on channel 410. The 200 slot machine can then request transmit information to the central computer 1.

The slot machine 200 can in particular signal to the central body 1, the identification of the card, its balance of value unit, the amount of stakes or gains made.

This dialogue takes place through connection means 123 of the network and adapters 120, 121, 122, 11 of known type.

The central organ 1 can be connected by a link 123 common to all slot machines 200, 201, 202 or by individual connections with each machine.

The means of connection can indeed be common to a set of slot machines 200, 201, 202 to which case only one transmission can take place at any instant between one of the machines and the central organ of management 1. For example, machines can be linked to the central organ by a single link, each machine plugging into this type link serial link cable or parallel link bus. In this case, the network connection means 123 are connected to the central member 1 by a simple adapter converting or relaying the mode of transmission of data. The adapter also runs a program determining the machine sending or receiving a data transmission.

Alternatively, the network may include individual connection means between each machine under and the central organ 1.

For example, slot machines can be individually connected by two-wire connection to the central organ 1. In this case, the central organ is preferably connected to the network connection means 123 by a central switching device according to the invention comprising as many channels as there are machines connected (not shown). The central dialogue body so with a specific slot machine, for example the machine 200, the central member 1 and a link two-wire ending in the slot machine 200 being put in communication. The central switching device makes the connection of the channel 10 of the central organ 1 with one of the central device channels connected individually to a slot machine 200, 201 or 202 respective. The two-wire connection leading to a slot machine 200 can always have a adapter 120 and a switching device 400 connected to a transfer member 300 and to the machine 200.

The other channels of the central system of switching of the central organ 1 are then set waiting. Devices 401 and 402 connected to machines 201 and 202 then receive a wait signal on their channel 411 and 412 connected to the device switching center.

After the dialogue between the slot machine 200 and the central organ 1, the waiting signals disappear. The central organ 1 can then dialogue with another slot machine 201 or 202 on the network, if the corresponding channel 411 or 412 has no waiting signal. The device 400 comprising switching means can for its part take into counts a new exchange of messages between the machine 200 and its transcriber 300.

A particular embodiment of the means of switching and coordinating transfers of data according to the invention will now be detailed. Such switching means can be integrated into a slot machine interconnection device 400 200 and transcriber 300 to network 123, the device being advantageously integrated into a housing isolated as shown in figure 2.

Note however that the switching means can be integrated into any of the elements of the network, either the 200 slot machine, or the transcriber 300, i.e. the central computer 1, or even even integrated into the network connection means 123. These switching means can also be distributed and scattered over each element of the network.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of means of switching in the form of an electronic circuit hereinafter called the MUX multiplexing circuit.

In the present, by multiplexing is meant the transmitting data on two channels of link selected from at least three channels, the data from the first of two selected channels being transmitted to the second selected channel, and conversely, the data coming from the second channel selected being transmitted to the first channel selected.

The multiplexing circuit. MUX includes in this embodiment an MP microprocessor, a memory of program MO, a data memory MV and a CF configuration memory. MO program memory preferably consists of a ROM type ROM. The data memory MV is preferably constituted by a RAM type RAM. Memory CF configuration is preferably made up of an erasable and programmable read-only memory electrically EEPROM type.

The MP microprocessor is connected by one or more buses data at input / output interfaces.

For a switching device 400 comprising three channels 410, 420 and 430 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the corresponding MUX multiplexing circuit comprises thus three IR, IM and IT interfaces.

The first IR interface is connected to the means 123 of the network and to the central organ of management 1. The second IM interface is connected to a link 420 linked to the slot machine 200. The third IT interface is connected to a 430 link linked to data card transcriber 300 chip.

MP multiplexer executes a program instructions stored in its ROM ROM. he stores data in MV RAM whatsoever intermediate data planned by the program instructions or state data like data relating to the transmission, waiting, start status or end of message. In addition, it can store the message data in the RAM memory for a delayed transmission.

The microprocessor also consults the memory of CF configuration in order to transmit data according to a precise transmission protocol whose parameters preferably appear in erasable read-only memory CF of so that they can be changed.

Indeed, data transmission protocols vary by slot machine, the organs of transfer of value units, the central organs of management or the means of connection used. It is therefore better to include their characteristics and corresponding coding / decoding programs in a separate ROM, preferably a memory easily reprogrammable EEPROM type.

The IR, IM and IT interfaces format the electrical signals corresponding to the data transmitted. Interfaces can include advantageously an input buffer or "buffer" storing data received from a channel when it is not not in communication. The buffer or "buffer" can besides maintaining a constant signal at the output of this channel, such as the aforementioned wait signal while the microprocessor performs other instructions.

In Figure 3, there is shown in dotted lines other optional circuits such as translators TR, TT and TM protocols. These translation circuits of protocol convert the data transmitted on a channel according to a determined protocol to another protocol adapted to the downstream circuit such as the microprocessor MP. himself or the computer (TR translator) or the 200 slot machine (translator TM) or the transcriptionist (TT translator).

The protocol translation can still be performed by the microprocessor MP, if it can use programs and data. of conversion stored for example in the memory of CF configuration.

An MS security module can advantageously be provided in the MUX multiplexing circuit. The module MS security secures exchanges information, including identification data card or unit balance data of game value. The security module includes preference for encryption or data algorithms identification and encryption data or keys identification. Various algorithms and data encryption can be implemented by humans from art, several patent applications in the name of the Applicant describing such algorithms.

An example of securing data transfers on the network is exposed below considering a standard data encryption algorithm, type DES algorithm, used to certify data digital exchanges between the CJ1 card, the transcriptionist T, the game machine and the central organ management 1. Using a DES algorithm, the encryption and decryption of the accompanying certificate the data transmitted is only possible and consistent if we use a secret key.

DES type data encryption algorithms involve complex series of calculations which will not be detailed herein.

An example of implementation of the DES algorithm will be explained by simply considering that the algorithm provides an encrypted number, called session key K ', from a given first number, called identification key K and a random number Rnd, according to the example of the following formula: K '= DES (K, Rnd)

The complexity of DES algorithms makes it impossible the discovery of a secret identification key K at from session key K 'and the random number Rnd.

Figure 4 illustrates the implementation of a DES algorithm. The algorithm is implemented for certify a message, by the sender of the message who can be a 200 slot machine, a body transfer of 300 value units, a smart card or even a switching device according to the invention. The transmitter then includes a security module MS having at least one inaccessible memory area a secret identification key Kt. security of the transmitter generates a pseudo number random Rnd1. From these two numbers Rnd1 and Kt, the DES algorithm implemented by the security calculates a session key Kt '.

. This Kt 'session key can be used as a certificate authentication and be sent with the number random Rnd1 and the data to be certified. However, to make key discovery impossible, is expected to apply the algorithm a second time DES. As shown in Figure 3, the sender of the message to certify, request to recipient, central body 1 for example, to provide it with a second random number Rnd2.

The DES algorithm is again applied to the key to session Kt 'and at the second random number Rnd2 by the transmitter security module to calculate a certificate C.

The data message is then sent to recipient accompanied by certificate C and number random Rnd1 calculated by the card. So the keys used, in particular the identification key secret Kt and the session key Kt ', are not exchanged.

Data message authentication is performed by recalculating a C 'certificate from same data. The algorithm is therefore a second time implemented to authenticate the message by the recipient of the message. the recipient must therefore include a second security module, with in memory the secret identification key Kt. The second module secure can then calculate the session key Kt 'to from the identification key Kt and the number random Rnd1.

The second secure module still has the number random Rnd2 that it previously provided to the transmitter. From these two numbers Rnd2 and Kt ', the second security module calculates again a certificate C 'by applying a second time the DES algorithm.

By verifying that the certificate C calculated by the issuer corresponds to the certificate C 'recalculated by its security module, the recipient can authenticate the data message received.

Note that a new session key Kt 'and a new C certificate are recalculated each time message certification desired. This avoids that a network hacker machine could use a previous certification.

With such a security module MS, the circuit multiplexing MUX can thus identify the transmitters sending him messages, including smart cards read by transcriptionists, and can further encrypt and decrypt the messages transmitted by each transmitter on the network. The MUX multiplexing circuit can also be responsible for encrypting data relating to balance of value units and unit transfers of value, i.e. the amounts transferred to the course of game operations.

The operation of the multiplexing circuit will be better understood from two examples of exchanges of messages.

Consider that the central computer sends a message for a 200 slot machine. The circuits MUX devices. switching 400, 401 and 402 receive the beginning of the message. The MUX circuits devices 401 and 402 corresponding to machines 201 and 202 not concerned disconnect their respective channel 411 and 412. Slot machines 201 and 202 can however exchange messages with their transfer of value units 301 and 302, respectively.

The MUX circuit of the device 400 puts the channel 430 to the transfer member 300, the interface IT sending a wait signal.

The MUX circuit of the device 400 translates the message, the microprocessor MP or the translators TR and TM translating data from a protocol to the protocol recognized by the machine's electronics. Finally, the IM interface of the MUX circuit sends or repeats this message to the slot machine 200 via the channel link 420.

Preferably after this first message has been transmitted, the device 400 does not wait for the response from machine 200 and is preparing to accept a message from any channel 410, 420 or 430 for transmit this new message while the machine calculates its response. In this case, from the end of the first message, the device suppresses any waiting signal on its channels 410, 420 and 430.

The device 400 can also wait for the response from machine 200. When the response message returns to the multiplexing circuit MUX of the device 400, the circuit analyzes, translates and repeats the message to the central management body 1 via the link channel 123 from the network. When message exchanges between the central unit 1 and the machine 200 are finished, the multiplexing circuit MUX frees channel 430 connected to the transfer member 300. The slot machine can then resume the exchange of data and value units with the transfer member 300.

During such message exchanges, the machines at 200, 201 and 202 inform the central organ of their condition. A machine 200 can be for example in non-operating state, transmission error, or in a normal state.

Advantageously, transfers of units from value may be refused by the circuit of multiplexing if the machine is in non-operating state. So when the circuit of multiplexing MUX is informed that the transfer device of value units want to credit the slot machine, the MUX circuit scans a status indicator of the slot machine. Depending on the condition of the machine, there whether or not to perform the unit transfer operation value.

During such an exchange of messages between the transfer 300 and the slot machine 200, the MUX circuit of the device 400 places the channel 410 connected to the network.

The MUX circuit translates and repeats the message of transfer of value units to the slot machine 200. Machine 200 checks the encryption of the message and records the amount transferred.

The multiplexing circuit MUX awaits the response from the slot machine 200, translates it and directs it to the transfer member 300.

Conversely, when the player wants his winnings are issued to him, the slot machine and the transfer exchange a unit transfer message from value. The unit of value transfer 300 check the message encryption and issue the winnings. Yes the transfer device is a data transcriptionist on a smart card, for example, it saves the new balance of value units in card memory. After this operation, the transfer member 300 sends a conventional response if the operation went well unwound and the MUX multiplexing circuit of device 400 transmits it to the machine.

Once the exchanges between the slot machine 200 and its transcriber 300 completed, or preferably after each message transmitted, the waiting signal sent on channel 410 via the IR interface of the MUX multiplexing is deleted.

It will be noted that a variant of switching means according to the invention may provide for transmitting data directly between channel 430 of the organ transfer of value units 300 and channel 410 connected to the central computer 1 by means of network link.

An advantage of this variant is that the computer directly receives balance data provided by transfer device 300, or information about the player recorded on a smart card for example.

A device according to the invention comprising a MUX multiplexing circuit with TM and TT translators can advantageously be used to translate simply the messages exchanged between a machine 200 and its value transfer unit 300, this sub machine transfer unit assembly 200, 300 not necessarily connected to a network. The device 400 then plays a simple interface role to translate messages according to the planned protocol suitable for the destination circuit.

The switching means according to the invention are of preferably arranged in an insulated box that can be connect on the electronic links provided on existing machines. Thus, the networking of slot machines already working with coin acceptor or connection to a coin mechanism machine electronics that can already be set up network is possible at low cost.

Another advantage of the invention is that it allows to build a network with slot machines and transcriptionists using transmission protocols different messages.

The invention also makes it possible to secure the data transfers, especially transfers of value units corresponding to sums of money, by providing for message encryption.

Other variant embodiments, advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear to humans of the profession without departing from the scope of the claims below.

Claims (23)

1. A data transfer device (400, 401, 402) designed to be inserted in a network of gambling slot machines (200, 201, 202) provided with unit transfer members (300, 301, 302) for transferring units of value, the network communicating via a data transfer link (123) with a central management member (1), said device being characterized in that it comprises a multi-channel link (MUX) having at least a first channel (410), a second channel (420), and a third channel (430), which channels serve to be assigned, in any order:

   to the data transfer link (123) between the network and the central management member (1);

   to a gambling slot machine (200); and

   to a unit transfer member for transferring units of value;

      the device further comprising switching means (MUX) for switching the data transfers, which means make it possible:

   firstly, to perform main transmissions of data between the first channel and the second channel (410, 420); and

   secondly, to perform secondary transmissions of data between the first channel (420) and the third channel (430).
2. A device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the switching means (MUX) for switching the data transfers make it possible:

   in addition, to perform other secondary transmissions between the second channel (410) and the third channel (430).
3. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has co-ordination means (MP) for co-ordinating the data transfers, the co-ordination means analyzing a transmitted data message, recognizing the addressee channel, and transmitting the data message over the addressee channel.
4. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has co-ordination means (MP) for co-ordinating the data transfers, which co-ordination means put at least one channel (430) on standby when a transmission is performed between two other channels (410, 420).
5. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has co-ordination means (MP) for co-ordinating the data transfers, which co-ordination means make it possible to intersperse a secondary data transmission between main data transmissions.
6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the co-ordination means (MP) make it possible simultaneously to perform main transmissions and secondary transmissions, the secondary transmissions being interspersed between the main transmissions.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has co-ordination means (MP) for co-ordinating the data transfers (MP), which co-ordination means make it possible to recognize that a gambling slot machine (200) is in the non-operating state, and indicate the state of the machine over the channel (410) assigned to the link between the network and the central management member (1) and/or over the channel (430) assigned to the unit transfer member for transferring units of value (300) while preventing any data transfer when the machine is in the non-operating state.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has a security module (MS) which computes an authentication certificate on the basis of secret data stored in the memory of the module.
9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the data transmitted is accompanied by an authentication certificate computed by a security module (MS) in order to authenticate the origin of the data.
10. A device according to claim 6 or 9,
    characterized in that the security module (MS) of the device (MUX) verifies that the computed authentication certificate corresponds to an authentication certificate accompanying the data to be transmitted in order to authenticate the origin of the data.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that at least one channel (410, 420, 430) has an input buffer (IR, IM, IT) that formats and/or stores the transmitted data.
12. A device (400, MUX) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it integrates an adapter (AD) that converts a data transmission mode into another transmission mode so as to adapt the transmission mode that can be used over the data transfer link of the network (123) to the transmission mode that can be used by the device (MUX).
13. A device according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it has translation means (TR, TM, TT) for translating data transfer protocol.
14. The use of a device (400, MUX) according to claim 13 as a translation interface for the data transfers between a gambling slot machine (200) and a unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value.
15. A data transfer network comprising:

    at least one gambling slot machine (200);

    at least one unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value; and

    a data transfer link (123) that communicates with a central management member (1);
       said network being characterized in that it includes at least one device (400) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.
16. A data transfer network comprising:

    at least one gambling slot machine (200);

    at least one unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value; and

    a data transfer link (123) that communicates with a central management member (1);
       said network being characterized in that it has switching and co-ordination means (MUX) for switching and co-ordinating the data transfer means, which switching and co-ordination means make it possible:

    firstly, to transmit data between the gambling slot machine (200) and the unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value; and

    secondly, to transmit data between the gambling slot machine (200) and the link of the network (123).
17. A network according to claim 16, characterized in that the switching and co-ordination means (MUX) for switching and co-ordinating the data transfers further make it possible to transmit data between the unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value (300) and the link of the network (123).
18. A network according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the switching and co-ordination means (MUX) for switching and co-ordinating the data transfers make it possible to intersperse transmissions from the central management member (1) with transmissions from the unit transfer member (300) for transferring units of value.
19. A network according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the switching and co-ordination means (MUX) for switching and co-ordinating the data transfers further comprise translation means (TR, TT, TM) for translating data transfer protocol.
20. A network according to any one of claims 15 to 19, in which the unit transfer member (300, 301, 302) for transferring units of value is a data transcriber for transcribing data onto a smart card.
21. A network according to any one of claims 15 to 19, in which the unit transfer member (300, 301, 302) for transferring units of value is a data transcriber for transcribing data onto a contact-less card.
22. A network according to any one of claims 15 to 19, in which the unit transfer member (300, 301, 302) for transferring units of value is a data transcriber for transcribing data onto a bank card.
23. A network according to any one of claims 15 to 19, in which the unit transfer member (300, 301, 302) for transferring units of value is constituted by equipment for receiving bank notes.

Images