WO2008155527A1

WO2008155527A1 - Metering device for entertainment machine

Info

Publication number: WO2008155527A1
Application number: PCT/GB2008/002045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Bower
Original assignee: INTERGRATED TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Current assignee: INTERGRATED TECHNOLOGY Ltd
Priority date: 2007-06-16
Filing date: 2008-06-16
Publication date: 2008-12-24
Anticipated expiration: 2009-12-16

Abstract

A metering device (10) for use with a credit-operated entertainment machine, such as a hi-tech AWP machine has a connector (12, 42) for connecting the device to the machine, a controller (17, 50) arranged to record transactions of the machine, and an optical interface (13a, 13b, 44, 46) coupled to the controller (17). The optical interface (13a, 13b, 44, 46) allows the device (10) to be remotely interrogated by the proprietor of the machine, in response to him sending an authenticated light signal, such as from an infrared enabled mobile device. The controller is configured to convey, via the interface, at least one parameter based on the recorded transactions of the machine (e.g. number of pay outs, average game length and total money taken/paid out etc.), which allows the proprietor to carry out secure on-the-spot inspections without disturbing the machine or gaining access to its internal workings. Additionally or alternatively, the metering device may contain a radio frequency module (48) which provides radio communications. The metering device (10, 40) is a housed stand-alone self-contained unit linked to the machine through a standard interface connector (12, 42).

Description

METERING DEVICE FOR ENTERTAINMENT MACHINE TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to data communications and in particular relates to metering devices for credit-operated entertainment machines. As used herein credit-operated means operation by coins, notes, credit or debit cards or any other suitable means of providing monetary value. BACKGROUND ART

There are many types of entertainment machines available for amusement, gaming and recreational purposes. These include machines which generally fall into the categories: amusement with prizes (AWP) and skill with prizes (SWP). AWP machines are primarily chance-based, offering a player the opportunity to play a number of games of chance in order to obtain an award such as a monetary return on his/her initial stake. By contrast, SWP machines generally involve games which test the knowledge and/or skill of the player so that he/she may progress through the game for an ultimate monetary or other award.

AWP machines can be further sub-divided into 'low-tech' and 'hi-tech' machines, which are structurally different and offer contrasting experiences in terms of game play and entertainment. Low-tech AWP machines are generally of simpler design and provide the player with only a single kind of game of chance. Low-tech AWP machines are conventionally structured to include only one display panel at the front of the machine, through which a 'basic' game is displayed to the player. An example of such a machine is a conventional reel-based 'fruit machine', having 3 or more rotatable reels bearing symbols around their peripheries which are displayed through a window portion of the display panel. The player typically controls the operation of the basic game by manipulating a number of buttons during game play, which cause the reels to spin and then come to rest at random, with the possibility of holding one or more reels against rotation or of advancing or 'nudging' a reel one symbol at a time after it has come to rest, an award being made available in the event that a predetermined winning combination of symbols is shown on one or more win lines in the window.

Hi-tech AWP machines differ from the low-tech SWP machines in that they generally include a further display panel in an upper portion of the front of the machine. The provision of an additional panel allows an extra game to be offered to the player, typically as a 'top' or 'feature' game which is accessed, as a bonus feature, by transfer from the basic game. An example of a conventional hi-tech AWP machine is illustrated in Figure 1, in which, within a floor-standing cabinet, the lower panel for the basic game is shown as 2 and the upper panel for the feature game is shown as 3. The panels 2, 3 are typically made of glass and are screen-printed with sections which are back-illuminated and have other transparent (unprinted) regions which define windows through which game play devices, such as the aforesaid reels, which may be actual or video-simulated can be displayed to the player.

The basic game of a high-tech AWP may be a reel-based game as described above. The feature game may comprise a track or trail game or a 'wheel of chance' or other progressive or random selection game which allows the player to win or lose after a number of different stages or steps.

To monitor the usage, operation and performance of an entertainment machine a proprietor, such as an owner or tenant of the machine, will typically inspect or obtain data from a meter installed within the machine. Electromechanical and electronic meters have been used for some time in the entertainment machine industry to record the usage and transactions of a machine. By recording parameters corresponding to how much money has been taken/paid out, the overall percentage pay out, the interval between pay outs and the frequency of pay outs etc., a proprietor can determine if the machine is working correctly or if it has malfunctioned or has been illegally tampered with by an unscrupulous individual. A typical meter is described in GB 2310945, in which the transactions of the machine are recorded in an electronic memory for subsequent inspection via an integral display unit.

It is conventional for meters in hi-tech AWP machines to be located behind the upper panel 3 of the machine, so as to be viewable through an unprinted portion of the window. To avoid anyone other than the proprietor, or other authorised person (e.g. a gaming inspector), from inspecting the metered data, the meter display is normally blanked (i.e. not illuminated) during normal operation of the machine. Only during an authorised inspection will the display illuminate to allow the data to be scrutinised.

Conventionally, the recorded meter data may be inspected by physically connecting an interrogation device (e.g. a handheld computing device, such as a laptop or personal digital assistant etc.) to the meter, e.g. via a RS232 serial lead. However, such a technique typically requires the proprietor to switch off the machine and open the cabinet, to gain access to the meter. This process can be time consuming and/or inconvenient to the proprietor, as some effort may be required to physically handle the machine before gaining access to the metered data. Also it may not be desirable, for security or reliability reasons, to have to open the machine cabinet whenever data inspection is required.

It is also possible to install data extraction ports in an external surface of the machine cabinet, to allow an interrogation device to be inserted into the port without disturbing the machine. However, although such arrangements remove the need to open the cabinet, they do require modification to the cabinet, and possibly also to the meter itself. This can be expensive and inconvenient. Also, there may be security and reliability considerations in the context of reliance on communication components installed by modification of an existing standard meter.

It is known to use wireless (radio) communications (such as WiFi etc.) to remotely communicate with electronic devices by connection of wireless modules to such devices. However, such techniques have inherent disadvantages for use in the entertainment machine industry, in so far as reliability and security issues can arise with incorporation of additional wireless components within or connected to such machines. Also, with such additional components, wireless communication from neighbouring machines may interfere with each other, or may be interceptable by unauthorised persons.

An object of the present invention is to provide a metering device for an entertainment machine that is simple to install and permits easy interrogation of the metered data without requiring direct access to the inside of the machine or inconvenient connection of communication components to the metering device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metering device with which reliability and security of operation can be readily assured. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention therefore there is provided a metering device for use with a credit-operated entertainment machine, comprising: a connector for connecting the device to the machine for communication therewith; a controller arranged to record machine-related data derived via the connector; and an optical interface coupled to the controller; wherein the controller is configured to transmit optically, via the optical interface, at least one parameter based on the recorded data in response to the optical interface receiving an authenticated light signal.

With this arrangement, by providing the metering device with an optical interface with which machine transactions or data can be transmitted in response to an authenticated light signal, there is the possibility of collecting such data in a particularly convenient, yet secure and reliable manner. In particular the metering device can be supplied as an integral, standardised unit which is connected to an entertainment machine to receive data therefrom but does not require physical modification or connection of components thereto to enable data to be collected from the device. By use of optical communications triggered by an authenticated light signal the likelihood of interference with any neighbouring communication systems, or interception of data communications by unauthorised persons, can be minimised.

With regard to the optical interface, this may operate at infrared wavelengths. Infrared may be used for both data transmission and for the authenticated light signal and conveniently the optical interface may comprise an infrared transceiver which operates both for transmission of the data and to receive the authenticated light signal. It is however possible to use light outside the infrared range for data transmission and/or for the authenticated light signal, and the same or different devices may be used for data transmission and reception of the authenticated signal. Thus, for example, a separate infrared receiver and infrared transmitter may be used.

The controller may function exclusively to provide data signals, from the machine, for operation of the optical interface. Alternatively, the metering device may incorporate a visual display device, such as an LCD or LED device, to which the controller additionally supplies data signals, e.g. to provide an alphanumeric read-out of such data or of the at least one said parameter.

The controller of the metering device may incorporate a real time clock whereby communication transactions and/or recording of collected machine data is time-stamped. The controller may include a non- volatile memory for storage of the collected machine data.

The controller may further incorporate means to authenticate received light signals and means to encrypt optically transmitted data.

The controller may include means to encrypt the recorded machine data and/or to encrypt the optically transmitted parameter, such as the infrared light signal.

Conveniently, the connector may be an industry standard interface such as a RS232 interface.

The metering device is preferably a self-contained stand-alone device. Thus the device may have a housing which supports and encloses the controller, the optical interface, and, where provided, the said display device, and has a connector mounted thereon so as to be externally accessible, and is provided with one or more apertures or windows to provide optical access to the optical interface and, where appropriate, to provide visual access to the said display device. The housing may have at least one slot or other device for mounting of the device within a machine. The device may be self-powered by a battery or other power source which may be within the aforesaid housing.

The metering device may be mounted within an entertainment machine having a cabinet with a display panel, the device being located with the optical interface, and any aforesaid display device, behind a region or regions of such panel which has transparent properties such as to permit optical communication with the optical interface and, as appropriate, visual inspection of any said display device.

In accordance with one embodiment of this invention, a metering device for use in a hi-tech AWP machine as described above is provided, which is intended to be installed behind the upper window of the machine in like manner to a conventional meter. The metering device may be remotely interrogated by the proprietor without gaining physical access to the inside of the machine, nor requiring any modification to the machine cabinet. The metering device can be a self-contained unit, whereby security and reliability of the machine can be improved.

The metering device of the invention may further comprise a radio frequency module to allow for wireless radio frequency data communication in addition to optical data communication. Advantageously, a metering device capable of both radio frequency and optical data communication has a wider range of applications.

According to a second aspect of the present invention therefore there is provided a metering device for use with a credit-operated entertainment machine, comprising: a connector for connecting the device to the machine for communications interface therewith; a controller arranged to record machine related data derived via the connector; output means for providing an output indicative of the recorded data; and an RF module to effect communication between the metering device and a communication device remote thereto.

The output means may comprise an alphanumeric display, such as an LCD panel, or other visual display device. Alternatively or additionally it may comprise a signal generator such as the optical interface of the first aspect of the invention for interpretation elsewhere as desired. The RF module may be arranged to communicate with the controller for purposes of collecting recorded data. Alternatively or additionally it may communicate with the machine via the connector to feed data to the machine.

The second aspect of the invention may have any or all of the features of the first aspect of the invention as appropriate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures l(a) and l(b) are side and front elevation views, respectively, of a conventional hi-tech AWP entertainment machine. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred arrangement of a metering device according to the invention. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a preferred arrangement of the present metering device in a conventional hi-tech AWP entertainment machine. Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of a modified version of the metering device of Figure 3; and Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing a plurality of entertainment machines, fitted with the metering devices of Figure 4, connected wirelessly to a central transceiver. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to Figure 2, there is shown a preferred arrangement of a metering device 10 according to the invention. The metering device 10 comprises a connector 12 for connecting the device to a conventional entertainment machine 1

(see Figure 3). The connector 12 is preferably an industry standard 6-pin electrical connector, e.g. a connector for a RS232 serial port, but may be any suitable connector type for coupling the metering device 10 to the internal control circuitry 21 of the entertainment machine 1.

Although the metering device 10 is connected to the internal control circuitry 21 of the entertainment machine I₅ it is preferred that the metering device 10 be internally powered by a cell or battery, and therefore need not be reliant on the entertainment machine 1 for power. However, in some arrangements it may be preferred for the cell or battery to be recharged via a power rail in the connector 12 or via a separate power connection.

It is to be understood that the metering device 10 of the invention is intended to be used with any conventional credit-operated hi-tech AWP entertainment machine, such as reel-type fruit machines, having actual as well as simulated reels (video display) or other random or pseudo-random symbol selecting devices. However, it is to be appreciated that the metering device 10 may be used with any other suitable AWP, SWP or gaming machines having a display panel. In the example of Figure 3, the metering device 10 of the invention is shown installed in a reel-type hi-tech AWP machine, particularly as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1, having a reel mechanism 22, player controls 23, and a credit dispensing tray 24. It should be noted in Figure 3 that the main and upper windows 2, 3 are shown as ghost lines for clarity, while some of the other conventional components have been omitted.

References herein to 'credit-operated' are to be taken to relate to machines that require some form of payment for operation, such as cash (e.g. coins, banknotes), tokens or credit/debit card etc.

The metering device 10 includes an integral controller (shown as 17 in Figure 3) which controls the operation of the metering device 10, and in particular is responsible for recording the transactions of the entertainment machine 1 during game play. The controller 17 may be any suitable microprocessor-based controller having an integral memory or associated peripheral memory. Preferably, the controller memory 18 is non- volatile, e.g. permanent flash memory.

During operation, the controller 17 receives data signals from the internal control circuitry 21 of the entertainment machine 1 via the connector 12. These data signals correspond to the transactional operations of the machine 1, which are then stored by the controller 17 in its permanent memory 18. The controller 17 may store in the memory 18 any one or more of: transactions relating to use of the machine such as machine takings, payout value, implementation of machine features, games played, duration of games, computed data such as frequency of game play, payout percentage, identification data such as machine identification, site identification, and event data such as machine faults, opening of the machine cabinet, power failures, tampering, etc.

In preferred arrangements, the controller 17 also includes a non- volatile clock circuit (not shown) which advantageously operates independently from the internal clock of the entertainment machine 1. The function of the controller clock is to provide a reliable and tamper-proof timestamp for some or all of the transactional or data records, such that each record is stored together with a unique timestamp. In this way, the metered data can be scrutinised for any anomalous time entries, which could suggest that some form of illegal tampering has occurred.

Any suitable clock circuit may be used with the metering device 1 of the invention. It is also possible that the clock circuit could be separately powered by an internal (backup) cell or battery, which could work in conjunction with a non-volatile memory for the clock data.

Referring again to Figure 2, the metering device 10 further comprises an optical interface that is electrically coupled to the controller 17 (as shown in Figure 3). In particularly preferred arrangements, the optical interface is comprised of a transceiver 13a, 13b and a display 14. Preferably, the transceiver 13a, 13b and display 14 are mounted in the outer housing 15 of the metering device 10, which is most suitably made from moulded plastic having external dimensions compatible with existing electronic meters, e.g. 56 mm x 40 mm x 25 mm.

The metering device 10, as shown, is a stand-alone self-contained housed unit having a casing or housing 15 which encloses the components of the device 10, notably the controller 17, the memory 18, the display 14 and the transmitter and receiver 13 a, 13b, whereby external communication with such components is via the connector 12 and through apertures or windows in the front of the housing 15 which give visual/optical access to the display 14 and the transmitter/receiver 13a/13b. A slot 16 or other mechanical mounting means is provided for physically fixing the housing 15 in position within the machine. The transceiver 13 a, 13b is responsive to received light signals, which due to the location of the metering device 10 are received via the upper panel 3 of the machine cabinet. The use of a light responsive transceiver located behind the upper panel 3 achieves the aim of enabling the proprietor 30 to inspect the metered data without disturbing or gaining access to the inside of the machine 1. Instead, the proprietor 30 can advantageously interrogate the metering device 10 using an appropriate light signal, which may preferably be transmitted from a handheld mobile device 31 (discussed below). The metering device 10 is located within the machine cabinet so that its display 14 and the infrared devices 13 a, 13b are immediately behind a portion of the panel 3, such as an imprinted window, which allows infrared transmission in the vicinity of the devices 13a, 13b and which allows visual inspection of the display 14.

In this way, the invention provides an easy technique of interrogating a meter without the need to physically connect to the machine or to modify the cabinet to include some form of external port — as the invention makes use of the transparency of the upper panel 3. As a result the present metering device offers a cheap and effective solution to the problem of extracting data from a meter, allowing the proprietor to carry out simple and secure on-the-spot inspections. It is to be appreciated that references herein to 'light' are intended to cover the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that extends substantially from infrared (IR) wavelengths to substantially ultra-violet (UV) wavelengths and therefore is not restricted to the visible band only. Hence, references to 'light signal' are therefore to be construed accordingly. In exemplary arrangements, the transceiver operates at IR wavelengths which conveniently pass through appropriate sections of the upper panel 3 of the machine cabinet. In such arrangements, the transceiver preferably includes both an IR receiver 13a and an IR transmitter 13b. In order to interrogate the metered data, the proprietor 30 transmits an appropriate IR light signal which is received by the IR receiver 13 a. To avoid unauthorised access to the metered data, the controller 17 is configured to respond only to authenticated light signals, e.g. signals which can be recognised as originating from the proprietor 30 or other authorised person, that may be encoded and/or encrypted in some way. In some arrangements, the transceiver may be a separate electronic module which communicates with the controller 17 using a suitable electrical connection. However, in particularly preferred arrangements, the transceiver may form part of the same circuitry or circuit board making up the controller 17, or else in exemplary arrangements could be incorporated into the same integrated circuit as the controller, e.g. a micro-controller modified to include an IrDA.

The authenticated light signal can be transmitted using any suitable handheld or mobile computing device 31, such as a conventional laptop or personal digital assistant (PDA) fitted with an IR interface port, e.g. IrDA. Alternatively, a bespoke mobile device may be used which is specifically designed to remotely interrogate the metering device and permit scrutiny of the transactional records. In each case, signal encoding or encryption may be achieved via software or hardware using conventional signal encoding/encryption techniques.

After a light signal is received by the metering device 10, the controller 17 verifies that the signal originates from the proprietor 30, and if satisfied proceeds to make any one or more parameters consisting of any one or more recorded items of the metered data available for inspection. The verification process may be performed by authentication software or hardware that is integral or associated with the controller 17. The authentication software or hardware may simply confirm that the signal is encoded according to a predetermined pattern (e.g. a signal modulation pattern identifying the proprietor 30) and may also perform a decryption of the signal if the signal has been encrypted for enhanced security. The controller 17 makes the metered data available by conveying the parameter or parameters relating to the recorded transactions or machine data to the proprietor 30 via the optical interface.

In preferred arrangements, the inspection process causes the display 14 to become illuminated, with each of the parameters being displayed one at a time for appropriate scrutiny. Since the metering device 10 is located behind the upper panel 3 of the machine cabinet, the illuminated display 14 will become visible through the glass, thereby allowing the proprietor 30 to scrutinise the metered data without disturbing or gaining access to the inside of the machine.

Alternatively, in other arrangements, the metered data may instead be conveyed via one or more message packets which are transmitted to the proprietor 30 by way of the IR transmitter 13b. In this way, the parameters may be downloaded directly to the proprietor's mobile device for on-the-spot inspection or later scrutiny, in response to his authenticated light signal. Of course, arrangements in which the metered data is conveyed both via the display 14 and by way of retrieved message packets are also consistent with the inspection method of the invention, so that the integrity of the machine can be verified on site and also later via a review of the downloaded parameters.

It should also be appreciated that the inspection method of the invention may also be carried out on a metering device 10 that has only an IR receiver in the optical interface, without sacrificing the advantages of the present invention. In such alternative arrangements, inspection of the metered data would take place in situ by way solely of the illuminated display 14.

Any suitable light transmission technique may be used to generate the message packets in accordance with the invention. In particular, any appropriate IR message processing algorithm may be incorporated into the software or hardware of the controller 17.

To further enhance security, the message packets may also be encrypted to prevent access to the metered data due to an unauthorised interception of the packets by a third party eavesdropper. In such arrangements, the proprietor's mobile device 31 can be modified to perform decryption of the message packets by way of suitable algorithm resident in either the device's software or hardware etc.

In other arrangements, the controller 17 may also be configured to encrypt the recorded transactions themselves, so that the metered data is stored in encrypted form in the permanent memory 18 of the controller 17. The data encryption may be implemented in software or hardware as necessary, preferably within the controller 17.

The use of light signals, and in particular IR, in the present invention is deemed to be particularly advantageous over the use of wireless (radio) communications (e.g. WiFi), for instance, as the greater range of wireless devices may render them more susceptible to eavesdropping activities and unauthorised accesses.

By contrast, IR connectivity has an inherently shorter range which necessitates that interrogation of the meter advantageously take place in close proximity to the machine 1. In this way, the likelihood of the metered data being intercepted and accessed by an authorised individual is significantly reduced.

Moreover, the use of light signals permits direct interrogation of a machine without interference from a neighbouring machine, as the light signals are sent directly to the machine under inspection. In this way, a series of neighbouring machines can each be reliably interrogated without interfering with each other.

Although the use of light signals has security advantages over wireless communications, depending on the desired application of the metering device, in accordance with the present invention, it has been found advantageous to incorporate a radio frequency (RP) module for wireless communications in the metering device instead of, or in addition to, the optical interface. Wireless radio frequency signals permit data communication over greater distances than light signals and offer a wider range of applications such as networking capabilities.

It is to be appreciated that references herein to 'radio frequency' are intended to cover electromagnetic waves whose frequencies fall within the range of approximately 3Hz to 300GHz. In exemplary arrangements, the radio frequency module operates in the ultra high frequency range (UHF) of 300MHz to 3000MHz. Advantageously, radio frequency transmissions in the UHF range have physically short wavelengths, thus, required transmission and reception equipment is correspondingly small.

With reference to Figure 4, this shows a modified metering device 40 according to the invention which, in addition to infra red connectivity, is capable of radio frequency connectivity comprising a printed circuit board 50 mounted within a rectangular box shaped plastics casing formed from upper and lower shells 52. The casing has a central rectangular opening 52a in rear end wall, and a larger central opening 52b in a front wall with two holes 52c beneath this opening 52b. The printed circuit board 50 has a connector 42 at a rear end which projects through the opening 52a, and an LCD display 43, and an IrDA transmitter 44 and receiver 46 (together forming an IrDA transceiver) which are aligned behind the opening 52b, and the openings 52c respectively. The PCB 50 also has an RF module 48. These and other components are interconnected on the printed circuit board 50. The other components of the pcb 50 include a controller (not shown) as specifically described hereinbefore which can be used to record data received via the connector 42, and a power supply (not shown) preferably at least battery backed-up whereby the metering device is capable of independent operation, as described hereinbefore.

The metering device 40, in use, is fixed within the cabinet of an entertainment or gaming machine with the connector 42 connected to the operating circuitry of the machine to interface therewith i.e. such as to derive data therefrom as described hereinbefore and also possibly to feed data thereto for storage in internal operating memory of the machine to change or modify machine operation. It is to be understood that these functions are additional to the conventional function of the metering device i.e. the function of deriving data from the machine, via the connector 42, to operate the display 43 to indicate, for example, credit, winnings, etc.

Both the IrDA transceiver 44 and 46 and the RF module 48 are operable to communicate with a remote device or devices (not shown) equipped with compatible IrDA and/or wireless hardware.

The arrangement may be such that both IrDA and wireless communications have to be implemented for a desired form of data transfer. Alternatively IrDA and wireless communications may be used for different purposes independently of each other for the same machine. It is also possible for the metering device to be used with a particular machine with only one of the IrDA and wireless communications being implemented for that machine, the other being deactivated by disabling of the IrDA or wireless apparatus or even by omission or removal thereof.

By way of example, IrDA communications may be used for monitoring machine-play and game outcome data as described hereinbefore, and wireless communications may be used for transfer of operational data and/or for other purposes as described hereinafter.

The RF module 48 may comprise any suitable electronic module capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data in the form of radio frequency waves and which can be used in conjunction with the standard metering device 10 shown in Figure 2. The RF module 48 may be a separate electronic module which communicates with the controller on the PCB 50 using a suitable electrical connection.

An authorised user may interrogate the metering device using an appropriate radio frequency signal which may be transmitted from a hand held device or a base station such as a personal computer fitted with a radio frequency transceiver. After the radio frequency signal is received by the metering device 40, the controller verifies that the signal is authentic and originates from an authorised user. If the signal is found to be authentic, the controller allows the proprietor to transfer data to and from the metering device via the RF module 48. In this way, the proprietor can obtain machine data for inspection or, alternatively, can transfer data to the machine.

Thus, the proprietor has the ability to transfer game or promotional activity data to the machine.

The radio frequency signals may be encrypted by hardware or software that is integral to or associated with the controller. For example, WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) may be used to encrypt the wireless transmissions. In such arrangements, each device in wireless communication must have WPA software in order to encrypt and decrypt the wireless transmissions to and from the metering device. Additionally, it is envisaged that the RF module 48 will enable the metering device 40 to validate secure payments or loyalty bonuses involving player identification. Such payments or player identification may be made using "smart cards" which are equipped with active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. The metering device 40 can communicate with these smart cards wirelessly which enables a player to simply wave his or her smart card in front of the device to validate a secure payment or identify the player. The metering device 40 transmits payment details wirelessly using radio frequency signals to an appropriately equipped base station for validation. Confirmation of the transaction may then be transmitted back to the metering device wirelessly and can optionally be displayed on the LCD display 43.

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a plurality of entertainment machines 54 each equipped with a metering device as shown in Figure 4. There is also provided a personal computer 56 at a central location which may be used to interrogate the machines wirelessly. The radio frequency transceiver of the metering device of each entertainment machine is designated "slave" (indicated by the antenna symbols marked S) whilst the radio frequency transceiver of the personal computer is designated "master" (indicated by the antenna symbol marked M). Advantageously, radio frequency transmissions allow an authorised person to communicate with, and interrogate, a plurality of entertainment machines from a single location.

In use, the master operates on a specific radio channel to prevent it from interfering with other wireless networks. Each slave is assigned a unique signature to enable it to be identified by the master so that the authorised person can selectively communicate with each machine in turn to obtain machine specific data. If a slave receives an authenticated signal, the corresponding controller makes machine related data available to the master so that it can be conveyed to the base station wirelessly (indicated by the arrows marked W) using radio frequency transmissions. This arrangement can also be used to download new game data from the central computer to a selected machine or machines.

A further advantage of the metering device of the invention is that the modifications prescribed in accordance with the above arrangements, do not require existing machine cabinets to be re-sized or adapted, as the communication components can simply be installed in the existing housing of a conventional meter. In this way, the present metering device can be readily installed in place of conventional meters or retro-fit to existing machines, thereby ensuring that the machines fulfil the current auditing requirements and future legislative standards.

By integrating the data recording and inspection functions into a single, self-contained unit, the process of meter interrogation is greatly simplified. It is now possible for a proprietor 30 to routinely inspect his/her machine, without undue effort, while minimising the interval of time the machine is unavailable for game playing. As the metering device is self-contained it is more resistant to illegal tampering, which together with its unique time-stamping functionality, provides greater reassurance to the proprietor 30 that his/her machine is operating within the legal requirements as set down by gaming legislation. INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION

Although the present invention is ideal for use in hi-tech AWP machines, it will be recognised that one or more of the principles of the invention could also be used in dispensing machines or automated kiosk applications, for instance, to determine money taken or number of transactions in vending machines or ticket machines etc.

More specifically, the invention is not intended to be restricted to the above embodiment which is described by way of example only.

Thus, the invention may apply to a vending machine, or other machine, in like manner to, and in substitution for, an entertainment machine.

Instead of an RS232 serial port for data collection, any other suitable connector may be used, including SPI, CCTaIk. The metering device may be uniquely identified relative to an individual machine, e.g. by virtue of a unique silicon signature. Thus, a unique coded identifier, or signature, of the machine may be uploaded to the metering device for access together with machine data so that such data is linked with the machine identifier. Alternatively or additionally, the metering device may have its own unique code or signature, which may be required to match the machine identifier, or which may be transferred to the machine as a matching identifier, or otherwise.

The arrangement may be such that machine data can only be interrogated by an interrogation device having a requisite code which may identify the interrogation device and/or the user of the device and/or the machine, and may involve code entry into the interrogation device e.g. through a keyboard and/or may involve automatic transmission from the interrogation device. Thus, through restricted encryption authorised gaming commission personnel can interrogate gaming machines to determine the machines operational profile to see if it complies with gaming requirements.

The metering device may be self-powered by battery back-up and/or may have non-volatile components requiring no battery back-up. Thus, for example, battery back-up may be provided for clock functions, and FRAM or other non-powered non- volatile memory technology may be used for memory storage. The metering device may draw operational power for interrogation purposes from machine power whereby interrogation is only possible when the machine is switched on and not when it is powered down.

Claims

1. A metering device for use with a credit-operated entertainment machine, comprising: a connector (12) for connecting the device to the machine for communication therewith; a controller (17) arranged to record machine-related data derived via the connector; and an optical interface (13a₅ 13b, 44, 46) coupled to the controller; wherein the controller (17) is configured to transmit optically, via the optical interface, at least one parameter based on the recorded data in response to the optical interface (13a, 13b, 44, 46) receiving an authenticated light signal.

2. The metering device as in claim 1, wherein the optical interface comprises an infrared transceiver (13a, 13b, 44, 46) arranged to transmit the at least one parameter as an output infrared light signal.

3. The metering device as in claim 1 or 2, further including a display device (14).

4. The metering device as in claim 3, wherein the display device (14) is configured to illuminate and display the at least one parameter in response to the optical interface (13 a, 13b, 44, 46) receiving the authenticated light signal.

5. The metering device as in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (17) includes an integral non- volatile clock for time stamping the recorded machine data.

6. The metering device as in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (17) includes a non- volatile memory (18).

7. The metering device as in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (17) includes means to authenticate received light signals.

8. The metering device as in any preceding claim, wherein the controller (17) includes means to encrypt the recorded machine data.

9. The metering device as in claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the controller (17) includes means to encrypt the output infrared light signal.

10. The metering device as in claim 2 or any claim dependent thereon, wherein the infrared transceiver (13a, 13b, 44, 46) includes a separate infrared receiver and infrared transmitter.

11. The metering device as in any preceding claim, wherein the connector (12) is an industry standard interface.

12. The metering device as in any preceding claim, further comprising a housing (15, 52) which supports and encloses the controller (17) and the optical interface (13a, 13b, 44, 46) and has at least one mounting means for mounting the housing within a machine.

13. The metering device as in any preceding claim, further comprising an RF module (48) to effect communication between the metering device and a communication device remote thereto.

14. A metering device for use with a credit-operated entertainment machine, comprising: a connector (42) for connecting the device to the machine for communications interface therewith; a controller (50) arranged to record machine related data derived via the connector (42); output means (43) for providing an output indicative of the recorded data; and an RF module (48) to effect communication between the metering device and a communication device remote thereto.

15. The metering device as in claim 14 wherein the output means (43) comprises a visual display device.

16. The metering device of claim 14 or 15 wherein the output means (43) comprises a signal generator (44, 46).

17. The metering device of claim 16 which has the features of any one of claims 1 to 12 and wherein the signal generator comprises the said optical interface (44, 46).

18. A credit-operated entertainment machine comprising the metering device of any of claims 1 to 17.

19. A credit-operated entertainment machine comprising the metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, 17 wherein the machine has a cabinet with a display panel (3) thereto and the metering device (10, 40) is arranged behind a section of the panel which has transparent properties such as to permit optical communication with the optical interface (13a, 13b, 44, 46).

20. A credit-operated entertainment machine according to claim 3 or claim 15 wherein the machine has a cabinet with a display panel (3) thereto and the metering device (10, 40) is arranged behind a section of the panel (3) which has transparent properties such as to permit visual inspection of the visual display device (14, 43).

21. Apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.