EP0764926A2 - Détecteur de choc - Google Patents

Détecteur de choc Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0764926A2
EP0764926A2 EP96306857A EP96306857A EP0764926A2 EP 0764926 A2 EP0764926 A2 EP 0764926A2 EP 96306857 A EP96306857 A EP 96306857A EP 96306857 A EP96306857 A EP 96306857A EP 0764926 A2 EP0764926 A2 EP 0764926A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
physical shock
machine
piezoelectric sensor
sensing
coins
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP96306857A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0764926A3 (fr
Inventor
Simon Osborn
Gordon Crompton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Cromptons Leisure Machines Ltd
Original Assignee
Cromptons Leisure Machines Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Cromptons Leisure Machines Ltd filed Critical Cromptons Leisure Machines Ltd
Publication of EP0764926A2 publication Critical patent/EP0764926A2/fr
Publication of EP0764926A3 publication Critical patent/EP0764926A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3286—Type of games
    • G07F17/3297—Fairground games, e.g. Tivoli, coin pusher machines, cranes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
    • G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
    • G07F17/3241—Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a physical shock detector for detecting a physical shock to a machine.
  • the invention relates to a physical shock detector for use with an amusement machine of the type in which a user attempts to obtain a payout of coins from the machine.
  • a preferred feature of such machines is a mechanism to ensure that a user will not obtain an unwarranted payout of coins by hitting or otherwise physically disturbing the machine. This is a particularly significant problem in coin pusher amusement machines: the present invention is particularly relevant to such machines, though it should be noted that it is not restricted to use in or with such machines.
  • Coin pusher amusement machines are illustrated in, for example, GB-A-2124913 and GB-A-2272383. Such machines generally include a horizontal playfield, on which many coins are distributed.
  • the term "coins” should be understood to include any similar disks or tokens or the like.
  • the pattern of coins on the playfield is periodically disturbed by a coinpusher, which may be in the form of a movable stage which periodically sweeps across part of the playfield surface.
  • Coins are pushed towards the edge of a playfield and some may be pushed over the edge into a "win chute". From this win chute, these coins pass into a receptacle to be recovered by the user of the machine. The user is able to introduce additional coins into the machine.
  • Additional coins may pass onto the playfield surface directly or via another surface of the coin pusher.
  • the object of the user of the machine is to insert such additional coins with the hope that as a result a larger number of coins will be pushed over the edge into the win chute.
  • a problem for the owner of the machine is to prevent an unearned dispensation of coins down the win chute to the receptacle. Such an unearned dispensation may be caused by the user hitting the machine to knock coins off the playfield into the win chute.
  • a gate is positioned in the win chute. This gate in its normal position will divert coins which fall down the win chute into an internal cash box inaccessible to the user. When a user inserts additional coins, the gate means is moved to a second position which permits coins falling down the win chute to be recovered by the user.
  • a mechanism of this type can be used in conjunction with a sensor for detecting a physical shock to the machine. If the machine is given a physical shock, a signal is produced by the sensor. This signal is passed to a central control section which acts to move the gate means to divert any coins into the internal cash box, regardless of whether or not coins are fed into the machine. Accordingly, if the user of the machine hits or rocks the machine in an attempt to cause coins to drop into the win chute, any coins that do drop as a result of this action will be deposited in the internal cash box and not made available to the user.
  • a known form of detector for this purpose comprises a pair of phosphor bronze contact strips. These are mounted close to each other in parallel and fastened together at one end, but electrically isolated from each other. A bob weight is attached to one of the contact strips. A wire leads away from each contact, the whole assembly being mounted on a small rectangle of wood. This wooden rectangle is then rigidly mounted to the inside of the cash box door, with the contacts oriented vertically such that the free ends are at the bottom. A physical shock to the machine, for example, a thump with the palm of the hand, would then be sufficient to close the contacts for a moment. This provides a signal detectable by the control section, which is configured to take appropriate action. The chosen procedure on detection of a physical shock could comprise operation of a gate in the win chute to prevent dispensation of coins to the user as described above, and may also or alternatively comprise an alarm.
  • the present invention provides a solution to this problem of the prior art by provision of a reliable sensor which provides reproducible results.
  • This sensor is also of low cost and of simple construction.
  • a means for sensing a physical shock to an amusement machine of the type in which a user attempts to obtain a pay out of coins from the machine comprising:
  • the invention also provides an amusement machine comprising means for sensing a physical shock as described above, and further comprising a control section and means controlled by the control section for diversion of coins to an internal cash box when a physical shock is detected.
  • Fig. 1 shows a circuit diagram of a physical shock sensing means according to the invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a means for sensing a physical shock to an amusement machine of the type in which a user attempts to obtain a pay out of coins from the machine, this means for sensing a physical shock comprising a piezoelectric sensor (1) for mounting to the amusement machine for detection of a physical shock thereto. It also comprises a signal provision means (2) which has an input at SKT1 for receiving signals from the piezoelectric sensor and an output at SKT2 for providing signals to a control section of the amusement machine when a physical shock is detected.
  • the piezoelectric sensor (1) is mounted to the amusement machine.
  • a particularly appropriate location for the sensor is on the inside of the door of the cash box of the machine. It is desirable for the piezoelectric sensor to be mounted securely but such that it is not cushioned from any physical shock experienced by the machine.
  • An appropriate way to mount the piezoelectric sensor is to bond it to the inside of the cash box door with double-sided tape.
  • a suitable form of tape is "Scotch VHB" tape, which has a high bonding strength but does not provide any significant degree of cushioning to shock.
  • the piezoelectric sensor (1) is advantageously a conventional sensor of the ceramic disc type, although alternative forms of piezoelectric sensor could be employed.
  • the circuit for the signal provision means (2) is shown in Figure 1.
  • the piezoelectric sensor (1) is connected to a SKT1. If the machine is subjected to a physical shock, the piezoelectric sensor will be stressed by the shock and will emit a voltage signal as a result. This provision of voltage with time results in a pulse. This voltage is dropped across a potentiometer (11). The sensitivity of the circuit is adjusted by adjustment of this potentiometer, this adjustment determining the size of the signal received as an input by a first operational amplifier (12) for a given sensor signal size. The signal amplified by this first amplifier (12) is shaped by resistors R3 and C1 and then fed to a second operational amplifier (13).
  • the amplified signal then passes through a light emitting diode (14) to a switching transistor (16). Between the output of the second operational amplifier (13) and the input of the light emitting diode (14) there is a pull up resistor (15).
  • the function of the light emitting diode (14) is to provide a visual indication of when there has been a sufficient signal to provide an output to the control means of the amusement machine. This is of assistance in adjustment of the potentiometer (11) to obtain a desired degree of sensitivity.
  • the potentiometer (11) can be replaced by an appropriate pair of resistors and the light emitting diode (14) can be removed from the circuit.
  • the source of the transistor (16) is connected to pin 2 of SKT2, which is connectable to the control section of the amusement machine.
  • Pins (1) and (3) are for connection to the positive supply and earth respectively.
  • Pin (2) is connected such that if the gate signal at transistor (16) is sufficient to make the source drain channel conducting, pin 2 will be effectively grounded. Pin 2 is therefore adapted to provide a logic signal indicative of a physical shock of above a predetermined magnitude threshold being suffered by the machine.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Pinball Game Machines (AREA)
  • Slot Machines And Peripheral Devices (AREA)
  • Coin-Freed Apparatuses For Hiring Articles (AREA)
EP96306857A 1995-09-22 1996-09-20 Détecteur de choc Withdrawn EP0764926A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9519436 1995-09-22
GB9519436A GB2305366A (en) 1995-09-22 1995-09-22 Physical shock detector

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0764926A2 true EP0764926A2 (fr) 1997-03-26
EP0764926A3 EP0764926A3 (fr) 1998-03-18

Family

ID=10781156

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP96306857A Withdrawn EP0764926A3 (fr) 1995-09-22 1996-09-20 Détecteur de choc

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0764926A3 (fr)
GB (1) GB2305366A (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006003366A1 (fr) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-12 Innovative Concepts In Entertainment, Inc. Machine de jeu

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH661350A5 (en) * 1986-03-24 1987-07-15 Sodeco Compteurs De Geneve Sensor for inclination and vibration
GB9020326D0 (en) * 1990-09-18 1990-10-31 Levy Harold J Security device
GB2272383B (en) * 1992-11-12 1995-09-06 Crompton Leisure Machines Limi Amusement machine
GB2305866B (en) * 1995-10-03 1999-06-23 Cromptons Leisure Mach Ltd Amusement machine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006003366A1 (fr) * 2004-06-30 2006-01-12 Innovative Concepts In Entertainment, Inc. Machine de jeu

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0764926A3 (fr) 1998-03-18
GB9519436D0 (en) 1995-11-22
GB2305366A (en) 1997-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5226520A (en) Coin detector system
CA1275475C (fr) Jetons, et mecanisme fonctionnant a l'aide de jetons ou de monnaies
US4755941A (en) System for monitoring the movement of money and chips on a gaming table
EP0737345B1 (fr) Dispositif de differenciation de pieces de monnaie
US5531309A (en) Method and apparatus for detecting fraud or theft in a gaming machine
US4106610A (en) Coin apparatus having multiple coin-diverting gates
US4587412A (en) Magnetic sensor for tray acceptor
US6743095B2 (en) Intelligent metering system
WO1991015003A1 (fr) Capteur de mesure des caracteristiques de reponse magnetique de jetons
KR20010023848A (ko) 예비 충전 검출기를 구비한 코인 호퍼
US5454332A (en) Cash pocket for an automatic teller machine
EP0318229A3 (fr) Appareil de validation de pièces de monnaie
US4696385A (en) Electronic coin detection apparatus
AU659739B2 (en) Coin dispenser and coin pay-out method
CA2102055A1 (fr) Dispositif totalisateur electronique pour pieces de monnaie
WO1992010814A1 (fr) Dispositifs de validation de pieces de monnaie
EP0764926A2 (fr) Détecteur de choc
US5476168A (en) Coin validator
WO2003034354A1 (fr) Dispositif anti-tricherie pour appareil de jeux de hasard
EP0294068B1 (fr) Dispositif pour pièces de monnaie
GB2236609A (en) Coin validator with impact sensor
GB2305866A (en) Coin pusher machine
JP3717395B2 (ja) 衝撃感知センサ
AU660418B2 (en) Coin validator
JPH0745820Y2 (ja) 自動券売機の一時ホールド装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR IT

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): BE DE ES FR IT

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19980919