Reel monitoring and diagnostic device for an amusement machine
First Claim
1. An apparatus for testing an amusement device having a transducer means for performing a prescribed mechanical movement from a first position to a second position in response to an electrical signal, comprising:
- diagnostic test initiating means for signaling the start of a test of said transducer means;
control means for providing a first amount of electrical energy to said transducer means in response to a predetermined condition during normal operation of said machine, the control means including testing means responsive to said diagnostic test initiating means for providing a lesser amount of electrical energy than said first amount to said transducer means; and
verification means for detecting whether said transducer means has performed said mechanical movement from said first position to said second position in response to said lesser amount of electrical energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A self-diagnostic apparatus is disclosed which has a transducer, such as a solenoid, for performing a mechanical movement in response to an electrical signal of at least a "first energy," such as a constant DC voltage applied over a predetermined time period. A control device, such as a microprocessor-based control circuit, is used to provide an electrical signal of greater energy than the "first energy" in response to a predetermined condition during operation of the apparatus. Such a predetermined condition may be the arrival of one of a slot machine'"'"'s reels at a rotational position in which it is intended to be stopped. A diagnostic test initiating device, such as a switch, is used for signalling the start of a test of the transducer. The control device further includes a testing device which is responsive to the diagnositc test initiating device for providing an electrical signal of the first energy to the transducer. A verification device, such as an optical sensor and associated tilt detection circuitry, detects whether the transducer has performed its mechanical movement in response to the first energy electrical signal. An indicator, such as a visual display, responds to the verification device for indicating whether or not the mechanical movement has been detected in response to the diagnostic test initiating device.
79 Citations
14 Claims
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1. An apparatus for testing an amusement device having a transducer means for performing a prescribed mechanical movement from a first position to a second position in response to an electrical signal, comprising:
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diagnostic test initiating means for signaling the start of a test of said transducer means; control means for providing a first amount of electrical energy to said transducer means in response to a predetermined condition during normal operation of said machine, the control means including testing means responsive to said diagnostic test initiating means for providing a lesser amount of electrical energy than said first amount to said transducer means; and verification means for detecting whether said transducer means has performed said mechanical movement from said first position to said second position in response to said lesser amount of electrical energy.
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2. Apparatus for controlling the engagement of first and second members configured for movement relative to each other and for contacting each other at one of a plurality of selected contact locations in an amusement device comprising:
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means for driving one of said members to contact the other member at one of the plurality of selected contact locations in response to an electrical signal; diagnostic test initiating means for commanding a test of said driving means; means for controlling the contact of said members at an intended one contact location, the controlling means including means for issuing said electrical signal to said driving means at a predetermined normal issuance time; and means responsive to said diagnostic test initiating means for timing the issuance of said electrical signal to said driving means offset from said normal issuance time.
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3. Apparatus for testing an amusement device having first and second members configured for movement relative to each other and for contacting each other at a selected contact location and a transducer operative to cause the members to contact each other at the selected contact location in response to a predetermined electrical signal during normal operation of the machine, comprising:
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means for modifying said predetermined electrical signal, and means responsive to said modifying means for sensing whether said members have contacted each other at said selected contact location. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. In an amusement device having first and second members configured for movement relative to each other and for contacting each other at a selected contact location and a transducer operative to cause the members to contact each other at the selected contact location in response to a predetermined electrical signal during normal operation of the machine, the improvement comprising:
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means for modifying said predetermined electrical signal, and means responsive to said modifying means for sensing whether said members have contacted each other at said selected contact location. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification