Gaming method and host computer with ticket-in/ticket-out capability
First Claim
1. A method, comprising:
- storing in a host computer data relating to a ticket printed by a printing apparatus associated with a first casino slot machine, said ticket having a monetary value and having an image of a bar code printed thereon and an image of said monetary value printed thereon;
receiving data at said host computer from an image reading device associated with a second casino slot machine different than said first casino slot machine, said received data having been generated in response to inspection of said ticket that was printed by said printing apparatus associated with said first casino slot machine by said image reading device associated with said second casino slot machine;
determining whether credit should be authorized by making a comparison of data relating to said ticket with data stored in a memory of said host computer; and
transmitting a signal from said host computer to said second casino slot machine, if credit should be authorized as determined by said host computer, to authorize credit to allow play of said second casino slot machine.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A gaming apparatus which comprises a slot machine capable of accepting either paper currency, preprinted coupons, or cash out slips. The slot machine also includes a printer that prints and dispenses cash out slips which include a bar code representing a unique identification that provides the amount of “winnings”. The cash out slips can be scanned into a separate currency dispenser at a Cashier'"'"'s Station for receiving currency, either from the dispenser or from an attendant. A central processing unit (CPU) generates the unique codes for regulating the game to be played, the wager limits of the game and the validity of the free play coupons or the cash out tickets. The above gaming system avoids having to use coins or tokens in the operation of slot machines.
253 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method, comprising:
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storing in a host computer data relating to a ticket printed by a printing apparatus associated with a first casino slot machine, said ticket having a monetary value and having an image of a bar code printed thereon and an image of said monetary value printed thereon;
receiving data at said host computer from an image reading device associated with a second casino slot machine different than said first casino slot machine, said received data having been generated in response to inspection of said ticket that was printed by said printing apparatus associated with said first casino slot machine by said image reading device associated with said second casino slot machine;
determining whether credit should be authorized by making a comparison of data relating to said ticket with data stored in a memory of said host computer; and
transmitting a signal from said host computer to said second casino slot machine, if credit should be authorized as determined by said host computer, to authorize credit to allow play of said second casino slot machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A host computer, comprising:
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a central processing unit;
a memory; and
a computer program, said host computer being programmed to store data relating to a ticket printed by a printing apparatus associated with a first casino slot machine, when said host computer is operatively coupled to said printing apparatus, said ticket having an image of a bar code printed thereon and an image of a monetary value printed thereon, said host computer being programmed to receive data from an image reading device associated with a second casino slot machine different than said first casino slot machine, when said host computer is operatively coupled to said image reading device, said received data having been generated in response to inspection by said image reading device of said ticket that was printed by said printing apparatus associated with said first casino slot machine, said host computer being programmed to determine whether credit should be authorized by making a comparison of data relating to said ticket with said stored data, and said host computer being programmed to transmit, when said host computer is operatively coupled to said second casino slot machine, a signal to said second casino slot machine, if credit should be authorized as determined by said host computer, to authorize credit to allow play of said second casino slot machine. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
a host computer as defined in claim 8;
a first casino slot machine operatively coupled to said host computer; and
a second casino slot machine operatively coupled to said host computer.
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16. A gaming system comprising:
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a host computer as defined in claim 8;
a first coinless casino slot machine in which no coins are inserted, said first coinless casino slot machine being operatively coupled to said host computer; and
a second coinless casino slot machine in which no coins are inserted, said second coinless casino slot machine being operatively coupled to said host computer.
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Specification