Door security system

Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – Specific condition

Patent

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Details

2731381, 340508, 340693, 463 29, 463 47, G08B 1308

Patent

active

059232498

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
INTRODUCTION

The present invention relates generally to gaming or slot machines and in particular to an improved door security system for use on such machines.
It is a common requirement for slot machines to include an electronic monitoring system to monitor door openings in a slot machine cabinet to prevent fraudulent tampering with the internal mechanisms or circuitry of the machine and to prevent theft of cash from internal cash storage areas. Such systems are generally effective while the slot machine remains powered up but there exists the possibility that such a system might be defeated if the machine were turned off or disconnected from mains power.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention consists in a security system for monitoring door openings, the system comprising one or more door open detection devices, and first and second monitoring systems each connected to each of the one or more detection devices the second monitoring system being arranged with battery power supply means and the first monitoring system being arranged to allow the second monitoring system to continue operating when power to the first monitoring system is interrupted.
Preferably the two monitoring systems each supply power to each of the door open detection devices such that if power to one monitoring system is interrupted, power is still supplied by the other system without being loaded by the unpowered system preferably sharing is performed by a pair of sharing diodes.
In a preferred embodiment, the second monitoring system operates intermittently at regular intervals, when operating from batteries, in order to conserve battery power, and between monitoring operations returns to a low power mode to minimize battery drain.
In the preferred embodiment the second monitoring system also includes a real time clock whereby door openings are time stamped.
Preferably communication means are also provided between the second monitoring means and the first monitoring means whereby door openings detected while the first monitoring means is unpowered may be communicated to it upon reinstatement of power.
According to a second aspect, the present invention consists in a slot machine comprising game playing means and control means wherein the slot machine includes a security system as hereinbefore described.


BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a security system according to an embodiment of the resent invention;
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a detail of the of the sensor connection arrangement for photo-optic sensors connected to the system of FIG. 1; and;
FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a detail of the sensor connection arrangement for microswitches connected as sensors in the system of FIG. 1 .


DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to a gaming machine.
Slot machines must comply with different rules and laws depending upon the jurisdiction in which they are operated. In many jurisdictions it is necessary that the machine be able to detect the opening of various parts of the cabinet and to respond appropriately to prevent fraudulent activities. In some jurisdictions it is a requirement that such access be detected even when the machine is powered down.
The opening of the following areas must be able to be checked to comply with the regulations of various jurisdictions:
The sensing of the areas may be done optically or mechanically, however, the main door requires both mechanical and optical detections.
Also it is desirable to be able to accommodate the sensing of the above areas at all times, even when the mains voltage is not connected and report the time at which the opening has occurred.
It also desirable that the sensors used be unaffected by RF radiation around the machine in order that the machine is compatible with International electrical standards.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4117465 (1978-09-01), Timblin
patent: 4427975 (1984-01-01), Kinzie
patent: 4977392 (1990-12-01), Loda
patent: 5097253 (1992-03-01), Eschbach et al.

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