Apparatus and method for dispensing of awards
US6609969B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/3262
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A device for dispensing awards includes a housing having a set of compartments, the contents of which are visible from the outside. Each compartment contains a small but valuable award, such as a diamond. The housing is part of, or connected to, a gaming machine. When a player wins a game which entitles the player to select a tangible award, the device signals this fact to the player. The player then selects a compartment by pressing a input device located on the housing. An attendant opens an external door, and inserts an electronic key into a receptacle associated with the selected compartment, and enters a required code into the key. The compartment then opens, and the player obtains the award. The device provides enhanced security, because the compartment will not open unless the player has won the required game and has pressed the input device, and the attendant has properly opened the external door and has entered the correct code with the electronic key. The device also includes an inventory control system which preferably uses an RFID apparatus for monitoring the contents of each compartment, and for keeping records of an inventory of awards.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.