Systems and Methods For Verifying Gaming Machine Cash Out Tokens

Abstract

Systems and methods for verifying a cash out token associated with a gaming machine. The systems and methods include a gaming machine receiving a cash out token that contains an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field. A checksum algorithm is then performed on at least a portion of the encoded data field to produce a numerical result, which is then compared with the checksum field. Upon detecting a match between the produced numerical result and the checksum field, a data set is then extracted from the encoded data field, where a monetary value associated with the cash out token is determined. The player is then credited an equivalent amount of game credits to the validated value of the cash out token.

1 . A method of verifying a cash out token associated with a gaming machine comprising:
 receiving a cash out token signal with an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field;   performing a checksum algorithm on at least a portion of the encoded data field to produce a numerical result;   comparing the produced numerical result with the checksum field, wherein a match between the produced numerical result and the checksum field is detected;   extracting a data set from the encoded data field;   using at least a portion of the checksum field to perform an operation on the extracted data set to obtain the information necessary to locate a stored value of the cash out token;   retrieving the stored value of the cash out token; and   crediting a player an equivalent amount to the validated value of the cash out token.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received data field includes at least one of site identification, machine identification, and sequence information. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the received data field includes player identification information. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cash out token signal is encrypted; and prior to extracting a data set from the encoded data field, decrypting the cash out token signal. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein performing a checksum algorithm on the extracted data set to produce a numerical result includes the use of a polynomial equation. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cash out token is a plastic card, wherein the encoded data field and an encoded checksum field are stored electronically. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the cash out token signal with an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field is received through wireless communication means. 
   
   
       8 . A method of producing a cash out token associated with a gaming machine comprising:
 detecting whether the end of game play condition exists;   upon detection of the end of game play, determining the a data field associated with the game play;   performing a checksum operation on the data field to produce a checksum field;   using at least a portion of the checksum field to perform an operation with the data field wherein a result of the operation identifies a storage location of a value of a cash out token;   transmitting the value of the cash out token to be stored in the storage location;   encoding the data field and checksum field;   printing the encoded data field and checksum field on a the cash out token; and   dispensing the cash out token.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the determined data field associated with the game play includes at least one of site identification, machine identification, and sequence information. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the determined data field associated with the game play includes player identification information. 
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising, printing a time stamp on the cash out token. 
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein encoding the data field and checksum field includes dispersing the content of the checksum field throughout the data field. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein performing a checksum operation on the data field to produce a checksum field includes the use of a polynomial equation. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising prior to encoding the data field and checksum field, encrypting the data field and checksum field. 
   
   
       15 . A system for verifying cash out tokens associated with gaming machines comprising:
 a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a bar code reader;   a server in communication with the plurality of gaming machines, wherein the server includes a processor executing software instructions for:
 receiving an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field from one of the gaming machines, 
 performing a checksum algorithm on at least a portion of the encoded data field to produce a numerical result, 
 comparing the produced numerical result with the checksum field, wherein a match between the produced numerical result and the checksum field is detected, 
 extracting a data set from the encoded data field, 
 using at least a portion of the checksum field to perform an operation on the extracted data set to obtain the information necessary to retrieve a stored value of a cash out token, 
 retrieving the stored value of the cash out token, and 
 crediting a player an equivalent amount to the validated value of the cash out token. 
   
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15  wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a player identification code reader. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein each of the plurality of gaming machines includes a printer for printing a cash out token at the end of game play. 
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein the checksum algorithm includes the use of a polynomial equation. 
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 15  , further comprising a plurality of change stations in communication with the server, wherein the change stations each include a display and are associated with a processor executing software instructions for:
 receiving an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field from a cash out token,   performing a checksum algorithm on at least a portion of the encoded data field to produce a numerical result,   comparing the produced numerical result with the checksum field,   upon detecting a match between the produced numerical result and the checksum field, extracting a data set from the encoded data field, wherein a monetary value associated with a cash out token is contained in the data set, and   displaying equivalent amount of currency to the validated value of the cash out token on a display.   
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 15 , further comprising a plurality of change stations in communication with the server, wherein the change stations are associated with a processor executing software instructions for:
 receiving an encoded data field and an encoded checksum field from a cash out token,   performing a checksum algorithm on at least a portion of the encoded data field to produce a numerical result,   comparing the produced numerical result with the checksum field,   upon detecting a match between the produced numerical result and the checksum field, extracting a data set from the encoded data field, wherein a monetary value associated with a cash out token is contained in the data set, and   dispensing an equivalent amount of currency to the validated value of the cash out token.