Systems and Methods For Verifying Gaming Machine Cash Out Tokens
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.