Abstract: A secure system and method for the transfer of value units between a plurality of gambling cards (CJ) and a plurality of gambling machines (200, 300). Each machine has a transcriber (210, 310) to debit value units of the gambling cards. The machines are connected via a secure network (123) to a central processing unit (1). Each gambling card (CJ1) stores data (S, Op1, Op2, Opx, Id, S) unique to the card and the use of that card in gambling. The central processing unit (1, BD) stores the same data as what is in the cards. The cards' and the CPU's data are maintained in parallel as the gambling progresses, and may include data from previous sessions. A monitor (BD) checks that the CPU (1, BD) data and the card (CJ1) data correspond. Thus the integrity of this smart card gambling is enhanced.

Abstract: A secure system and method for the transfer of value units between a plurality of gambling cards (CJ) and a plurality of gambling machines (200, 300). Each machine has a transcriber (210, 310) to debit value units of the gambling cards. The machines are connected via a secure network (123) to a central processing unit (1). Each gambling card (CJ1) stores data (S, Op1, Op2, Opx, Id, S) unique to the card and the use of that card in gambling. The central processing unit (1, BD) stores the same data as what is in the cards. The cards' and the CPU's data are maintained in parallel as the gambling progresses, and may include data from previous sessions. A monitor (BD) checks that the CPU (1, BD) data and the card (CJ1) data correspond. Thus the integrity of this smart card gambling is enhanced.

Abstract: A data transfer network with at least one slot machine (200) having a value unit transfer element (300) and a data transfer link (123) connected to a central processing unit (1). Between each slot machine and the transfer link is a device (400) that provides a multichannel link including a first main channel (410) connecting to the central processing unit (1) via the network data transfer link (123), a second main channel (420) connecting to the slot machine (200), and a secondary channel (430) connecting to the value unit transfer element (300). A data transfer switching and coordinating means enables data to be transmitted between the slot machine (200) and the value unit transfer element (300), and data to be transmitted between the slot machine (200) and the data transfer link (123).

Abstract: The invention concerns slot machines, such as jackpot or black jack and other casino gambling machines. The machines are designed to operate with gaming cards (CJ1), such as chip cards, and are connected by network to a central management unit (1). The invention is characterised in that the central management unit comprises a database (BD), wherein are stored data corresponding to those stored on the gaming cards such data concerning the gamester and card identification data (Id) and data (S, Op1, Op2) concerning the account balance stored in the card (CJ1). The procedure consists in verifying the card data with respect to the central management unit database to ensure the integrity of such a gambling machine system operating with chip cards or contactless cards.

Abstract: Card reader for game machine with a memory (42) which contains a minimum credit value and receives the credit value available from a card. At each stage of the game, the available credit value varies. The available credit value is compared, on each transaction, with the minimum value. When the available credit value is less than the minimum value, a circuit (47) triggers seizure of the card. A reader of this type can operate by performing all transactions in a memory within the reader, only reading the card memory when the card is inserted into the reader and updating it when the card is ejected.

Abstract: A secured token comprises a token body and an antenna coupled to an integrated circuit. The outer surface of the token body has a non-recessed metallic region, such as an outer metal ring, which is disposed such that a metallic sound is generated when the secured token strikingly engages a metal object. The antenna and the integrated circuit are substantially disposed within the token body. The secured token advantageously makes a jingling sound similar to that of coins when a payout is made to a player, and has mechanical strength for protecting an electronic circuit placed in the secured token.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to games machines provided with electronic payment mechanisms. The conventional payment mechanism is replaced by a payment mechanism operating by means of tokens that are secured by contract-free detection and the machine is furthermore provided with a second payment mechanism operating by means of a chip card. Switching means make it possible to change over from the token-operated payment mechanism to the chip-card operated payment mechanism when a card such as this is inserted into the corresponding payment mechanism. This device makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the games machines.

Abstract: The system has a reader of electronic labels comprising several devices for the transmission/reception of electromagnetic waves, offset angularly about a median axis so that, when the reader is placed in the vicinity of a label and irrespectively of their relative orientation, at least a part of the lines of the magnetic field generated by at least one of said transmission/reception devices can get looped by passing into the coil of the label in the direction of its axis. The label has a foil made of amagnetic and conductive material placed against the antenna and parallel to it to form a reflective screen for the electromagnetic waves. Application to the contact-free identification of objects, notably metal objects, such as gas cylinders.

Abstract: Gaming machines provided with mechanical counters according to the regulations, to which there is grafted an electronic payment mechanism working on the basis of a chip card. It consists in diverting a certain number of links of the units of the machine by the electronic payment mechanism to enable wagers to be placed and payments to be made through the chip card, without the receiving or issuing of tokens and, preferably, without the modifying of the contents of the TOTAL IN and TOTAL OUT counters. A downgraded version modifies the contents of these counters and the balance of the feeder box containing the coins is obtained by modifying the formula used to compute this balance. It enables the efficiency of gaming machines to be raised.

Abstract: Game machines provided with electronic payment mechanisms. The conventional payment mechanism is replaced by a payment mechanism operating by tokens that are secured by contract-free detection and the machine is furthermore provided with a second payment mechanism operating by a chip card. Switching make it possible to change over from the token-operated payment mechanism to the chip-card operated payment mechanism when a card such as this is inserted into the corresponding payment mechanism. This device makes it possible to increase the efficiency of the games machines.

Abstract: A method of electronic payment comprising: providing a memory with an EPROM counter and a pointer; inserting the memory into a machine; decrementing the counter in steps which correspond to a unit of payment, in an irreversible manner, until the counter is equal to the pointer; stopping the decrementing; and incrementing the pointer, without removing the memory from the machine, when a gain is achieved in response to a random external event.

Abstract: A device for servicing a vending machine including i) a chip card reader for receiving payments to the vending machine and transferring information elements from the vending machine to the device, ii) a servicing door, and iii) a lock for preventing opening of the servicing door.