Gaming :
The Gaming industry generally refers
to Casino style operations, where bank note readers, BNR's,
are typically mounted within a slot machine. Gaming BNR's
are specifically designed for this application, with major
emphasis given to security and physical design.
Security
Due to the security requirements of the Gaming industry,
BNR's are required to provide secure, lockable and removable
note cassettes. Communciations are conducted serially to the
host machine, to ensure that data integrity is maintained.
Fraud note detection and physical tampering are events which
must be closely monitored to ensure the secure operation of
the BNR.
Note insertion
The front door of a slot machine usually has a slanted "play
field" directly beneath the screen, which must accommodate
the play buttons, coin entry slot and note entry guide.
Since the note entry requirements are very specific, the BNR
must be designed to accept notes through a horizontal slot
located at the top of the unit. Accepted notes are then
directed down into a secure stacking cassette.
Physical dimensions
The physical dimensions of the Gaming BNR are very
particular in order to meet the note insertion requirements
of a slot machine. They must also satisfy the space
restrictions within the slot machine. Therefore the BNR must
fit into a defined mechanical envelope with front access to
its cashbox.
Amusements :
The Amusement industry has different
meanings across the world. In Europe, Amusement encompasses
AWP and soft gambling operations, whereas, in Australia and
the USA, the Amusement industry covers the likes of video
games, pinball machines, redemption machines and pool
tables, which in turn, is better described as the Leisure
industry in Europe.
Amusement (AWP)
The European AWP industry, or Amusement With Prize, is
seen as a form of soft gambling. It is essentially a machine
which is operated by a coin or token and provides a player
the opportunity to participate in a game of chance to win a
prize. In the UK, the payout is almost always in the form of
money. However, there are also toys and confectionery that
also can be given as prizes. In European countries it is
permitted for notes to also be used as a method of payment
stake. The Law in the UK currently states that only coin of
the realm can be used however, deregulation will mean that
notes will also be able to be used. An AWP machine requires
a bank note reader which is cost-effective yet offers high
security, particularly in the area of note storage, where
lockable and removable cassettes are often required
Leisure
The leisure industry is dominated by coin-operated machines,
with little penetration by Bank Note Readers as an
alternative for accepting cash. In markets where there is
little high value currency, low-end bank note readers are
sometimes used, which are configured to only accept low
denomination notes, such as GBP £5. Typically this applies
to redemption machines.
The GBA or GBA HR1 note acceptors could be used in this
scenario, to offer a quality solution.
Kiosk :
Kiosks form a new and expanding market
within the vending industry. They provide an interactive
vending environment, where customers can pay for products
and/or services through a variety of transaction means,
coin, cash or card. Kiosks are often viewed simply as
providing computer-based , E-commerce applications. In fact,
a kiosk is a vending "station" which can be a pay station in
a car park or a change machine in a carwash. Kiosk
applications, therefore, require different cash handling
solutions based upon their particular needs.
Phone Card
A phone card kiosk may only, at its simplest, require a note
acceptor, without any stacking options. If it is contained
in a route operation, additional security could be added by
considering a note stacker.
Multimedia
Multimedia kiosks, again, may only require a simple note
reader when operating in secure, attended environments.
However, standalone, remote operations, may require a more
sturdy design with a much more security-conscious approach
to storing notes.
Pay Stations
Pay stations are usually quite substantial machines, which
offer a multitude of cash payment options (coin, cash and
card) and sophisticated change giving facilities. Due to the
nature of these applications, the bank note readers
typically have highly secure, lockable and removable note
cassettes.
Change Machine
Change machines are used in many industries to accept notes
and provide one type of coin or a selection of coins in
return. For example:
Carwash operations use change machines to provide a 24 hour
source of coins, so that their clients can easily use the
self-serve wash bays.
Gaming venues provide change machines so that customers do
not have to line up to exchange notes for coins to play
their favourite slot machine.
Vending :
The vending industry is an extremely broad term,
encompassing markets from cold drink machines, to hot coffee
machines, to car parking and ticketing machines.
Essentially, whenever a product or service is provided to a
customer in exchange for cash, a "vend" has taken place,
Bank note readers are very popular in vending applications
where:
There is limited high denomination coin currency available,
as in the USA
High-priced products are offered
Convenient bank notes are available (US$1)
Convenience is required and change is offered
Each industry has its own particular
requirements, which include :
- physical dimensions
- note acceptance
- security
- note stacking options
- peripheral to host communications
For example, food/drink vending
machines generally call for MDB communications protocols
and low security cashboxes, whilst carpark ticketing
machines typically require serial RS232 communications
and secure, removable note cassettes. |
