Automated Locking Method

Abstract

Systems, methods, and gaming machines having an automated locking system are disclosed herein. According to one method, one or more automated locking mechanisms are provided on a plurality of gaming machines. Each locking mechanism is connected to a locking controller such that the locking controller controls the release and locking of the locking mechanism. The automated locking system receives a request from a user to release one or more locking mechanisms. If the user is authenticated, the locking mechanism is released.

1 . A method for controlling one or more locking mechanisms of one or more gaming machines networked to a casino gaming system, the method comprising:
 providing one or more automated locking mechanisms on a plurality of gaming machines, wherein the locking mechanism secures the gaming machine and one or more components within the gaming machine;   receiving a request from a user via an user interface to lock or unlock the locking mechanism; and   releasing the locking mechanism in response to the request from the user.   
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein receiving the request from the user further comprises receiving the request via a wireless handheld device, keypad, touchpad, touchscreen, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising authenticating the user. 
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein authenticating the user further comprises obtaining two types of data from the user, wherein the two types of information is selected from the group consisting of a password, pass-code, or security token. 
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein authenticating the user further comprises obtaining biometric information from the user. 
   
   
       6 . A method for controlling one or more locking mechanisms of one or more gaming machines in a casino gaming system, the method comprising:
 providing one or more automated locking mechanisms on a plurality of gaming machines, wherein each locking mechanism is connected to a locking controller such that the locking controller controls the release and locking of the locking mechanism;   receiving a request from a user to release one or more locking mechanisms;   authenticating the user; and   releasing one or more locking mechanisms if the user is authenticated.   
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein receiving the request from the user further comprises receiving the request via a wireless handheld device, keypad, touchpad, touchscreen, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein releasing one or more locking mechanisms further comprises sequentially releasing the locking mechanisms of a gaming machine subset. 
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein authenticating the user further comprises obtaining two types of data from the user, wherein the two types of information is selected from the group consisting of a password, pass-code, or security token. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein authenticating the user further comprises obtaining biometric information from the user. 
   
   
       11 . A method for controlling one or more locking mechanisms of one or more networked gaming machines in a casino gaming system, the method comprising:
 providing one or more automated locking mechanisms on a plurality of gaming machines, wherein the locking mechanisms secure a main door of the gaming machine and one or more components within the gaming machine;   sending a request from a back end system to one or more gaming machines to unlock the gaming machine; and   releasing the locking mechanism of the main door in response to the request.   
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising obtaining information to verify the identify of the user prior to releasing the locking mechanism of the main door. 
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information is a password, passcode, security token, or a combination thereof. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the information is biometric information. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising releasing the locking mechanism of one or more components after the main door is opened. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising releasing the locking mechanism of one or more components within the gaming machine when the locking mechanism of the main door is released. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein releasing the locking mechanism of the main door further comprises sequentially releasing the main door locking mechanisms of a gaming machine subset. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising releasing the locking mechanism of one or more components after the main door is opened. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising releasing the locking mechanism of one or more components within the gaming machine when the locking mechanism of the main door is released.