Japan Cash Machine Co Ltd, known as JCM Global, has been granted a patent in the United States for its Fuzion system, a technology said to enhance the function capability of electronic gaming machines. JCM Global issued a written statement on Thursday saying U.S. Patent No 10,140,817 is the latest of the patents it holds.
JCM Global stated that when combined with its iVizion bill validator, GEN5 thermal printer and a device known as a peripheral network adaptor, its Fuzion technology would benefit gaming operators in several ways. These included: by increasing revenue – via turning any electronic gaming machine teamed with it into a “multi-function kiosk”; enhancing security – via active monitoring of every linked gaming machine for money laundering, and other suspicious activities; improving efficiency – via measurement of real-time performance of any connected device and enabling remote upgrading of firmware; and allowing mobile device connectivity on the casino floor – via a mobile connection to the electronic gaming machine or its peripheral devices.
The statement regarding the new patent quoted JCM Global senior vice-president of sales and operations David Kubajak as saying: “Our global teams of developers have been relentless in their pursuit of innovative products and technologies that help our customers operate their casino floors in more secure, more profitable ways.”
JCM Global Asia gaming business development and sales manager Ian Wood told GGRAsia recently that the Fuzion technology was capable of processing transactions involving cryptocurrencies, if that were to be permitted by casino regulators and if the commercial need arises within the industry.
“We have some technology products, such as Fuzion, which are able and would be able to interact with cryptocurrency if and when the time comes when it is introduced into gaming environments,” Mr Wood had said during the recent MGS Entertainment Show 2018 in Macau.
Macau’s financial regulator, the Monetary Authority of Macau, has previously noted that cryptocurrency in particular was neither regulated in Macau, nor “a financial instrument subject to its supervision”. As such, cryptocurrencies cannot be used in Macau, although they are commonly accepted at some online gaming platforms.
In its last financial year, JCM made a net profit of JPY924 million (US$8.1 million) on net sales of JPY29.86 billion. Last month, the company increase its forecast for net sales for the current financial year to JPY30 billion from JPY28 billion.
