EXHIBIT 2

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 1 of 54
| HAO WATATU UT US010049516B2 TILATA MAN UNIT 

( 12 ) United States Patent 

Padgett et al . ( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

( 45 ) Date of Patent : Aug . 14 , 2018 

( 54 ) DOOR LOCKS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR USE 

IN WIRELESS GUEST ENGAGEMENT 

SYSTEMS 

. ) U . S . CI . CPC . . . . . . . . G07C 9 / 00309 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04W 4 / 008 

( 2013 . 01 ) ; H04W 4 / 80 ( 2018 . 02 ) ; G07C 2009 / 00769 ( 2013 . 01 ) 

( 58 ) Field of Classification Search 

CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G07C 9 / 00309 ; H04W 4 / 008 

( Continued ) 

( 71 ) Applicant : Carnival Corporation , Miami , FL 

( US ) 

( 56 ) References Cited 

U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS 

( 72 ) Inventors : John Padgett , Fort Lauderdale , FL 

( US ) ; Michael G . Jungen , Belle Isle , FL ( US ) ; Douglas Steele , Doral , FL 

( US ) ; Kyle Prestenback , Miami 

Springs , FL ( US ) ; Richard J . Criado , Weston , FL ( US ) ; Vince Ball , Kirkland , WA ( US ) ; Adam Leonards , Concord , CA ( US ) ; Glenn Curtis , Issaquah , WA 

( US ) ; Manny Vellon , Bellevue , WA 

( US ) ; Patrick Mendiuk , Kirkland , WA 

( US ) ; Sander Lam , Bothell , WA ( US ) 

5 , 491 , 471 A 

5 , 559 , 370 A 

2 / 1996 Stobbe 

9 / 1996 Berney 

( Continued ) 

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 

CN 

WO WO 105493475 A 4 / 2016 

9618173 A2 6 / 1996 

( Continued ) ( 73 ) Assignee : CARNIVAL CORPORATION , Miami , FL ( US ) OTHER PUBLICATIONS 

( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this 

patent is extended or adjusted under 35 

U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days . 

U . S . Non - Final Office Action issued in U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 460 , 983 , dated May 31 , 2017 . ( Continued ) 

( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 460 , 997 

( 22 ) Filed : Mar . 16 , 2017 

Primary Examiner - Md Talukder 

( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — McDermott Will & 

Emery LLP 

( 65 ) Prior Publication Data 

US 2018 / 0137701 A1 May 17 , 2018 ( 57 ) 

( 63 ) 

Related U . S . Application Data 

Continuation of application No . 15 / 459 , 906 , filed on 

Mar . 15 , 2017 . ( Continued ) 

ABSTRACT 

A guest engagement system and associated methods provide seamless engagement with guests of facilities through the 

use of wireless sensing technologies . The system makes use 

of individual guest devices which are carried by guests and 

used to automatically identify and authenticate the guests throughout the facility . Services can thereby be seamlessly provided to the guests throughout the facility . The services 

include automatic unlocking of doors , including hotel or 

state room doors , based on the guests ' immediate proximity 

to their assigned room ' s door . The services also include 

automated payment services provided at checkout or vend 

( Continued ) 

( 51 ) Int . Ci . H04B 7700 

GO7C 9 / 00 

( 2006 . 01 ) 

( 2006 . 01 ) 

( Continued ) 

( 693 ) A15 

13 SENSOR 

NETWORK Humor 

COMMUNICATION 

NETWORK 

INTERFACE DEVICES 21 BO HER 

900 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 2 of 54
US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

Page 2 

ing terminals , and automated log - on to interactive displays and portals , among others , based on secure wireless authen 

tication of the guest devices . 

22 Claims , 28 Drawing Sheets 

Related U . S . Application Data 

( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 420 , 998 , filed on Nov . 11 , 2016 , provisional application No . 62 / 440 , 938 , filed on Dec . 30 , 2016 . 

( 51 ) Int . CI . H04W 4 / 00 ( 2018 . 01 ) 

H04W 4 / 80 ( 2018 . 01 ) 

Field of Classification Search 

USPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455 / 41 . 1 , 41 . 2 , 41 . 3 

See application file for complete search history . 

( 58 ) 

( 56 ) References Cited 

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5 , 742 , 256 A 4 / 1998 Wakabayashi Rose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 , 806 , 346 A 9 / 1998 Schlinger et al . 5 , 936 , 544 A 8 / 1999 Gonzales et al . 6 , 276 , 608 B1 8 / 2001 Cockayne et al . 6 , 434 , 158 B1 8 / 2002 Harris et al . 6 , 629 , 591 B1 . 10 / 2003 Griswold et al . 7 , 113 , 088 B2 9 / 2006 Frick et al . 7 , 170 , 998 B2 1 / 2007 McLintock et al . 7 , 446 , 644 B2 11 / 2008 Schaffzin et al . 7 , 696 , 858 B2 4 / 2010 Groff 

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70 / 91 

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455 / 414 . 1 

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340 / 5 . 64 

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455 / 41 . 1 

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340 / 5 . 61 

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Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 3 of 54
US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

Page 3 

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2017 / 0079759 Al 3 / 2017 Dunlop 

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2017 / 0205879 AL 7 / 2017 Joseph et al . 2017 / 0237458 A18 / 2017 Van Duyn et al . 2017 / 0263086 A1 * 9 / 2017 Matsuura . . . . . . . GOSB 7 / 06 

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS 

WO 

WO 

2014136338 A19 / 2014 

2014139331 A1 9 / 2014 

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Final Office Action issued in U . S . Appl . No . 15 / 460 , 983 , dated Sep . 5 , 2017 

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lock _ 60109441902 . html > . retrieved Mar . 14 , 2017 . “ Wholesale Abibaba Home Card Reader NFC Door Lock ( HF 

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* cited by examiner 

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Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 5 of 54
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atent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 17 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

DOOR LOCK - EXPLODED VIEW 

LiFePO BATTERY - LONG LIFE 

RECHARGEABLE BATTERY 

TO POWER THE DOOR 

LOCK ELECTRONICS 

- INDOOR ELECTRONICS - LOCK SET 

CONTROL AND LOCK STATUS 

INFORMATION 

Store 703 

Paramet 

w 

Š 

WWWMWAN San FRARON WWW who 

DOOR HANDLE - SPINDLE ISOLATION SLEEVES 

ENABLES SECOND FACTOR CAPACITIVE 

TOUCH FOR ENTRY 

FIG . 7E 

www EXISTING 

DOOR 

CAVITY 

EXTERNAL BATTERY HOUSING REMOVED 

NO HOLE ON THE BACKSIDE OF THE DOOR 

LENGTHENED PLATE 

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LCX PCB RAARAAMCHAWWWWWW A 

HANDLE USED AS 

ANTENNA & HAND 

DETECTION WWW 

Han STATUS LED RING WWWAAAHHA AWARA 

FIG . 7F 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 21 of

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U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 18 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

un 

an incen sannoncen non 320D -@0 s 

FIG .7G

KA 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 22 of

54
703 

705 

U . S . Patent 

DOOR LCKMODULE 

ACCESS PANEL

RF ,IRANDIOR CAPACITIVE PROXIMITY SENSOR

BLE XCVR+

Aug . 14 , 2018 

ONDOO7NO KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 

* + + + + + + + 24242 

MECHANISM CONTROL SWTICHES 

MICROPROCESSOR + MEMORY

MICROPROCESSOR + MEMORY

NFC XCVR+ANTENNA 

+ + + + + + 

ISM RADIO

ISM RADIO

NETWORK XCVR

Sheet 19 of 28 

wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 

Wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 

BATTERY 

BOOST CONVERTER ( E.G,45V )

BATTERY 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 

POWER SUPPLY

FIG .7H

US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

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U , S , Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 20 Of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

8 =t &9 =00 00 00 

FIG 7!,

wwww ????????????????????? : ? ? ?????????????? www ???????????????????????? www * * * - ntiri 

? ess 

?? ? 

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54
U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 21 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

carmen 80 

802 

803 KAUAKARAWAKUWAKAMAMAKAAWAWALA 803 

on . - 805 

* 

809 

10 VAXKAMAKAKALAAKAKAKAAKAWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AMOUR 

9 813 

FIG WWW . 8A 

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + 

AWALA 

AMMAMMAMMA WUX . 

ssssssssssssssss 

* * * XHWXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHENXHXMKMWXHWYK?EEFWYKXXHWXWX XWEEK * * * EKERXXXXXXXXHXWXWEEKXXXX XXXEERTYDEK w 

MAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALAL 

* XXX000pcWwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww 

FIG . 8B 

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U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 22 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

1 - 801 

804 

WARS 00 :36*=Lee811 tttttt .tLitttttttttt ttttttttttttt t1LfLtttt tt,Littttt AtLttl

wooooooo 306000000 

813 

an mom 8 14 G 814 

FIG . 8C 

KAKAKAK kita 

XXXYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY YYYYYYYYYYYYYYKYKYKYTTYYYYYYYYYYY COVERVAADATAVAROVADOVAV OAVATARWOO RDADO DRAW OVAKAVANO 

FIG . 8D 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 26 of

54
WLEWA y tek

U . S . Patent 

AMWWWWWWWWWWWWWAAA wwwwwwwww wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww w 

Aug . 14 , 2018 

ARRA 

Awwwwwww 

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Sheet 23 of 28 

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US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

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54
U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 24 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

thwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww FIG .8J

FIG .81

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atent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 25 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

KWHwww www 

TOORTSITAT LLLCLLLLCLCU FIG .8LVOORWACKIWww CARICOVEROCKS AMATKAT FIG .8NSEAWEE K . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MOKYWYKYKYYTYK *WXXYYYY wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww FIG .8K

WWWXWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWXHXD XXWWW.DDDDDDD wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Od FIG .8M

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U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 26 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

COMMUNICATION NETWORK LATE 

FIG .9

( 1)Z U KRAIAN 

SENSOR NETWORK ?????? 

KIGALAMA www 

B 

18am 

metraz 11 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 30 of

54
U . S . Patent Aug . 14 , 2018 Sheet 27 of 28 US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

100 

2 . W 

movement 901 ann K 

cm 201 * * * 

TODOS & VROWWdbine 2 

o 

bepdogops AUWW WW .u 

v 

Wood RPORA 

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FIG . 10 

Case 1:20-cv-22945-RNS Document 302-4 Entered on FLSD Docket 05/10/2022 Page 31 of

54
U . S . Patent 

wwwe WILL.1km wWE

W www

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NETWEENNHEN 

10FROM 

PORTS 

Y ANETWORK 

a to mm my on M N ... AM Mom www www Her Im em www wen - - 

* ???? a - Y ??? ?? ? ?????? 

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Sheet 28 of 28 

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| US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

FIG .12

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US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

DOOR LOCKS AND ASSEMBLIES FOR USE cally identify and authenticate the guests throughout the 

IN WIRELESS GUEST ENGAGEMENT facility , so as to seamlessly provide services to the guests . SYSTEMS The guest engagement system relies on the guest devices 

( also referenced as medallions ) periodically broadcasting 

CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED 5 beacon signals that uniquely identify the devices and their 

APPLICATIONS associated guests . The periodic beacon signals are detected 

by sensors provided throughout the facility , and used by the 

This application is a continuation of U . S . application Ser . guest engagement system to provide personalized services . No . 15 / 459 . 906 filed Mar . 15 . 2017 . which in turn claims the The services include automatic unlocking of doors , includ 

benefit of U . S . Provisional Applications No . 62 / 420 . 998 . 10 ing hotel or state room doors , based on the guests ' imme 

filed on Nov . 11 , 2016 , and No . 62 / 440 , 938 , filed on Dec . 30 , diate proximity to their assigned room ' s door . The services 

2016 in the U . S . Patent and Trademark Office , the disclo also include automated payment services provided at check 

sures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their out or vending terminals , and automated log - on to interac 

entireties . tive displays and portals , among others , based on secure 

15 wireless authentication of the guest devices . 

TECHNICAL FIELD In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure , a 

guest engagement system includes a plurality of guest 

The present subject matter relates to techniques and devices provided to users of the guest engagement system , equipment for providing automated engagement with guests each guest device including a wireless communication 

of a facility using wireless sensing technologies . 20 antenna and operative to emit a periodic beacon signal 

broadcasting a unique identifier of the guest device using 

BACKGROUND Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) communications . The guest 

engagement system further includes a sensor network com 

Guests of hotels and resorts , cruise ships , as well as other prising a plurality of sensors each mounted at a different 

retail and commercial establishments , have come to expect 25 known location and operative to detect the periodic beacon 

a high level of service and engagement from their hosts . The signals including the unique identifiers emitted using BLE 

service can include being provided with ready access to communications by guest devices of the plurality of guest private and / or restricted areas without having to present a devices that are proximate to the sensor . The guest engage badge or other form of identification , to swipe or tap an ment system additionally includes a communication net 

access card , or to otherwise proactively authenticate them - 30 work connecting each of the plurality of sensors of the 

selves . The engagement can include being personally rec - sensor network , and a central server . The central server is 

ognized by the hosts and provided with services and rec communicatively connected to each of the plurality of 

ommendations on that basis , without requiring the guests to sensors of the sensor network via the communication net 

identify themselves and remind the host of their preferences work , and stores a log associating each unique identifier of 

or pre - existing bookings . 35 a guest device detected using BLE communications by a 

In the present context , service and engagement is pro - sensor of the sensor network with the known location of the 

vided only on the basis of users providing a name or sensor and a timestamp . identification , tapping or swiping an access card , and having In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo 

information on bookings retrieved manually by a host sure , a guest engagement system includes a plurality of guest through a computer terminal . For example , guests must 40 devices provided to users of the guest engagement system , present photo identification and a credit card at the time of each guest device having a unique identifier and including 

check - in , guest must tap or swipe an access card to activate first and second wireless communication antennas respec 

elevators or unlock doors of health facilities and guest rooms tively configured for Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) and near 

during their stay , and guests must identify themselves each field communication ( NFC ) communications . The guest time they interact with a concierge , restaurant host , or front 45 engagement system further includes a sensor network com 

desk staff . As a result , interactions between hosts and guests prising a plurality of sensors each mounted at a different 

are impersonal and disjoined . location . At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors is 

This disclosure provides a novel guest engagement sys - operative to detect guest devices that are proximate thereto 

tem that relies on recent improvements in low power wire and receive unique identifiers therefrom based on BLE 

less communication technologies and distributed sensor 50 communication with the guest devices , and at least another 

networks to provide novel services to those guests without sensor of the plurality of sensors is operative to detect guest requiring guests to proactively identify and / or authenticate devices that are proximate thereto and receive unique iden 

themselves . The guest engagement system thereby enables tifiers therefrom based on NFC communication with the 

hosts to seamlessly engage with the guests throughout their guest devices . The guest engagement system also includes a 

facilities and provide recommendations to the guests based 55 communication network connecting each of the plurality of 

on the guests previous experiences . sensors of the sensor network , and a central server . The 

central server is communicatively connected to each of the 

SUMMARY plurality of sensors of the sensor network via the commu 

nication network , and stores a log associating each unique The teachings herein provide system and methods for 60 identifier of a guest device received using BLE or NFC 

providing seamless engagement with guests of facilities communications by a sensor of the sensor network . including ( and not limited to ) resorts , cruise ships , hotels , In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure , convention centers , retail and other commercial establish - an assembly includes a wireless device and an accessory . ments , amusement parks , casinos , or other large - scale facil - The wireless device has a device body with a tapered shape ity ( or group of facilities ) , through the use of wireless 65 including a front surface , a rear surface having a same shape 

sensing technologies . The functionalities rely on guests as the front surface and a greater dimension than the front 

having individual guest devices which are used to automati - surface , and a cavity in which a processor and at least one 

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US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

4 

wireless communication antenna are disposed . The acces - configured for wireless communication . The access panel 

sory is configured to be worn by a user and has an accessory includes a radio configured for wireless communication with 

body having a tapered cavity configured to releasably the door lock communication module , a first transceiver 

receive the wireless device . The tapered cavity includes a configured for wireless communication with a user device , rear opening having the same shape as the front and rear 5 and a second transceiver for communication with a reser 

surfaces of the device body . vation server . 

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo - In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo 

sure , a wireless device includes a body having a tapered sure , a door latch assembly includes a door knob , a latch 

shape including a front surface and a rear surface having a selectively operated by operation of the door knob , an 

same shape as the front surface and a dimension greater than 10 electronically controlled locking mechanism operative to 

the front surface . The body includes a cavity in which a selectively unlock the latch , and a proximity sensor opera 

processor and at least one wireless communication antenna tive to sense contact or proximity of a user with the door 

are disposed . knob . The electronically controlled locking mechanism is 

In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclo - operative to selectively unlock the latch based on the contact 

sure , an accessory configured to be worn by a user includes 15 or proximity of the user with the door knob sensed by the 

a body having inner and outer surfaces respectively config - proximity sensor . ured to face towards and away from the user when the In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo 

accessory is worn . The body has a tapered cavity extending sure , an access panel for controlling an electronically con 

between a front opening in the outer surface of the body and trolled door lock includes a radio and first and second 

a rear opening in the inner surface of the body , the rear 20 transceivers . The radio is configured for wireless commu 

opening has a same shape as the front opening , and the rear nication with a door lock communication module electri 

opening has a dimension that is greater than that of the front cally connected to an electronically controlled locking opening . mechanism . The first transceiver is configured for wireless 

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo communication with a user device to identify a user seeking 

sure , a portable wireless device includes a body having a 25 to activate the electronically controlled locking mechanism . fully enclosed cavity , the body having all dimensions equal The second transceiver is configured for communication 

to or smaller than 2 . 5 inches , and the body having a with a reservation server storing identifiers of users autho 

thickness equal to or smaller than 5 / 8 inch . The portable rized to activate the electronically controlled locking mecha 

wireless device further includes a processor , a memory , a nism . Each of the radio , first transceiver , and second trans 

battery , and first and second wireless communication anten - 30 ceiver operate according to a different communication 

nas disposed in the cavity . The first and second wireless standard . communication antennas are respectively configured for Additional advantages and novel features will be set forth 

Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) and near field communication in part in the description which follows , and in part will 

( NFC ) communications . become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination 

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo - 35 of the following and the accompanying drawings or may be 

sure , a portable wireless device includes a body having a learned by production or operation of the examples . The 

fully enclosed cavity , and a processor , a memory , a battery , advantages of the present teachings may be realized and 

and first and second wireless communication antennas dis - attained by practice or use of various aspects of the meth 

posed in the cavity . The first and second wireless commu - odologies , instrumentalities and combinations set forth in 

nication antennas are respectively configured for Bluetooth 40 the detailed examples discussed below . low energy ( BLE ) and near field communication ( NFC ) 

communications . The body comprises an open metallic ring BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS disposed to substantially surround the cavity of the body , and the open metallic ring includes at least one opening The drawing figures depict one or more implementations having a non - conducting material disposed therein . 45 in accord with the present teachings , by way of example 

In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo - only , not by way of limitation . In the figures , like reference 

sure , a portable wireless device includes a body having a numerals refer to the same or similar elements . fully enclosed cavity , and a processor , a memory , a battery , FIGS . 1A and 1B are high - level functional block dia 

and first and second wireless communication antennas dis - grams showing components of a guest engagement system . posed in the cavity . The body has a frustum shape , a front 50 FIGS . 2A - 2E and 3A - 3E show medallions or guest 

surface that is circular , and a rear surface that is circular and devices used in the guest engagement system and accesso 

has a diameter greater than that of the front surface . The ries within which the medallions can be releasably inserted . front and rear surfaces have diameters of 0 . 75 to 2 . 5 inches , FIGS . 4A - 4F show exploded perspective views of further 

the body has a thickness of 1 / 8 to 5 / 8 inch , and an angle accessories within which the medallions can be releasably 

between the front surface and a side surface of the frustum - 55 inserted . shaped body is in the range of 86 to 88 degrees . The first and FIGS . 5A - 5L are diagrams showing component parts of 

second wireless communication antennas are respectively the medallions or guest devices . configured for Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) and near field FIG . 6 is a block diagram showing functional components 

communication ( NFC ) communications . of a medallion . In accordance with another aspect of the present disclo - 60 FIGS . 7A - 71 show an automated door lock assembly and 

sure , an electronic door lock assembly includes a latch components thereof that provides for automatically unlock 

assembly , a door lock communication module , and an access ing a door based on an interaction with a medallion . panel . The latch assembly includes a latch and an electroni FIGS . 8A - 8N are diagrams showing sensors of the guest cally controlled locking mechanism operative to selectively engagement system and component parts thereof . unlock a door . The door lock communication module is 65 FIG . 9 is a high - level functional block diagram showing electrically connected to the electronically controlled lock - additional components , including end devices , of a guest ing mechanism of the latch assembly , and includes a radio engagement system . 

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US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

FIG . 10 is a perspective view of a gaming station that can identify an associated guest and are configured for secure 

be used as part of the guest engagement system . communication with the guest engagement system 10 . In the 

FIGS . 11 and 12 are simplified functional block diagrams examples detailed herein , the guest devices 11 take the form 

of computer hardware platforms that may be used to imple - of medallions and will generically be referenced as medal 

ment functionalities of the guest engagement system . 5 lions in this disclosure . However , the devices / medallions 11 

can take other formats , and the term medallion thus is not 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION intended to limit the scope of guest devices 11 that may be 

used as part of the system 10 . The guest devices / medallions 

In the following detailed description , numerous specific 11 are preferably light and compact so as to be readily worn 

details are set forth by way of examples in order to provide 10 or carried by users . The guest devices / medallions 11 are 

a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings . How - configured to communicate using at least one wireless 

ever , it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the communication technology / protocol and , preferably , are 

present teachings may be practiced without such details . In configured to communicate using two or more distinct 

other instances , well known methods , procedures , compo - wireless communication technologies / protocols . For 

nents , and / or circuitry have been described at a relatively 15 example , a medallion 11 can be configured to communicate 

high - level , without detail , in order to avoid unnecessarily according to both near field communication ( NFC ) standards obscuring aspects of the present teachings . and Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) standards , though the 

The various techniques and equipment systems disclosed medallion 11 may generally operate using only one of the 

herein enable automated engagement with users or guests of standards at any given time in order to reduce energy 

a facility using wireless sensing technologies . 20 expenditure . The guest engagement system relies on wireless sensing The guest engagement system 10 includes a sensor net 

technologies to securely identify guests based on medallions work 13 of sensors 15 mounted throughout the facility and 

worn or carried by the guests , and to automatically provide configured to communicate wirelessly with guests ' medal 

services to the guests based on the secure identification . The lions 11 . A sensor 15 of the network 13 may be used for 

system additionally provides enhanced engagement with 25 sensing a guest ' s location ( or proximity to the sensor 15 ) , for 

guests by maintaining a database of guest locations and example by detecting beacon signals or other signals emitted 

experiences , and enabling services to be provided to the by the medallion 11 . The sensor 15 can also engage in 

guest seamlessly regardless of the guests ' locations . two - way communication with the medallion 11 to transmit 

FIG . 1A provides a general block diagram showing com - information to and receive information from the medallion 

ponents of a guest engagement system 10 . The guest engage - 30 11 . A sensor 15 may also be located in or otherwise 

ment system 10 of FIG . 1A may be provided in a facility associated with a particular interface device 17 or interface 

such as a ship ( e . g . , cruise ship ) , hotel , restaurant , resort , function of the system , such as a sensor that is associated 

convention center , medical center or other treatment facility , with a door lock 17a , an automatic door or turnstile , a 

retail or other commercial establishment , entertainment vending terminal 17b , a cash register , a slot machine , an 

venue ( e . g . , concert hall , movie theater , arena , or stadium , 35 interactive display 17c or portal 17d , or the like . In some 

amusement park or casino ) , transportation center ( e . g . , air - situations , the sensor 15 is mounted within the interface 

port , marine port or terminal , train or bus station , multi - device 17 , while in other situations , a sensor 15 associated 

modal transport center ) , or other facility or combination of with an interface device 17 is mounted in the vicinity of the 

such facilities . In one example , the facility may be a cruise interface device . For example , a spotlight sensor can be 

ship hosting large numbers of guests , or a cruise ship line 40 placed above a location at which a user interacting with the 

including multiple cruise ships , associated shore facilities interface device 17 would be located ( e . g . , above a location 

( e . g . , port facilities ) , and partnering facilities ( e . g . , facilities directly in front of , and around 1 foot away from , the 

of partners providing shore activities for cruise guests ) . In interface device 17 ) , so as to only sense beacon signals 

another example , the facility may be a resort including one emitted by medallions of users located directly in front of 

or more hotels , restaurants , theaters , amusement parks , and 45 and close to the interface device 17 . When associated with 

other associated facilities distributed across one or more a particular interface device 17 or interface function , the 

geographic locations . In a further example , the facility may sensor 15 may engage in two - way communication with the 

be a set of facilities associated with a particular event , such medallion 11 and provide a secure communication channel 

as a convention or tradeshow , that includes locations of between the device and medallion , for example to provide 

multiple partnering establishments ( e . g . , hotels , restaurants , 50 automatic unlocking of the door lock based on secure 

museums , arenas , malls or other retail locations ) . Users of authentication of a particular guest ' s medallion . the guest engagement system are referenced generally herein The guest engagement system 10 can further make use of 

as guests 12 . In the example of a cruise ship , the guests 12 end devices such as BLE - enabled mobile devices , tablet 

include cruise passengers and can more generally include computers , or interactive displays to provide services to 

stewards , staff , and other users of guest devices 11 . In other 55 guests through sensing of ( and communication with ) medal 

examples , guests 12 can include any person interacting with lions 11 . The services provided using end devices can be 

the guest engagement system 10 including users of guest provided in addition to the aforementioned services pro devices 11 . Guests 12 may thus reference patients , nurses , vided using the sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 and of 

doctors , and visitors , among other users , in the illustrative interface devices 17 to provide services . As described in 

context of a medical or treatment facility ; convention goers 60 further detail below ( see , e . g . , the discussion of FIG . 9 ) , the 

and / or exhibitors in the illustrative context of a convention services provided through the end devices can include 

facility ; shoppers , staff members , travelers , sales personnel , location services ( including location - sensing of medallions 

and others in illustrative contexts of various types of com - based on the end devices sensing medallions ' beacon sig 

mercial establishments . nals , and reporting of sensed medallions and locations to a 

The guest engagement system 10 is configured to com - 65 system server 21 ) , and causing medallions to switch into or 

municate wirelessly with guest devices 11 , such as medal - out of a various operating modes ( e . g . , sleep , beacon , and 

lions worn or carried by guests 12 , which each uniquely bi - directional modes ) , among other services . 

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US 10 , 049 , 516 B2 

The guest engagement system 10 also includes one or relay control or communications from the communication 

more servers 21 communicatively connected to the network network 19 and servers 21 back to the medallions 11 via the 

13 of sensors , to the interface devices 17 , and wirelessly to sensors 15 . the medallions 11 via the various sensors 15 provided Each sensor network peripherals 14 includes a processor throughout the guest engagement system 10 and the asso - 5 and memory , and is operative to control operation of the 

ciated facility . One or more communications network ( s ) 19 sensor ( s ) 15 connected thereto . In particular , the use of the 

provide communication capabilities between the various sensor network peripheral 14 can enable the guest engage 

elements of the system 10 . In one example , the guest ment system 10 to function with sensors 15 having minimal 

engagement system 10 includes at least one authentication ( or no ) on - board processing power and memory , and sensors 

server used to authenticate guests ' medallions and provide 10 15 requiring minimal configuration during initial system installation . In particular , through the use of the sensor encryption and decryption services . The system can further network peripherals 14 , the individual sensors 15 do not include one or more servers storing databases of guest need to store individual network identifiers ( e . g . , unique information ( e . g . , guest reservations ) , payment transaction network addresses ) for use by the sensors 15 to identify servers servers ( ( e e . . g g . . , , including including guest guest billing billing Information information ) ) , , location location 15 1 themselves on the communication network 19 and to iden information ( e . g . , locations of sensors 15 within the facility , tify data transmitted by each respective sensor 15 on the and locations of medallions 11 throughout the facility and network 19 as having originated in the respective sensor 15 . elsewhere ) and the like . Instead , the sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to 

Detailed descriptions of various components of the guest package data received from sensors 15 connected thereto for 

engagement system 10 will now be provided with reference 20 communication across the network 19 , and in particular are 

to the accompanying figures . The descriptions are focused configured to associate with data received from each respec 

on illustrative embodiments of components of the system , tive sensor 15 an identifier for the respective sensor 15 . The 

and do not limit the scope of attributes and functions of the sensor network peripherals 14 are further configured to 

components and system . packetize the data from the sensors 15 for communication 

Two different structures of sensors 15 can be used in the 25 across the network 19 . Additionally , the individual sensors 

system . In one example , each individual sensor 15 in the 15 do not need to be operative to communicate on the 

guest engagement system 10 includes a processor and network 19 , and each respective sensor 15 does not need to 

memory that control , at least in part , operation of the sensor have processing power sufficient to identify and process 

15 . In such an example , each sensor may additionally packets destined for the respective sensor from among 

include a network transceiver including a communication 30 packets communicated across the network 19 . Instead , the 

port for communicatively connecting the sensor 15 to the sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to process data 

communication network 19 . The network transceiver may communicated across the network 19 to identify packets be an Ethernet , Wifi , or other appropriate transceiver . destined for the respective sensor network peripheral 14 

Alternatively or additionally , the guest engagement sys and / or for sensors 15 connected thereto , to process instruc 

tem 10 may include sensor network peripherals 14 distrib - 35 tions included in the packets , and to control the appropriate 

uted throughout the facility and operative to have sensors 15 sensor ( s ) 15 connected thereto according to the processed 

directly connected thereto . In such an example , FIG . 1B instructions , provides a general block diagram showing a more detailed As described above , the use of sensor network peripherals view of the sensor network 13 of the guest engagement 14 thereby enables the wireless guest engagement system 10 

system 10 showing sensor network peripherals 14 that are 40 to operate using low cost sensors 15 that do not include 

used to connect sensors 15 to the communication network network communication circuitry and include no or minimal 

19 . In particular , as shown in the figure , sensors 15 of the processing power and memory . Additionally , the use of 

sensor network 13 are each directly connected to respective sensor network peripherals 14 enables the wireless guest 

sensor network peripherals 14 , and each receive power from engagement system 10 to be configured for and begin and operate under the control of the corresponding sensor 45 Operation without having to assign individual network iden 

network peripheral 14 . In turn , the sensor network periph - tifiers to each sensor 15 , and / or without having to configure 

erals 14 are connected to the communication network 19 and the servers 21 with information on each individual sensor 15 

communicate with the servers 21 through the network 19 . in the system . Instead , the wireless guest engagement system 

Each sensor network peripheral generally includes a net - 10 can be configured for operation by connecting multitudes 

work transceiver for communication with the communica - 50 of sensors 15 directly to nearby sensor network peripherals 

tion network 19 , such as an Ethernet , Wifi , or other appro - 14 located throughout the facility , and configuring the sensor 

priate network transceiver . Each sensor network peripheral network peripherals 14 for communication through the 

14 further includes at least one port for connecting at least communication network 19 with the servers 21 . one associated sensor 15 . For example , the sensor network While the foregoing description has focused on sensor 

peripheral 14 typically includes one or more communication 55 network peripherals 14 being directly connected to sensors 

buses through which multiple sensors 15 or other devices 15 configured to sense the presence of and / or communicate 

can be connected . For instance , a sensor network peripheral with medallions 11 , the sensor network 13 and the sensor 

14 may include two buses each operative to connect up to network peripherals 14 can more generally support other 

sixteen sensors 15 in one example . Through these connec - types of sensors or devices ( reference generally by numeral 

tions , the sensor network peripherals 14 serve to relay 60 16 in FIG . 1B ) . Specifically , the sensor network 13 and the 

sensing information captured by the sensors 15 to the sensor network peripherals 14 can be used to control opera 

communication network 19 and servers 21 , and to relay tion of and relay sensing data from the other sensors or 

control or communications from the communication net - devices 16 through the communication network 19 . The 

work 19 and servers 21 back to the sensors 15 . The sensor sensors or devices 16 may include sensors such as smoke or 

network peripherals 14 may further relay data or other 65 CO ( carbon monoxide ) sensors , infrared or occupancy sen 

communications received from medallions 11 by the sensors sors , photodiodes or light sensors , temperature and / or 

15 to the communication network 19 and servers 21 , and to humidity sensors , and the like . The other sensors or devices 

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16 can also include devices such as speakers and / or micro - mined angle ( e . g . , 3 degrees ( + / - 1 degree ) relative to a 

phones ( e . g . , parts of a public address ( PA ) system ) , actua right - angled edge , corresponding to an angle of 87 degrees 

tors or controllers ( e . g . , for opening or closing vents or ( range of 86 - 88 degrees ) relative to the front or back window shades ) , switches or relays ( e . g . , for turning on / off surface ) . The angle is such that the rear / lower opening of the 

lights , heating and ventilation , power ) , cameras ( e . g . , as part 5 cavity is larger than the front / upper opening , to thereby of a security system ) , and the like . The sensor network prevent the medallion 11 from passing through the cavity . peripherals 14 can further be configured to support sensors Similarly , the medallion 11 can tapered shape having an 

mounted in ( or associated with ) vending terminals 17b , angled edge along is outer peripheral surface , and the edge interactive displays 17c , and other interface devices 17 may be angled with a predetermined angle equal to that of described throughout this document . the cavity ( e . g . , 3 degrees ( + / - 1 degree ) relative to a The functionality provided by the sensor network periph erals 14 can also be incorporated into other components of right - angled edge , corresponding to an angle of 87 degrees 

( range of 86 - 88 degrees ) relative to the front or back the wireless guest engagement system 10 . Notably , the surface ) , as also shown in FIG . 2C . The angled edge of the functionality of the sensor network peripherals 14 can be 

incorporated into components that include a processor , 15 5 medallion is such that the medallion has a smaller dimension 

memory , and a network transceiver for communication ( e . g . , smaller diameter ) on the front / upper surface 11a of the 

across the communication network 19 . For example , as medallion 11 relative to the back / lower surface 11b of the 

shown in FIG . 1B , an access panel 705 provided in asso medallion 11 . As such , the combination of angled edges of 

ciation with a door lock 17a may be configured for use as a the medallion 11 and cavity in the accessory 201 ensure that 

sensor network peripheral 14 . Note that the access panel 705 20 the medallion can only be placed in the accessory 201 in 

is described in further detail below in relation to FIGS . such a way that the front surface 11a of the medallion 11 

7A - 7 ) . In the example of FIG . 1B , the access panel 705 can faces outwards while a back surface 11b faces rearwards . include at least one port and / or bus for connecting one or Additionally , the medallion 11 may be sized to be slightly multiple sensors 15 thereto , and the access panel 705 may be smaller than the cavity so as to ease the fit of the medallion 

configured to support operation of the sensors 15 as 25 11 within the cavity . For example , the medallion 11 may 

described above in relation to the sensor network peripherals have an outer dimension , such as an outer diameter , that is 

14 . 0 . 75 mm ( e . g . , range of 0 . 5 - 1 mm ) smaller than the inner As detailed above , a guest device 11 can take the form of dimension / diameter of the cavity to enable the medallion 11 

a medallion 11 , such as the illustrative medallion 11 shown to be inserted into the cavity even in the medallion is not in FIG . 2A . As shown , the medallion 11 takes the form of a 30 perfectly aligned with the cavity and / or is tilted with respect token having an outer diameter of approximately 1 . 25 inches to the cavity . ( range of 0 . 75 to 2 . 5 inches ) , a thickness of approximately In summary , the medallion can thereby easily and 3 / 8 inch ( range of 1 / 8 to 5 / 8 inch ) , and a weight of approxi mately 1 . 8 ounces ( range of 1 . 2 - 2 . 4 ounces ) . securely couple to the accessory 201 by virtue of the 

The medallion 11 is configured to be insertable into 35 following features . The medallion 11 has an angled edge , different accessories worn by guests 12 . The accessories sloping at a predetermined angle ( e . g . , 3 degrees ) from the 

enable the medallions 11 to be securely attached to the “ front ” surface of the medallion to the “ rear ” surface so as 

guests 12 so as to ensure that guests do not inadvertently lose to align with the oppositely formed angled edge of the 

or misplace their medallions . FIG . 2B shows an illustrative accessory 201 . The angled edge design allows for alignment 

accessory 201 that takes the form of a wrist - band or bracelet . 40 of the medallion 11 to the accessory by inserting the medal 

Other types of accessories , including lanyards , pendants , lion in the “ rear ” side of the accessory . Since the medallion 

keychains , necklaces , belt buckles , bathing suites ( e . g . , 11 can only be inserted into or removed from the rear of the 

bikini rings ) , body piercings , and the like , some of which are accessory 201 , the forces needed to dislodge the medallion 

shown in FIGS . 4A - 4F , can also be used . The medallion 11 11 from the accessory 201 are rearward and thus opposed to 

is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the wrist - band 45 a body of a guest wearing the accessory 201 ( and / or opposed 

accessory 201 that is shaped and sized to receive the to another surface preventing the easy dislodging of the 

medallion 11 . As shown , the medallion 11 is inserted via a medallion ) when the medallion is in the accessory 201 . As 

rear of the wrist band accessory 201 , i . e . , via a side of the such , the medallion 11 cannot readily be dislodged or 

accessory 201 that is designed to face the user , such as the removed from the accessory 201 when the accessory is worn 

inside surface of the wrist - band that is designed to contact a 50 201 . wrist of a user when the wrist - band is worn . The medallion The foregoing description has focused on medallions 11 

11 is inserted via a rear of the wrist band accessory 201 so having circular shapes , and corresponding cavities having 

as to ensure that the medallion 11 cannot inadvertently slip circular shapes . However , this disclosure is not limited to 

out of the accessory 201 when the accessory 201 is worn by such medallions and cavities . More generally , medallions 11 

the user . In particular , as shown in FIG . 2C , the cavity of the 55 and corresponding cavities in accessories may have oval or 

accessory 201 configured to receive the medallion can be other rounded shapes or square , rectangular , or other angular tapered and thus have an angled or chamfered edge ensuring shapes ( e . g . , triangular , pentagonal , hexagonal , etc . ) . In each 

that the medallion 11 can be inserted into cavity of the case , the medallions 11 and corresponding cavities may have 

accessory 201 but cannot pass through the cavity and exit the tapered shapes including angled edges sloping at a prede 

accessory 201 through a front surface thereof . In the 60 termined angle ( e . g . , 3 degrees ) from the " front " surface of 

example of FIG . 2C , the edge is angled at approximately 3 the medallion to the “ rear ” surface so as to ensure that the 

degrees relative to a right - angled edge ( corresponding to an medallion 11 can only be inserted into or removed from the 

angle of 87 degrees relative to the front or back surface ) . In rear of the accessory 201 . In such cases , the medallions 11 

detail , the cavity in the example of FIG . 2C may not have a may have front and rear surfaces having substantially similar 

cylindrical shape but may instead have a tapered shape , e . g . 65 ( or identical ) shapes and different dimensions so as to confer 

a frustum shape of a slice of a cone having a circular base the tapered shape to the medallions 11 , and the cavities in the 

and edges angled relative to the circular base at a predeter accessories may similarly have front and rear openings 

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12 

having substantially similar ( or identical ) shapes and differ configured to house the medallion 11 , the accessory 201 

ent dimensions so as to confer the tapered shape to the includes a gap in the metal outer rim of the cavity . The gap cavities . in the metal outer rim ( or between metal outer rim parts ) 

Additionally , the medallion 11 and accessory 201 can ensures that eddy currents cannot flow around the metal 

include magnets used to ensure that the medallion 11 is 5 outer rim , and thereby ensures that eddy current flow does 

automatically positioned in a predetermined rotational ori - not significantly dampen the wireless communication capa 

entation with the cavity of the accessory 201 ( e . g . , self - bility of a medallion 11 housed in the accessory 201 . To 

alignment of the medallion 11 in the accessory 201 ) . The ensure proper function of the gaps in the metal outer rims of 

magnets additionally provide magnetic adhesion between the medallion 11 and accessory 201 , the gaps of the medal 

the medallion 11 and accessory 201 to reduce the chances of 10 lion 11 and accessory 201 should be aligned when the 

the medallion 11 coming loose from ( and / or falling out of ) medallion 11 is mounted in the accessory 201 . Specifically , the accessory 201 . Different numbers of magnets can be the alignment of the gaps ensures that even if the outer metal 

used for this purpose . For example , two , three , four , or five rims of the medallion 11 and accessory 201 contact each 

or more magnets can be used . The magnets may be evenly other , the metal rims do not jointly form a closed metal loop spaced around peripheries of the medallion 11 and of the 15 around the electronics of the medallion 11 . In order to ensure cavity or , more generally , can be spaced at predetermined alignment of the gaps , magnets such as those described 

locations around the peripheries selected such each magnet above in relation to FIGS . 2D and 2E can be used to provide 

mounted in the medallion 11 aligns with a corresponding a desired rotational alignment of the medallion 11 within the 

magnet mounted in the periphery of the cavity when the accessory 201 . The geometry and polarity of the magnets are 

medallion 11 is inserted in a desired orientation in the cavity 20 arranged so as to have the medallion self - orient in the 

of the accessory . accessory with the gaps in the metal outer rings aligned with 

As shown in FIG . 2D , four magnets can be provided in the each other ( e . g . , adjacent to each other or in contact with 

accessory 201 at positions aligned with four magnets pro each other ) . vided in the medallion 11 to ensure that the medallion 11 is The gaps in the medallion 11 and in the accessory 201 

always orientated in the correct position in the X and Y axis . 25 have widths selected to ensure that a closed metal loop is not 

In particular , opposite polarity magnets can be provided at formed even if the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 are 

each location in the medallion 11 and accessory 201 , as not in perfect alignment . Alternatively or additionally , an 

shown in FIG . 2E , so as to automatically align the medallion insulating liner 41 such as a plastic or other insulating liner 

11 in a particular rotational orientation relative to the acces shown in FIGS . 3C and 3D can be provided along an inner 

sory 201 . For example , in the magnet coupling mechanism 30 surface of the cavity in the accessory 201 housing the 

of FIG . 2E , the magnets on the top of the medallion 11 and medallion 11 . The insulating liner 41 can extend along an 

accessory 201 ( e . g . , the “ top ” in the orientation shown in entire circumference of the cavity , or the insulating liner 41 

FIG . 2D ) have polarities that are inverted relative to the can be located so as to contact the gap in the metal outer rim 

magnets at the bottom of the medallion 11 and accessory 201 of a medallion 11 when the medallion 11 is mounted in the 

( e . g . , the “ bottom ” in the orientation shown in FIG . 2D ) , so 35 desired orientation in the accessory 201 . The insulating liner 

as to prevent the medallion 11 from being inserted rotation 41 ensures that a metal rim of the accessory 201 does not 

ally upside down relative to the orientation shown in FIGS . form a short circuit across the gap in the metal outer rim of 

2D and 2E . This feature , along with the angled edges the medallion 11 by providing insulation between the gap in 

detailed in relation to FIGS . 2B and 2C , ensure that the the metal outer rims of the medallion 11 and the accessory 

medallion 11 can only be ( or is preferentially ) inserted into 40 201 . the accessory 201 in one orientation . As shown in FIG . 3A , As shown in FIG . 2B , the accessory 201 can take the form 

the medallion 11 can have a metal outer rim and a plastic of a wrist - band . However , other accessory formats can also 

body disposed within the interior of the metal outer rim . be used . For example , FIGS . 4A - 4E show various other 

Electronics included in the medallion 11 are mounted within types of accessories configured to have medallions 11 

the plastic body . The metal outer rim is interrupted in at least 45 inserted therein . In this regard , FIG . 4A shows a sport band 

one location to form an open ring , and includes a plastic or accessory including a sports band ( made , e . g . , of silicone ) , other non - conducting spacer within the resulting gap . For a retaining ring ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel and including 

example , in the embodiment of FIG . 3A , the metal outer rim a gap filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) that fits into 

is formed of two separate semi - circular metal housings that , the sports band and includes indentations for holding mag 

when disposed along the outer rim of the medallion 11 , are 50 nets , and a two - part clasp designed to close the band around 

spaced part from each other by two diametrically opposed a user ' s wrist . The retaining ring includes , in its center , the 

gaps . The gaps in the metal outer rim ( or between metal cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11 . FIG . outer rim parts ) ensure that eddy currents cannot flow 4B shows a clip ( made , e . g . , of aluminum ) that includes a 

around the metal outer rim , and thereby ensure that eddy cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11 , and 

current flow does not significantly dampen the wireless 55 further includes a gap filled with a non - conducting material 

communication capabilities of the medallions 11 . Alterna - 31 around the periphery of the cavity . The clip may be 

tively , as shown in FIG . 3E , the circular metal housing can attached to a keychain in some examples . FIG . 4C shows a 

include one or more gaps that are filled by injection molded cuff ( made , e . g . , of nylon ) that includes a retaining ring 

plastic . As also shown in FIG . 3E , the circular metal housing ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel and including a gap filled with 

can include indentations for placing magnets such as those 60 a non - conducting material such as plastic ) that fits into the 

described above in relation to FIGS . 2D - 2E . In general , the cuff and includes indentations for holding magnets . The 

metal outer ring is formed of a non - magnetic metal material retaining ring includes , in its center , the cavity configured to 

and can be formed , for example , of burnished aluminum . releasably house a medallion 11 . A similar gap in a metal outer rim can be included in FIG . 4D shows a bracelet ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel 

accessories 201 , as shown in FIG . 3B . In detail , in embodi - 65 including a gap 32 filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) , ments in which an accessory 201 is metallic or includes and a retaining ring 33 ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel and 

metallic components around the periphery of the cavity including a gap filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) 

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that fits into the bracelet and includes indentations 34 for center . For this purpose , the block of material used for 

holding magnets . The retaining ring includes , in its center , machining may be a plastic - impregnated metal . 

the cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11 . FIGS . 5F and 5G show detailed views of PCB assemblies 

FIG . 4E shows a pendant ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel 511 used in medallions 11 , which show in detail the J - shaped including a gap 32 filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) , 5 BLE antenna mounted on an upper surface of the PCB . As 

and a retaining ring 33 ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel and shown in FIG . 5F , the J - shaped BLE antenna can be formed 

including a gap filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) of stamp - cut steel , include machine - bent tabs , and include 

that fits into the pendant and includes indentations for alignment pins for placement on the PCB . The pins may also 

holding magnets . The retaining ring includes , in its center , provide connection to ground and feed pads . As shown in 

the cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11 . In " FIG . 5G , the J - shaped BLE antenna can be formed using a 

some examples , the pendant is configured to attach to a laser direct structuring ( LDS ) process as an injection 

decorative chain for wearing by a guest . In other examples , molded plastic part plated with metal , and may include snap the pendant is configured to attach to a keychain or other features on a bottom of the molded part for use in placement 

item . Finally , FIG . 4F shows a mount configured to be worn 1 and alignment on the PCB . 

using a watch - type band . The mount ( made , e . g . , of stainless Detailed schematics of the J - shaped BLE antenna are 

steel including a gap filled with a non - conducting material ) provided in FIGS . 5H - 5L . FIGS . 5H - 5K show detailed 

has a retaining ring ( made , e . g . , of stainless steel and schematic views of the BLE antenna provided from front , including a gap filled with a non - conducting material 31 ) side , rear , and bottom views , respectively , while FIG . 5L 

that fits into the mount and includes indentations for holding 20 provides a perspective view of the BLE antenna . Dimen 

magnets . sions of the antenna and design tolerances on the dimensions 

The accessories shown in FIGS . 4A - 4E are non - limiting are provided in the figures in millimeters ( mm ) . The dimen 

examples of accessories in which medallions 11 can be sions provided are illustrative , and the BLE antenna can be 

mounted . However , other types of accessories , including scaled up or scaled down relative to the dimensions shown 

lanyards , pendants , keychains , necklaces , belt buckles , bath - 25 depending on the particular application in which the BLE 

ing suites ( e . g . , bikini rings ) , body piercings , and the like , antenna element is to be used . In the embodiment shown in 

may also be used . the figures , the dimensions of the antenna are set such that 

The foregoing description of the medallions 11 has an overall length of the antenna enables the antenna to 

focused on external attributes of the medallions 11 , such as resonate at a desired frequency in the 2 . 4 GHz range , for 

the medallions shown in FIG . 5A . Specifically , FIG . 5A 30 example by setting an overall length of the radiation element 

shows top , bottom , and side views of an illustrative medal - to approximately 1 / 4 wavelength at 2 . 4 GHz . Moreover , the 

lion 11 . The following description of FIGS . 5B - 5E details radius of curvature of the J - shaped antenna may be set to 

internal structures of various embodiments of the medal - maximize the radius of curvature of the antenna within the 

lions . space constraints imposed by the cavity of the medallion 

As shown in FIGS . 5B , 5C , 5D , and 5E , different embodi - 35 within which the antenna is located while ensuring that the 

ments of medallions 11 include magnets 501 , a bottom cap antenna does not contact a metallic outer ring of the medal 

503 , a foam filler 505 , a battery assembly 507 ( e . g . , a lion . CR2025 battery ) , an insulation film spacer 509 , a printed In embodiments in which the J - shaped BLE antenna is 

circuit board assembly ( PCBA ) 511 , a BLE antenna 513 formed using a laser direct structuring ( LDS ) process as an 

( e . g . , a J - shaped BLE antenna ) , an NFC antenna 515 ( e . g . , 40 injection - molded plastic part plated with metal , the rear 

a wound wire coil antenna ) , a metal housing 517 ( e . g . , of surface ( shown in FIG . 5J ) may be formed of the injection 

aluminum ) , and a top cap 519 . The BLE antenna 513 can be molded plastic part while the front surface ( shown in FIG . soldered to an upper surface of the PCB 511 , while the NFC 5H ) may be substantially fully plated with metal . The metal 

antenna 515 may be connected to the PCB 511 by pogo pins . plating formed on the front surface may extend to the rear 

In the embodiment of FIG . 5E , the NFC antenna 515 is 45 surface , and may notably extend to those portions of the rear 

coated in silicone for durability . As shown in FIG . 5B , the surface shown in gray shading in FIG . 5J . In particular , the 

magnets 501 may fit within indentations provided in the top metal plating may extend along a top edge 521 of the 

cap 519 ( or , alternatively , in the bottom cap 503 ) and be held J - shaped antenna to the rear surface of the antenna and 

in place by the indentations . Alternatively , as shown in FIG . thereby provide an antenna ground terminal that is electri 

5E , the magnets 501 may fit within indentations provided in 50 cally connected to a ground terminal of the PCBA 511 . The 

the silicone coating the NFC antenna 515 and may be held metal plating may further extend onto a side protrusion 523 

in place by the indentations . of the J - shaped antenna to the rear surface of the antenna and 

In the embodiment of FIGS . 5B , 5D , and 5E , the metal thereby provide an RF signal terminal that is electrically housing 517 is manufactured separately from the bottom and connected to the PCBA 511 . In operation , the PCBA 511 

top caps 503 and 519 . The metal housing 517 may be made 55 may thus apply signals between the ground terminal ( at 521 ) 

of aluminum or other metal , while the bottom and top caps and the RF signal terminal ( at 523 ) in order to emit BLE 

503 and 519 may be made of plastic . In contrast , in the signals using the antenna , and may sense signals at those 

embodiment of FIG . 5C , the top cap 519 is integrally formed terminals in order to receive BLE signals using the antenna . with the metal housing 517 . For example , in the embodiment Additionally , as shown in the cross - sectional view shown 

of FIG . 5C , the top cap 519 and metal housing 517 may be 60 in FIG . 51 , the J - shaped antenna has a non - planar profile 

machined out of a block of material including metal and including two bend points used to elevate the antenna 

plastic materials disposed within the block such that , fol - element above the ground plane of the PCBA 511 . By 

lowing machining , the top cap 519 has an open metal ring spacing the antenna element high above the ground plane , ( e . g . , at 517 ) disposed around its outer peripheral surface the antenna element is capable of radiating more RF energy . that is interrupted by one or more gaps that are filled with 65 Finally , corners of the J - shaped antenna can be formed by plastic or other insulating material . Additionally , following laser trimming so as not to be right angled ( 90 degree ) in 

machining , the top cap 519 has a plastic ( or insulating ) order to enable fine frequency tuning . 

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po - whi 

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FIG . 6 is a block diagram showing functional components The guest engagement system 10 may thus be able to 

of a medallion 11 . The components shown in FIG . 6 , provide limited services to guests even if the guests ' medal 

including the microprocessor 603 , memory 601 , transceivers lions do not receive sufficient operating power from their 

607 and 609 , and sensor 605 , form part of the PCBA 511 batteries . shown in FIGS . 5B - 5E . 5 . When the battery 507 provides sufficient power for opera 

As shown in FIG . 6 , the medallion 11 includes a memory tion of the BLE transceiver , the medallion 11 is configured 601 , microprocessor 603 , optional sensor ( s ) 605 such as an to operate using three distinct modes of operation . Specifi 

accelerometer , one or more transceivers 607 , 609 and asso cally , the memory 601 stores programming instructions 

ciated antennas 513 , 515 , and the battery 507 . The compo which , when executed by the microprocessor 603 , cause the 

nents may be communicatively and / or electrically connected 10 medallion 11 to operate according to a selected one of the 

to each other by circuits integrated in the PCB of the PCBA three modes of operation . Initially , when a medallion 11 is 

511 . In particular , the memory 601 is communicatively first activated by being provided with a battery 507 , the 

connected to the microprocessor 603 , such that machine - medallion 11 operates in the sleep mode of operation . The 

executable programming instructions stored in the memory sleep mode of operation is a very low power mode of 

601 can be executed by the microprocessor 603 to cause the 15 operation which conserves battery power . In the sleep mode 

medallion 11 to perform functions such as those described of operation , the medallion 11 listens periodically for net 

throughout this disclosure . In addition to programming work advertisements from a recognized guest engagement instructions , the memory 601 stores a unique identifier used system 10 and remains in the sleep mode of operation as 

by the guest engagement system 10 to uniquely identify each long as an advertisement is not received from a recognized 

medallion . The memory 610 can also store encryption and 20 guest engagement system 10 . In the sleep mode of operation , decryption keys , and encrypted data . For example , in one the medallion 11 listens for network advertisements on a 

example , the memory stores both a public identifier for the periodic schedule _ such as once every 30 seconds , once 

medallion 11 that uniquely identifies the medallion and is every minute , once every 5 minutes , or the like . If a network 

broadcast in the beacon signal emitted by the medallion , and advertisement is received during a periodic listen period , the 

a private identifier that also uniquely identifies the medal - 25 medallion 11 determines whether the advertisement is for a 

lion , is stored in an encrypted format in the memory , and is recognized guest engagement system 10 and , upon deter 

used to securely authenticate the medallion ( e . g . , for use in mining that the advertisement is from a recognized guest 

payments and for unlocking doors ) . Additionally , the micro engagement system 10 , the medallion 11 switches to the 

processor 603 is communicatively connected to one or more bi - directional mode of operation . optional sensors 605 , such as an accelerometer sensor , and 30 In the bi - directional mode of operation , the medallion 11 

to one or more transceivers 607 , 609 . is configured to both emit a beacon signal via the BLE 

As noted above , the medallion includes at least one transceiver 607 and antenna 513 , and to listen for commu 

transceiver and associated antenna configured for wireless nications from the recognized guest engagement system 10 

communication with the guest engagement system 10 . As via the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513 . The medallion 

shown , the medallion 11 includes two transceivers each 35 11 may additionally listen for communications via the NFC 

operating according to a different communication standard . transceiver 609 and antenna 515 in the bi - directional mode 

In the example , a first transceiver 607 operates according to of operation . The medallion 11 listens for communications 

the BLE standard , and is connected to an associated antenna from the recognized guest engagement system 10 on a 

513 used for BLE communications , while a second trans - periodic basis in the bi - directional mode of operation , for 

ceiver 609 operates according to the NFC standard ( e . g . , a 40 example every 10 ms , every 100 ms , or the like . Further 

radio - frequency identification ( RFID ) standard ) , and is con - detailed information on the bi - directional mode of operation 

nected to an associated antenna 515 used for NFC commu - is provided below in relation to the description of the door 

nications . While each transceiver is shown as having a lock . The medallion 11 may continue to operate in the 

dedicated antenna in FIG . 6 , in some embodiments two or bi - directional mode of operation until the medallion 11 

more transceivers may share a same antenna . 45 receives a communication from the recognized guest 

As described above , the BLE transceiver and antenna is engagement system 10 causing the operating mode to switch 

used by the medallion 11 to emit periodic beacon signals that to the beacon mode of operation . The bi - directional mode of 

enable the guest engagement system 10 to determine the operation may consume higher power than the sleep mode of 

location and identity of a guest and provide services to the operation . guest . The BLE transceiver and antenna can also be used for 50 In the beacon mode of operation , the medallion 11 is 

secure communications . The operation of the BLE trans - configured to emit the beacon signal via the BLE transceiver 

ceiver and antenna , however , generally requires that the 607 and antenna 513 . Optionally , the medallion may peri 

battery 507 provides sufficient power to the medallion 11 for o dically listen for communications from the recognized 

operation . When the charge level of the battery 507 falls guest engagement system 10 via the BLE transceiver 607 

below a threshold , and / or the battery or BLE transceiver 55 and antenna 513 , but the listen time periods occur less 

fails , the medallion 11 may be unable to communicate using frequently ( e . g . , every second , every 5 s , or the like ) in the 

BLE signals . In such situations , the medallion can nonethe - beacon mode of operation than in the bi - directional mode of 

less operate as a passive NFC / RFID device . In particular , to operation . As a result , the beacon mode of operation is 

function as a passive NFC / RFID device , the medallion does associated with a lower power consumption than the bi 

not require any power from the battery for operation . 60 directional mode of operation , but a higher power consump 

Instead , the medallion operates based on power harvested tion than the sleep mode of operation . The periodic listen 

through the NFC antenna from radio frequency signals periods in the beacon mode of operation are used to listen for 

inducing current flow in the antenna . When operating as a communications from the recognized guest engagement passive NFC / RFID device , the medallion may be configured system 10 causing operation mode to switch to the bi 

to transmit signals including the medallion ' s unique identi - 65 directional mode of operation . fier in response to receiving RFID interrogation signals or In both the bi - directional and beacon modes of operations , other signals inducing sufficient current flow in the antenna . periodic beacon signals are transmitted from the medallion 

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17 18 

11 . In general , the beacon signals include a unique identifier of the latch assembly 701 is controlled by the door lock 

of the medallion , and are transmitted on a periodic basis module 703 , which is an electronic module operative to send 

( e . g . , every 10 ms , every 100 ms , every second , or the like ) . locking and unlocking signals to the electronically con 

The beacon signals can be sensed by sensors 15 of the trolled locking mechanism . The latch assembly 701 will 

recognized guest engagement system 10 , and used by the 5 generally also include a mechanical locking and unlocking guest engagement system 10 to determine the approximate mechanism , such as a key - based mechanism that enables the position of the medallion 11 within the facility . The beacon door to be unlocked using a physical key . signals are also used by the recognized guest engagement The door lock module 703 is electrically connected to the system 10 to provide services to the guest , as described in latch assembly 701 , and more specifically to the locking more detail below . mechanism of the latch assembly 701 , by a wire or other The medallions 11 communicate wirelessly with the sen conductor . The door lock module 703 generally is battery sors 15 of the recognized guest engagement system 10 to powered and is mounted within the door , although the door enable the guest engagement system to provide automated 

engagement with users or guests of the facility in which the lock module 703 can be placed in different locations depend 

sors 15 are mounted . While the sensors 15 can be 15 ing on implementation . A same battery may be used to 

mounted throughout the facility , some sensors 15 are power both the door lock module 703 and the electronically 

mounted in or otherwise associated with a particular inter - controlled locking and unlocking mechanism of the latch 

face device 17 or interface function of the system . As shown assembly 701 . In addition to controlling the electronically in FIG . 1A , interface devices 17 include door locks 17a , controlled locking mechanism , the door lock module 703 

automatic doors or turnstiles , vending terminals 17b , cash 20 communicates wirelessly with the access panel 705 from 

registers , slot machines , interactive displays 17c or portals which it receives instructions to unlock the door . 17d , and the like . A particular interface device 17 , which The access panel 705 communicates wirelessly with the 

provides functionality of a door lock 17a , is described in door lock module 703 , and provides instructions to unlock 

detail below with respect to FIGS . 7A - 71 . the door to the door lock module 703 . The access panel 705 

The door lock 17a provides guests the ability to gain 25 also communicates wirelessly with guests ' medallions 11 

access to their cruise ship stateroom , resort room , or other and determines , based on a secure read of information stored 

limited access facility ( e . g . , a VIP lounge , spa , fitness in a guest ' s medallion 11 , whether or not to instruct the door 

facility , elevator bank , or the like ) simply by walking up to lock module 703 to unlock the door . The access panel 705 

the door , reaching out to grasp the handle , and opening the additionally communicates with a central reservation server 

door that is automatically unlocked based on wireless com - 30 21 of the guest engagement system 10 to securely retrieve 

munications with the guests ' medallions 11 . Specifically , the information on guests permitted access to the door , and 

door lock 17a detects the presence of a medallion 11 in front determines whether or not to instruct the door lock module 

of ( or in close proximity to the door and unlocks the door 703 to unlock the door based on whether the information 

for permitted guest ( s ) or service personnel ( e . g . , stateroom obtained from the guest ' s medallion 11 ( e . g . , a unique stewards , maids , or facilities engineers ) . Additionally , the 35 encrypted identifier ) matches that of a guest permitted 

door lock 17a can include a display panel that provides a access to the door . While the access panel 705 can be battery visual and audio greeting to the guest and can provide powered , the access panel 705 generally receives power real - time information about the guest ' s up - coming activities , from an external source ( e . g . , via power over Ethernet 

and / or messages from the crew , staff , or other members of ( POE ) ) . In some examples , the access panel 705 communi 

the guest ' s party . The door lock display panel can include a 40 cates wirelessly with the central reservation server 21 , for 

panel - mounted camera used to record images and video of example via a Wi - Fi network . Generally , however , the 

unauthorized persons attempting to access the room as well access panel 705 is connected to a wired network ( e . g . , an 

as images of crew , staff members , and others who access the Ethernet network ) through which it communicates wire 

room . lessly with the central reservation server 21 and through 

FIGS . 7A - 71 illustratively show an automated door lock 45 which it receives electrical power for operation . Note that 

assembly 700 that provides the functionality of the door lock the access panel 705 may be connected to an uninterruptible 

17a to automatically unlock a door based on an interaction power supply ( UPS ) so as to be able to continue to function 

with a guest ' s medallion 11 . As shown in FIG . 7A , the even if power received from a power grid or generator is 

automated door lock assembly 700 can be used on a ship interrupted . 

( e . g . , a cruise ship ) or a hotel to selectively unlock the door 50 FIGS . 7C and 7D provide detailed views of an illustrative 

of a guest ' s room ( e . g . , a state room or hotel room ) . access panel 705 . As shown in the figures , the access panel 

Specifically , the automated door lock assembly 700 can be includes a flat - panel display ( e . g . , a 7 " touch sensitive 

used to selectively unlock the door of a guest ' s room to display ) , an integrated camera , and wireless transceivers and 

allow entry into the room . In general , the door remains associated antenna ( s ) for communicating with medallions 11 

unlocked at all times from the inside of the room , to allow 55 via BLE and / or NFC . The flat - panel display can be used to 

guests to exit the room unimpeded . provide greetings to guests for whom the door in unlocked , The automated door lock assembly 700 includes a latch to provide information to guests for whom the door in not 

assembly 701 shown in more detail in FIGS . 7E , 76 , and 71 , unlocked , as well as to provide other information . Further 

a door lock module 703 that selectively unlocks the latch functions of the access panel 705 are described in more 

assembly 701 , and an access panel 705 mounted proximate 60 detail below . to the door . The latch assembly 701 includes a latch and a FIGS . 7E , 76 , and 71 provide exploded views of the latch 

door handle , knob , or other mechanical component ( s ) that assembly 701 , including the door handle / knob and door 

provide door handle / knob functionality , and is generally latch mechanism . Additionally , FIG . 7E shows the door lock 

mounted within the door that it controls . The latch assembly module 703 that can be located within the casing of the latch 

701 also includes an electronically controlled locking and 65 assembly 701 and that controls operation of the electroni 

unlocking mechanism , such as a locking mechanism con - cally controlled unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 

trolled by a solenoid . The locking and unlocking mechanism 701 . 

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20 

Additionally , as shown in FIGS . 7E , 76 , and 71 , the latch by the spotlight sensor 15 and emitted from medallions 11 of 

assembly 701 includes electrical isolation sleeves mounted guests located directly in front of the door . Additionally , a 

on the spindle of the door handle and configured to electri - network transceiver enables the access panel 705 to com 

cally isolate the door handle from other portions of the latch municate across a wired or wireless network , such as across 

assembly 701 . For example , the electrical isolation sleeves 5 the communication network 19 of the guest engagement 

may isolate the door handle from the latch mechanism . The system 10 with a central reservation server 21 . In general , electrical isolation of the door handle can enable the door each access panel 705 is associated with one particular door 

handle to be used by the door lock module 703 as a that it is located adjacent to , and the access panel 705 is 

communication antenna for its ISM radio . The electrical associated one - to - one with the door lock module 703 of that 

isolation of the door handle can further enable the door lock 10 one door such that the access panel 705 can only control 

module 703 to monitor a capacitance of the door handle and unlocking of the one door and the door lock module 703 

identify changes in the capacitance of the door handle . In operates in response from commands from only that access 

one example , the door lock module 703 measures changes in panel 705 . an electrical potential of the door handle by charging the In operation , the latch assembly 701 generally maintains 

door handle to a nominal voltage ( e . g . , 0 . 05 V ) and deter - 15 the door in a locked state as a default . The access panel 705 

mining when the electrical potential of the door handle has maintains its BLE transceiver ( or the BLE transceiver of the 

returned to zero . The monitoring of capacitance performed associated sensor 15 ) activated so as to detect any beacon 

by the door lock module 703 enables the door lock module signals transmitted by medallions 11 operating in proximity 703 to determine when a person touches , contacts , or is in to the access panel 705 . For this purpose , the access panel close proximity ( e . g . , less than a few centimeters ) to the door 20 705 and / or its associated sensor 15 may be configured to 

handle so as to activate the unlocking mechanism of the detect beacon signals transmitted by recognized medallions 

latch assembly 701 only when a person contacts or is in that are within a range of 2 - 4 feet from the access panel . close proximity to the door handle . Thus , when a recognized medallion 11 enters the read range 

FIG . 7F shows a semi - transparent view of an alternative of the access panel 705 and / or its associated sensor 15 , the 

latch assembly 701 . As shown , the latch assembly includes 25 access panel 705 begins to receive the periodic beacon 

an LED status indicator , shown as a translucent ring - shaped signals transmitted by the medallion 11 and initiates a door 

indicator disposed around a base of the door handle , that is unlocking sequence . used to provide status information of the door latch assem - First , based on the timing of receipt of a recognized 

bly . In one example , the LED status indicator may provide beacon signal , the access panel 705 determines when the 

green illumination when a guest is authorized to open the 30 next time period during which the medallion will listen for 

door and provide red illumination when a guest is denied communications from the guest engagement system 10 will 

authorization to open the door . occur . In turn , during the determined time period , the access 

FIG . 7H is a block diagram illustratively showing com - panel 705 initiates a secure connection to the medallion 11 

ponents of the door lock module 703 and of the access panel across which the access panel 705 can request the medal 

705 . As shown in FIG . 7H , the door lock module 703 35 lion ' s unique private identifier ( e . g . , using encryption such 

includes a microprocessor controlling operation of the door as elliptic curve cryptography ( ECC ) encryption ) . The 

lock module 703 , and a memory storing instructions for unique private identifier can take the form of an encrypted 

execution on the microprocessor . The door lock module 703 code , such as a 48 byte encrypted code , that uniquely 

additionally includes a sensor , such as a radio frequency identifies the medallion 11 . In response to the request , the 

( RF ) , infrared ( IR ) , or capacitive proximity sensor , used to 40 access panel 705 and medallion 11 establish a secure and / or 

determine when a guest ' s hand contacts or comes into close encrypted communication channel over which the medallion 

proximity to the door handle . The door lock module 703 provides its unique private identifier to the access panel 705 . additionally includes a short - range radio , such as a radio In general , the unique private identifier is communicated 

operating on the ISM band , for encrypted wireless commu over an encrypted BLE connection . Once the unique private 

nication with the access panel 705 . The door lock module 45 identifier is received , the access panel 705 activates a lock 

703 is powered by a battery and a voltage boosting converter control unit ( LCU ) that is operative to consult a local 

such as a 4 . 5 V boost converter . memory to determine whether the guest associated with the 

The access panel 705 includes a microprocessor control unique private identifier and medallion 11 are allowed 

ling operation of the access panel 705 , and memory storing access to the door at the current time . For this purpose , the 

instructions for execution on the microprocessor . The access 50 access panel 705 maintains in local memory a white list 

panel 705 additionally includes a short - range radio , such as including records of medallions ' unique private identifiers 

a radio operating on the ISM band , for encrypted wireless that are allowed access to the door at the current and future 

communication with the door lock module 703 . The access times . If the unique private identifier received from the 

panel 705 can include a back - up battery for providing medallion 11 is encrypted , the LCU decrypts the identifier 

back - up power , and generally includes a power supply 55 and determines whether the decrypted identifier is on the 

receiving electrical power from an external source such as white list . If the access panel 705 determines that the guest 

power received over an Ethernet cable . The access panel 705 associated with the unique private identifier and medallion 

additionally includes one or more transceivers and associ - 11 is allowed access to the door at the current time ( e . g . , the 

ated antennas for communicating with medallions 11 , such unique private identifier is included in the white list ) , the 

as a BLE transceiver and antenna and an NFC transceiver 60 access panel 705 displays a welcome message on its display 

and antenna . In some examples , the antenna ( s ) of the access screen and initiates door unlocking . In the alternative , if the 

panel 705 are specifically designed to wrap around an outer access panel 705 determines that the received identifier is 

edge of the display of the access panel 705 . Additionally or not listed in the record of identifiers that are allowed access 

alternatively , the access panel 705 may be associated with to the door , the access panel 705 consults a reservation 

( and connected to ) a spotlight sensor 15 that is disposed on 65 server 21 across the network 19 to retrieve updated infor 

a ceiling directly in front of the door , and operation of the mation ( if any ) on medallion identifiers that are allowed 

access panel 705 may be based on beacon signals detected access to the door . In turn , if the received identifier is not 

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listed among the updated information , the access panel 705 time period during which the medallion will listen for 

determines that the guest is not allowed access to the door communications from the guest engagement system 10 will 

at the current time and optionally activates its camera to occur . In turn , during the determined time period , the access 

capture a picture of the guest and transmits the picture to a panel 705 transmits to the medallion 11 a communication to 

central server 21 . Note that in cases in which the access 5 cause the medallion to switch to the bi - directional mode of 

panel 705 detects multiple medallions 11 within its vicinity , operation . For example , the access panel 705 may transmit 

the access panel 705 performs the above steps for each a request for the medallion ' s unique private identifier and , in 

detected medallion , displays a welcome message in the response to receiving the request , the medallion may switch 

guest ' s language of choice on its display screen identifying to the bi - directional mode while continuing to transmit 

each guest associated with a medallion 11 that is allowed 10 periodic beacon signals . access to the door , and initiates door unlocking if at least one In another example , the guest engagement system 10 may 

of the detected medallions is on the white list . cause the medallion 11 to switch to the bi - directional mode 

As part of unlocking the door , the access panel 705 of operation prior to the medallion 11 reaching the close 

activates its ISM radio and establishes a secure communi proximity of the access panel 705 ( e . g . , prior to being within 

cation channel with the ISM radio of the associated door 15 2 - 4 feet of the access panel 705 ) . In the example , location 

lock module 703 . Once the secure communication channel services provided by the guest engagement system 10 moni 

is established and the guest or crew member is determined tor the location of each guest within the facility via the 

to be allowed access to the door , the access panel 705 guest ' s medallion 11 . Specifically , the network 13 of sensors 

transmits an arming code ( e . g . , a door unlock authorization 15 of the guest engagement system 10 continuously moni 

signal ) to the door lock module 703 across the secure ISM 20 tors beacon signals received from medallions 11 in each 

channel . The arming code may be sent as a message that is sensor 15 of the network and identifies medallions 11 that 

encrypted , for example using a 128 - bit advanced encryption are in proximity to each sensor 15 based on the received 

standard ( AES ) . In response to receiving the arming code , beacon signals and the public identifiers contained therein . the door lock module 703 activates the proximity sensor Based on the monitoring of the locations of medallions 11 , ( e . g . , a capacitive proximity sensor ) so as to monitor when 25 the guest engagement system 10 can determine whether a 

the guest ' s ( or crew member ' s ) hand contacts or comes into recognized medallion is nearing a locked door that is asso 

close proximity to the door handle . Upon determining that ciated with the medallion 11 . For example , the system 10 

the guest ' s ( or crew member ' s ) hand contacts or comes into may determine that the medallion 11 has entered a hallway 

close proximity to the door handle , the door lock module that includes a door to which the guest associated with the 

703 activates the unlocking mechanism ( e . g . , a solenoid ) of 30 medallion has access to , or that the medallion 11 has reached 

the latch assembly 701 . If the door is unlocked and opened , a pre - determined vicinity ( e . g . , 100 feet or less ) from such 

the door lock module 703 can communicate that the door has a door . In response to the determination , the guest engage been opened to the access panel 705 and the access panel ment system 10 causes one or more sensors 15 that are 

705 can , in turn , instruct the medallion 11 to return to the within communication range of the medallion 11 to transmit 

beacon mode of operation . 35 a wake command to the medallion 11 to cause the medallion 

Optionally , the door lock module 703 can monitor when 11 to switch to the bi - directional mode of operation . a person ' s hand contacts or comes into close proximity to the In the foregoing example , the guest engagement system 

door handle at all times . In turn , if a door unlock authori - 10 may additionally send a wake command to the access 

zation signal has not been received from the access panel panel 705 of the door to which the medallion has access as 

705 and the door lock module 703 determines that a person ' s 40 the medallion 11 nears proximity of the door . In response to 

hand has contacted or come into close proximity to the door the wake command , the access panel can begin monitoring 

handle , the door lock module 703 may send an unauthorized its BLE transceiver for any medallions 11 that are within its 

access attempt signal to the access panel 705 . In response to read range and are on the authorized user list ( e . g . , white list ) 

receiving the unauthorized access attempt signal , the access stored by the access panel 705 . panel 705 activates its camera to capture a picture of the 45 The description of the functioning of the automated door 

person having attempted to access the door and transmits the lock assembly 700 provided above has focused on BLE 

picture to a central server 21 . based detection and communications between the access 

In embodiments in which the medallion 11 is configured panel 705 and medallion 11 . However , both the access panel 

to operate in both the bi - directional and the beacon mode of 705 and medallion 11 are also configured for NFC - based 

operation , the door unlocking sequence described above can 50 detection and communications , and the access panel 705 

include additional steps . If the medallion 11 is operating in also provides functionality for unlocking an associated door 

the bi - directional mode of operation , the door unlocking based on NFC - based communications . The NFC - based 

sequence can proceed as described above . Optionally , once communications can be used , among other use cases , in 

the door is determined to be unlocked , the door lock module situations in which a medallion ' s battery has run out and the 

703 can communicate that the door has been opened to the 55 medallion is thus unable to emit BLE - based beacon signals 

access panel 705 and the access panel 705 can , in turn , or engage in BLE - based communications . To support NFC 

communicate to the medallion 11 that the medallion can based communication , the access panel 705 periodically 

return to the beacon mode of operation . emits an NFC read signal or NFC interrogation signal that is 

If the medallion 11 is operating in the beacon mode of used to energize any passive NFC - based devices in its 

operation , the guest engagement system 10 may need to 60 vicinity . If a medallion 11 is located in the vicinity of the 

instruct the medallion 11 to switch to the bi - directional mode access panel 705 , the NFC read signal will activate the 

of operation in order to enable the medallion 11 to establish medallion ' s NFC antenna and transceiver and cause the 

the secure communication channel with the access panel 705 medallion 11 to provide the access panel 705 with an 

and provide the access panel 705 with the medallion ' s NFC - based response beacon signal including the public unique private identifier . For this purpose , the access panel 65 identifier for the medallion 11 . Based on the received 

705 can , in one example , determine based on the timing of response signal , the access panel 705 can then establish a 

receipt of a beacon signal from the medallion when the next secure NFC - based communication channel with the medal 

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23 24 

lion 11 and proceed with door unlocking based on an mounted on a surface thereof , and an antenna element 802 

NFC - based unlocking process analogous to the BLE - based mounted on the foam spacer 804 . The antenna PCB 803 

unlocking process described above ( with the exception that communicates with the electronics PCB 807 through a cable 

all communications will be performed using the NFC trans - 805 , and a connector 809 provides a connection between the 

ceiver rather than the BLE transceiver ) . The NFC - based 5 electronics PCB 807 and the wired network 19 . The sensor 

unlocking process can also be used using NFC - enabled 15 can be mounted to or in a ceiling or wall of a facility ( e . g . , devices other than medallions , including NFC - enabled using a connector nut 813 ) , and can be used to monitor and 

access cards for example . communicate with medallions disposed within the vicinity 

In addition to sensors 15 mounted in interface devices 17 , ( e . g . , within the communication range and beam ) of the 

the guest engagement system 10 includes a sensor network 10 sensor . FIG . 8D shows the spotlight sensor when all com 

13 of stand - alone sensors 15 disposed throughout the facility ponents are mounted together . ( or facilities ) . Each sensor 15 has a known location , and the Detailed views of the antenna elements 802 that can be 

sensors 15 in the network 13 are used to track the locations mounted to the antenna PCBs 803 provided in the sensors 15 

of medallions 11 in the facility by creating a log of each such as those shown in FIGS . 8A - 8D are provided in relation 

medallion 11 detected by each sensor 15 with an associated 15 to FIGS . 8E - 8M . FIGS . 8E - 8H show detailed views of the 

timestamp . Further , each sensor 15 can engage in bi - direc - antenna element 802 provided in a directional sensor such as 

tional communication with medallions 11 within its com - that shown in FIGS . 8A and 8B . The antenna element 802 

munication range , including the sensing of medallions 11 may be designed for wall or ceiling mounting locations 

through the sensing of beacon and other signals transmitted within a facility and may provide a directional sensing by the medallions 11 and the transmitting and receiving of 20 capability having a broad beam width for procuring linear 

signals to and from the medallions 11 . Examples of stand - polarized radiation direction to the front face of the antenna . alone sensors 15 are shown and described in FIGS . 8A - 8D . As shown in the top and side views shown in FIGS . 8E - 8G , Specifically , FIGS . 8A and 8B show views of a directional the antenna element 802 has an inverted - V shape that is 

or omni directional sensor , while FIGS . 8C and 8D show generally symmetric about a center line , and includes two 

views of a spotlight sensor . The omni directional sensor has 25 tabs extending downwardly from a main surface of the 

a long communication range ( e . g . , of 30 - 50 feet , and up to antenna that are used for mounting to the antenna PCB 803 . 100 feet or more ) extending in all directions around the The main surface of the antenna , shown in FIG . 8E , includ 

sensor ; the directional sensor has a similarly long commu - ing a rectangular central portion having symmetrical paral 

nication range ( e . g . , of 30 - 50 feet , and up to 100 feet or lelogram - shaped extensions extending from opposing sides 

more ) extending in some ( but not all ) directions around the 30 of the rectangular central portion . Illustrative dimensions of 

sensor . The spotlight sensor has a shorter beam - shaped the antenna element 802 , measured in inches , are provided communication range having a diameter that is adjustable in the figures . The dimensions provided are illustrative , and 

and can reach up to 7 - 10 feet or more , and the beam - shaped the antenna element 802 can be scaled up or scaled down 

typically has a communication range extending in a selected relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular 

direction from the sensor for a shorter distance than the omni 35 application the antenna element 802 ( and associated sensor 

directional sensor ( e . g . , 15 feet or less ) . Note that each 15 ) is designed for . In particular , the dimensions can be 

sensor ' s communication range can be adjusted downwards selected and adjusted in order to vary the center frequency 

from the maximum range values detailed above . and impedance matching of the antenna . For example , the 

FIG . 8A shows an exploded view of the directional or dimensions provided may be selected to provide the antenna 

omni directional sensor that includes an electronics PCB 807 40 element 802 with a resonating operating frequency of 2 . 4 

and an antenna PCB 803 mounted between a base plate 811 GHz ( within the BLE operation range in the ISM band ) 

and a radome 801 . The antenna PCB 803 has an antenna when corresponding PCB ground spacing and housing element 802 mounted thereon that is communicatively con - dielectric proximity are accounted for . The lower tabs 

nected to circuitry of the antenna PCB 803 . The antenna extended downwardly from the main surface of the antenna 

element 802 has a proprietary shape such as those shown in 45 serve as a feed tap and a ground tap electrically connected 

detail in FIGS . 8E - 8H and 8K - 8N that confer the directional to the PCB 803 , and also serve to maintain the antenna 

or omni directional sensitivity to the sensor . The antenna element 802 at an appropriate height spacing from the PCB 

PCB 803 communicates with the electronics PCB 807 ground plane . through a cable 805 , and a connector 809 provides a FIGS . 81 - 8J show detailed views of the antenna element 

connection between the electronics PCB 807 and the wired 50 802 provided in a spotlight ( or spotbeam ) sensor such as that 

network 19 . The sensor 15 can be mounted to or in a ceiling shown in FIGS . 8C and 8D . The antenna element 802 may 

or wall of a facility ( e . g . , using a connector nut 813 ) , and can be designed for ceiling mounting locations ( or wall mount 

be used to monitor and communicate with medallions dis - locations at high elevation with down tilt ) within a facility posed within the vicinity ( e . g . , within the communication and may provide high gain and a directional narrow - beam 

range ) of the sensor . FIG . 8B shows the directional or omni 55 ( i . e . , spotlight ) sensing capability procuring circularly polar 

directional sensor when all components are mounted ized ( CP ) radiation . As shown in the top and side views 

together . shown in FIGS . 81 - 8 ) , the antenna element 802 has a 

FIG . 8C shows an exploded view of the spotlight sensor generally planar shape , and has a shape of a square having 

that includes an electronics PCB 807 and an antenna diagonally opposite corners removed at angles of 45 degrees 

mounted between a base plate 811 and a radome 801 . A 60 relative to sides of the square . The antenna element 802 of 

cosmetic base 814 can further be provided . The antenna FIGS . 81 and 8J may be mounted to the antenna PCB 803 via 

PCB 803 has an antenna element 802 mounted thereon that a foam spacer 804 , as shown in FIG . 8C . Illustrative 

is communicatively connected to circuitry of the antenna dimensions of the antenna element 802 , measured in milli 

PCB 803 . The antenna element 802 has a proprietary shape meters ( mm ) , are provided in the figures . The dimensions 

shown in detail in FIGS . 81 - 8J that confers the spotlight or 65 provided are illustrative , and the antenna element 802 can be 

spotbeam directional sensitivity to the sensor . The antenna scaled up or scaled down relative to the dimensions shown 

includes an antenna PCB 803 having a foam spacer 804 depending on the particular application the antenna element 

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26 

802 ( and associated sensor 15 ) is designed for . In particular , location of a medallion 11 is identified based on the identity the dimensions can be selected and adjusted in order to vary ( ies ) of the one or more sensors 15 or other devices that 

the center frequency , axial ratio , and impedance matching of detect beacon signals from the medallion 11 at any given 

the antenna . For example , the dimensions provided may be time . In this way , the position of the medallion at any time 

selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonat - 5 can be approximated based on the known positions of the 

ing operating frequency of 2 . 4 GHz ( within the BLE opera - sensor ( s ) ( and / or positions of other devices , if known ) 

tion range in the ISM band ) when corresponding PCB having detected the medallion ' s most recently detected 

ground spacing and housing dielectric proximity are beacon signal ( s ) . In order to determine the position of a 

accounted for . medallion 11 at a higher level of granularity , the position of 

FIGS . 8K - 8N show detailed views of the antenna element 10 the medallion is determined based on the relative received 

802 provided in a circular sensor . For example , the antenna signal strength of the beacon signal measured at each of the 

element shown in FIGS . 8K - 8N may provide omni - direc sensor ( s ) having received the beacon signal , and / or based on 

tional sensing , and may be used within a sensor 15 such as characteristics of the sensing range and sensing beam ( e . g . , that shown in FIGS . 8A and 8B . The antenna element 802 sensing range and sensing direction of the sensor ( s ) . In 

may be designed for ceiling mounting locations within a 15 particular , when beacon signals from a medallion 11 are 

facility and provide a linear polarized broad beam width for received by three or more sensors 15 , the relative received 

procuring an azimuth omni - directional sensing pattern . As signal strength of the beacon signal at each of the sensors 15 

shown in the top and side views shown in FIGS . 8K - 8M , the ( and / or the delay between reception times of the beacon 

antenna element 802 has a generally symmetric shape about signal at each of the sensors 15 ) can be used to triangulate 

a center line , and includes two tabs extending downwardly 20 the position of the medallion 11 relative to the known 

from a main surface of the antenna that are used for locations of each of the sensors 15 . mounting to the antenna PCB 803 ( as shown , e . g . , in FIG . The monitoring of the locations of medallions 11 within 

8A ) . The main surface of the antenna shown in FIG . 8K has the facility can be performed not only by sensors 15 of the 

a generally circular shape . Illustrative dimensions of the sensor network 13 but also by sensors 15 mounted in 

antenna element 802 , measured in inches , are provided in 25 interface devices 17 of the guest engagement system 10 . For 

the figures . The dimensions provided are illustrative , and the example , the access panels 705 of automated door lock 

antenna element 802 can be scaled up or scaled down assemblies 700 located throughout the facility can be used to 

relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular detect all medallions 11 passing by the access panels 705 . application the antenna element 802 ( and associated sensor The access panels 705 can relay the identity of all detected 

15 ) is designed for . In particular , the dimensions can be 30 medallions 11 to a central location server which maintains a 

selected and adjusted in order to vary the center frequency log of all medallions ' locations with associated timestamps . and impedance matching of the antenna . For example , the Additionally , the monitoring of locations can be performed 

dimensions provided may be selected to provide the antenna through sensing of medallions 11 by BLE - or NFC - enabled 

element 802 with a resonating operating frequency of 2 . 4 devices , such as BLE - or NFC - enabled mobile devices , GHz ( within the BLE operation range in the ISM band ) 35 tablet computers , or interactive displays that are in commu 

when corresponding PCB ground spacing and housing nication with servers 21 of the guest engagement system 10 . dielectric proximity are accounted for . The lower tabs The BLE - or NFC - enabled mobile devices , such as guests ' 

extended downwardly from the main surface of the antenna mobile devices or staff members ' tablets , may detect medal 

serve as a feed tap and a ground tap electrically connected lions 11 located within the devices ' communication ranges 

to the PCB 803 , and also serve to maintain the antenna 40 and report to the central location server the identities of 

element 802 at an appropriate height spacing from the PCB detected medallions 11 along with timestamps of detection 

ground plane . The feed and ground taps can provide for and location information for the device ( if available ) . different current flow directions on the surface of the antenna In order to provide continuous real - time monitoring of the 

radiation element 802 . locations of medallions 11 , each of the sensors and devices 

In general , the sensors 15 mounted in interface devices 17 45 that detect medallions 11 relay the identity of all detected 

of the guest engagement system 10 , such as the antennas of medallions 11 along the time - of - detection timestamps to a 

access panels 705 used to unlock doors , are adjusted to have same central location server . The central location server thus 

limited range ( e . g . , 2 - 4 feet ) so as to only sense medallions maintains a log of all medallions ' locations with the asso 

11 of guests that are in close proximity to the interface ciated timestamps . The central location server can thus be 

devices 17 . Additionally , the sensors 15 of interface devices 50 used to identify each medallion ' s most recent detected 

17 can be directional or spotlight type sensors operative to location based on the most recent log entry for the medallion 

detect medallions 11 in only selected directions . In this way , 11 or , if appropriate , based on two or more of the most recent 

a sensor associated with an access panel 705 may be entries in the log for the medallion 11 ( e . g . , to provide operative to only detect medallions 11 that are disposed increased location accuracy by combining two different 

within a limited distance in any direction from the sensor , 55 location sensing methodologies ) . In this way , the guest while a sensor of a payment terminal or vending machine engagement system 10 provides real - time ( or near real - time ) 

may only detect medallions 11 that are disposed within a evaluations of each medallion ' s location . The location infor 

limited angular range ( e . g . , directly in front of the payment mation can further be used by the guest engagement system 

terminal or vending machine ) and within a limited distance 10 to provide additional services to guests or others , for 

( e . g . , less than 2 feet ) from the sensor . 60 example to provide notification events to systems that are 

As noted above , the sensors 15 are disposed throughout used to activate personalized interactions when a medallion 

the facility , and are used to monitor the locations of medal 11 is determined to arrive in an area , move around an area , lions 11 throughout the facility and provide services to linger in an area for a determined amount of time , or exiting 

guests based on the sensed signals . Specifically , the sensors an area or space equipped with sensors 15 . 15 are used by the guest engagement system 10 to provide 65 The location - based services can further be enhanced 

location information to the guest engagement system 10 at through the use of sensors 15 located near points of entry selectable levels of precision . At a low level of precision , the and / or exit from a facility . Specifically , if the last entry 

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relating to a particular medallion 11 in the log maintained by the guests ' medallions ) , and to direct crew and / or emergency the central location server is for an entry / exit location and responders to the identified rooms to assist guests in the 

the log does not include any further detections of the evacuation . medallion 11 at later times in the facility — the system may The above - identified features of the guest engagement determine that the medallion 11 ( and its associated guest ) 5 system 10 used in mustering and / or evacuations are enabled , 

have exited the facility . In turn , when the medallion 11 is in part , by the guest engagement system ' s ability to com 

once again detected at the same ( or a different ) entry / exit municate information to guests during the mustering or 

location , the medallion may be determined to have re evacuation operation . For this purpose , the guest engage 

ment system 10 relies on the access panels 705 , interactive entered the facility . The guest engagement system 10 may 

thereby maintain a log of medallions 11 that are in the 10 displays 17c , portals 17d , and the like that are located 

throughout the facility . Specifically , the guest engagement facility and a log of medallions 11 that have exited the system 10 provides mustering and / or evacuation instructions facility . Notification can be provided to users based on these on the displays of interface devices 17 , such as arrows ( or logs , for example to inform another guest that their family more detailed instructions ) pointing towards mustering sta member has exited the facility and / or returned to the facility . 16 ed to the facility . 15 tions and evacuation routes . The instructions can addition In addition to the functions described above , the guest ally be customized to the individual guests whose medal 

engagement system 10 can additionally be used for maritime lions are detected in the vicinity of each interface device 17 , mustering , emergency evacuations , or the like . Specifically , for example to instruct one guest to evacuate in a particular since the guest engagement system 10 includes sensors 15 direction while instructing a different guest to evacuate in 

throughout the facility ( or ship ) that are configured to 20 another direction ( e . g . , to enable the other guest to regroup 

monitor the positions of medallions 11 , the guest engage with other guests in his / her party ) . The instructions can also 

ment system 10 maintains current up - to - date information on provide information to guests regarding other guests in a 

guests ' locations within the facility at all times based on the same party , for example to provide a guest with information 

monitored locations of all guests ' medallions 11 . Based on on the current location , assigned mustering location , and / or 

the current information on guests ' locations , the guest 25 assigned evacuation route of the guest ' s child , spouse , or 

engagement system 10 can dynamically assign guests to friend . The instructions can also be customized for each 

mustering stations or evacuations routes when a mustering guest to display in the guest ' s language of choice . or evacuation operation is undertaken . Specifically , the guest The guest engagement system 10 provides services and 

engagement system 10 can dynamically assign guests to engagement with guests through a variety of different 

mustering stations or evacuations routes in such a way as to 30 modalities and terminals . For example , as shown in FIG . 9 , assign guests to the mustering station or evacuation route the guest engagement system 10 can provide services and 

that is closest to their current position when the mustering or engagement through end devices 18 such as mobile devices 

evacuation operation is triggered . The guest engagement 18a ( e . g . , smartphones ) , tablet computers 18b , interactive 

system 10 can additionally or alternatively dynamically displays 18C ( e . g . , touch - enabled display screens ) , web 

assign guests to mustering stations or evacuation routes so as 35 enabled televisions ( e . g . , stateroom televisions ) , desktop 

to avoid overloading a particular mustering station or evacu - computers 18d and / or web interfaces , kiosks , among others . ation route when the mustering or evacuation operation is in general , an end device 18 includes a processor , memory 

triggered . For example , in situations in which a large number s toring program instructions , a display , and a user input 

of guests are concentrated within a certain portion of the interface such as a touch - screen , although additional com 

facility ( e . g . , a large number of guests are in or near the stern 40 ponents ( or fewer components ) may be used . Some end 

of the ship ) , the dynamic assignment may be used to assign devices 18 , including interactive displays 18c , web - enabled 

certain guests to mustering stations or evacuation routes in televisions , kiosks , and the like , may also function as 

or near the bow of the ship to ensure that no mustering interface devices 17 , and vice versa . In particular , end 

station or evacuation route is overloaded with guests . Addi - devices 18 that are BLE - enabled ( e . g . , include a BLE 

tionally , the guest engagement system 10 can monitor the 45 transceiver ) can generally function as interface devices 17 . position of medallions and guests during the mustering or Conversely , interface devices 17 that include a user input 

evacuation operation , and dynamically change a particular interface and provide access to the guest engagement appli 

guest ' s assigned mustering station or evacuation route based cation described in more detail below can function as end 

on updated real - time information obtained based on the devices 18 . real - time monitoring of guests ' changes in location ( i . e . , 50 The services and engagement provided by the guest 

movement ) through the facility . In this manner , a guest ' s engagement system 10 may be provided through an appli 

assigned mustering station or evacuation route can be cation or other executable program stored on and executed 

updated if the guest follows an unexpected route during the by the end devices 18 such as a dedicated guest engagement mustering or evacuation operation , for example if the guest application . The services and engagement may alternatively 

follows an unexpected route to retrieve a child during the 55 or additionally be provided through web - based interfaces , mustering or evacuation operation or if the guest must divert such as a guest engagement interface executed on a server 21 

around a smoke - filled corridor during the evacuation accessed through a web browser executed by an end device 

The guest engagement system 10 can further be used to 18 and having a communication connection to the server 21 . automatically identify rooms that are cleared of all guests The services and engagement generally rely at least in part 

during the mustering or evacuation operation , for example 60 on data and information retrieved from the servers 21 of the 

by determining that no medallions are present in the room guest engagement system 10 via network connections ( e . g . , and / or determining that all guests associated with the room Internet connections ) of the end devices 18 , although certain 

are located elsewhere in the facility ( based on the monitored services and engagement can be provided without network 

locations of the guests ' medallions ) . Conversely , the guest connections or without retrieving data and information from 

engagement system 10 can be used to automatically identify 65 the servers 21 . For purposes of communicating with the 

rooms that have guests present therein during the mustering servers 21 , the end devices 18 are shown in FIG . 9 as having 

or evacuation operation ( based on the monitored locations of wireless ( e . g . , in the case of end devices 18a and 18b ) or 

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wired ( e . g . , in the case of end devices 18c and 18d ) supervisors overseeing staff members , and administrator 

connections to the servers 21 through the communication versions that include functionalities offered to system 

network 19 . Note that communication network 19 can administrators only . include one or more of a local area network ( LAN ) , a wide In order to use the guest engagement application through 

area network ( WAN ) , the Internet , and the like . 5 an end device 18 , a guest generally needs to identify and 

As shown in FIG . 9 , some of the end devices 18 through authenticate themselves . If not identified and authenticated , which services and engagement are provided may be BLE the guest may only have access to limited features of the 

enabled devices , such as BLE - enabled mobile devices 18a , application and the guest may notably not have access to 

tablet computers 18b , or interactive displays 18c . When such user profile - based information . In instances in which the 

an end device 18 executes the guest engagement application , lication 10 guest engagement application runs on a BLE - enabled end 

device 18 , the guest engagement application can listen for the guest engagement application may optionally activate BLE beacon signals from guests ' medallions 11 and , in the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to provide addi response to detecting one or more beacon signals , can tional services to a user . For example , the guest engagement provide a log - on page personalized for the guest ( s ) that are application may activate the BLE transceiver of the end automatically identified based on the detected beacon sig device 18 and use the activated BLE transceiver to listen for nals . Guests can then authenticate themselves to log into the beacon signals emitted by medallions 11 located within a application by entering a password or personal identification 

BLE communication range of the end device 18 . The guest number ( PIN ) into the application . If the application runs on 

engagement application may optionally report to the servers an end device 18 that is not BLE - enabled , and / or if a guest ' s 

21 the identifiers of medallions 11 from which beacon 20 medallion beacon signal is not detected by the application , signals were received along with a timestamp of receipt and a guest can identify and authenticate themself to log into the 

location information for the end device 18 ( when available ) . application by entering both a username and a password or 

The guest engagement application may further use the personal identification number ( PIN ) into the application . activated BLE transceiver to engage in two - way communi . Note that when the application runs on a guest ' s own mobile 

cation with medallions 11 from which beacon signals were 25 device 18a , the guest can select to remain logged into the 

received . In one example , the guest engagement application application in order not to have to enter a password or PIN 

may cause the mode of operation of a medallion 11 to each time the guest accesses the application . Otherwise , the 

change . In one use case , the guest engagement application guest may be automatically logged out of the application if 

may cause the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to emit no user interaction occurs for a pre - determined length of 

an advertisement from the guest engagement system , so as 30 time . Additionally , in cases in which log - on was based on 

to cause any medallion 11 in its communication range to exit detecting a medallion beacon signal , the guest may be 

the sleep mode when the medallion 11 detects the adver - automatically logged out if the medallion beacon signal is no 

tisement . In another use case , the guest engagement appli - longer detected by the application or end device 18 for a 

cation may cause a medallion 11 operating in the beacon pre - determined length of time or if the medallion 11 is 

mode to enter the bi - directional mode or the sleep mode of 35 determined to have stepped away from the end device 18 . operation , or cause a medallion 11 operating in the bi - Once logged in , the application may automatically access 

directional mode to enter the beacon mode or the sleep mode and securely retrieve profile information associated with the 

of operation . identified and authenticated guest from the servers 21 . The 

In some instances , the guest engagement application may application can also be used to prompt a guest to provide , additionally or alternatively activate the NFC transceiver of 40 complete , or review missing profile information that is then 

an end device 18 when the application is executed on an uploaded from the application to the servers 21 . Profile 

NFC - enabled end device 18 . In such situations , the appli information may include a name , identity photograph , book 

cation can be used to detect medallions 11 and engage in ing and other reservation information , payment information 

communication with medallions 11 via NFC . In particular , ( e . g . , information on stored payment modalities for the 

while the description herein is focused on BLE - based com - 45 guest ) , and the like . The profile information can also include 

munications between end devices 18 and medallions 11 , the additional data associated with the guest , including infor 

features described in the BLE - based context can similarly be mation on the guest ' s past , present , and future activities 

enabled through NFC - based communication between the ( determined based on bookings and reservations and on 

end device 18 and medallions 11 when using an NFC - location data ) , past , present , and future locations ( deter 

enabled end device 18 . 50 mined based on bookings and reservations and on location 

References to the guest engagement application through data ) , past , present , and scheduled future orders and pref 

out this document refer not only to instances in which the erences , and the like . The profile information can also 

guest engagement application takes the form of an applica - include pictures , music , video , and other types of data 

tion or other executable program stored on and executed by associated with the guest . an end device 18 but also refer to instances in which the 55 Through guest - focused versions of the application , the 

guest engagement application takes the form of a web - based guest engagement system 10 provides a variety of services 

interface or other terminal - based interface . In general , user to guests . For example , a guest using of the application can 

interfaces provided through application - based and web - use the application to review the guest ' s bookings , registra 

based interfaces will be similar , although certain function - tion , and reservations , including past , present , and future 

alities of the guest engagement application may only be 60 registrations for lodging , restaurants , shows , activities , and 

offered on application - based or on web - based interfaces . the like . The guest can also use the application to receive 

Additionally , references to the guest engagement application information on and make reservations for available lodging , may refer to different versions of the application , including restaurants , shows , activities , and the like . The information 

guest - focused versions that include only functionalities may be based on recommendations for future bookings , offered to guests , staff - focused versions that include addi - 65 registrations , and reservations personalized for the guest 

tional functionalities offered to hosts or staff , supervisor - based on the guest ' s profile information . The guest can also 

focused versions that include functionalities offered to use the application to review photographs , videos , and other 

an 

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media items make available by the guest engagement system The guest engagement system 10 provides additional 

10 , including photographs , videos , and other media items functionality through staff - focused versions of the guest 

that are associated with the guest . The association of media engagement application . The staff - focused versions of the 

items with the guest can be based on matching guest profile guest engagement application can be executed on end 

information with tagged information for the media items , 5 devices 18 used by hosts and staff to provide services and 

such as profile and tag information indicating that a video engagement to guests of the facility . Commonly , hosts and 

was taken at a location visited by the guest ' s medallion , staff will access the staff - focused version of the guest profile and tag information indicating that a photograph engagement application on a tablet computer 18b end device 

includes a person associated with the guest based on the that is BLE - enabled ( e . g . , the end device includes a BLE 

person ' s medallion having been detected in proximity to the 10 transceiver and BLE antenna ) , although in some situations 

photographer at the time the photograph was taken , or the hosts and staff will access the application through other end 

like . The application may also provide access to games devices ( e . g . , interactive displays 18c , portals , access panels ( optionally including wager - based games ) , shopping , and 705 of door locks , and the like ) . other functionalities . In one example , the staff - focused version of the guest 

The guest engagement system 10 may also allow guests to 15 engagement application can be used by a staff member to 

view live shows using the guest - focused version of the engage with guests . For this purpose , the guest engagement 

application . The show can be viewed , for example , through application uses the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to 

the guest ' s stateroom television on which the guest engage - detect any medallions 11 within the vicinity ( e . g . , BLE 

ment application can be accessed . In detail , the guest using communication range ) of the end device 18 . Specifically , the 

the guest engagement application may select to view a live 20 BLE transceiver is used to detect beacon signals emitted by 

show through the application , such as a show occurring in a medallions 11 within the vicinity of the end device 18 . When 

theater or other venue within the facility in which the guest one or more beacon signals is / are detected , the staff - focused 

engagement system 10 is installed or outside of the facility . version of the guest engagement application is configured to 

In response to the selection , the guest is presented with a live retrieve the public identifier of each medallion that is 

audio and / or video stream of the event . Additionally , the 25 included in the emitted beacon signals , and to retrieve from 

application allows the guest to interface with a performer the servers 21 profile information associated with the 

participating in the live show . In detail , the application can retrieved identifier ( s ) and associated guest ( s ) . The retrieved 

allow the guest to send instant messages or other feedback profile information generally includes a photograph and 

to the performer for example by typing a message for the name ( or nick - name ) associated with the guest . The 

performer on an user input interface of the application ( e . g . , 30 retrieved profile information is then provided on a display of 

an on - screen keyboard or a remote control for a stateroom the end device 18 to enable the staff member or host to 

television ) or selecting a feedback button ( e . g . , a " clap " engage with the guest ( s ) based on the retrieved profile button , a " laugh " button , a “ thumbs - up " button , a “ heart ” information . For example , based on the retrieved profile 

button , or the like ) . The instant messages and feedback are information , the staff member can visually identify the 

then displayed on a screen provided in front of the performer 35 guest , greet the guest by name or nick - name , and discuss the 

and / or provided as auditory feedback to the performer ( e . g . , guest ' s upcoming bookings with the guest . by activating pre - recorded clapping or laughing sounds ) so In situations in which profile information for multiple 

as to notify the performer of feedback received from the guests is received by the end device 18 , the guest engage 

guest and enable the performer to engage with the guest ment application may display profile information for the 

during the show . 40 multiple guests . In some examples , the profiles may be 

In some examples , the guest engagement application displayed in an order of estimated distance of each guest 

provides communication functionalities to enable users of from the end device 18 , where the estimated distance can be 

the application ( including both guests and staff ) to commu - determined based on a signal strength or transmission delay 

nicate with each other using the application . The commu - associated with the respective BLE beacon signal associated 

nication functionalities can include text , audio , and / or video - 45 with each guest ' s medallion 11 and detected by the end 

based communications between users such as chat - based device 18 . communications , instant messaging ( IM ) , voice - mail or Based on the retrieved profile information , the staff mem 

video voice - mail , and the like . In addition , the communica - ber or host can assist the guest . For example , the staff 

tions functionalities can allow users to obtain information on member or host can review the guest ' s bookings , registra 

other linked users including position information . Linked 50 tion , and reservations ; provide information and / or make 

users can include , in the case of a guest , other guests in recommendations or reservations for future bookings , reg his / her party ( e . g . , other guests that are part of a same istration , and reservations personalized for the guest based 

reservation , such as children , parents , or the like ) or guests on the guest ' s profile information ; place orders for drinks 

who have accepted link request to the guest , or in the case and food for delivery to the guest ; assist the guest in finding 

of a staff member , one or more persons for whom the staff 55 their way through the facility ; or the like . The application 

member is to provide a service ( e . g . , a guest having ordered may also enable the staff member or host to engage in games food or drink to be delivered by the staff member ) . For ( optionally including wager - based games ) with the guest , example , once users are linked , the communication func - and provide further functionalities . tionality of the guest engagement application may provide The guest engagement system 10 can further provide general location information to a guest ( e . g . , to indicate that 60 payment functionality through the staff - focused version of 

another guest is in the facility or has exited the facility ) the application . As described above , medallions 11 can be 

and / or precise location information ( e . g . , to indicate that the used for payments by establishing a secure communication 

other guest is in their stateroom ) . The communication func - channel between the medallion 11 and a payment terminal 

tionality may also indicate whether another linked guest is ( e . g . , 17b ) , authenticating the identity of the medallion 11 

available for instant communication and , in some examples , 65 across the secure communication channel using the medal 

may identify guests having left the facility as being unavail - lion ' s unique private identifier or other encrypted informa 

able for communication . tion stored in the medallion 11 and , based on the authenti 

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cated identity , processing a payment transaction using In order to address the shortcomings noted above , the 

payment information associated with the authenticated guest engagement system 10 provides its own wayfinding 

medallion 11 . Such payment transactions can be performed functionality based on the network of sensors 13 of the guest 

over BLE or NFC communications between the medallion engagement system 10 . In detail , the guest engagement 

11 and payment terminal ( e . g . , 17b ) , and can be performed 5 system 10 maintains a database of locations at which medal 

by vending machines , cash registers , and other payment lions 11 have been detected . Each record in the database 

terminals in which a staff member or cashier need not be includes an identifier for the medallion ( e . g . , the public 

present . In addition , a streamlined payment process can be identifier for a medallion 11 that is broadcast as part of the 

used through the staff - focused version of the application . device ' s beacon signal ) , an identifier for a location ( e . g . , 

Specifically , through the staff - focused version of the appli 10 identifier ( s ) of the location ( s ) of the sensor ( s ) 15 or other 

antenna or device having detected the beacon signal , and / or cation , a staff member can perform authentication of the a more precise location determination based on triangula guest through visual recognition of the guest based on tion , multilateration , or other location - determining method ) , comparing the guest ’ s appearance with the photograph and a timestamp . The location determination performed by stored in the guest ' s profile . In particular , the guest engage - 15 the guest engagement system 10 can thus be performed ment system 10 may prompt a staff member using the mber using the based on sensors of the sensor network 13 as well as based staff - focused version of the application to authorize a pay - on beacon signals detected by end devices 18 . by interface 

ment to a guest account . The prompt may be presented in devices 17 , and the like . As noted previously , the location 

response to the staff member selecting through the applica - determination may be performed at different levels of pre tion to place an order on behalf of the guest ( e . g . , an order 20 cision depending on the types of sensors 15 through which 

for food or drink , a registration for an excursion , a booking beacon signals have been detected ( e . g . , spotlight sensors 

for seats at a show , a room upgrade , a payment to participate provide more detailed location information than omni - di 

in a game , or the like ) , for example . The prompt may rectional sensors ) , depending on the number of sensors 15 

generally rely on two complementary identification modali - having detected the beacon signals , depending on whether 

ties in order to allow the staff to authorize the payment , 25 triangulation , multilateration , transmission delay , or signal 

although different numbers of identification modalities ( in - strength information from multiple sensors is used , and the 

cluding a single identification modality ) may be used . For like . example , the prompt may rely on the end device 18 that The wayfinding functionality provided by the guest 

executes the staff - focused version of the application detect - engagement system 10 , including the wayfinding provided ing the medallion 11 of the guest to whom payment is to be 30 through the guest engagement application , is thus provided 

charged ( e . g . , using BLE and NFC communication modali - based on location determination performed by the guest 

ties to detect the medallion 11 ) , retrieving profile informa - engagement system 10 . Specifically , a guests ' location is 

tion ( including a photograph ) for the detected medallion 11 determined by a server 21 of the guest engagement system 

from the server 21 , displaying the photograph of the guest 10 by determining a location of the user ' s medallion 11 and 

associated with the medallion 11 , prompting the staff mem - 35 reporting the determined location to the guest through the 

ber to visually confirm that the guest with whom the staff guest engagement application . For example , the guest loca 

member is interacting matches the displayed photograph tion may be displayed superimposed on a map or on a 

and , upon receiving confirmation from the staff member that three - dimensional model of the ship shown on a user inter 

the guest matches the photograph , processing the payment . face of the application provided on the end device 18 

In the example , the two complementary identification 40 currently in use by the guest . In this way , the guest ' s position 

modalities used are detection of a medallion 11 and visual is not generally determined by the end device 18 in use by confirmation of a guest ' s identity , although other modalities the guest , but the guest ' s position is instead generally 

( and different numbers and combinations thereof ) can be determined by the guest engagement system 10 ( e . g . , by a 

used in other examples . server 21 of the guest engagement system 10 ) based on a 

The guest engagement system 10 also provides wayfind - 45 location of the guest ’ s medallion 11 as detected by the sensor 

ing functionality , and provides an interface for wayfinding network 13 of the guest engagement system 10 . through the guest engagement application . The wayfinding Note that as described above , the sensor network 13 of the 

functionality provided by the guest engagement system 10 guest engagement system 10 can extend to multiple different 

can be used for wayfinding within a moving reference frame facilities including facilities located on and facilities located 

as well as within a fixed reference frame . For example , in the 50 off of a ship . The guest engagement system 10 can thus be 

case of wayfinding on a cruise ship , traditional location used to provide accurate location determination and way determination systems such as GPS cannot readily be used finding in any of the facilities , including fixed facilities ( e . g . , for multiple reasons . First , the cruise ship can move , and land - based ) , moving facilities ( e . g . , ship - based ) , and facili 

wayfinding within the ship must therefore be based on the ties including both fixed and moving components ( e . g . , moving reference frame of the ship rather than a fixed ( e . g . , 55 facilities accessed by cruise passengers during a cruise , land - based ) reference frame . As a result , GPS - based location which may include both ship - based and land - based facili 

determination and other fixed - reference frame location ties ) . In such cases , the guest engagement system 10 can 

determinations are of limited use since a user ' s GPS - based automatically determine a guest ' s position accordingly to 

location cannot be used to determine where the user is the appropriate fixed or moving reference frame depending 

located relative to the moving ship . Second , the cruise ship 60 on whether the guest is currently positioned on a fixed ( e . g . , includes substantial masses of metal and other surfaces land - based ) or moving ( e . g . , ship - based ) reference frame , which interfere with the propagation of GPS - based signals and provide location information through the guest engage 

( such that GPS signals cannot be received inside the ship ) ment application in the reference frame determined to cor 

and / or cause substantial signal noise as a result of electro - respond to the guest ' s current position . magnetic signals bouncing off of metallic surfaces . As a 65 As detailed above , the guest engagement system 10 can 

result , traditional location determination systems are gener determine the position / location of a guest based on the 

ally not effective for wayfinding on a ship . medallion 11 , and more particularly based on the locations 

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ava 

at which beacon signals emitted by the medallion 11 are ship ( or other facility ) shown on a user interface of the 

detected . The detection relies on operation of the sensors 15 application . The guest tracking functionality also enables the 

of the system 10 , and more specifically on the known one user to be provided with wayfinding directions to the 

location at which each sensor 15 is installed and the sensing other guest ' s current location based on a combination of the 

range of each sensor ( e . g . , shape and orientation of a 5 user ' s location ( determined by the guest engagement system 

directional sensing range ) . The detection can also rely on 10 based on the detected location of the user ' s medallion 11 ) 

detection of beacon signals by end devices 18 including end and the other guest ' s location ( determined by the guest 

devices 18 that have variable locations such as mobile engagement system 10 based on the detected location of the 

devices 18a and tablet computers 18b . In detail , in the case other guest ' s medallion 11 ) . The locations may be updated 

of end devices 18 , the locations of end devices 18 having 10 in real - time as the user and guest move about the facility , and 

fixed locations can be stored by servers 21 of the guest the wayfinding directions may correspondingly be updated 

engagement system 10 and the stored location information in real - time . can be used to determine the locations of detected medal - The functionalities of the guest engagement system 10 

lions 11 . described above can enable the following services to be 

In the case of movable end devices 18 , the guest engage - 15 provided ( described in the illustrative context of a cruise 

ment system 10 can rely on two sources of information to ship example ) . determine a current location of an end device 18 and thereby The guest engagement system 10 , through the guest infer locations of medallions 11 detected by the end device engagement application , enables guests to engage with the 

18 . First , the guest engagement system 10 can receive system from outside of the facility in which the system is 

periodic reports from end devices 18 including identifiers of 20 installed . For example , guests can engage from home by 

medallions 11 from which beacon signals were detected , and accessing their profile through a web - based version of the 

can infer the location of a medallion 11 by determining the application or through an end device 18 ( e . g . , mobile phone location of the end device 18 from which the report was 18a , tablet computer 18b , desktop computer 18d , or the like ) 

received . The guest engagement system 10 can then deter - running the application . Guests can then , at their leisure , mine the location of the end device 18 based on the identity 25 populate their guest profile by inputting any required docu 

of a Wi - Fi or other wireless access point through which the mentation such as passport information , completing health 

end device 18 is connected to the communication network forms and travel details , and inputting a preferred form of 

19 of the system 10 . For this purpose , the guest engagement payment . The guests can also upload a photo , create a digital 

system 10 maintains a database identifying the mounting avatar to further personalize their profile , and arrange or 

location of each wireless access point in the facility , and uses 30 book services for example to have luggage picked up for 

the database to identify the location of end devices 18 and expedited delivery direct to their stateroom . medallions 11 detected by the end devices 18 . The identity Guests can further engage when in an airport — notably in 

of the wireless access point can be reported to the guest cases in which guests have obtained their medallions 11 in 

engagement system 10 by the end device 18 , or determined advance of travel . For example , in the case of guests by the guest engagement system 10 based on header infor - 35 travelling to a facility in which a guest engagement system 

mation included in packets received from the end device 18 . 10 is operative , the guests may be met at the destination 

Second , as part of the periodic reports received from end airport by staff members . In the example , staff members 

devices 18 and identifying medallions 11 detected by the end stationed at the airport may be equipped with end devices 18 

devices , the guest engagement system 10 may receive loca - running the guest engagement application . The staff mem 

tion information of the end devices 18 when such informa - 40 bers may use the end devices 18 and the application to detect 

tion is available . The location information reported by the medallions 11 of arriving guests , retrieve profile information 

end device 18 may be a location determined by the end for the guests including photographs , and recognize the 

device 18 based on the end device ' s own position determi - guests based on the proximity of the medallions 11 and 

nation function such as a GPS - based position determination . visual recognition of the guests based on the photographs . In such situations , the guest engagement system 10 can use 45 The staff members can thus personally welcome the guests , the reported location information provided by the end device confirm their documentation status , and direct them through 

18 to determine the location of medallions 11 detected by the the airport ( e . g . , to direct the guests to a fleet of motor coach 

end device 18 . The guest engagement system 10 can further vehicles destined for a port terminal ) . use information on location of the moving reference frame In transit in the motor coach vehicles , guests can again 

( e . g . , a GPS location of the ship on which the end device 18 50 access the guest - focused application through their end 

is travelling ) to determine the position of the end device 18 devices 18 ( e . g . , mobile phones 18a or tablet computers 18b ) 

relative to the moving reference frame . to explore options provided at the destination facility ( e . g . , The wayfinding functionality can be used by the guest the cruise ship , in one example ) , book activities and learn 

engagement system 10 in order to enable a user of the guest more about the people , places and cultures they will come to 

engagement application to locate another guest or staff 55 experience . 

member by tracking the other guest or staff member in real Additionally , once at the cruise terminal ( e . g . , in the cruise 

time . This guest tracking functionality can be used by a guest ship example ) , guests may be able to board the ship with 

to locate another guest ( e . g . , a friend , spouse , child , . . . ) as minimal further interaction with staff members since the 

well as by a staff member or host to locate a guest ( e . g . , to guests are already equipped with their medallions 11 which 

deliver a food , beverage , or other order , or to assist the guest 60 function as the key to their stateroom . Additionally , staff 

in another manner ) , among other circumstances . The guest members in the terminal may use end devices 18 running the 

tracking functionality enables one user of the application to staff - focused application to identify arriving guests , identify be provided through the guest engagement application with guests who haven ' t yet completed the registration process , information on the other guest ' s current location as deter - and approach those guests in order to assist them with 

mined by the guest engagement system 10 , including a 65 finalizing the process . display of the other guest ' s current location displayed super - Further examples of interface devices 17 that can be used 

imposed on a map or on a three - dimensional model of the as part of the guest engagement system 10 are gaming 

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stations 100 such as that shown in FIG . 10 . The gaming braces 107 and into the seating 101 of the gaming station 

stations 100 provide environments in which guests can 100 . The misting spouts connected to the water supply valve 

engage in gaming , including wager - based gaming , coopera may be selectively controlled by a processor of the gaming tive gaming with other guests , and head - to - head gaming station 100 to output water mist having an activation pattern against other guests . 5 that is synchronized to a game being played on the gaming 

Each gaming station 100 generally includes ergonomic station 100 . The misting spouts connected to one or more 

seating 101 for multiple guests ( e . g . , four guests in the scent reservoirs may be selectively controlled by the pro 

examples shown in FIG . 10 ) , although a gaming station 100 c essor of the gaming station 100 to output scents ( or 

for a single guest or modular gaming stations 100 for mixtures of scents ) having activation patterns and / or odors 

variable numbers of guests can also be used . The seating 101 10 that are synchronized to the game being played on the 

can position guests across from each other with a central gaming station 100 . Separate misting spouts and piping may frame positioned between the guests and supporting com - be provided in the braces 107 to separately and indepen 

ponents of the gaming station . Some guests can also be dently provide misting and scents . Additionally , different 

seated next to each other , as shown in FIG . 10 . The gaming misting spouts and piping may be provided to emit different 

station 100 also includes one or more display screens 102 15 scents in the gaming station 100 . mounted to the central frame and used to display game play The gaming station 100 typically includes additional 

screens and images to users , and input devices 103 such as sensory feedback modalities for users in addition to visual 

keyboards , touch pads , touch - sensitive displays , or the like , feedback provided through the display screens and lighting . that are mounted to the central frame and used to receive For example , the gaming station 100 typically includes 

input from users . The input devices 103 can also include 20 speakers for auditory feedback ( e . g . , speakers mounted to 

microphones ( e . g . , a microphone array including multiple the central frame , to the seating 101 , and to the braces 107 ) , microphones disposed at different locations in the gaming as well as haptic or touch feedback provided by actuators 

station 100 ) , optical sensors , and / or ultrasonic proximity mounted to the user input devices 103 and the seating 101 

sensors used to provide enhanced user input , user position among other locations . data , and / or user movement data of users within the gaming 25 The gaming station 100 can also include one or more 

station . external facing display screens 109 on which game play 

The gaming station 100 also includes one or more sensors screens and images can be displayed in real time to allow 

15 ( not shown ) that are mounted within the station 100 ( e . g . , other guests to watch a game in progress . In some examples , at hidden or discrete locations ) and are used to identify the external facing display screen 109 is touch - enabled and 

guests currently seated in the station 100 or otherwise using 30 allows spectating guests to participate in game play and / or 

the station 100 . The sensors 15 are used to detect medallions place wagers on game play and player outcomes . In such 

11 of users of the station 100 in order to allow the users to examples , the gaming station 100 can include one or more 

log into the gaming station 100 and engage in gaming . The external - facing sensors 15 disposed so as to sense medal 

sensors 15 can also be used to establish secure communi - lions 11 of guests located in front of the external facing 

cation connections to medallions 11 of users of the station 35 display screen 109 . The external - facing sensors 15 can be 

100 to authenticate the medallions 11 and engage in payment used to detect medallions 11 of the guests and allow those 

transactions . In general , the sensors 15 have sensing beams guests to log into the gaming station 100 via the external 

directed to the seating 101 of the gaming station 100 so as facing display screen 109 to allow the guests to participate 

to detect the medallions 11 of guests that are seated in the in or place wagers on gameplay . The external facing display 

gaming station 100 . In some examples , the sensing beams of 40 screens 109 can also be used by guests to register for or join 

the sensors 15 are adjusted such that only medallions 11 that a queue for game play , such that the guests can be invited to 

are within the gaming station 100 can be detected by the join game play in registration or queue order as seating 

sensors 15 . In an example , the sensors 15 are positioned and locations open up in the gaming station 100 . adjusted to detect medallions 11 in each seating location Operation of the gaming station 100 may be controlled by separately such that the gaming station can distinguish 45 a computing platform provided within the seating 101 . The 

between guests located in each different seating location . A computing platform will typically include one or more 

seating location may be defined as an area two feet wide , processors ( e . g . , three or more processors in some embodi 

zero to 5 feet from the floor , and from one foot behind the ments ) , memory storing program instructions for game play , edge of the table ( to cover a purse / bag at the users feet ) to a power source ( e . g . , including an uninterruptible power 

three feet from the edge of the table . The medallions 11 may 50 source ( UPS ) ) , and connections to each of the displays and 

be detected when in an accessory , pocket ( front or back ) , or input devices 102 , 103 , and 109 . The computing platform 

bag located within a seating location . will also be connected via the communication network 19 to 

In some embodiments , the gaming station 100 also the servers 21 of the guest engagement system 10 . The 

includes a canopy 105 extending above the seating 101 of computing platform is further connected to actuators con 

the gaming station 100 . In the examples of FIG . 10 , the 55 trolling the misting spouts , as well as to controllers control 

canopy 105 is supported by two braces 107 and is formed of ling the lighting , sound , and haptic or touch feedback . The 

a semi - transparent material or a mesh material . The braces various feedback modalities may be individually controlled 

107 support the canopy 105 and have integrated therein for each player seating position , such that different players 

lighting ( e . g . , LED lighting ) used to provide multi - colored can be provided with different sensory feedback ( including lighting . The lighting may be controlled by a processor of 60 misting , scent , sound , haptic , touch , light , and display ) at 

the gaming station 100 to output lighting having an activa - any time under control of the computing platform . tion pattern and / or color pattern that is synchronized to a FIGS . 11 and 12 provide functional block diagram illus 

game being played on the gaming station 100 . The braces trations of general purpose computer hardware platforms . 107 can further have integrated therein water misting spouts FIG . 11 illustrates a network or host computer platform , as 

and / or scent / fragrance misting spouts . The misting spouts 65 may typically be used to implement a server such as any of 

may be connected to a water supply valve or a reservoir the servers 21 described herein . FIG . 12 depicts a computer ( e . g . , a scent reservoir ) by piping extending through the with user interface elements , as may be used to implement 

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a portal ( e . g . , 17d ) or other type of work station or terminal be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the 

device of the guest engagement system 10 , although the claims . In addition , in the foregoing Detailed Description , it 

computer of FIG . 12 may also act as a server if appropriately can be seen that various features are grouped together in 

programmed . It is believed that those skilled in the art are various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the 

familiar with the structure , programming and general opera - 5 disclosure . This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted 

tion of such computer equipment and as a result the draw as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments 

ings should be self - explanatory require more features than are expressly recited in each 

A server , for example , includes a data communication claim . Rather , as the following claims reflect , inventive 

interface for packet data communication . The server also subject matter lies in less than all features of a single 

includes a central processing unit ( CPU ) , in the form of one 10 disclosed embodiment . Thus the following claims are 

or more processors , for executing program instructions . The hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description , with each 

server platform typically includes an internal communica claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject tion bus , program storage and data storage for various data matter . files to be processed and / or communicated by the server , While the foregoing has described what are considered to 

although the server often receives programming and data via 15 be the best mode and / or other examples , it is understood that 

network communications . The hardware elements , operating various modifications may be made therein and that the 

systems and programming languages of such servers are subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in 

conventional in nature , and it is presumed that those skilled various forms and examples , and that the teachings may be 

in the art are adequately familiar therewith . Of course , the applied in numerous applications , only some of which have 

server functions may be implemented in a distributed fash - 20 been described herein . It is intended by the following claims 

ion on a number of similar platforms , to distribute the to claim any and all applications , modifications and varia 

processing load . tions that fall within the true scope of the present teachings . 

Unless otherwise stated , all measurements , values , rat What is claimed is : 

ings , positions , magnitudes , sizes , and other specifications 1 . A door latch assembly comprising : 

that are set forth in this specification , including in the claims 25 a door knob ; 

that follow , are approximate , not exact . They are intended to a latch selectively operated by operation of the door knob ; 

have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions an electrical isolation sleeve mounted on a spindle of the 

to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to door latch assembly and configured to electrically which they pertain . isolate the door knob from other portions of the door 

The scope of protection is limited solely by the claims that 30 latch assembly ; 

now follow . That scope is intended and should be interpreted an electronically controlled locking mechanism operative 

to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of to selectively unlock the latch ; 

the language that is used in the claims when interpreted in a proximity sensor operative to sense contact or proximity light of this specification and the prosecution history that of a user with the door knob ; and 

follows and to encompass all structural and functional 35 an access panel separate from the door knob and the latch , equivalents . Notwithstanding , none of the claims are and including a radio configured for wireless commu 

intended to embrace subject matter that fails to satisfy the nication with the electronically controlled locking requirement of Sections 101 , 102 , or 103 of the Patent Act , mechanism , a first transceiver configured for wireless 

nor should they be interpreted in such a way . Any unin communication with a portable user device , and a 

tended embracement of such subject matter is hereby dis - 40 second transceiver for communication with a reserva 

claimed . tion server , Except as stated immediately above , nothing that has been wherein the electronically controlled locking mechanism 

stated or illustrated is intended or should be interpreted to is operative to selectively unlock the latch based on the 

cause a dedication of any component , step , feature , object , contact or proximity of the user with the door knob 

benefit , advantage , or equivalent to the public . sensed by the proximity sensor , It will be understood that the terms and expressions used the door knob is electrically isolated from a ground herein have the ordinary meaning as is accorded to such potential , terms and expressions with respect to their corresponding the proximity sensor is a capacitive touch sensor electri 

respective areas of inquiry and study except where specific cally connected to the electrically isolated door knob 

meanings have otherwise been set forth herein . Relational 50 and operative to sense contact or proximity of the user 

terms such as first and second and the like may be used with the electrically isolated door knob , and 

solely to distinguish one entity or action from another the access panel is configured to receive door access 

without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such information from the reservation server via the second 

relationship or order between such entities or actions . The transceiver , determine whether the latch should be 

terms “ comprises , " " comprising , " or any other variation 55 unlocked based on the door access information 

thereof , are intended to cover a non - exclusive inclusion , received from the reservation server , and transmit an 

such that a process , method , article , or apparatus that com instruction to unlock the latch to the electronically prises a list of elements does not include only those elements controlled locking mechanism via the radio based on 

but may include other elements not expressly listed or the determination . inherent to such process , method , article , or apparatus . An 60 2 . The door latch assembly of claim 1 , wherein the 

element proceeded by “ a ” or “ an ” does not , without further electronically controlled locking mechanism is operative to 

constraints , preclude the existence of additional identical activate a solenoid to unlock the door latch assembly only 

elements in the process , method , article , or apparatus that when the proximity sensor senses contact or proximity of the 

comprises the element . user with the door knob . The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the 65 3 . The door latch assembly of claim 1 , wherein the access 

reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical dis - panel communicates via the first transceiver using a Blu 

closure . It is submitted with the understanding that it will not etooth low energy ( BLE ) communication standard with the 

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portable user device , and communicates via the second munication with a portable user device , and a second 

transceiver and a wired network connection with the reser transceiver for communication with a reservation 

vation server . server , 4 . The door latch assembly of claim 1 , wherein the access wherein the access panel separate from and fixedly panel is configured to receive a unique identifier from the 5 mounted proximate to the door lock communication 

portable user device through wireless communication with module is configured to receive door access informa 

the portable user device via the first transceiver , determine tion from the reservation server via the second trans 

whether the received unique identifier corresponds to an ceiver , determine whether the door should be unlocked 

based on the door access information received from the authorized user based on information on authorized users reservation server , and transmit an instruction to unlock received from the reservation server via the second trans the door to the door lock communication module via ceiver , and selectively transmit a latch unlocking signal the radio based on the determination . based on the result of the determination . 14 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , 5 . The door latch assembly of claim 1 , wherein the access wherein the radio , first transceiver , and second transceiver of panel further comprises : 15 the access panel each operate according to a different 

a display configured to display information received from communication standard . the reservation server and selected based on the unique 15 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , identifier received from the portable user device ; and wherein the access panel communicates via the first trans 

a camera configured to selectively capture an image of a ceiver using a Bluetooth low energy ( BLE ) communication 

user based on the result of the determination . 20 standard with the user device , and communicates via the 

6 . The door latch assembly of claim 5 , wherein the access second transceiver and a wired network connection with the panel further comprises : reservation server . a communication antenna communicatively coupled to 16 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , the first transceiver and disposed along an outer periph - wherein the door lock communication module and the 

ery of the display of the access panel . 25 access panel communicate with via short - range radio oper 

7 . The door latch assembly of claim 1 , further comprising : 

a door lock communication module electrically connected 17 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , to the electronically controlled locking mechanism of wherein the door lock communication module is configured 

the door latch assembly , and including a radio config to engage in encrypted wireless communications with the 

ured for wireless communication . 30 access panel via the radio of the door lock communication 

8 . The door latch assembly of claim 7 , wherein the door module , and 

the access panel is configured to engage in encrypted knob functions as a communication antenna for the radio of wireless communications with the door lock commu the door lock communication module . nication nodule via the radio of the access panel , and to 9 . The door latch assembly of claim 7 , wherein the access z engage in encrypted wireless communications with the panel communicates with the door lock communication user device via the first transceiver of the access panel . module via short - range radio operating on the ISM band . 18 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , 10 . The door latch assembly of claim 7 , wherein the wherein the access panel is configured to receive a unique 

access panel is configured to engage in encrypted wireless identifier from the user device through wireless communi 

communications with the door lock communication module 40 cation with the user device via the first transceiver , deter 

via the radio , and mine whether the received unique identifier corresponds to 

the access panel is configured to engage in encrypted an authorized user based on information on authorized users 

wireless communications with the portable user device received from the reservation server via the second trans 

via the first transceiver . ceiver , and selectively transmit a door unlocking signal to 

11 . The door latch assembly of claim 7 , wherein the 45 the door lock communication module based on the result of 

electronically controlled locking mechanism is operative to the determination . unlock the latch in response to the door lock communication 19 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 18 , module receiving an unlocking signal via the radio . wherein the access panel further comprises a display con 

12 . The door latch assembly of claim 11 , wherein in figured to display information received from the reservation 

response to the door lock communication module receiving 50 server and selected based on the unique identifier received 

the unlocking signal , the electronically controlled locking from the user device , and a camera configured to selectively 

mechanism is operative to unlock the latch only when the capture an image of a user based on the result of the 

proximity sensor senses contact or proximity of the user determination . with the door knob . 20 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 13 , 13 . An electronic door lock assembly comprising : 55 wherein the latch assembly further comprises a door knob 

a latch assembly including a latch and an electronically and a proximity sensor operative to sense contact or prox controlled locking mechanism operative to selectively imity of a user with the door knob , and 

unlock a door ; the electronically controlled locking mechanism is opera 

a door lock communication module electrically connected tive to selectively unlock the door based on the contact 

to the electronically controlled locking mechanism of 60 or proximity of the user with the door knob sensed by the latch assembly , and including a radio configured for the proximity sensor . wireless communication ; and 21 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 20 , an access panel separate from and fixedly mounted proxi - wherein the door knob is electrically isolated , and the 

mate to the door lock communication module and latch proximity sensor is a capacitive touch sensor electrically 

assembly , and including a radio configured for wireless 65 connected to the electrically isolated door knob and opera communication with the door lock communication tive to sense contact or proximity of the user with the 

module , a first transceiver configured for wireless com electrically isolated door knob . 

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22 . The electronic door lock assembly of claim 20 , wherein the door knob is electrically isolated from ground , and the door knob functions as a communication antenna for 

the radio of the door lock communication module . * * * * 

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