Patent Publication Number: US-2005116020-A1

Title: Locating individuals and games in a gaming establishment

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
      The present invention pertains generally to casino gaming, and more particularly to methods, systems, and software for tracking individuals in a gaming establishment.  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The gaming industry has grown increasingly competitive and sophisticated in recent years. As such, it has become increasingly important to deliver the highest possible quality of gaming experience for each and every player. This both assures that the player will have a satisfying experience and that the gaming establishment has the best possible chance to maximize revenue and profit from each player. Described below are various embodiments of the inventive subject matter hereof that may, among other things, assist in improving a player&#39;s experience in a gaming establishment and also in enhancing a gaming establishment&#39;s profit or retention of that player. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       FIGS. 1-9  illustrate various system embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.  
       FIGS. 10-16  illustrate various method embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE SUBJECT MATTER  
      In the following detailed description of the embodiments of the inventive subject matter, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present inventive subject matter. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventive subject matter is defined only by the appended claims.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 1  there is illustrated in block diagram form of a system  100  according to a first example embodiment of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. System  100  is capable of tracking individuals  101  in a gaming establishment  104  such as a casino in which a number of casino games  102  are deployed. The individuals are provided with and carry or wear a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags  108 . RFID tags  108  may be, for example, embedded or mounted in a plastic carrier  109 , such as a picture identification card. A RFID tag  108  is, in one example embodiment, capable of emitting one or more signals that can be used by a reader component  106  mounted in or on or proximate a casino game  102 . The reader component may be mounted in the vicinity of casino games on a wall  140  or doorway  142  or other structure such as a lighting fixture, a ceiling or a structural support column. The reader component reads the RFID tag  108  and obtains information stored in the tag that can be used to uniquely identify it. Accordingly, when an individual  101  brings a RFID tag  108  into proximity to a reader component  106 , the reader component  106  detects one or more signals from the device  108 . The reader component  106  in turn generates one or more signals or data that is indicative of the identity of the RFID tag. Thus, by virtue of knowing the location of the reader component  106 , the location of the RFID tag  108  can be ascertained. A system  120  is provided for processing and recording data collected from RFID tags  108 , as described in more detail below.  
      As used herein, the term casino game encompasses, without limitation, slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables, poker tables, craps tables and any other game of chance offered by a gaming establishment wherein for example the game qualifies as regulated and/or licensed gaming equipment. The term gaming establishment refers to an establishment that offers casino gaming experiences to its patrons and, in one example embodiment, is licensed by a gaming regulatory authority to provide such gaming experiences.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the reader component  106  positioned in or on the game  102  (or on a wall, doorway or other structure) may be a reader unit  204  that supports at least one antenna  202  that is co-located with the unit  204 , such as the stationary reader model RDR-001, sold by Matrics, Inc., of Columbia, Md., U.S.A. The antenna  202  may be the general purpose antenna model number ANT-001 also available from Matrics, Inc. In the alternative, a reader unit  204  may support two or more antennas  202  that are located remotely from unit  204 . RFID tag  108  may be, for example, the EPC Version 1 UHF RFID tag available from Matrics, Inc.  
      Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify individual items. There are several methods of identifying objects using RFID tags, such as tags  108 . One of the most common is to store a serial number that identifies an item, thing, or person (such as an individual carrying an RFID tag  108 ), and perhaps other information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the identification information to a reader. The reader converts the radio waves returned from the RFID tag into a form that can then be passed on to, for example the system  120 , that can make use of it. While it depends on the particular RFID tag and the application, one example embodiment of a RFID tag  108  carries about 2 KB of data—enough to store some basic information about the item or person it represents.  
      As described in various configurations below, an RFID system such as system  101  may comprise a RFID tag  108 , which is made up of a microchip with, for example, a coiled antenna, and an interrogator or reader with an antenna, referred to herein in some instances as a reader component  106  generally, or more specifically as may be provided in some embodiments as a reader unit  204  and antenna  202 . reader unit  204  may include an integral or co-located antenna, or it may be deployed with one or remote antennas deployed at some distance from the unit  204 . Remote antennas may be coupled to the reader unit  204  with a wireline connection. The reader  204  generates electromagnetic waves from the antenna  204  that form a magnetic field when they “couple” with the antenna on the RFID tag. According to one example embodiment, system  101  or other embodiments herein below described use passive tags that have no battery. These passive tags draw power from the reader, which sends out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag&#39;s antenna. The RFID tag draws power from this current and uses it to power the microchip&#39;s circuits. The chip then modulates the waves that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the new waves into digital data. Most passive RFID tags simply reflect back waves from the reader. Energy harvesting, on the other hand, is a technique in which energy from the reader is gathered by the tag, stored momentarily, and transmitted back at a different frequency.  
      According to another example embodiment of the RFID tags  108 , there are provided active RFID tags that have a battery, which is used to run the microchip&#39;s circuitry and to broadcast a signal to a reader (for example like the way a cell phone transmits signals to a base station). Semi-passive tags can also be used in the embodiments herein, and use a battery to run the chip&#39;s circuitry, but communicate by drawing power from the reader. Active and semi-passive tags are useful for tracking items that need to be scanned over long ranges, but they cost more than passive tags. The read range of passive tags may not be as far as active tags, for example for some example technology, less than ten feet as opposed to one-hundred (100) feet or more for active tags. More particularly, the read range of passive tags depends on many factors: the frequency of operation, the power of the reader, interference from metal objects or other RF devices. In general, low-frequency tags are read from a foot or less. High frequency tags are read from about three feet and UHF tags are read from 10 to 20 feet. Where longer ranges are needed, active tags use batteries to boost read ranges to 300 feet or more.  
      Radio frequency identification in system  101  does not require line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are within range of a reader. Radio waves travel through most non-metallic materials, allowing RFID tags or the readers to be embedded in packaging or encased in protective plastic for weather-proofing and greater durability. Or, in the alternative, the reader component  106  can be mounted in a housing provided that the radio waves can traverse the housing, either by going through a wall, window or opening in the housing. However, reading an RFID through a metallic barrier can be more difficult.  
      RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same frequency to communicate. RFID systems can use many different frequencies, but generally the most common are low- (around 125 KHz), high- (13.56 MHz) and ultra-high frequency, or UHF (850-900 MHz). Microwave (2.45 GHz) is also used in some applications. Different frequencies have different characteristics that make them more useful for different applications. For instance, low-frequency tags are cheaper than ultra high frequency (UHF) tags, use less power and are better able to penetrate non-metallic substances. UHF frequencies typically offer better range and can transfer data faster. But they use more power and are less likely to pass through materials. And because they tend to be more “directed,” they may require a clear path between the tag and reader.  
      System  101  and other embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented with read-write or read-only RFID tags  108 . With read-write chips, an application can add information to the tag or write over existing information when the tag is within range of a reader, or interrogator. Some read-only microchips have information stored on them during the manufacturing process. The information on such chips can never be changed. Another option is to use electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, or EEPROM. With EEPROM, the data can be overwritten using a special electronic process.  
      It is noted that one problem encountered with RFID is the signal from one reader can interfere with the signal from another where coverage overlaps. This is called reader collision. One way to avoid the problem is to use a technique called time division multiple access, or TDMA. In simple terms, the readers are instructed to read at different times, rather than both trying to read at the same time. This ensures that they don&#39;t interfere with each other. But it means any RFID tag in an area where two readers overlap will be read twice. Accordingly, in one example embodiment of the systems and methods described hereinabove, the system or method is operated so that if one reader reads a tag another reader does not read it again. Another problem readers have is reading a lot of RFID tags in the same field. Tag collision occurs when more than one chip reflects back a signal at the same time, confusing the reader. Different vendors of RFID technology have developed different systems for having the tags respond to the reader one at a time. Since they can be read in milliseconds, it appears that all the tags are being read simultaneously.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , reader component  106  is configured to communicate with an information system  120  through a communication channel  130 . Information system  120  may be disposed in the gaming establishment  104  or at a remote site. System  120  includes at least one processing unit  122  and software  124  operable on the system to record and process data read from RFID tags  108  as read by the tag reader components  106 . Through the processing of this data and using other stored data, system  120  can track the position of an individual  101  in the gaming establishment  104  and determine which games  102  the individual  101  is playing and for how long. To provide this functionality, software  124  additionally operates to maintain a database  125  of records representing individuals  101 , reader components  106  and the casino game they are associated with, RFID tags  108  and the individuals they are assigned or associated with, and the location of RFID tag  108  over a desired period of time. Accordingly, the recorded RFID location information (as determined by the detection of such RFID tags at a casino game  102  or wall  140  or doorway  142  or other structure allows system  120  to track the location, movement, and game play of an individual  101  in the casino.  
      As noted above, data transmission system  130  provides for conveying data from or between the reader components  106 , such as a reader unit  204 , to the information system  120 . According to one alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the data transmission system  130  comprises physical connectors  302  connecting the information system  120  to the reader component  106 , such as through an Ethernet connection. According to another alternate embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the data transmission system  130  comprises RF transmission components  402  passing data between the reader component  106  and the information system  120  using radio frequency transmissions  404 . According to another embodiment, the wireless communication may take the form of infra-red or any other wireless or wireline communication technique or format.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 5 , there is illustrated an embodiment  500  in which the reader component  106  is located on the side  502  of a housing of a casino game  504 . In the alternate embodiment  600  shown in  FIG. 6 , a reader component  106  is located within the housing  602  of the casino game  604 . In either embodiment  500  or  600 , the reader component  106  can either be an antenna  202  alone, with the reader unit  204  located remotely from the casino game, or the reader component  106  can be a reader unit  204  that includes an antenna  202 .  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , in one example embodiment  700  according the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, a reader unit  204  receives input from a plurality of antennas  202 , wherein the antennas are located in two or more different casino games  102 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated an alternate embodiment  800  wherein the software  124  operable on information system  120  includes program code  806  that may have the capability of sending game play control instructions or data  809  to the one or more casino games  102 . Games  102  may include an electronic controller  812  (including for example a programmed computer) adapted to be responsive to instructions or data  809  from a remote system such as system  120  to control the operation of the game  102 .  
      In yet another alternate embodiment, program code  806  is operable on system  120  for recording the individual&#39;s game playing history in one or more records in a database  125 . In a further alternate embodiment of the system of  FIG. 8 , program code  806  is capable of sending instructions to a casino game  102  to alter game play for an individual  101  in response to the detection of an individual at the game  102 , as determined by detecting a RFID tag  108  carried by the individual  101 . In yet another alternate embodiment illustrated by  FIG. 8 , program code  806  may be configured to work with a RFID tag  108  that is part of a token or machine readable card  810  an individual uses in connection with playing casino games. For example, card  810  may include a magnetic strip or smart card components.  
      In further alternate embodiments of the inventive matter described herein shown in  FIG. 9 , a reader component  106  may be mounted in a casino game  102  to facilitate RF radiation traversing the game housing, such as through the belly glass of the game. As also shown in  FIG. 9 , in an alternate embodiment a RF reader component  106  may be situated on the side  908  of a casino game  102 .  
      Referring again to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated still another alternate embodiment  900 . In embodiment  900 , at least some of the casino games  102  additionally include a RFID tag  108  mounted on or in the games  102 . In this embodiment, the RF reader components  106  in a game  102  can detect the presence of a RFID tag  108  in or on another game  102 . In this embodiment, software  124  in system  120  includes program code  902  capable of maintaining one or more records that indicate the association of a RFID tag  108  with a particular game  102 , and thereby determine which other games  102  having RFID tags  108  that are near the particular game  102 . The reader component  106 , in this and other embodiments, may also be configured to determine the direction from which an identified RFID tag  108  emission is emanating, providing some directional information that can be used to determine the relative orientation of a detected game or individual with regard to the detecting component  106 . Still further, in this alternate embodiment, program code  902  keeps records of casino games  102  and associated RFID tags  108 . Accordingly, based on the detection by a first game  102  of nearby games  102  having RFID tags  108 , software  124  can determine which casino games are in proximity with one another. In yet another alternate embodiment of the above, program code  902  is capable of sending instructions to the individual casino games  102  so that the game play can be altered based on the proximity of casino games  102  to each other as determined by reading the RFID tags  108  and also based on the detection of a particular individual  101  near or at a game  102 . This embodiment enables casino games in proximity to each other to act in concert, and to offer complimentary game play or coordinated game play. Accordingly, a player  101  may be presented with game play options on nearby games  102  that are customized for or known or thought to be desirable for the player  101 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 12 , a first method  1000  according to the inventive subject matter disclosed herein is described. Method  1000  includes providing a tracking device including a RFID tag to an individual in a gaming establishment, as illustrated in flow chart item  1002 . The individual carries the RFID tag with him or her as they play games in the gaming establishment, as represented by flow chart block  1004 . As shown in flow chart item  1006 , a RFID tag reader situated in or near a casino game is used to detect an individual in proximity to a casino game.  
      According to one alternate embodiment of method  1200 , an individual is detected in proximity to a casino game whether or not the individual plays the game. According to yet another alternate embodiment, an individual&#39;s game playing history is recorded based on the detection of a RFID tag carried by the individual as he or she plays casino games. In another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 10 , method  1000  further includes data transmission method whereby physical connectors connect the information method to the reader components, or RF transmission components pass data between the reader components and the information method using radio frequency transmissions.  
      In still a further alternate embodiment shown as method  1100  in  FIG. 11 , the game play of a casino game is altered, as indicated by flow chart item  1104 , based on detecting that a particular individual is playing the game as detected using the RFID tags and RF reader components, as illustrated by flow chart item  1106 .  
      According to one alternate embodiment, the casino game that is altered is at least in part an electronically controlled game such that game play commands and data may be sent to the game through a signal conveyance in order to alter game play.  
      According to still another example embodiment of the methods of the inventive subject matter described herein, a RFID tag is part of a token or machine readable card an individual uses in connection with playing in the casino or playing a casino game. For example, the RFID tag may be part of an identification card or a credit or debit card the player is provided by the gaming establishment.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 12 , there is illustrated yet another method embodiment  1200  in which RF signals are passed from a RFID tag, as indicated as flow chart item  1202 , to a RF reader component inside of a casino game, or, as indicated by item  1204 , from a RF reader component inside of a game to a RFID tag outside the game and for example carried by an individual in a gaming establishment. According to one example embodiment of the method, the RF signals are passed through the belly glass or other RF permeable portion of a casino game.  
      Another alternate embodiment of the method  1200  further includes another block facilitating RF radiation traversing the game housing by situating the reader component in the casino game. In a yet another alternate embodiment of  FIG. 12 , further includes situating the RFID tag reader on the top of a casino game.  
      In a further alternate embodiment depicted as method  1300  in  FIG. 13 , the method of  FIG. 12  further includes maintaining data in an information system from received information derived from the RFID readers in the gaming establishment, as depicted in block  1308 . This method  1300  further includes recording information concerning the movement and activities of an individual as depicted by block  1310 , as determined from reading individual RFID tag by the reader components. Method  1300  further includes, as depicted by block  1312 , altering the play of one or more casino games in response to the detection of a particular individual at a game.  
      In yet another alternate embodiment of method  1000  illustrated as method  1400  in  FIG. 14 , block  1402  depicts providing the reader component as an antenna. Bock  1404  depicts including a reader unit receiving input from the antenna. In further alternate embodiment of method  1400 , the reader unit is located inside the casino game, or outside of the casino game.  
      In another alternate embodiment of method  1400 ,  FIG. 15  shows method  1500 , which includes receiving input by the reader unit from a plurality of antennas located in two or more different casino games as depicted by block  1508 .  
      In an alternate embodiment  1600  illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the method  1000  further includes providing RFID tags for the casino games, as depicted by item  1602 . As also illustrated as another further alternate embodiment, the method further includes, as indicated by item  1604 , maintaining a record of what games are next to or near to each other from information derived from tag devices associated with or in or on the casino games, as depicted by item  1606  on the flow chart. The method further may provide for allowing games in proximity to act in concert such as offer complimentary game play or coordinated game play options, as depicted by item  1608  on the flow chart.  
      There is described above a number of embodiments of inventive subject matter wherein RFID tags are used to locate or establish a position of an individual or a casino game.