U.S. patent application number 09/782497 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-15 for method, apparatus and article for wagering and accessing casino services.
Invention is credited to Levy, Yuval, Mauer, William M., McEntee, Robert A..
Application Number | 20020111213 09/782497 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25126232 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020111213 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McEntee, Robert A. ; et
al. |
August 15, 2002 |
Method, apparatus and article for wagering and accessing casino
services
Abstract
An integrated system for identifying casino customers, placing
wagers and tracking wins and losses, and for placing reservations
and services, that is capable of automatically verifying that
sufficient funds are available, and that tracks the cumulative
amounts of money won, lost, and spent by a customer. A hand-held
wireless communications device includes a biometric sensor to
measure at least one piece of biometric data from a customer during
operation which is compared to a previously measured piece of
reference biometric data to authenticate the request. One or more
receivers receiving requests from a handheld wireless
communications device accepts the requests if the requests
originated from within an area having access restricted to
customers meeting the desired criteria, such as minimum age.
Automatic notification of a wagering results are provided. Updated
cumulative totals of funds remaining in a customer's account are
tracked and displayed. The system can automatically verify that
sufficient funds are available to pay for such requested waters,
reservations and services.
Inventors: |
McEntee, Robert A.; (San
Diego, CA) ; Mauer, William M.; (Oceanside, CA)
; Levy, Yuval; (Oak Park, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PERKINS COIE LLP
PATENT-SEA
P.O. BOX 1247
SEATTLE
WA
98111-1247
US
|
Family ID: |
25126232 |
Appl. No.: |
09/782497 |
Filed: |
February 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3232 20130101; G07F 17/3227 20130101; G07F 17/3239
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/42 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/24 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A hand-held wireless communication device for wagering,
comprising: a housing; a processor received in the housing; a user
interface to provide and receive gaming and wagering information
between the processor and a user operating the hand-held wireless
communication device; a transmitter coupled to the processor to
wirelessly transmit at least a portion of the wagering information
externally from the housing; a receiver coupled to the processor to
provide at least a portion of the gaming information wirelessly
received externally from the housing; and a bio-metric sensor
associated with the housing and positionable with respect to the
user operating the hand-held wireless communication device to
measure at least one piece of access bio-metric data from the user
during operation of the hand-held wireless communication device to
place a wager.
2. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1 wherein
the biometric sensor is coupled to the transmitter to transmit the
measured piece of access biometric data externally from the
housing.
3. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1, further
comprising: a memory containing at least one piece of reference
bio-metric data measured before the operation of the hand-held
wireless communication device by the user to place the wager, the
memory coupled to the processor to compare the measured piece of
access bio-metric data with the piece of reference bio-metric data,
wherein the processor prevents the transmission of the wagering
information by the transmitter unless the measured piece of access
bio-metric data corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric
data.
4. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein
the bio-metric sensor consists of at least one of a fingerprint
imager, an iris print imager, a voice pattern imager, and a facial
component imager.
5. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein
the transmitter and receiver are formed as a transceiver.
6. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1, wherein
the transmitter consists of at least one of radio frequency
transmitter, an infrared transmitter, and an optical
transmitter.
7. The hand-held wireless communication device of claim 1 wherein
the user interface consists of at least one of a display, an icon
driven menu, a pointer device, a cursor, a keyboard, a keypad, a
speaker, and a microphone.
8. A sever system for controlling wagering by hand-held wireless
communication devices, the server system comprising: a transmitter
for wirelessly transmitting gaming information to at least one of
the plurality of hand-held wireless communications devices; a
receiver for wirelessly receiving wagering information from the at
least one of the plurality of hand-held wireless communication
devices; and a processor programmed to accept wagers from a user
operating the at least one of the plurality of hand-held wireless
communication devices where a piece of access bio-metric data
measured from the user during the operation of the hand-held
wireless communication device to place a wager corresponds to a
piece of reference bio-metric data measured from the user before
the operation of the hand-held wireless communication device to
place the wager.
9. The sever system of claim 8 wherein the receiver wirelessly
receives at least the one piece of access bio-metric data from the
at least one of the plurality of hand-held wireless communication
devices, and further comprising: a memory containing at least the
one piece of reference bio-metric data, the memory coupled to the
processor to compare the measured piece of access bio-metric data
with the piece of reference bio-metric data, wherein the processor
prevents a placement of any wagers contained in the received
wagering information unless the piece of measured access bio-metric
data corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric data.
10. The sever system of claim 8 wherein the receiver wirelessly
receives at least an access code from the at least one of the
plurality of hand-held wireless communication devices, along with
the wagering information.
11. A wagering system, comprising: a host; comprising: a host
processor; a host receiver for wirelessly receiving wagering
information from at least one of a plurality of hand-held wireless
communication devices; a host transmitter for wirelessly
transmitting gaming information to the at least one of the
plurality of hand-held wireless communications devices; and a
plurality of hand-held wireless communications devices, at least
one of the hand-held wireless communication devices, comprising: a
housing; a player processor received in the housing; a user
interface to provide and receive the gaming and wagering
information between a user and the player processor; a player
transmitter coupled to the player processor to wirelessly transmit
at least a portion of the wagering information externally from the
housing; a player receiver coupled to the player processor to
provide at least a portion of the gaming information wirelessly
received externally from the housing; and a bio-metric sensor
associated with the housing to measure at least one piece of access
bio-metric data from the user during operation of the hand-held
wireless communication device by the user to place a wager.
12. The wagering system of claim 11 wherein the bio-metric sensor
is coupled to the player transmitter to transmit the measured
access bio-metric data externally from the housing to the host
receiver, and wherein the host processor prevents a placement of
any wager contained in the received wagering information unless the
measured piece of access bio-metric data corresponds to the piece
of reference bio-metric data measured before the operation of the
hand-held wireless communication device by the user to place the
wager.
13. The wagering system of claim 11, further comprising: a memory
containing at least one piece of reference bio-metric data measured
before the operation of the hand-held wireless communication device
by the user to place the wager, the memory coupled to the player
processor to compare the measured piece of access bio-metric data
with the piece of reference bio-metric data, wherein the player
processor prevents the transmission of the wagering information by
the transmitter unless the measured piece of access bio-metric data
corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric data.
14. A method of wagering, comprising: measuring a piece of access
biometric data from a user during the operation of the hand-held
wireless communication device by the user to place a wager;
determining a wagering authorization status for the user based at
least in part on the measured access bio-metric data; and accepting
or denying a wager from the user based on the determined
authorization status.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: comparing the measured piece of access
bio-metric data to at least one piece of reference bio-metric data
measured before the operation of the hand-held wireless
communication device by the user to place the wager; assigning a
first authorization status if the measured piece of access
bio-metric data corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric
data; and assigning a second authorization status if the measured
piece of access biometric data does not correspond to the piece of
reference biometric data.
16. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: receiving a user identifier; comparing
the measured piece of access bio-metric data to a piece of
reference bio-metric data corresponding to the user identified by
the received user identifier, where the piece of reference
bio-metric data was measured before the operation of the hand-held
wireless communication device by the user to place the wager;
assigning a first authorization status if the piece of measured
bio-metric data corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric
data; and assigning a second authorization status if the piece of
measured biometric data does not correspond to the piece of
reference biometric data.
17. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: wirelessly transmitting the measured
access bio-metric data to a host; and at the host, comparing the
measured piece of access bio-metric data to at least one piece of
reference bio-metric data measured before the operation of the
hand-held wireless communication device by the user to place the
wager.
18. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: at a player hand-held communication
device, comparing the measured piece of access bio-metric data to
at least one piece of reference bio-metric data measured before the
operation of the hand-held wireless communication device by the
user to place the wager; and wirelessly transmitting wagering
information from the player hand-held communication device if the
measured piece of access biometric data corresponds to the piece of
reference biometric data.
19. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: at a player hand-held communication
device, comparing the measured piece of access bio-metric data to
at least one piece of reference bio-metric data measured before the
operation of the hand-held wireless communication device by the
user to place the wager; wirelessly transmitting wagering
information and an authorization code from the player hand-held
communication device to a host, if the measured piece of access
biometric data corresponds to the piece of reference biometric
data.
20. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: verifying an age of the user; assigning
a user identifier to the user if the age of the user is above a
predefined age; receiving the user identifier; comparing the
measured piece of access bio-metric data to a piece of reference
bio-metric data corresponding to the user identified by the
received user identifier, where the piece of reference bio-metric
data was measured before the operation of the hand-held wireless
communication device by the user to place the wager; assigning a
first authorization status if the piece of measured bio-metric data
corresponds to the piece of reference bio-metric data; and
assigning a second authorization status if the piece of measured
biometric data does not correspond to the piece of reference
biometric data.
21. The method of claim 14 wherein the authorization status is
further determined in at least part on at least one of a credit
rating, an age, a birth date, a citizenship, a residency, a
registration status, a previous performance record.
22. A method of accepting wagers from a remote location,
comprising: receiving access biometric data corresponding to a user
attempting to place a wager; determining a wagering authorization
status for the user based on the measured access bio-metric data;
and accepting or denying a wager from the user based on the
determined authorization status.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein determining a wagering
authorization status for the user based on the measured access
bio-metric data, comprises: comparing the measured piece of access
biometric data to at least one piece of reference biometric data
previously sampled from the user in-person.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein accepting or denying a wager
from the user based on the determined authorization status,
comprises: accepting the wager if the measured piece of access
biometric data corresponds to at least one piece of reference
biometric data previously sampled from the user in-person.
25. The method of claim 22 wherein accepting or denying a wager
from the user based on the determined authorization status,
comprises: accepting the wager if the measured piece of access
bio-metric data corresponds to at least one piece of reference
bio-metric data previously sampled from the user in-person and
associated with a user identity.
26. A computer-readable media whose contents cause a computer
system to accept and reject wagers, by: receiving a piece of
measured access biometric data corresponding to a user who is
attempting to place a wager; determining a wagering authorization
status for the user based on the measured access bio-metric data;
and accepting or denying a wager from the user based on the
determined authorization status.
27. The computer-readable media of claim 26 whose contents cause a
computer system determine a wagering authorization status for the
user based on the measured access bio-metric data, by: comparing
the measured piece of access bio-metric data to at least one piece
of reference bio-metric data previously sampled from the user while
independently verifying at least one additional characteristic of
the user.
28. The computer-readable media of claim 26 whose contents cause a
computer system determine a wagering authorization status for the
user based on the measured access bio-metric data, by: comparing
the measured piece of access bio-metric data to at least one piece
of reference bio-metric data previously sampled from the user while
independently verifying the age of the user.
29. The computer-readable media of claim 26 whose contents cause a
computer system determine a wagering authorization status for the
user based on the measured access bio-metric data, by: comparing
the measured piece of access bio-metric data to at least one piece
of reference bio-metric data previously sampled from the user while
independently verifying the age of the user in-person.
30. A hand-held wireless communications device for wagering,
comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor for
control thereby to provide instructions and data to the processor
for execution; a display coupled to the processor for control
thereby to present a user interface having a number of wagering
prompts; a user selectable input device coupled to the processor to
provide user input to the processor; and a transmitter coupled to
the processor for control thereby to transmit wagering information
from the hand-held wireless communications device.
31. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30,
further comprising: a global positioning system receiver to receive
global positioning data, the global positioning system receiver
coupled to the processor to provide the global positioning data to
the transmitter for transmission along with the wagering
information.
32. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the user selectable input device comprises a touch
sensitive portion of the display.
33. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the transmitter comprises a light.
34. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the transmitter comprises an infrared light.
35. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the transmitter comprises a radio frequency
transmitter.
36. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the wager prompts include a place wager icon.
37. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 30
wherein the wager prompts include a wager amount field.
38. A computing system for wagering, comprising: a first wireless
receiver positioned to receive wirelessly transmitted wagering
information; and a processor coupled to the receiver and programmed
to determine a position from which the wagering information was
transmitted, to determine whether the determined position is within
a first restricted access gaming area and to accept a wager based
on the wagering information if the determined position is within
the first restricted access gaming area.
39. The computing system of claim 38, further comprising: at least
a second wireless receiver positioned to receive the wirelessly
transmitted wagering information; and wherein the processor
compares a time delay between receipt of the wirelessly transmitted
wagering information by the first and the second wireless receivers
to determine the position from which the wagering information was
transmitted.
40. The computing system of claim 38, further comprising: at least
a second and a third wireless receiver positioned to receive the
wirelessly transmitted wagering information; and wherein the
processor compares triangulates between receipt of the wirelessly
transmitted wagering information by the first, the second and the
third wireless receivers to determine the position from which the
wagering information was transmitted.
41. The computing system of claim 38 wherein wirelessly transmitted
wagering information is transmitted along with a set of global
positioning system position data corresponding to a position from
which the wagering information was transmitted.
42. A system for remote wagering, comprising: a first restricted
access gaming area, the first restricted access gaming area having
access restricted to persons meeting at least a first predefined
criteria; a shielding layer surrounding the first restricted access
gaming area, the shielding layer being substantially impenetrable
to signals of a first type; at least a first receiver within the
first restricted access gaming area; and a computing system coupled
to the receiver to receive wagering information via the receiver
from a hand-held wireless communications devices located within the
restricted access gaming area and transmitting the wagering
information as signal of the first type.
43. The system of claim 42, further comprising: a number of game
sensors positioned to monitor a gaming table, the game sensors
coupled to the computing system to provide gaming information to
the computing system.
44. The system of claim 42 wherein the computing system is
programmed to simulate a wagering game.
45. A system for remote wagering, comprising: a first restricted
access gaming area, the first restricted access gaming area having
access restricted to persons meeting at least a first predefined
criteria; a first receiver positioned to receive wirelessly
transmitted wagering information; a second receiver spaced from the
first receiver and positioned to receive wirelessly transmitted
wagering information; and a processor coupled to the first and the
second receivers to receive the wirelessly transmitted wagering
information and programmed to determine a position from which the
wagering information was transmitted, and to accept a wager
contained in the wagering information if the determined position is
within the first restricted access gaming area.
46. The system of claim 45 wherein the processor is programmed to
compare a time delay between receipt of the wirelessly transmitted
wagering information by the first and the second receivers to
determine the position from which the wagering information was
transmitted.
47. The system of claim 45 wherein the processor is programmed to
triangulate between the receipt of the wirelessly transmitted
wagering information by the first, the second and the third
receivers to determine the position from which the wagering
information was transmitted.
48. A method of automated wagering, comprising: controlling access
by a number of users to a first restricted area, at least one of
the number of users having a hand-held wireless communication
device; operating a first number of wireless receivers having a
range approximately coextensive with the first restricted area;
receiving a wireless transmission of wager information from at
least one of the hand-held wireless communication devices located
within the first restricted area, the wager information including
at least one wager; and accepting the at least one wager received
by the first number wireless receivers.
49. The method of claim 48, further comprising: controlling access
by the number of users to a second restricted area; operating a
second number of wireless receivers having a range approximately
coextensive with the second restricted area; receiving a number of
wireless transmissions of wager information from at least some of
the hand-held wireless communication devices located within the
second restricted area, the wager information including at least
one wager; and accepting the wagers in the wager information
received by the second number of wireless receivers.
50. The method of claim 48 wherein operating a first number of
wireless receivers having a range approximately coextensive with
the first restricted area includes positioning a number of optical
sensors to provide line-of-sight coverage extending over
approximately an entire room.
51. The method of claim 48 wherein operating a first number of
wireless receivers having a range approximately coextensive with
the first restricted area includes positioning a number of infrared
sensors to provide line-of-sight coverage extending over
approximately an entire room.
52. The method of claim 48 wherein operating a first number of
wireless receivers having a range approximately coextensive with
the first restricted area includes positioning a number of antennas
to provide coverage extending over approximately an entire
room.
53. The method of claim 48 wherein operating a first number of
wireless receivers having a range approximately coextensive with
the first restricted area includes positioning a number of antennas
to provide coverage extending over approximately an entire room;
and shielding an outer perimeter of the room from wireless
transmissions originating outside of the room.
54. The method of claim 48 wherein controlling access by the number
of users to a first restricted area includes: for each of the
users, determining an approximate age of the user; and permitting
the user access to the first restricted area if the user has an
approximate age greater than or equal to a pre-defined minimum
age.
55. The method of claim 48 wherein controlling access by the number
of users to a first restricted area includes: for each of the
users, determining an approximate amount of credit for the user;
and permitting the user access to the first restricted area if the
user has an approximate amount of credit greater than or equal to a
pre-defined minimum.
56. A method of automated wagering, comprising: receiving a
wireless transmission of wager information including at least one
wager from at least one hand-held wireless communication device;
accepting the at least one wager if the wireless transmission of
wager information originated within a first one of a number of
predefined restricted areas.
57. The method of claim 56, further comprising: determining a
position of the origin of the wireless transmission of wager
information; and determining whether the determined position of the
origin of the wireless transmission of wager information is within
the first one of the number of predefined restricted areas.
58. The method of claim 56 wherein receiving the wireless
transmission of wager information comprises receiving the wireless
transmission of wager information at a first receiver and at a
second receiver spaced from the first receiver, and wherein the
method further comprises: determining a time difference between
receipt of the wireless transmission of wager information by the
first and the second receivers; determining a position of the
origin of the wireless transmission based on the time difference;
and determining whether the determined position of the origin of
the wireless transmission of wager information is within the first
one of the number of predefined restricted areas.
59. The method of claim 56 wherein receiving the wireless
transmission of wager information comprises receiving the wireless
transmission of wager information at a first receiver, at a second
receiver spaced from the first receiver, and at a third receiver
spaced from the first and the second receivers, and wherein the
method further comprises: determining a position of the origin of
the wireless transmission by triangulation; and determining whether
the determined position of the origin of the wireless transmission
of wager information is within the first one of the number of
predefined restricted areas.
60. The method of claim 56 wherein receiving a wireless
transmission of wager information includes receiving global
positioning data corresponding to a position of the hand-held
wireless communication device producing the wireless transmission;
and determining whether the hand-held wireless communication device
producing the wireless transmission is within the first one of the
number of predefined restricted areas.
61. A method of automated wagering, comprising: operating at least
one wireless signal receiver to receive a plurality of wireless
transmissions of wager information; accepting at least one wager
contained in the received wager information if the wireless
transmission of the received wager information originated from
within one of a number of predefined restricted areas; and
transmitting gaming information, including wager results to at
least the predefined restricted areas.
62. The method of claim 61, further comprising: determining that
the wireless transmission of the received wager information
originated from within one of a number of predefined restricted
areas by the mere receipt of the wireless transmission.
63. The method of claim 61, further comprising: determining that
the wireless transmission of the received wager information
originated from within one of a number of predefined restricted
areas by: determining a position of the origin of the wireless
transmission of the received wager information; and comparing the
determined position with a position of at least the one of the
number of predefined restricted areas.
64. The method of claim 61 wherein transmitting gaming information
includes transmitting gaming information beyond the predefined
restricted areas.
65. A host computing system for remote wagering, comprising: a
receiver for wirelessly receiving wagering information from a
hand-held wireless communication device; a processor coupled to the
receiver to receive the received wagering information and
programmed to accept a wager contained in the wagering information
if the handheld communications device was within a restricted area
when the wagering information was transmitted; and a host
transmitter coupled to the processor to wirelessly transmit a
notification of a result of the wager to the hand-held wireless
communications device outside of the restricted area.
66. A method for remote wagering, comprising: wirelessly receiving
wagering information transmitted from a handheld communications
device; accepting a wager contained in the wagering information if
the handheld communications device was within a restricted area
when the wagering information was transmitted; and automatically
providing notification of a result of the wager to the handheld
communications device when the handheld communications device is
not within the restricted area.
67. A hand-held wireless communications device for accessing casino
services, comprising: a housing; a processor received in the
housing; a memory received in the housing and coupled to the
processor to provide data and instructions thereto; a display
carried by the housing and coupled to the processor for control
thereby, the display displaying a visual representation of a data
structure stored in the memory, the visual representation including
an indication of a cumulative amount of funds remaining in a user's
account; a transmitter coupled to the player processor to
wirelessly transmit requests for wagering and guest services
externally from the housing; and a receiver coupled to the player
processor to provide updated funds data received externally from
the housing, the updated funds data based at least in part on the
cost of the requested wagering and guest services.
68. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 67
wherein the updated funds data includes an updated cumulative total
of funds remaining in the user's account.
69. The hand-held wireless communications device of claim 67
wherein the updated funds data includes a cost of the requested
wagering and guest services to be summed with a current cumulative
amount of funds remaining in the user's account to updated the
cumulative amount of funds remaining in the user's account.
70. A system for accessing casino services, comprising: a handheld
wireless communications device, comprising: a housing; a processor
received in the housing; a memory received in the housing and
coupled to the processor to provide da1a and instructions thereto;
a display carried by the housing and coupled to the processor for
control thereby, the display displaying a visual representation of
a data structure stored in the memory, the visual representation
including an indication of a cumulative amount of funds remaining
in a user's account; a transmitter coupled to the player processor
to wirelessly transmit requests for wagering and guest services
externally from the housing; and a receiver coupled to the player
processor to provide updated funds data received externally from
the housing, the updated funds data based at least in part on the
cost of the requested wagering and guest services; and a host;
comprising: a host processor; a host receiver for wirelessly
receiving requests for wagering and guest services from the
hand-held wireless communication device and coupled to the host
processor to transmit the received requests; and a host transmitter
coupled to the host processor to wirelessly transmit the updated
funds data in response to the requests for the wagering and guest
services.
71. The system of claim 70 wherein the visual representation
further includes an indication of a number of user selectable
wagering services and a number of user selectable guest
services.
72. A method of operating a hand-held wireless communications
device for providing access to casino services, comprising:
displaying a visual representation of a data structure stored in a
memory of the wireless communications device, the visual
representation including an indication of a cumulative amount of
funds remaining in a user's account; wirelessly transmitting
requests for wagering and guest services externally from the
housing; receiving updated funds data externally from the wireless
communications device, the updated funds data based at least in
part on a cost of the requested wagering and guest services;
displaying an updated visual representation of the data structure
stored in the memory, the updated visual representation including
an indication of an updated cumulative amount of funds remaining in
a user's account based at least in part on the cost of the
requested wagering and guest services.
73. A hand-held wireless communications device for accessing casino
services, comprising: a housing; a processor received in the
housing; a memory received in the housing and coupled to the
processor to provide data and instructions thereto; a display
carried by the housing and coupled to the processor for control
thereby, the display displaying a visual representation of a data
structure stored in the memory, the visual representation including
an indication of at least one wagering service offered by a casino
and an indication of at least one guest service offered by the
casino; a transmitter coupled to the player processor to wirelessly
transmit requests for the wagering and guest services externally
from the housing; and a receiver coupled to the player processor to
provide a confirmation of the requests for wagering and guest
services wirelessly received externally from the housing.
74. The hand-held wireless communications of claim 73 wherein the
indication of at least one wagering service includes a plurality of
user selectable wagering games.
75. The hand-held wireless communications of claim 73 wherein the
indication of at least one guest service includes a plurality of
user selectable reservations for accommodations, meals and
shows.
76. The hand-held wireless communications of claim 73, wherein the
visual representation further comprises: an indication of a
cumulative amount of funds remaining in a user's account.
77. A system for accessing casino services, comprising: hand-held
wireless communications device, comprising: a housing; a processor
received in the housing; a memory received in the housing and
coupled to the processor to provide data and instructions thereto;
a display carried by the housing and coupled to the processor for
control thereby, the display displaying a visual representation of
a data structure stored in the memory, the visual representation
including an indication of at least one wagering service offered by
a casino and an indication of at least one guest service offered by
the casino; a transmitter coupled to the player processor to
wirelessly transmit requests for the wagering and guest services
externally from the housing; and a receiver coupled to the player
processor to provide a confirmation of the requests for wagering
and guest services wirelessly received externally from the housing.
a host; comprising: a host processor; a host receiver for
wirelessly receiving the requests for the wagering and guest
services from the hand-held wireless communication device and
coupled to transmit the received wagering and guest services
request to the host processor; and a host transmitter coupled to
the host processor to wirelessly transmit the confirmation of the
requests for the wagering and guest services.
78. A method of operating a hand-held wireless communications
device for providing access to casino services, comprising:
displaying a visual representation of a data structure stored in a
memory of the wireless communications device, the visual
representation including an indication of at least one wagering
service offered by a casino and an indication of at least one guest
service offered by the casino; wirelessly transmitting requests for
the wagering and guest services externally from the wireless
communications device; and wirelessly receiving at the wireless
communications device a confirmation of the requests for wagering
and guest services transmitted externally from the housing.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention is generally related to the placement of
wagers, reservations, and requests for services in an environment
such as a casino.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Casinos generally provide a place for legalized wagering on
games of skill and chance. For example, the casino may provide
games such as poker, "twenty-one" or blackjack, baccarat, roulette,
craps, slot machines, and other similar games. Such games, allow
the casino's customers to place bets or wagers that result in
winnings if the wager is successful, or losses if the wager is
unsuccessful.
[0003] Such wagering activity is typically tightly controlled by a
state or other governmental authority overseeing the casino. Many
rules and regulations are in place to ensure the fairness of the
gaming, thus protecting the customers. Some of the rules and
regulations, such as minimum age limits, are designed to protect
minors by prohibiting them from placing of bets or wagers. The
enforcement of age limits is important to the casino maintaining
its license to operate.
[0004] The casino can also have its own rules governing the
wagering. For example, the casino may wish to limit particularly
large wagers to customers having suitable credit. The casino may
have other criteria for limiting wagering, such as a registration
status with the casino or the casino's frequent player club, a
previous performance record, and/or a citizenship or residency
requirement.
[0005] In addition to providing gaming activities, many casinos
also provide lodging, restaurant and bar services, and
entertainment such as shows or performances. As is typical for many
large hotels, the casino may provide a variety of guest services,
such as room service, laundry service, safe deposit box, valet
parking, and/or spa and gym services. Thus, the casino attempts to
provide all of the hospitality services that its customers
desire.
[0006] In the typical casino environment, the customer receives
tokens or chips at the casino bank representing different monetary
values in exchange for cash or credit. The chips are accepted at
the casinos gaming tables, and can also be accepted at various
casino establishments such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and
theaters.
SUMMARY
[0007] To date, casinos have had difficulty in automating their
operation for a number of reasons. For example, state imposed
minimum age laws have required casinos to visually monitor those
who are gaming. This allows the casino personnel to verify the age
of anyone placing a wager that appears to be younger than the
state's minimum age. Other criteria that the casino wishes to
monitor, such as a customer's credit, has been difficult, if not
impossible, to monitor. The casino often must rely on casino
personnel to visually recognize individual customers for special
treatment. Current systems also make it difficult for customers to
track the amounts won and lost during wagering, as well as the
amounts spent on various services.
[0008] An integrated system for authenticating casino customers,
placing wagers reservations, and/or service requests, and for
automatically tracking wins and losses, would provide unique
advantages to the casino and customers. An integrated system that
is capable of automatically verifying that sufficient funds are
available, and that tracks the cumulative amounts of money won,
lost, and spent by a customer, would also provide unique advantages
to the casino and customers.
[0009] In one aspect, a hand-held wireless communications device
includes a biometric sensor to measure at least one piece of
biometric data from a customer during operation of the
communications device by which a customer placing a wager,
reservation and/or service request can be authenticated. In a
related aspect, a host computing device includes a receiver for
wirelessly receiving wagering information and accepting in the
wagering information if measured biometric data matches a sample of
reference biometric data previously measured for the particular
customer. The comparison of the measured biometric data with the
reference biometric data can be performed at the wireless
communication device, or at the host computing device.
[0010] Under another aspect, a system employs one or more receivers
receiving wagering information from a wireless communications
device to determine whether the signals originated from within an
area having access restricted to customers meeting desired criteria
such as minimum age. The receiver system can be co-extensive with
the restricted area, and the restricted area can be shielded to
ensure that all signals received by the receiver system originated
from within the restricted area. The system can employ GPS data
received at one or more receivers to determine the position of the
signal's origin. The system can employ a time difference between
receipt of the signal by two or more receivers to determine the
position, or can employ triangulation using three or more
receivers. The system can transmit wagering results to wireless
communications devices located within, or without, the restricted
area. Thus the system can provide automatic notification of a
wagering result after the customer has left the restricted
area.
[0011] In another aspect, a wireless communications device displays
the cumulative totals of funds remaining in a customer's account,
updated to account for wins and/or losses from wagers, and costs
associated with requested reservations and services. The cumulative
total can be tracked by the wireless communications device or by a
host computing device. In a related aspect, the wireless
communications device allows the customer to automatically transmit
requests for wagering and guest services, such as reservations for
accommodations, meals, drinks, and shows. A host computing device
can receive these requests, and automatically enter the requested
wagers, reservations, and/or service requests. The host computing
device can verify that the customer's account has sufficient funds
to pay for such services before entering the requests. The host
computing device can automatically debit the customer's account for
the requested wagers, reservations, and/or services, and provide a
confirmation of the acceptance of the request along with an updated
cumulative total of the funds remaining in the customer's
account.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0012] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify
similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of
elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For
example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to
scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and
positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular
shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any
information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements,
and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the
drawings.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an environment in
which an embodiment of the invention can operate, including a
handheld wireless communications device and a host computing
device.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the interaction between
one of the handheld wireless communications device and the host
computing device of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the use of global
positioning data to determine whether a wireless transmission of a
wager, reservation, and/or service request originated from within,
or without, a restricted area.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing one or more receivers
having a range co-extensive with a shielded restricted area.
[0017] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing two or more receivers
for determining whether a wireless transmission of wagering
information originated from within a restricted area by comparing a
time difference between signal reception by at least two of the
receivers.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing three or more
receivers to determine whether a wireless transmission or wagering
information originated from within a restricted access area by
triangulation.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a number of host
computing devices networked via a server.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of a user
interface represented as a window of user-selectable icons for
selecting a wagering game, a reservation, a guest service, or a
funds transaction.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the user
interface in the form of a number of windows representing current
wagering games, and providing information regarding current wagers
and a balance of the customer's funds.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the user
interface in the form of a pair of windows representing the
availability of reservations for a meal and a show,
respectively.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of data flow employing a
CORBA communications protocol.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
authenticating a request from a customer by comparing measured
biometric data with previously stored reference biometric data,
prior to transmitting a wager, a reservation, and/or a service
request to a host computing device.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
authenticating a request from a customer by comparing measured
biometric data with previously stored reference biometric data,
after receiving a wager, reservation, and/or service request from
the customer.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
restricting access to a restricted area based on at least one
customer criteria and determining at the communications device that
a wireless wager, reservation, and/or service request originated
from the restricted area.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
limiting access to a restricted area based on at least one customer
criteria and determining at the host computing device that a
wireless wager, reservation, and/or service request originated from
within the restricted area at the host computing device.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
automatically accepting requests for wagering, reservation, and/or
services, and verifying that the requesting customer has sufficient
funds prior to accepting the wager, reservation or service request
and confirming the same acceptance along with an indication of the
funds remaining in the customer's account.
[0029] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
authenticating a wireless request by a customer using biometric
data at a wireless communications device, and verifying that the
customer has adequate funds prior to accepting the wirelessly
transmitted wager, reservation, and/or service request.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
authenticating a wireless request by a customer using biometric
data at a host computing device and verifying that the customer has
adequate funds prior to accepting the wirelessly transmitted wager,
reservation, and/or service request.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing an exemplary method of
automatically notifying a customer of the result of a previously
placed wager.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] In the following descriptions, specific details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various
embodiments of the invention. However, one skill in the art will
understand that the invention may be practiced without these
details. In other instances, well known structures associated with
computers, computer networks, data structures, wireless
communications devices, casino, hotel and gaming operations, have
not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring descriptions of the embodiments of the invention.
[0033] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the
specification and claims which follow, the word "comprise" and
variations thereof, such as, "comprises" and "comprising" are to be
construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is as "including but
not limited to." The headings provided herein are for convenience
only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed
invention.
[0034] Environment
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a casino automation system 5, including at
least one handheld wireless communications device 10, and a casino
based computing system 12. The casino based computing system 12
includes a host computing device 14 that communicates with the
wireless communications device 10 via one or more receivers 16 and
one or more transmitters 18. The receivers 16 receive wireless
signals 20 from the communications device 10 and the transmitters
18 transmit wireless signals 22 to the communications device
10.
[0036] The receivers 16 and transmitters 18 can take any of a
variety of forms, and can be formed as transceivers. For example,
in an optical embodiment, the transmitter 18 can take the form of a
modulated light source, such as an infrared light source, a laser,
or other suitable light source. In such an embodiment, the receiver
16 takes the form of a light sensitive device such as a charge
coupled device ("CCD") or photo diode. In an RF embodiment, the
transmitter 18 can take the form of an RF transmitter coupled to a
suitable antenna, and the receiver 16 can take the form of an RF
receiver coupled to a suitable antenna. The receiver 16 and
transmitter 18 can function in any of a number of frequency ranges
commonly employed for wireless communications. The receiver 16 and
the transmitter 18 can operate in the same range, or can operate in
different frequency ranges as best suits the particular
application. The frequency range can be selected to accommodate
government licensing criteria, such as FCC regulations, and can
also take into account the physical characteristics of the casino
or gaming environment, such as the permeability of the material
constituting the walls and other structures of the casino.
[0037] The casino based computing system 12 can include a number of
sensors 24 positioned to monitor the activity at a gaming table 26
or other gaming area. The sensors 24 can take the form of motion
detectors, machine-vision systems or other devices. The casino
based computing system 12 can also include one or more reservations
databases 28, for tracking and entering reservations for a variety
of services such as accommodations, restaurants, shows, and other
entertainment. The casino based computing system 12 can also
include one or more services databases for tracking and entering
requests for a particular guest services 30, such as requests for
room service, room cleaning service, laundry, valet parking, and
other services typically associated with a hotel and/or casino.
These databases can be combined, some can be omitted, and
additional databases added to suit the particular environment.
[0038] Wireless Communications Device
[0039] The wireless communications device 10 includes a housing 32
and a display 34. The display 34 can display at least a portion of
a user interface ("UI"), such as a graphical user interface
("GUI"), to allow the customer to interact with the wireless
communications device 10. The display 34 can take the form of a
touch-sensitive display, allowing the user to enter data and/or
commands by touching the display with a finger and/or stylus. The
wireless communications device 10 can also include user selectable
keys or buttons 36 for operating the communications device 10, for
example, for turning the communications device 10 on and off, and
for selecting various functions. A cursor control device 38 allows
the customer to control a cursor, for example, to move the cursor
about the display 34 for interacting with the displayed elements of
the UI. The wireless communications device 10 can also include a
speaker 40 and a microphone 32 to allow the customer to interact
with the wireless communications device 10.
[0040] In certain embodiments, the wireless communications device
10 can include a biometric sensor 34 to detect a physical
characteristic or trait of the person operating the communications
device 10. The biometric sensor 34 can take a variety of forms
capable of measuring one or more physical characteristics. For
example, the biometric sensor 34 can take the form of a pressure
sensitive pad for detecting fingerprints, thumbprints, or
handprints of the user. Alternatively, an imaging device can be
used to detect fingerprints, thumbprints or handprints. An imaging
device can also detect other physical characteristics, such as the
pattern in the iris of the operator's eye which has been shown to
be useful for identification purposes. Alternatively, or
additionally, the microphone 42 can be used to sample the
operator's voice, which has also been shown to be useful in
identification purposes. Details about the above-listed biometric
sensors, and about additional and/or alternative biometric sensors,
are generally known in the identification arts, and thus will not
be described in further detail in the interests of brevity.
[0041] FIG. 2 shows various hardware and software elements of the
wireless communications device 10 and the host computing device 14.
The computing device 10 includes a transceiver 46, a central
processing unit ("CPU") 48, a persistent memory device 50, a media
drive 52, and a memory 54. Where the display 34 (FIG. 1) is
touch-sensitive, the communications device 10 includes touch screen
sensors 56. The principle hardware components of the communications
device 10 are conventional, and well-known in the art. For example,
the CPU 48 can take the form of any suitable microprocessor, for
example, Pentium II, Pentium III or Power PC 604 processor. The
persistent memory device 50 can take the form of a hard drive or
other non-volatile memory device. The media drive 52 can take the
form of a floppy disk reader, a CD-ROM reader, a DVD reader, an
optical disk reader, or other similar device that reads
instructions from computer-readable media. The memory 84 can take
the form of random access memory ("RAM") or other dynamic storage
that temporarily stores instructions and data for execution by the
CPU 48.
[0042] The transceiver 46 can take any of the variety of forms
explained above in reference to the receiver 16 and transmitter 18,
the transceiver 46 being configured to wirelessly communicate with
the receiver 16 and transmitter 18.
[0043] The memory 54 of the communications device 10 contains
instructions and data for execution by the CPU 48. For example, the
memory 54 includes an operating system ("OS") 58 to provide
instructions and data for operating the communications device 10.
The OS 58 can take the form of conventional operating systems, such
as Windows CE available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,
Wash. or the Palm operating system available from Palm, Inc. of
Santa Clara, Calif.
[0044] The OS 58 can include application-programming interfaces
("APIs") for interfacing with subsystems and peripheral components.
For example, a display API 60 for interfacing with a display
system, a keypad API 62 for interfacing with a keypad, a window API
64 for controlling window presentation, a sound API 66 for
interfacing with a sound subsystem and a communications API 68 for
controlling communications and communications components such as
the transceiver 46. In the particular embodiment shown, the OS 58
also includes a biometric sensor API 70 for controlling the
operation of the biometric sensor 44. A number of the illustrated
embodiments do not require the biometric sensor 44 or the biometric
sensor API 70.
[0045] The memory 54 of the communications device 10 can also
include additional communications or networking software (not
shown) for wired and/or wireless communications on networks, such
as local area networks ("LANs"), wide area networks ("WANs"), or
the Internet. For example, the memory 54 can store Web browser
and/or Web server software applications.
[0046] In certain embodiments, the communications device 10
includes a GPS API 72 for controlling a global positioning system
("GPS") receiver 74 for receiving and decoding GPS information.
Such GPS systems are known in the relevant art, and will not be
further described in detail in interest of brevity.
[0047] The memory 54 also includes instructions and/or data in the
form of a player application 76. In part, the player application
76, in conjunction with the operating system 58 and the APIs 60-72,
provide the UI that aides the customer in placing and tracking
wagers, reservations and/or service requests. In some embodiments,
the player application 76 also authenticates the identity of the
device operator before transmitting requests to the host computing
device 14.
[0048] The memory 54 also includes an ORB 77 providing
communications via the CORBA protocol. CORBA, developed by the
Object Management Group ("OMG") provides interoperability among a
large variety of existing hardware and software products, and
includes an interface definition language ("IDL") and an
application programming interface ("API") 79 that enable
client/server object interaction within a specific implementation
of an object request broker ("ORB"). The ORB 77 is a middle layer
that establishes the client-server relationships between various
objects. The ORB 77 allows a client to transparently invoke a
method on a server object that may be on the same machine, or on a
different machine across a network. Further details regarding CORBA
are available through OMG's web site at www.omg.org; as well as
other sites such as www.developer.com; and in commonly assigned
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/192,690, filed on Mar.
28, 2000, and entitled "METHOD OF DISTRIBUTED OBJECT LOOKUP"; and
commonly assigned U.S. patent application No. 09/663,766, filed
Sep. 18, 2000, and entitled "METHOD, APPARATUS, AND ARTICLE FOR
GIOP MESSAGE COMPRESSION/DECOMPRESSION," each of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In particular,
the compression and decompression methods are particularly suit for
the casino environment due to the relatively limited computational
speed and memory capacity of typical handheld communications
devices.
[0049] Host Computing Device
[0050] The host computing device 14 includes hardware and software
substantially similar to the communications device 10, thus common
acts and structures are identified by the same reference numbers.
Only significant differences in operation and structure are
described below.
[0051] The host computing device 14 can take any of a variety of
forms, such as a mainframe computer, minicomputer, server,
workstation, micro or personal computer, laptop computer, and palm
top or hand-held computing appliances.
[0052] The operating system 58 of the host computing device 14 can
contain an additional network API 78 that provides networking
services for the automated casino based computing system 12. The
memory 54 of the host computing device 14 also contains a host
application 80 in the form of instructions and/or data for
controlling the various functions of the host computing device 14.
The host application 80 can include modules for executing a number
of tasks. For example, an "availability" module 82 can determine
the availability of wagering games, reservations, and/or services,
and can transfer information regarding the availability to the
communications device 10 for display to the customer. In one
embodiment, an "authenticate" module 84 can verify the identity of
the operator making the request using biometric data. In another
embodiment, the "authenticate" module 84 can verify that a request
for wagering, reservations, and/or services originated from within
a restricted area. An "accounting" module 86 can verify that the
requesting customer's account has sufficient funds and can update
the amount of funds remaining in the customer's account. For
example, the "accounting module" 86 can add funds to the customer's
account in response to the customer's deposit or authorization to
charge a credit card. Additionally, the "accounting" module 86 can
add, or subtract funds based on wagers that are won or lost by the
customer. Further, the "accounting" module 86 can subtract funds
based on the cost of reservations (e.g, tickets) and/or services
requested by the customer.
[0053] An "enter request" module 88 accepts and otherwise places
the wager, reservation, and/ or service request. For example, the
"enter request" module 88 can automatically reserve seats for a
show or meal at a casino facility and/or external facility. The
"enter request" module 88 can implement the reservation by placing
an entry in an electronic seating database, or by providing a
notification such as an electronic mail notification to the
appropriate personnel. The "enter request" module 88 can enter a
service request by, for example, notifying the appropriate server
of the request, such as automatically logging a drink order in an
electronic queue at a bar. Additionally, the "enter request" module
88 can provide a confirmation of the entry or acceptance of the
wager, reservation or service request.
[0054] A "display" module 90 can provide a real-time display of a
wagering game to the communications device 10. The real-time
display is based on information gathered by the sensors 24. The
real-time display can be a live video and/or audio feed, or can be
a computer simulation of the live game. A "notification" module 92
can provide notification of the outcome of a wager placed by the
customer. The "display" module 90 and "notification" module 92
operate in conjunction with a live gaming interface 94 that
receives information about a wagering game via game sensors 24
(FIG. 1). A communications port 96 allows the host computing device
14 to be networked to other computing devices and databases.
[0055] GPS Based System
[0056] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment employing GPS data for
determining the position of a wireless communications device 10.
Access to a restricted area 98 can be controlled by limiting
entrance to customers fitting some defined criteria, such as a
minimum age. Controlled access to the restricted area 98 is through
a door or opening 99. In FIGS. 3-7, a broken line box represents a
restricted area and a solid line box represents a restricted
room.
[0057] A first wireless communications device 96 is located within
the restricted area 98 and wirelessly transmits a signal 100 which
is received by the receiver 16. A second wireless communications
device 102 wirelessly transmits a signal 100 from outside of the
restricted area 98. The signals 100 include requests to place a
wager, a reservation and/or service request. Additionally, the
signals 100 include GPS data indicating the location of the
transmitting wireless communications device 96, 102 during the
origination of the signals 100. The host computing device 14 can
compare the GPS data with location information defining the
boundaries of the restricted area 98 to determine whether the
signals 100 originated from within, or without, the restricted area
98. Since access to the restricted area 98 is controlled, the
casino operator can be assured that signals 100 originating from
within the restricted area 98 are wagers, reservations, and/or
services requested by customers meeting the desired criteria, such
as minimum age.
[0058] Co-Extensive Range Based System
[0059] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment where the range of one or more
receivers 16 is co-extensive with the perimeter of the restricted
area 98. It is noted that where reference is made to the receiver
16 in the singular, such is for only convenience, and illustrated
embodiments can include more than one receiver 16.
[0060] A first wireless communications device 96 transmits a signal
104 from within the restricted area 98. The signal 104 contains
requests to place wagers, reservations, and/or service requests,
but unlike the embodiment of FIG. 3, does not contain GPS data.
Controlled access to the restricted area 98 is through the door or
opening 99. The receiver 16 has a range that is co-extensive with
the perimeter of the restricted access area 98, thus the signal 104
from the first communications device 96 is received by the receiver
16. A second communications device 102 is outside of the restricted
access area 98, and thus outside of the range 106 of the receiver
16. Thus, simple reception of the signal 104 means that the
originating device is within the restricted area 98. Alternatively,
or additionally, appropriate shielding 108 can be provided about
the restricted area 98 to ensure that signals 104 originating from
outside the restricted area are not received by the receiver 16.
The shielding 108 should be substantially impervious to the signal
104.
[0061] Time Difference Based System
[0062] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment including two receivers 16 within
the restricted area 98. The embodiment of FIG. 5 relies on a time
difference in reception of a signal by the respective receivers 16
to locate the origin.
[0063] The receivers 16 each receive a signal 104 transmitted from
the first communications device 96 located within the restricted
area 98, and provide the received signal 104 to the host computing
device 14. In addition, the host computing device 14 receives
information regarding the time difference between reception of the
signal 104 by each of the receivers 16. Similarly, the receivers 16
receive a signal 104 from a second wireless communications device
102 located outside of the restricted area 98. The first wireless
communications device 96 can be operated by a customer standing at
a gaming table 112. The host computing system 14 employs the timing
difference between reception of the signals 104 by each of the
receivers 16 to determine a position of the transmitting
communications device 96, 102. Thus, the host computing system 14
can determine that the wireless-computing device 96 originated the
signal 104 from within the restricted 98, while the wireless
communications device 102 originated the signal 104 from outside
the restricted area 98.
[0064] Triangulation Based System
[0065] FIG. 6 shows how a number of receivers 16 can monitor
multiple restricted areas, for example, various restricted areas
and/or restricted rooms throughout a casino 116. The casino 116
includes a first restricted area 98, a second restricted area 118,
and a restricted room 120 having walls permeable to the particular
transmission frequency employed.
[0066] Three receivers 16 receive a signal 104 from the first
communications device 96 at respective times based on the distance
between the receivers 16 and the first communications device 96.
Additionally, the strength of the signal 104 will vary with
distance between the communications device 10 and the respective
receivers 16. The host computing device 14 can employ triangulation
to determine the position of the communications device 96
originating the signal 104 based on the relative strengths of the
signals at each of the receivers 16. Thus, the host computing
device 14 can determine that the first communications device 96 is
within the first restricted area 98 when originating the signal
104, while the second communications device 102 is outside of the
restricted area 98 when originating the signal 104. One or more
transmitters 18 can provide notification to the communications
devices 10, 96, 102, throughout the casino 116.
[0067] Networked System
[0068] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment where multiple host computing
devices 14 are coupled over a network 122 via a server 124. In this
embodiment, the host application 80 (FIG. 2) can reside on the host
computing devices 14 or the server 124. Locating the host
application 80 on the host computing devices 14 allows the casino
based computing system 14 to use a less powerful server 124.
Locating the host application 80 on the server 124 can provide the
benefits associated with a more centralized system, such as better
security. Alternatively, the functionality of the host application
80 can be distributed between the host computing devices 14 and the
server 124.
[0069] User Interface
[0070] FIG. 8 shows a portion of the UI in the form of an
introductory screen or window 126 having a number of
user-selectable prompts for display on the display 34 (FIG. 1) of
the wireless communications device 10. The introductory window 126
includes prompts 128 for selecting wagering games, prompts 130 for
making reservations, prompts 132 for ordering services, and prompts
134 for manipulating and inquiring about the customer's account.
The user-selectable prompts 128-134 can function as a typical GUI,
or can serve as hot links to appropriate Web pages of a Website on
the Internet or on the casino's Intranet.
[0071] In operation, the customer can select one of the games 128
listed under the games heading by touching the display 34 (FIG. 1),
or by manipulating the cursor control 38 to select an icon
representing the desired game for wagering. Similarly, the customer
can determine whether reservations are available for
accommodations, meals, or shows and other entertainment. The
customer can place the reservations by selecting one of the
reservation prompts 130 to go to an appropriate Web page or
user-input window.
[0072] Likewise, the customer can request services, such as room
service or laundry service by selecting one of the service prompts
132. Additionally, the customer can make inquiries regarding the
balance of the customer's casino account and/or transfer funds to,
and from, the account using Web pages or input windows displayed in
response to the selection of the funds prompts 134.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows a pair of windows 136, 138 displayed on the
display 34 of the communications device 10, each window showing a
status of a respective blackjack game. The representations of the
blackjack games can be live or animated. The display 34 also shows
the amount of the wager for the blackjack game in the active of
"front" window 138, and a current cumulative total 142 for the
customer's account.
[0074] FIG. 10 shows a portion of the UI in the form of a window 44
for making dinner reservations. The window 144 contains a "meal
reservations" grid 146 showing the days of the week as columns
extending across the top of the grid 146 and dinner hours as rows
extending along the left side of the grid 146. Scrolling icons 148
permit the customer to see other hours and days of the week.
Letters or icons 149 in the cells of the "meal reservations" grid
146 represent the availability of reservations for the
corresponding day and hour. The letter "A" indicates that
reservations are available, and the letter "N" indicates that
reservations are not available. The customer makes reservations
simply by selecting one of the cells containing the letter "A".
[0075] FIG. 10 also shows a portion of the UI in the form of a
window 150 for making reservations for a show. The window 150
includes a "show reservations" grid 152 for making show
reservations, that is similar in operation and format to the "meal
reservations" grid 146. The "show reservations" grid 152 includes
additional rows corresponding to different seating designations,
such as a row labeled "F" for floor seating and a row labeled "B"
for balcony seating. The display 34 also displays the cost 154 for
the show and seating corresponding to the cell indicated by the
customer using the cursor 156.
[0076] The display 34 also includes a visual and/or audio
notification 158, notifying the customer of the outcome of the
customer's wagers, such as the outcome of one of the blackjack
games 136, 138. In this case, the notification 158 indicates that
the customer has won. Notification regarding the outcome of
wagering can extend to areas beyond the restricted access areas 98.
Notification can occur while the customer is employing the
communications device 10 to place another wager, a reservation
and/or service request, or notification can occur while the
communications device 10 is in a sleep state.
[0077] Communications Employing CORBA and e*ORB
[0078] FIG. 11 shows a data flow between components of the
communications device 10 and the host computing device 14 employing
the CORBA communications protocol in an exemplary card game. In
reading FIG. 11, one should keep in mind that under the CORBA
protocol the requesting device is identified as the "client" and
the responsive device is identified as the "server." Thus, the same
device can in one instance be considered the client, while in
another instance be considered the server. This is indicated in
FIG. 11 by locating the JAVA player 160 in a left-hand column that
identifies those actions where the JAVA player 160 acts as a
client, and in a right-hand column that identifies those actions
where the JAVA player 160 acts as a server. Time generally proceeds
from top to bottom.
[0079] The JAVA player 160 is application code and user interface
(i.e., a particular embodiment of the player application 76)
resident on the communications device 10 that is used to
communication with corresponding application code and user
interface on the host computing device 14. The JAVA dealer 162 is
application code and user interface resident (i.e., a particular
embodiment of the host application 80) on the host computing device
14 that is used to communicate with the JAVA player 160 on the
communications device 10. The designation KVM indicates that the
JAVA player 160 executes on a Java virtual machine suitable for
kilobyte range devices (e.g., handheld wireless communications
device 10), available from Sun Microsystems, Inc. of Palo Alto,
Calif. The designation "e*ORB" indicates that the JAVA player 160
and JAVA dealer 162 each employ a CORBA compliant connectivity
product, available from the assignee.
[0080] In step 164, the JAVA player 160 sends a request (i.e.,
"dealIn") to the JAVA dealer 162 to be dealt in to a card game in
response to a customer request made at the UI of the communications
device 10. In step 166, the Java Dealer produces a status update
(i.e., "statusUpdate") to provide notice to all of the current JAVA
players of the addition of a new JAVA player 160 to the card game.
In step 168, the JAVA dealer deals cards ("initialDeal") to the
JAVA players 160 in the card game. In step 170, the JAVA player 160
receives new cards (i.e., "newCards") from the JAVA dealer 162, in
response to a customer selection made at the UI of the
communications device 10. In step 172, the JAVA player 160 submits
the hand to the JAVA dealer 162 for scoring. In step 174, the JAVA
dealer 162 terminates the card game (i.e., "gameOver"). In step
176, the JAVA dealer 162 provides notification (i.e., "notify") of
the results of the wagers. The notification employs C++ to allow a
large variety of devices in addition to the communications device
10 to receive the notification.
[0081] Methods of Operation, Biometric Data Analyzed At
Communications Device
[0082] FIG. 12 shows a method 300 of placing wagers, reservations,
and/or service requests using the wireless communications device 10
(FIG. 1) and that employs biometric data to authenticate the
requesting customer prior to transmitting the wager, reservation or
service request to the host computing device 14.
[0083] In step 302, casino personnel verify one or more pieces of
customer criteria, such as age, citizen, residency, or credit
status for customers that wish to register for access to the
casino's services. In step 304, the casino personnel determine
whether the user's criteria meets the requirements. For example,
the casino personnel can input the customer's identification to
determine whether the customer meets a state's minimum age
requirement for wagering. If the customer criteria does not meet
the particular requirements, the casino personnel reject the
registration attempt in step 306 and the method 300 terminates in
step 308. If the customer criteria does meet the requirements, a
reference biometric data sample is measured from the customer in
step 310. For example, the customer's finger, thumb or handprint
can be digitized, a voiceprint of the customer's voice recorded and
digitized, and/or a digitized print created of the pattern of the
customer's iris. In step 312, the measured reference biometric data
sample is stored in the persistent memory 50 (FIG. 1) at the
wireless communications device 10.
[0084] In step 314, the communications device 10 receives a wager,
reservation, and/or service request as customer input via the UI.
In step 316, the requesting customer's biometric data is measured
at the communications device 10. For example, the communications
device 10 can require that the user's thumb, finger, or palm be on
the biometric sensor 44 (FIGS. 1 and 2) while the request is
placed. Alternatively, the communications device 10 can take a
voice sample or can image the iris of the requesting customer's eye
while the request is placed. The casino automation system 5 can
employ other sources of biometric data suitable to uniquely
identifying customers.
[0085] In step 318, the CPU 48 of the communications device 10
compares the measured biometric data with the stored sample of
reference biometric data. In step 320, the CPU 48 determines
whether the measured biometric data matches the reference biometric
data. If a match is not found, the communications device 10
executes an "unauthorized" customer routine in step 322. The
"unauthorized customer" routine can, for example, alert casino
personnel to an unauthorized attempt to place a wager, reservation
or service request, allowing the personnel to confiscate or
remotely disable the communications device 10. If the measured
biometric data matches the stored reference biometric data, the
transceiver 46 transmits the wager, reservation or service request
to the host computing device 14. The transmission may include, or
may not include, an authorization code produced by the
communications device 10. The transmission can be encrypted to
enhance security and to protect the customer's privacy.
[0086] Methods of Operation, Biometric Data Analyzed At Host
Computing Device
[0087] FIG. 13 shows a method 350 of placing wagers, reservations
and service requests using the communications device 10 that
employs biometric data to authenticate a user upon receipt of the
request at the host computing device 14.
[0088] In step 352, casino personnel verify one or more pieces of
customer criteria, such as age. In step 354, the casino personnel
determine whether the customer's criteria meets the requirements.
If the customer's criteria does not meet the requirements, the
casino personnel reject the registration attempt in 356, and the
method 350 terminates at step 358. If the user criteria meets the
requirements, the casino personnel measure a reference biometric
data sample from the customer in step 360. In step 362, the
measured biometric data sample is stored at the host computing
device 14 or in an associated database.
[0089] In step 364, the communications device 10 receives a wager,
reservation, and/or service request as input from the user via the
UI. In step 366, the communications device 10 measures biometric
data from the requesting customer. In step 368, the transceiver 46
transmits the wager, reservation and/or service request to the host
computing device 14, along with the measured biometric data and an
identifier. The user identification can be pre-stored in the
communications device 10, or entered by the requesting consumer.
The identifier allows the host computing device 14 to locate the
appropriate reference biometric data. In step 370, the host
computing device 14 compares the measured biometric data to the
previously stored reference biometric data for the particular
customer identified by the identifier. In step 372, if the measured
biometric data does not match the reference biometric data, the
host computing device 14 executes an "unauthorized user" routine in
step 374. If the measured biometric data matches the reference
biometric data, the host computing device 14 accepts the wager,
reservation or service request in step 376.
[0090] Methods of Operation, Range Co-extensive With Restricted
Area
[0091] FIG. 14 shows a method 400 of placing wagers, reservations,
and service requests using the communications device 10 that
employs the restricted area of FIG. 4.
[0092] In step 402, casino personnel verify one or more customer
criteria, such as age. In step 404, the casino personnel determine
whether the customer's criteria meets the requirements. If the
customer's criteria does not meet the requirements, the casino
personnel reject access by the customer to the restricted area 98
(FIGS. 3-7) in step 406, and the routine 400 terminates in step
408. If the customer's criteria meets the requirements, the casino
personnel permit the customer access to the restricted area 98 in
step 410.
[0093] In step 412, the communications device 10 receives a wager,
reservation and/or service request as input via the UI. In step
414, the transceiver 46 transmits the wager, reservation and/or
service request externally from the computing device 10. In step
416, the transmitted wager, reservation and/or service request is
received at one or more receivers 16. In step 418, the host
computing device 14 accepts the wager, reservation and/or service
request. This method 400 is particularly useful with the embodiment
shown in FIG. 4, where the range of the antenna is coextensive with
the perimeter of the restricted area 98.
[0094] Methods of Operation Range Co-extensive With Restricted
Area
[0095] FIG. 15 shows a method 420 of placing wagers, reservations
and/or service requests using the communications device 10 that
employs the restricted areas 98, 118, 120 of FIGS. 3, 5-7.
[0096] In step 422, casino personnel verify the customer's
criteria. In step 424, the casino personnel determine whether the
customer's criteria meets the desired requirements. If the
customer's criteria does not meet the requirements, the casino
personnel reject access to the restricted area 98 in step 426, and
the method 420 terminates in step 428. If the customer's criteria
does meet the requirements, the casino personnel permit the
customer access to restricted areas 98, 118, 120 in step 430.
[0097] In step 432, the communications device 10 receives wager,
reservation and/or service requests as input via the UI. In step
434, the communications device 10 transmits the wager, reservation
and/or service request externally from the communications device
10. In step 436, the transmitted wager, reservation and/or service
request is received at one or more receivers 16. In step 438, the
position of the communications device 10 originating the requesting
signal 104 is determined. The host computing device 14 can
determine the position using GPS data, time delay, and/or
triangulation. In step 440, the host computing device 14 determines
whether the determined position is within the restricted area 98,
118, 120. In step 442, the host computing device 14 rejects the
wager, reservation and/or service request if the request did not
originate from within the restricted area 98, 118, 120. In step
444, the host computing device 14 accepts the wager, reservation
and/or service request if the request originated from within the
restricted area 98, 118, 120.
[0098] Methods of Operation Restricted Area With Funds
Verification
[0099] FIG. 16 shows a method 450 of placing wagers, reservations,
and/or service requests using the communications device 10 that
employs the restricted access areas of FIGS. 3, 5-7.
[0100] In step 452, the customer enters a request for information
regarding available wagers, reservations and/or services into the
communications device 10 as described generally above. In step 454,
the communications device 10 transmits the request for information
externally from the communications device 10. In step 456, the
request is received at the host computing device 14 via receiver 16
(FIG. 2). In step 458, the host computing device 14 transmits the
requested information via the transmitter 18 (FIG. 2). In step 460,
the communications device 10 receives the requested information
from the host computing device 14 via transceiver 46 (FIG. 2). In
step 462, the requested information is displayed to the customer on
the display 34 of the communications device 10.
[0101] In step 464, the communications device 10 receives a wager,
reservation and/or service request as input from the customer via
the UI. In step 466, the transceiver 46 transmits the request
externally from the communications device 10. In step 468, the host
computing device 14 receives the transmitted request.
[0102] In step 470, the host computing device 14 determines the
amount of funds available in the customer's account. In step 472,
the host computing device 14 verifies whether the customer's
account has adequate funds for placing the wager, reservation
and/or service request. For example, the host computing device 14
can determine whether there is sufficient funds for the amount of
the wager or for tickets or seats being reserved for a show. If the
customer's account contains inadequate funds, the host computing
device 14 executes an "inadequate funds" routine in step 474 and
terminates in step 476. The "inadequate funds" routine can reject
the request and can provide notification to the customer and/or
casino personnel. The "inadequate funds" routine can also provide
the customer with an opportunity to supplement the customer's
account, for example, by transferring funds via a credit or debit
card.
[0103] If the funds are adequate, the host computing device 14
enters the wager, reservation and/or service request in step 478.
In step 480, the host computing device 14 updates the amount of
funds remaining in the customer's account. For example, the host
computing device 14 can subtract an amount equal to a lost wager,
or the price of a reserved seat or ticket. Also, for example, the
host computing device 14 can add the amount of any winnings from
previously placed wagers or any amounts transferred to the
customer's account. In step 482, the host computing device 14
transmits a confirmation of the acceptance of the wager,
reservation and/or service request, and also transmits an updated
funds amount. In step 484, the communications device 10 displays
the confirmation and the updated amount of funds remaining.
[0104] Methods of Operation, Authenticate At Communications Device
Using Biometric Data With Funds Verification
[0105] FIG. 17 shows a method 500 of placing wagers, reservations,
and/or service requests using the communications device 10, that
employs biometric data at the communications device 10 to
authenticate the request and also employs verification of the
customer's funds.
[0106] In step 502, the customer enters a request for information
regarding the availability of wagers, reservations and/or services
as input into the handheld communications device 10. In step 504,
the transceiver 46 (FIG. 2) transmits a request for information
externally from the communications device 10. In step 506, the host
computing device 14 receives the request via the receiver 16 (FIG.
2). In step 508, the host computing device 14 transmits the
requested information via the transmitter 18 (FIG. 2). In step 510,
the transmitted information is received at the communications
device 10. In step 512, the communications device 10 displays the
requested information to the requesting customer on the display
34.
[0107] In step 514, the communications device 10 receives a request
to place a wager, reservation, and/or service request as customer
input via the UI. In step 516, the communications device 10
measures biometric data from the customer placing the request. In
step 518, the communications device 10 compares the measured
biometric data to a previously stored sample of reference biometric
data. In step 520, the CPU 48 (FIG. 2) determines whether the
measured biometric data matches the reference biometric data. If
the measured biometric data does not match the reference biometric
data, the communications device 10 executes an "unauthorized user"
routine in step 522. If the measured biometric data matches the
reference biometric data, the transceiver 46 transmits the request
for the wager, reservation, and/or service externally from the
communications device 10 in step 526. In step 528, the host
computing device 14 receives the transmitted request for wagers,
reservations and/or services via the receiver 16 (FIG. 2).
[0108] In step 530, the host computing device 14 determines the
amount of funds in the customer's account. In step 532, the CPU 48
of the host computing device 14 determines whether the funds in the
customer's account are adequate for the requested wager,
reservation and/or service request. The CPU 48 passes control to
step 534 to execute an "inadequate finds" routine if the finds are
not adequate and terminating method 500 in step 524. If the funds
are adequate, the host computing device 14 enters the wager,
reservation or service request in step 536.
[0109] In step 538, the host computing device 14 updates the amount
of funds remaining in the customer's account. In step 540, the host
computing device 14 transmits a confirmation of the acceptance of
the wager, reservation or service request, and the updated
remaining account information. In step 542, the communications
device 10 receives the confirmation and updated account
information. In step 544, the handheld communications device 10
displays the confirmation and the amount of funds remaining in the
customer's account to the customer via the display 34.
[0110] Methods of Operation, Authenticate At Host Computing Device
Using Biometric Data With Funds Verification
[0111] FIG. 18 shows a method 550 of placing a wager, reservation
and/or service request using the communications device 10 that
employs biometric data to authentic the customer at the host
computing device 14, and that verifies that the customer's account
has adequate finds for the requested wager, reservation, and/or
service.
[0112] In step 552, the customer enters a request for information
regarding available wagers, reservations, and/or services and to
the communications device 10 via the UI. In step 554, the
transceiver 46 transmits the request for information externally
from the communications device 10. In step 556, the host computing
device 14 receives the request for information via the receiver 16
(FIG. 2). In step 558, the host computing device 14 transmits the
requested information via the transmitter 18 (FIG. 2). In step 560,
the communications device 10 receives the requested information
transmitted from the host computing device 14 via the transceiver
46. In step 562, the communications device 10 displays the
requested information to the customer using the display 34.
[0113] In step 564, the communications device 10 measures biometric
data from the requesting customer. In step 566, the communications
device 10 receives a request to place a wager, reservation, and/or
service request as customer input via the UI. In step 568, the
transceiver 46 transmits the request and the measured biometric
data externally from the communications device 10. In step 570, the
host computing device 14 receives the transmitted request, measured
biometric data and an identifier via the receiver 16. In step 572,
the host computing device 14 compares the measured biometric data
to a previously stored sample of reference biometric data. In step
574, the CPU 48 of the host computing device 14 determines whether
the measured biometric data matches the reference biometric data.
If the measured biometric data matches the reference biometric
data, the host computing device 14 executes an "unauthorized user"
routine in step 576 and terminates the method 550 in step 578.
[0114] If the measured biometric data matches the reference
biometric data, the host computing device 14 determines the amount
of funds remaining in the customer's account. In step 582, the host
computing device 14 determines whether the remaining funds are
adequate for the requested wager, reservation, and/or service
request. If the remaining funds are not adequate, the host
computing device 14 executes an "inadequate funds" routine in step
584, and terminates the method 550 in step 578. If the funds in the
customer's account are adequate, the host computing device 14
enters the wager, reservation, and/or service request in step 586.
In step 588, the host computing device 14 updates the amount of
funds remaining in the customer's account to accurately reflect the
request. In step 590, the host computing device 14 transmits a
confirmation of the acceptance of the wager, reservation, and/or
service request and an updated amount of funds remaining in the
customer's account. In step 592, the communications device 10
receives the transmitted confirmation and updated account
information. In step 594, the communications device 10 displays the
confirmation and the updated account information on the display
34.
[0115] Methods of Operation Automatic Notification of Results
[0116] FIG. 19 shows a method 600 of providing notification of the
results of a wager or acceptance of a reservation or service
request. In step 602, the host computing device 14 determines
whether there are results to report, such as wagering results. If
there are no results, the host computing device 14 performs a wait
loop 604. If there are results to report, the host computing device
14 can encrypt the results in optional step 606. In step 608, the
host computing device transmits the results via transmitter 18, and
returns control to step 602.
[0117] Conclusion
[0118] Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the
invention are described herein for illustrative purposes, various
equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention, as will be recognized by those
skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of the
invention can be applied to other wagering, reservation and service
request systems, not necessarily the exemplary casino automation
system generally described above.
[0119] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. For example, biometric data can be
employed in conjunction with the restricted areas. Other aspects of
the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems,
circuits and concepts of the various illustrated embodiments and
recited applications and publications to provide yet further
embodiments of the invention. Additionally, or alternatively, the
described methods may omit some steps, and add other steps.
[0120] These and other changes can be made to the invention in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in this
specification, but should be construed to include all computers,
networks and devices that operate in accordance with the claims.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but
instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following
claims.
* * * * *
References