U.S. patent application number 11/129702 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for wide area table gaming monitor and control system.
This patent application is currently assigned to IGT. Invention is credited to Eric W. Lancaster, Steven J. Miller, Richard E. Rowe.
Application Number | 20060258427 11/129702 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36930169 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060258427 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rowe; Richard E. ; et
al. |
November 16, 2006 |
Wide area table gaming monitor and control system
Abstract
Systems and methods for tracking and communicating data
regarding table game activities across multiple gaming
establishments are disclosed. A single local system or multiple
systems networked over a wide area can be implemented. A WAN of
automated table game tracking units can be associated with a
centralized server and a centralized tracking database. Each
electronic gaming activity tracking unit tracks player information
and table activity and forwards this data to the centralized
server. Data collected at a first gaming establishment can be made
available in real time at a second separate gaming establishment.
Cameras capture visual images and RFID readers capture RFID chip
data from subject gaming tables, and these images and data are
forwarded to the centralized server. Analysis and modification of
different data sets and correlation from visual images and RFID
data to respective data sets can be performed and stored at a
system database.
Inventors: |
Rowe; Richard E.; (Incline
Village, NV) ; Lancaster; Eric W.; (Las Vegas,
NV) ; Miller; Steven J.; (Reno, NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS, LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
IGT
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
36930169 |
Appl. No.: |
11/129702 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/3239 20130101; G07F 17/3237 20130101; G07F 17/3255
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/016 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A system adapted for use in conjunction with live table games,
comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming activity tracking
units distributed across multiple gaming establishments, wherein
each of said electronic gaming activity tracking units is adapted
to facilitate the tracking of player information, player
activities, gaming table information, or a combination thereof at
one or more live gaming tables, said live gaming tables being used
to host table games involving the acceptance of monetary wagers and
granting of monetary awards, and wherein each of said electronic
gaming activity tracking units is also adapted to forward tracking
data regarding said tracked player information, player activities,
gaming table information or a combination thereof; one or more
cameras adapted to capture visual information from said one or more
live gaming tables, wherein said one or more cameras are also
adapted to forward data regarding said captured visual information;
one or more RFID reading devices adapted to capture gaming chip
RFID data from said one or more live gaming tables, wherein said
one or more RFID reading devices are also adapted to forward at
least a portion of said captured RFID data; a centralized computer
server adapted to receive and process said forwarded tracking data
from at least two of said plurality of electronic gaming activity
tracking units and said forwarded visual data from at least one of
said one or more cameras, said centralized computer server being
located remotely from at least one of said plurality of electronic
gaming activity tracking units; at least one centralized database
in communication with said centralized computer server, said at
least one centralized database being adapted to store and provide
on demand said forwarded tracking data, said forwarded visual data,
said forwarded RFID data or any combination thereof; a
communication link or path between each of said plurality of
electronic gaming activity tracking units and said centralized
computer server; a communication link or path between each of said
one or more cameras and said centralized computer server; and a
communication link or path between each of said one or more RFID
reading devices and said centralized computer server.
2. A system adapted for use in conjunction with table games,
comprising: a plurality of electronic gaming activity tracking
units, wherein each of said electronic gaming activity tracking
units is adapted to facilitate the tracking of player information,
player activities, gaming table information, or a combination
thereof at one or more gaming tables, said gaming tables being used
to host table games involving the acceptance of monetary wagers and
granting of monetary awards, and wherein each of said electronic
gaming activity tracking units is also adapted to forward data
regarding said tracked player information, player activities,
gaming table information or a combination thereof; a centralized
computer server adapted to receive and process said forwarded data
from at least two of said plurality of electronic gaming activity
tracking units, said centralized computer server being located
remotely from at least one of said plurality of electronic gaming
activity tracking units; and a communication link or path between
each of said plurality of electronic gaming activity tracking units
and said centralized computer server.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein said system comprises a wide area
network situated across multiple gaming establishments.
4. The wide area network of claim 3, wherein a first unit of said
plurality of electronic gaming activity tracking units is located
at a first gaming establishment, while a second unit of said
plurality of electronic gaming activity tracking units is located
at a second gaming establishment, said second gaming establishment
being separate from said first gaming establishment.
5. The wide area network of claim 4, wherein data collected by said
first unit is made available in real time to a user at said second
unit.
6. The system of claim 2, further including: a centralized database
containing files on one or more players, one or more gaming tables,
or a combination thereof tracked by said plurality of electronic
gaming activity tracking units.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of said table games
is a live table game including at least one live player and at
least one live employee of the gaming establishment hosting said
live table game.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality of
electronic gaming activity tracking units comprises a table game
calculator, said table game calculator adapted to accept input
regarding the play of a game and present a game outcome according
to the rules of that game.
9. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality of
electronic gaming activity tracking units comprises a basic user
interface having a plurality of features, wherein at least one of
said plurality of features is selected from the group consisting of
real-time data collection, real-time graphical floor
representation, real-time cage transaction requests, real-time comp
requests, player profiling, player ratings editing, employee data
entry, and system interfacing.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality
of electronic gaming activity tracking units comprises a basic user
interface having every feature selected from the group consisting
of real-time data collection, real-time graphical floor
representation, real-time cage transaction requests, real-time comp
requests, player profiling, player ratings editing, employee data
entry, and system interfacing.
11. The system of claim 2, wherein at least one of said plurality
of electronic gaming activity tracking units comprises one or more
modules selected from the group consisting of staff alerts, cage
communications, comp requests, host notifications, marker tracking,
headcount tracking and activity surveillance.
12. A wide area gaming network adapted for use in conjunction with
table games across multiple gaming establishments, said table games
involving the acceptance of monetary wagers and granting of
monetary awards, the wide area gaming network comprising: a first
electronic gaming activity tracking unit located at a first gaming
establishment and adapted to facilitate the tracking of player
information, player activities, gaming table information, or a
combination thereof at one or more gaming tables located at said
first gaming establishment; a second electronic gaming activity
tracking unit located at a second gaming establishment and adapted
to facilitate the tracking of player information, player
activities, gaming table information, or a combination thereof at
one or more gaming tables located at said second gaming
establishment, wherein said second gaming establishment is separate
from said first gaming establishment; a centralized computer server
adapted to receive and process data tracked by said first
electronic gaming activity tracking unit and said second electronic
gaming activity tracking unit, said centralized computer server
being located remotely from one or both of said first and second
electronic gaming activity tracking units; a first communication
link or path between said first electronic gaming activity tracking
unit and said centralized computer server; a second communication
link or path between said second electronic gaming activity
tracking unit and said centralized computer server; and a
centralized database in communication with said centralized
computer, said centralized database containing files on one or more
players, one or more gaming tables, or a combination thereof
tracked by said first electronic gaming activity tracking unit;
said second electronic gaming activity tracking unit, or both.
13. The wide area gaming network of claim 12, wherein data
collected by said first electronic gaming activity tracking unit is
made available to a user at said second electronic gaming activity
tracking unit via transmission from said centralized computer
server.
14. A method of tracking table game information, comprising:
receiving at a first automated electronic unit a first set of
tracking data regarding player information, player activities,
gaming table information, or a combination thereof from a first
live table game at a first gaming establishment; forwarding
electronically from said first automated electronic unit said first
set of tracking data to a central computer server adapted to
analyze tracking data; receiving at a second automated electronic
unit a second set of tracking data regarding player information,
player activities, gaming table information, or a combination
thereof from a second live table game at a second gaming
establishment; forwarding electronically from said second automated
electronic unit said second set of tracking data to said central
computer server; analyzing said first set of tracking data and said
second set of tracking data with respect to each other at said
central computer server; and displaying information resulting from
said analyzing step at one or more displays associated with said
first automated electronic unit, said second automated electronic
unit, said central computer server, a separate terminal at a remote
location or any combination thereof.
15. The method of claim 14, further including the step of: storing
said first set of tracking data and said second set of tracking
data at a central database in communication with said central
computer server.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said analyzing step includes
producing a set of modified data derived from said first set of
tracking data, said second set of tracking data, or a combination
thereof, further including the step of: storing said set of
modified data at a central database in communication with said
central computer server.
17. The method of claim 14, further including the step of:
capturing with a camera one or more visual images of at least one
player, at least one activity or a combination thereof at said
first live table game.
18. The method of claim 17, further including the step of:
forwarding electronically from said camera said one or more visual
images to said central computer server.
19. The method of claim 18, further including the step of:
associating one of said one or more visual images with at least a
portion of said first set of tracking data.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said associating step includes
associating a picture of a player with tracked data regarding table
game activity of said player.
21. The method of claim 14, further including the step of:
capturing with an RFID reading device gaming chip RFID data of at
least one player, at least one activity or a combination thereof at
said first live table game.
22. The method of claim 21, further including the step of:
forwarding electronically from said first gaming table said
captured gaming chip RFID data to said central computer server.
23. The method of claim 22, further including the step of:
associating at least a portion of said captured gaming chip RFID
data with at least a portion of said first set of tracking data.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to casino gaming,
and more specifically to systems and methods for operating and
managing table games and other activities on the floor of a casino
or other gaming establishment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Casinos and other forms of gaming comprise a growing
multi-billion dollar industry that has experienced many changes and
innovations in recent years. While gaming machines have become a
staple for many casinos and gaming establishments, table games
remain an immensely popular form of gaming and a substantial source
of revenue for gaming operators. Such table games include poker,
blackjack, craps, roulette and other traditional standbys, as well
as other more recently introduced games such as pai-gow, Carribean
Stud, Spanish 21, and Let It Ride, among others. Under a typical
gaming event at a table game, a player places a wager on a game,
whereupon a winning may be paid to the player depending on the
outcome of the game. As is generally known, a wager may involve the
use of cash or one or more chips, markers or the like, as well as
various forms of gestures or oral claims. The game itself may
involve the use of, for example, one or more cards, dice, wheels,
balls, tokens or the like, with the rules of the game and any
payouts or pay tables being established prior to game play. As is
also known, possible winnings may be paid in cash, credit, one or
more chips, markers, or prizes, or by other forms of payouts, as
desired.
[0003] Various systems and methods for operating the floor of a
casino or gaming establishment with its table game regions or
"pits" have evolved gradually over the years, with innovations such
as card shufflers, multi-deck shoes, and improved security cameras
and systems all being introduced at times to better the
manageability and efficiency of the gaming and floor operations
processes. Some examples of gaming and casino floor management
processes that have been traditionally conducted manually involve
those concerning player headcounts, corresponding staffing, and
"comping" (i.e., complimentary gifting or providing of token
freebies or discounts) for high rollers and other VIP type players.
In recent years, however, various forms of table game informational
systems have become more and more popular, as some automated
processes within the "pit" have demonstrated a significant cost
savings over traditional pencil and paper methods.
[0004] In fact, one notable result of the use of automated systems
is that lower end players that place a significant number of wagers
can be tracked more readily and then comped more frequently than in
the past, since such lower end players tend to be overlooked by
traditional pencil and paper "eyeball" manual comping methods. Such
results prove to be cost effective for the casinos, and can raise
the morale and loyalties of dedicated middle to lower end players.
One example of such an automated system is the IGT Table Touch.TM.
system, a predecessor of which was originally introduced in 1996 by
Tennecom Gaming Solutions, LLP, which is now owned by IGT of Reno,
Nev. Features of this system include provisions for employee data
entry, real-time data collection for employees, players and tables,
and player profiling, among others. These and other features, and
indeed all Table Touch.TM. systems, have only been introduced as
solo systems in single locations to date, which is true for other
such automated systems and devices in use as well.
[0005] The larger casino operators of today typically own multiple
casinos or gaming establishments, however, and thus frequently
desire systems with expanded capabilities. For example, many of
these larger gaming operators have implemented various forms of
player tracking cards associated with gaming machine use, with such
cards being accepted at a plurality of casino properties, and with
such cards being used with an associated central system for player
tracking and gaming machine accounting. Conversely, there has never
been a system that can serve multiple properties directly or
indirectly through a plurality of systems over a wide area network
("WAN") in association with table games or overall casino floor or
pit management. Yet, as the Table Touch.TM. system and other
similar technologies migrate into larger casinos and multi-property
gaming entities, there will arise a need to provide multi-site
support, whereby one system can serves multiple casinos or multiple
systems serve multiple casinos from a central location over a wide
area network.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a desire for improved systems and
methods for operating and managing table games and other activities
on the floor of a casino or other gaming establishment in real
time, and in particular for such systems and methods to involve the
use of networked automated systems capable of tracking activities
and communicating across a plurality of gaming properties.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide
systems and methods for tracking and communicating data regarding
table game activities across a plurality of gaming properties and
establishments. This is accomplished by providing a wide area
network of interconnected automated table game tracking units,
along with one or more centralized tracking databases. The
resulting system then permits casino or other gaming operators to
track and analyze a wide variety of table game activities, data and
indicators across the gaming tables within a single casino, as well
as the gaming tables across a plurality of casinos and other gaming
properties
[0008] The present invention involves a plurality of automated
table tracking units over a wide area to provide centralized table
tracking from either a single system or using multiple systems
networked over a wide area. In the case of a single system, all
tracking of tables are managed through a single database that may
perform multiple functions such as player tracking, slot accounting
and table tracking. In the case of multiple systems over a wide
area, all tracking of tables can be managed through a centralized
plurality of systems, each with their own databases interfacing to
one or more player tracking databases over a wide area using a high
speed network. In addition, a single centralized database for all
systems may be implemented.
[0009] According to various embodiments of the present invention,
the provided system involves the use of at least a plurality of
electronic gaming activity tracking units, a centralized computer
server, and a communication link or path between each of the
electronic gaming activity tracking units and the centralized
computer server. Each of the electronic gaming activity tracking
units can be adapted to facilitate and forward data regarding the
tracking of player information, player activities, gaming table
information, or a combination thereof at one or more gaming tables.
In addition, the centralized computer server can be located
remotely from at least one electronic gaming activity tracking
unit, and can be adapted to receive and process the data forwarded
from a plurality of the various electronic gaming activity tracking
units. Of course, such gaming tables are of the type used to host
table games involving the acceptance of monetary wagers and
granting of monetary awards. Also, such table games can include a
live table game including at least one live player and at least one
live employee of the gaming establishment hosting the live table
game.
[0010] In addition to the forgoing primary embodiment, further
detailed embodiments can include one or more cameras adapted to
capture visual information from the subject live gaming tables.
Each such camera can also be adapted to forward visual data
regarding this captured visual information to the centralized
computer server. A communication link or path between each such
cameras and the centralized computer server can also be provided,
as appropriate. Further detailed embodiments might also include one
or more RFID reading devices adapted to capture gaming chip RFID
data from the subject live gaming tables. Each such RFID reading
device can also similarly be adapted to forward some or all of the
captured gaming chip RFID data to the centralized computer server.
A communication link or path between each such RFID reading device
and the centralized computer server can also be provided, as
appropriate. Such RFID reading devices might be included in systems
not having cameras, or could be in addition to those having one or
more cameras as noted above.
[0011] Further, at least one centralized database in communication
with the centralized computer server can be provided. Such a
centralized database can be adapted to store and provide on demand
any forwarded tracking data, as well as any forwarded visual or
RFID data, if applicable. Such a centralized database can also
contain files on a variety of different players, a variety of
different gaming tables, or any combination thereof, as tracked by
the various provided electronic gaming activity tracking units.
[0012] Further detailed embodiments can involve the provided system
being a wide area network situated across multiple gaming
establishments. In such embodiments, a first electronic gaming
activity tracking unit can be located at a first gaming
establishment, while a second electronic gaming activity tracking
unit can be located at a second gaming establishment separate from
the first gaming establishment. In some versions of such a wide
area network, the data collected by a first unit at a first gaming
establishment can be made available in real time to a user at a
second unit at a second separate gaming establishment. Such an
availability of data can be facilitated via transmission from or
through the centralized computer server.
[0013] With respect to the detailed content of the various
electronic gaming activity tracking units, such unit can provide a
variety of items, including a table game calculator adapted to
accept input regarding the play of a game and present a game
outcome according to the rules of that game. Another item included
on various electronic gaming activity tracking units can involve a
basic user interface having a plurality of features, such as one or
more of those involving real-time data collection, real-time
graphical floor representation, real-time cage transaction
requests, real-time comp requests, player profiling, player ratings
editing, employee data entry, and system interfacing, among others.
Various modules that can be included in one or more of the provided
electronic gaming activity tracking units can include those
involving staff alerts, cage communications, comp requests, host
notifications, marker tracking, headcount tracking, chip tracking,
bet tracking, player tracking and activity surveillance, among
others.
[0014] According to yet other embodiments of the present invention,
methods of tracking table game information are provided. Pertinent
process steps can include receiving at a first automated electronic
unit a first set of tracking data, receiving at a second automated
electronic unit a second set of tracking data, forwarding both sets
of tracking data electronically to a central computer server,
analyzing the first set of tracking data and the second set of
tracking data with respect to each other, and displaying
information resulting from such an analysis. Such displays can take
place at one or more displays associated with the first automated
electronic unit, the second automated electronic unit, the central
computer server, a separate terminal at a remote location, or any
combination thereof, as desired. Also, the first and second sets of
tracking data can include data regarding player information, player
activities, gaming table information, or a combination thereof,
with the first set of data coming from a first live table game at a
first gaming establishment and the second set of data coming from a
second live table game at a second gaming establishment.
[0015] Additional process steps can include storing the various
sets of tracking data at a central database in communication with
said central computer server, producing a set of modified data
derived from one or more of the original sets of tracking data,
storing this set of modified data at the central database,
capturing with a camera one or more visual images of a player, a
table activity or a combination thereof at a live table game,
forwarding such visual images electronically from the camera to the
central computer server, and associating one of these visual images
with at least a portion of a set of tracking data associated with
the respective table corresponding to the images. This associating
step can include associating a picture of a player with tracked
data regarding table game activity of that player. Still further
process steps can include capturing with an RFID reading device
table game chip RFID data of a player, a table activity or a
combination thereof at a live table game, forwarding such RFID data
electronically to the central computer server, and associating at
least a portion of this RFID data with at least a portion of a set
of tracking data associated with the respective table corresponding
to the RFID data.
[0016] Other methods, features and advantages of the invention will
be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon
examination of the following figures and detailed description. It
is intended that all such additional methods, features and
advantages be included within this description, be within the scope
of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and
serve only to provide examples of possible structures and elements
for the disclosed wide area table gaming monitor and control
systems and methods. These drawings in no way limit any changes in
form and detail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in
the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0018] FIG. 1A illustrates in front plan view an exemplary
electronic gaming activity tracking unit within a table game
setting.
[0019] FIG. 1B illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary
software structure for an electronic gaming activity tracking
unit.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary
system having various electronic gaming activity tracking units and
associated surveillance cameras and RFID reading devices.
[0021] FIG. 3 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary
database containing player files and other relevant tracked
data.
[0022] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate in block diagram format two
different ways of implementing the foregoing electronic gaming
activity tracking units and systems over a WAN, according to
various embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method of
monitoring and controlling table games across a WAN according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Exemplary applications of systems and methods according to
the present invention are described in this section. These examples
are being provided solely to add context and aid in the
understanding of the invention. It will thus be apparent to one
skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced
without some or all of these specific details. In other instances,
well known process steps have not been described in detail in order
to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present invention. Other
applications are possible, such that the following example should
not be taken as definitive or limiting either in scope or
setting.
[0025] In the following detailed description, references are made
to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the description
and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments of the present invention. Although these embodiments
are described in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art
to practice the invention, it is understood that these examples are
not limiting, such that other embodiments may be used, and changes
may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0026] In general, the present invention relates to systems and
methods for monitoring and controlling players and activities
across a wide area network of live table games across a plurality
of casinos or other gaming establishments, with such live table
games possibly including, for example, blackjack, craps, pai-gow,
baccarat, Carribean Stud, Spanish 21, Let It Ride and the like. Of
course, any other similar gaming table or area that is used to host
table or other live games involving the acceptance of wagers
involving money or monetary equivalents and the granting of awards
involving money or monetary equivalents can also be included. Such
monitor and control systems and methods are desirable for a wide
variety of reasons, including the ability to provide centralized
databases and servers capable of processing, analyzing and storing
input from numerous gaming tables across numerous disparate gaming
properties. Such databases and servers can also be adapted to
provide real-time information and analysis across any and all
associated gaming properties. To this end, the provided systems and
methods can include a plurality of electronic gaming activity
tracking units associated with the various tracked gaming tables
and areas.
[0027] At least one, and preferably all, of the provided electronic
gaming activity tracking units can be adapted to facilitate the
tracking and display of various aspects of player information,
player activities, gaming table information, and any combination
thereof at the various associated live gaming tables or areas. In
addition, each of the electronic gaming activity tracking units can
also be adapted to forward and receive tracking data regarding any
and all tracked items and other information, including items and
information tracked at other system locations. Such electronic
gaming activity tracking units can include, for example, any of the
various models or versions of the IGT Table Touch.TM. system type
units, although any other similarly suitable electronic automated
tracking units can also be used, as will be readily appreciated.
Although it is possible to utilize one such electronic gaming
activity tracking unit per live gaming table or area, it is thought
to be more practical to associate one electronic tracking unit with
several such gaming tables or areas, such as one electronic
tracking unit per 6 or 8 gaming table pod or cluster. Of course,
other ratios and groupings of gaming tables or areas may also be
suitable, as will be readily appreciated.
Electronic Gaming Activity Tracking Units
[0028] In its basic form, the use of such electronic gaming
activity tracking units transforms the art of rating and comping
players from a time-consuming, meticulous pencil-and-paper endeavor
to one of simplicity and ease by allowing a casino operator or
other associated gaming personnel to enter player information
quickly and easily with the touch of a few onscreen buttons or
other suitable input mechanisms at the tracking unit. Preferably, a
suitable "open architecture" design is implemented with each
electronic gaming activity tracking unit to permit an easy
integration with one or more already existing casino host systems.
At least one suitable application program interface ("API") may be
required for each such integration to an existing system, as will
be readily understood by those skilled in the art.
[0029] Through the use of such electronic gaming activity tracking
units, a casino operator or other gaming personnel can use a touch
screen or other convenient input apparatus to enter and edit player
rating information, as well as to issue comp requests to a player
tracking or other host system. In some embodiments such units can
display a graphical representation of an associated casino floor
layout, which can include, for example, color-coded tables that
show what is happening at a glance. Such displays can also include
opener, closer, fill, and credit information by table as well as
drop, need, and hold information either by table, pit, or the
entire floor, as well as various other display items, as desired.
The use of such electronic tracking units can also allow a gaming
operator to easily locate VIP and other notable players, and also
provide access to detailed player informational items such as, for
example, player history, current trip information, total buy-in
amount, theoretical win, stop codes, CTR status, player rank,
comments, skill level and typical betting ranges, among others.
[0030] As will be readily appreciated, such electronic gaming
activity tracking units can also be adapted to display the name of
the pit boss or supervisor for each section or floor area, indicate
which games they are watching, and provides the names of players
that they have rated. Customized "game rules" menus and screens to
display rules for various games as well as in-house game policies
can also be provided or user created. In addition, various game
calculators customized to one or more games, as desired, can be
used to compute various rule based plays, game outcomes and game
payouts, as applicable, and also to customize several different
types of reports, as noted in greater detail below. In one
particular embodiment, a suitable electronic gaming activity
tracking unit can be implemented using a Microsoft.RTM. Windows
NT.RTM. 4.0 operating system, Microsoft.RTM. Windows.RTM. 2000
Professional TCP/IP, an SQL Server 2000.RTM. (database, various
customized APIs or other interfaces presently available to slot
systems and players club systems, and one or more APIs or other
open interfaces to existing cage and credit systems, such as, for
example PC, IBM.RTM. AS/400.RTM., Tandem.RTM., Stratus.RTM.,
IBM.RTM. RS/6000.RTM., and the like. In addition, pertinent
portions of a suitable electronic gaming activity tracking unit can
be adapted for wireless communications, such as over one or more
radio frequency channels on a wireless network.
[0031] Various interfaces between one or more electronic gaming
activity tracking unit and a variety of additional system or
network components can also be provided. Such other system or
network components can include cameras adapted to record visual
information and/or RFID reading devices adapted to record gaming
chip RFID data at or associated with the subject gaming activities.
Further, bill validators and/or other monetary or credit input or
tracking devices may be included, with such bill validators and/or
other related devices being adapted to facilitate recordings of
soft drop data, preferably in combination with any gaming chip RFID
and/or camera data. Data from any and all of such cameras, RFID
reading devices and/or bill validators can be collected at the
table and then electronically communicated to a central server.
[0032] Turning first to FIG. 1A, an exemplary electronic gaming
activity tracking unit within a table game setting is illustrated
in front plan view. Electronic gaming activity tracking unit 10
preferably includes at a minimum at least one form of input and one
form of output, such as a monitor 11 including a touch screen 12
and a base or other support item 13. Alternatively, various other
input and output items such as a mouse, keyboard, RF transceiver,
and/or speakers can also be used, among others. Touch screen 12 or
other pertinent display can contain a number of selectable items,
menus, submenus and the like, as well as a wide variety of logos
and other background materials, as will be readily appreciated.
Each tracking unit 10 can also comprise one or more local
processing units, or, alternatively, can simple exist as a "dumb"
input-output only terminal that is associated with processing units
located elsewhere. As noted above, while tracking unit 10 can be
associated with a single gaming table or event, each tracking unit
preferably supports a plurality of gaming tables 15. Again, the
exact number of gaming tables or areas per tracking unit can be
altered as desired, although a suitable number is thought to be
six.
[0033] FIG. 1B illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary
software structure for a typical electronic gaming activity
tracking unit. The tracking unit can have a basic interface
component 20 that is adapted to interact with one or more users,
such as through the touch screen 12 of tracking unit 10 above. From
this basic interface, a typical tracking unit can have a number of
basic components, which can include, for example, a Casino Reports
component 21, a Pit Section component 22, a Ratings Editor
component 23 and a Main Floor component 24, among others. Of
course, the exact number, type and classification of such basic
components can vary from tracking unit to tracking unit and from
system to system, as desired. In addition, an Interface to System
Server component 25 is adapted to permit the single tracking unit
to be a part of an overall tracking system, such as a wide area
table gaming monitor and control system. In some "wide area"
embodiments, a distributed computing architecture is provided.
Starting at each gaming table, raw data can be collected, combined
and stored at a local table controller and/or storage device. Each
such device can also communicate its data to a central location
within the casino, gaming establishment, or other designated local
area network ("LAN"), as appropriate, which central location
collects and combines the data from each tracked gaming table. This
central location within the casino or LAN then communicates this
data to a centralized WAN base computer or server, which combines
and stores data that is collected from multiple casinos, gaming
properties and/or other individual LANs into a single WAN based
database or table game data repository.
[0034] Further details for each of the foregoing exemplary basic
tracking unit software components will now be provided.
[0035] Casino Reports
[0036] In a basic tracking unit component for "Casino Reports" or
other similar reporting component 21, various displays and
interactive modules can be provided for a variety of reporting
items. Such items can include, for example, recorded player
activity, shift and table analysis, and logged table accounting
transactions, among others. Such displays or reports can be
provided in the form of viewable and exportable HTML files, as well
as through printable copies. Other suitable report formats may also
be used, as will be readily appreciated. Examples of specific
reports that can be provided include: Daily Player Reports; Player
Inquiry (Detailed) Reports; Player Inquiry (Summary) Reports; Shift
Analysis Reports; Table Analysis Reports; Rated Drop and Win
Reports; Employee Reports; Ratings Reports; Exceptions Reports; and
Credits (and Fills) Reports, among others. Of course, the exact
internal categories, items, terminologies and display arrangements
can vary across casinos and systems, as desired, and it is
contemplated that these and/or any other suitable reports be
included in such a Casino Reports or other reporting component of a
tracking unit.
[0037] Pit Section
[0038] A "Pit Section" or other similar basic tracking unit
component 22 is the primary interface that pit bosses and other
floor supervisors use to enter player ratings and table inventory
data, such that casino managers or other authorized persons can
then view such information. Such a component is preferably made
available at many or all tracking units across the floor of the
casino or other gaming establishment. The Pit Section screen is
preferably designed such that the time that such bosses supervisors
spend performing administrative tasks is reduced, thus enabling
them to spend more time with other productive endeavors, such as
with customers, protecting games, and training dealers. An increase
in the accuracy of rating players is one positive result of such a
redirection of time and resources. In addition, potential rating
input errors are further reduced through the ability of each
tracking unit to upload data to a host system automatically at
various intervals, such as a ratings close out or session end is
selected.
[0039] In particular, the Pit Section tracking unit component 22
can be adapted to perform a number of tasks associated with actual
player and transaction tracking and accounting at various gaming
tables. For example, this component preferably tracks and records
gaming activity, enters player ratings and player inventory data,
and logs accounting and marker transactions. The Pit Section
component can also be adapted to enable real-time requests for cage
transactions to a casino host system, facilitate real-time comp
requests via the Cage Communication Module and allow entry of
headcount data on a timed or interval basis, among other functions.
Specific items or functions that can be included within a Pit
Section component can be, for example, Open or close a table; View
the current rack, need figures, and inventory of a table; Edit an
opening, closing, fill, or credit transaction; Issue fill or credit
requests and view denomination breakdowns; Change a rack count of a
table; Change a minimum bet of a table; Redeem and complete
markers; Change shifts; Track dealers; View system messages; Enter
or edit player rating information; Cancel, close, or edit player
ratings; Designate the table position of a player (e.g., seat 1,
table 4); Issue a comp request; Access detailed player information;
Enter or edit grind, out, and rim play amounts; "Quick walk" a
player or walk a player with "zero" or "chips"; and Access a
notepad, game calculators, and the game rules screen, among others.
As noted below, various player items, transactions and ratings can
also be tracked and entered, including items such as player
cash-in, chips-in, markers, average bet, win/loss, comments, and
the like.
[0040] Various sub-components or modules may be part of Pit Section
component 22, such as those for "RFID Chip Tracking" 30,
"Calculators" 31 and "Headcount" 32, among other possibilities. A
specialized radio frequency identification ("RFID") Chip Tracking
sub-component 30 can be used in conjunction with RFID based gaming
chips, such as those that may be implemented for use on gaming
tables in particular. Where such subject tables are adapted for use
with RFID embedded gaming chips, one or more RFID reading devices
placed at or about the gaming table can be adapted to read various
gaming chip transactions and movements. Details of creating and
implementing RFID based gaming chips and RFID reading devices at
gaming tables can be found at, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,651,548 and 5,735,742 by French and Piehl, which references are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all
purposes. Advanced implementations of such RFID gaming chip and
table game tracking technologies might also be provided by, for
example, Magellan Technology Pty Limited of Annadale, Australia,
among other vendors.
[0041] It is specifically contemplated that the RFID Chip Tracking
sub-component 30 can be such a specific implementation, a similar
independent implementation, or an interface to such an independent
table game chip tracking technology. Regardless of the specific
implementation, RFID Chip Tracking sub-component 30 is preferably
adapted to forward RFID gaming chip data to one or more locations,
such as a central LAN based server and/or database, as well as a
centralized WAN based server and/or database or data repository. Of
course, data may be forwarded to the ultimate WAN based server or
database via a LAN based server. Where RFID Chip Tracking
sub-component is an interface to an existing commercially
independent RFID gaming chip tracking system, various APIs may need
to be implemented between the independent system software and the
electronic gaming activity tracking unit system software, as will
be appreciated.
[0042] In a particularly useful embodiment, RFID Chip Tracking
sub-component 30 can be adapted to work in conjunction with one or
more bill acceptors and/or other suitable cash or credit tracking
devices at the subject gaming tables or other tracked gaming
activity locations. In such arrangements, cash or other suitable
credit instruments can be input to a bill acceptor or other
suitable device as part of a regular cash in and/or cash drop
procedure at a gaming table or other suitable venue, whereupon a
corresponding level of gaming chips are then provided to the player
providing the cash or credit. An automated check can then be
performed between the readings made of the bill acceptor or other
suitable credit accepting drop device and the RFID reading devices
to ensure that the proper level of gaming chips have been provided
to the player. For example, where a player "buys in" at a tracked
gaming table by providing a $100 bill, twenty $5 RFID embedded
gaming chips might be provided to the player, such as in a manual
transaction by the dealer. A bill acceptor at the table can
register and "drop" the $100 bill, and then provide this
information to the RFID Chip Tracking sub-component 30.
Contemporaneously or soon thereafter, one or more RFID reading
devices at the table can detect that twenty $5 RFID embedded gaming
chips have been provided to the player, at which time this
information can be correlated with the $100 cash drop information.
In the event that 19 or 21 gaming chips have been inadvertently
provided to the player, an alert can be provided.
[0043] With respect to a Calculators sub-component 31, various
table game calculators can be used for a wide variety of functions.
For example, a chip calculator can permit entry of chip and
denomination, type of bet, result of game and proper payout for
select table games. Specific calculators designed to function with
particular table games can also be used. For example, a Roulette
Calculator can provide exact definitions, as well as instant odds
and payback on all possible placements of chips (i.e. wagers)
during game play. Such calculators can be particularly useful where
house rules have been put in place to dictate house plays for
certain games. For example, a Pai-Gow Tiles Calculator can
automatically set a house or dealer hand for any combination of
four tiles, per the rules of the casino or gaming establishment
hosting the game. A similar Pai-Gow Poker Calculator can similarly
be used for setting a house or dealer hand for any combination of
seven cards. Such calculators can be particularly useful for new or
inexperienced dealers, as well as to settle disputes in some cases,
if desired.
[0044] A separate "Headcount" or game utilization sub-component 32
can be used to track table usage, such that better decisions can be
made regarding staffing, table designations, minimum bet amounts
and other floor games considerations. Such a sub-component or
module can be adapted to automatically record, compare, and relay
customer density and table game information, such as table
minimums, game types and areas, time of day and table shifts, among
other tracked details. Presentations can be made in the form of raw
data, as well as in the form of graphical charts and detailed or
summary reports to key personnel, in order to assist with analysis
of table games operation and optimize overall performance over one
or a plurality of casinos. Through the use of such a "Headcount"
component, a given casino or gaming operator can generate a
tremendous return on investment through labor savings alone, not to
mention the optimization provided through game selection and table
minimums.
[0045] Ratings Editor
[0046] A "Ratings Editor" or other similar basic tracking unit
component 23 can be adapted to permit various manipulations and
communications regarding stored player ratings for tracked players.
The Ratings Editor component preferably allows a user to, for
example: Add, edit, or delete a rating; Print or export a rating
record; and Merge two player accounts, among other items. Through
the implementation of an automated rating system, of which the
Ratings Editor component is a part, more players can be rated in a
more efficient fashion, leading to more detailed attention, more
comps, and the increased satisfaction of a greater amount of
players overall. It is generally thought that players like the
speed and accuracy of such an automated rating system, especially
since it seems to take the mystery out of the comp process, and
also results in more attention to low end players who tend to go
unnoticed under traditional paper methods. In addition, a "Player
Profiling" sub-component or module 33 can be included as a part of
the Ratings Editor 23. Such a Player Profiling module is preferably
adapted to assist in estimating a true win/loss value for a given
patron visit or trip by allowing specialized ratings to track
specific chip movements. Various values, parameters and factors can
be customized into a given system for calculating such a win/loss
value, with such items varying by casino or gaming establishment,
as will be appreciated.
[0047] Main Floor
[0048] A "Main Floor" basic tracking unit component 24 can be
provided to present a variety of items and data in real time. In
particular, this component can be adapted to provide a real time
graphical representation of items and data at a casino floor or
across multiple property floors. This particular basic tracking
unit component preferably provides access to various types of user
profiles, such as, for example, Manager 34, Editor 35, Host 36 and
Surveillance 37 types of profiles. The Main Floor component can
also be adapted to configure table games density in conjunction
with a "Headcount" 32 or other game utilization type module, as
described below. In this regard, it will be understood that various
sub-components or modules, such as Calculators 31, Headcount 32,
Player Profiling 33 and Employees 38, may be associated with one
primary basic tracking unit component, but may also be accessible
from and have some elements associated with other tracking unit
components as well.
[0049] The Main Floor sub-component Manager Login 34 can be adapted
to allow an authorized user to, for example: Identify tables; View
detailed pit information; View detailed table information; Change
shifts; Search the floor for a table or a player (such as by name
or customer number); Set the screen to automatically refresh at a
user-defined time interval; Locate a patron record and view
corresponding in-house activity, profile rating, player, credit,
trip, and history information; Merge two player accounts; View the
names of all in-house players currently being rated; View all
ratings that have been closed for the current business day by pit;
View ratings that require supervisor authorization (based on
user-determined preset criteria) before they can be closed; Send a
message to all pits; Search for, add, modify, or delete dealer
personnel records; View all fills and credits for the current
business day as well as their denomination breakdown; and View the
names of all in-house players who meet or exceed a user-specified
preferred theoretical value, among other activities and
functions.
[0050] The Main Floor sub-component Editor Login 35 can be adapted
to allow an operator to, for example: Configure the graphical
display by adding, copying, pasting, rotating, flipping, or
deleting tables; Turn the graphical display grid on or off; Create
passwords; Configure what type of action the system takes after a
user-defined number of failed login attempts; Create, edit, or
delete system user accounts and user security groups; Add, edit, or
delete comp request and terminal configurations; Add, edit,
disable, or delete chip set configurations and assign chip sets to
tables; Add, edit, disable, or delete denomination, rating type,
and game configurations; Enable terminal mode to commandeer another
system terminal in case of malfunction; and Configure general
system, rating, and interface (communication) options, among other
items.
[0051] The Main Floor sub-component Host Login 36 can be adapted to
allow an operator certain restricted privileges, such as to, for
example, set the player parameters that trigger the display of
hosted and nonhosted players. Such player parameters can involve,
for example, average bet, win/loss, buy-in, time played, and the
like. In addition, the Host Login can be the component or
sub-component associated with a specific "Employees" module 38.
Such an Employees module can be adapted to allow various electronic
gaming activity tracking unit users and their associated
information to be easily added, enabled, disabled, or edited via
the casino host system.
[0052] The Main Floor sub-component Surveillance Login 37 can be
adapted to allow an operator to capture still images and/or video
clips from the streaming video outputs of surveillance cameras,
particularly those cameras that are able to focus on gaming tables
associated with electronic gaming table activity tracking units.
Cameras that are associated with the system can capture still
and/or video images of various tracked players, as well as
associated RFID gaming chip transactions, and the captured pictures
and/or clips then be combined with other player profile data, such
as that which is recorded in player files, to create a permanent
surveillance and/or RFID gaming chip transaction record. In
addition to recorded physical characteristics (e.g., gender,
height, age, race, hair color, etc.), such recorded data can also
include tracked player information, such as average player cash-in,
chips-in, markers, average bet, win/loss, comments, and the
like.
[0053] In addition, the surveillance sub-component or module can be
configured for various alerts for games and floor events, as
desired. For example, the various configured alerts and displays
can include surveillance sensitive information over one or a
plurality of casino properties, such as table transactions, refused
names, celebrities, VIPs and high action patrons, among others.
This sub-component can be adapted to track and forward such
information to casino personnel. Casino staff may display all
active players and attach still photos to the tracking account or
each player to be viewed throughout the system, as desired.
[0054] Although the foregoing examples present a variety of
specific components and sub-components, it will be readily
appreciated that not all such exemplary items given are necessary,
that others may be included, and that a virtually unlimited number
of variations may be practiced with relative ease. Various
additional table game system sub-components, modules or features
may also be included. Such items may be incorporated as a separate
sub-component or module, or may simply be added as features to an
existing component or module.
[0055] For example, an "Alerts" feature can be provided in one or
more of the foregoing system components. Such an Alerts feature
might permit notices or messages to casino staff or personnel of
important events on the casino floor. Specific items can include,
for example, customer threshold, casino win/loss, headcount
statistics, hosted and unhosted players and system maintenance,
among others. Another feature can be directed toward "Cage
Communication" types of events or transactions. Such items can
include various table accounting transactions and cage
communications, such as, for example, stable fills, credits,
openers and closers, and voided table transactions, such as voided
table fills and credits, among others. Yet another feature or
subject item can be directed toward "Comp Requests." Such a feature
or module can provide for instantly submitting comp requests to a
casino host system. In combination with the information provided
from the various player tracking and rating features, such comp
requests can be acted upon more quickly and accurately by those
authorized to do so. Additional features can include, for example,
a "Host Notification" feature or module, whereby casino hosts and
designated personnel can be notified of the location and status of
host coded patrons via on-screen displays, and a "Marker" feature
or module, whereby customer markers, credits and marker redemptions
can be requested from the casino host system and relays of marker
redemption and void status from the casino host system can be made
to table games personnel. Of course, a wide variety of additional
features and modules may also be designed and implemented into one
or more components or sub-components, as desired, and may be
integrated over a WAN to a central server or computer system so as
to allow corporate leaders or personnel to monitor activity
remotely across a plurality of casinos or other gaming
establishments.
System and Network Configurations
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an exemplary
system having various electronic gaming activity tracking units and
associated surveillance cameras and RFID reading devices is
illustrated. System 50 includes a plurality of gaming table
activity tracking units 10a, 10b, a plurality of cameras 41, 42,
and a plurality of RFID reading devices 43, 44 in communication
with at least one centralized or remote server 60, 70. In one
particular embodiment, system 50 can comprise a LAN of tracking
units, cameras and RFID reading devices at a single casino or
gaining establishment. Wall mount camera 41 and ceiling mount
camera 42 behind a half-domed one-way glass are shown for purposes
of illustration, but it will be understood that a variety of other
types of cameras and/or settings might also be used as well. Also,
although only two tracking units and two cameras are shown, it will
be readily appreciated that several, dozens, hundreds or even more
cameras and/or tracking units may be included in a given system or
LAN. Further, while only two RFID reading devices are shown for
purposes of illustration, it will be understood that each
individual gaming table may have its own one, two or more such RFID
reading devices, as set forth, for example, in previously noted and
incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,651,548 and 5,735,742.
[0057] As illustrated, system 50 contains a plurality of tracking
units 10a, 10b, a plurality of cameras 41, 42, and a plurality of
RFID reading devices 43, 44 in a plurality of locations, with each
system tracking unit, camera and RFID reading device preferably
being connected to various system devices through one or more wired
or wireless communication links. Any suitable communication means
can be used to connect the tracking units, cameras and RFID reading
devices to the system. For example, a common system or network bus
51 can connect some or all of these tracking units, cameras and
RFID reading devices with other system components, such as, for
example, a general-purpose server 60, one or more special-purpose
servers 70, a sub-network of peripheral devices 80, and/or a
database 90. Also, direct proprietary communication lines, a token
ring, or any of a variety of more secure communication means can be
used. In addition, any of a variety of secure data encryption
methods or systems may be used to preserve the integrity of the
transmitted data. Separate gaming activity tracking units can also
be in direct communication, such as by link 52.
[0058] General-purpose server 60 may be one that is already present
within an establishment for one or more other purposes in lieu of
or in addition to operations for an electronic table game tracking
system and/or surveillance system. Other functions for such a
networked general-purpose server can include, for example,
accounting and payroll functions, Internet and e-mail capabilities,
switchboard communications, reservations and other hotel and
restaurant operations, and other assorted general establishment
operations. In some instances, table game tracking and/or
surveillance functions may also be associated with or performed by
such a general-purpose server. For example, such a server may be
linked to one or more tracking units, cameras and/or RFID reading
devices within an establishment, and in some cases form a local
area network that includes all or substantially all of the tracking
units, cameras and RFID reading devices within that establishment.
Communications can then be exchanged from each table game tracking
unit 10a, 10b, camera 41, 42 and/or RFID reading device 43, 44 to
records and programs on the general-purpose server 60.
[0059] In a preferred embodiment, however, system 50 also has at
least one special purpose gaming activity tracking host or server
70 used for various functions relating to gaming activity tracking,
video surveillance and/or other pertinent events on the various
appropriate tracking units, cameras and RFID reading devices in the
system. Such an additional special purpose server is desirable for
a variety of reasons, such as to lessen the burden on the
general-purpose server or to isolate or wall off some or all gaming
activity tracking information from the general-purpose server and
thereby limit the possible modes of access to such information.
Alternatively, exemplary gaming system 50 can be isolated from any
other network at the establishment, such that a general-purpose
server 60 is essentially impractical and unnecessary.
[0060] Under either embodiment of an isolated or shared network,
one or more of the special-purpose servers are preferably connected
to sub-network 80, which might include, for example, a cashier
station or a terminal at an executive office, among others.
Peripheral devices in this sub-network may include, for example,
one or more video displays 81, one or more user terminals 82, one
or more printers 83, and one or more other input devices 84, such
as a card reader or other security identifier, among others. Under
either embodiment of an isolated or shared network, at least the
specialized server 70 or another similar component within a
general-purpose server 60 preferably includes a connection to a
database or other suitable storage medium 90. Database 90 can be
adapted to store many or all files containing pertinent tracked
data or information, as desired. Files, data and other information
on database 90 can be stored for backup purposes, and are
preferably accessible at one or more system locations, such as at a
general-purpose server 60, a special purpose server 70 and/or a
cashier station, executive office or other sub-network location 80,
as desired.
[0061] Further, while system 50 can be a system that is specially
designed and created new for use in a casino or gaming
establishment, it is also possible that many items in this system
can be taken or adopted from an existing gaming system. For
example, system 50 could represent an existing player tracking
system to which one or more of the inventive components or program
modules are added. In addition to new hardware in the form of
electronic gaming activity tracking units, new functionality via
new software, modules, updates or otherwise can be provided, as
needed. In this manner, the methods and systems of the present
invention may be practiced at reduced costs by gaming operators
that already have existing gaming systems, by simply modifying the
existing system. Other modifications to an existing system may also
be necessary, as might be readily appreciated. Of course, new
components can also be provided across the system, and an entirely
new and independent system can also be created, as desired.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram of an exemplary
database containing player files and other relevant tracked data is
illustrated. As similarly illustrated in FIG. 2, database 90 can be
made accessible to one or more servers, preferably at least central
specialized server 70, and can have a connection to a network 80 of
one or more peripheral devices. Database 90 can contain information
or data files related to specific tracked players, as well as other
items of information on other tracked items within the system.
Although many different arrangements are possible, such files can
be classified according to "Patron Files" 91 and "Other Tracked
Data" 92, with such other tracked data including, for example, RFID
gaming chip transaction data, other data on headcount, drops,
fills, staffing and other pertinent tracked items not related to
specific patrons. An exemplary file for Patron A 91A is shown for
purposes of illustration. While various stored items are provided,
it will be understood that not all such items need be associated
with any patron files, and that other items may also be included as
desired.
[0063] Items that can be recorded in association with a given
patron can include, for example, a patron name, number, membership
date and level, typical games played, typical betting levels,
specific RFID gaming chip transactional data, an establishment
value rating assigned to the patron, a current or general comp
level, security information, and one or more identification files,
such as still images or video clips, among others. Specific items
that can be tracked, stored and provided for analysis elsewhere on
the database or system, such as in Other Tracked Data 92, can
include, for example, specific staffing assignments, player counts
per table over time, actual table game chip and token transactions,
currency and currency-equivalent transactions, overall bet, game
play and win/loss data by table, pit, bank, game type, and
property, among others. Of course, analysis of raw data can also be
put into one or more data formats, which items may also be stored
at database 90.
[0064] As will be readily apparent, use of the foregoing electronic
gaming activity tracking units and system can relieve many of the
traditional manual procedures and the various inherent problems
associated therewith. Gaming table and specific player activities
can be tracked more easily and accurately in less time, such that
better and more dynamic comps and general attention can be given to
players, as warranted. Statistics can be compiled, recorded,
compared and analyzed more readily, often in real time, as opposed
to the days required to enter such items under traditional methods.
As a result, meaningful decisions can be made in real time, with
results being observable within days or hours, rather than weeks or
months. In addition, the use of cameras to provide images
associated with identified players enhances the overall system in a
variety of ways. Not only can better service be provided to all
identified players, often by personnel who have never met a given
player before, but added security features can be utilized through
a system having better surveillance, recording and alert
functions.
[0065] Turning now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, block diagrams of two
different ways of implementing the foregoing electronic gaming
activity tracking units and systems over a WAN are illustrated. In
FIG. 4A, WAN 100 is essentially a single system of tracking units
across multiple gaming properties 101, 102, 103, 104. As shown,
these properties are casinos A, B, C and D, although it will be
appreciated that any other suitable gaming property may be
substituted. In addition, it will be readily appreciated that fewer
or more than four gaming properties may be included across WAN 100.
Various electronic gaming activity tracking units can be placed at
each of the gaming properties 101, 102, 103, 104, and these units
are all managed at a centralized location 105, such as a corporate
office or multi-property headquarters. Preferably, communications
to and from all tracking units are routed directly to a centrally
located basic gaming activity tracking system 120, which has an
interface 125 to system server 170 having an associated database
190. The system server 170, database 190 and various other system
components not shown can be similar to those discussed above for
system 50.
[0066] Although many components of WAN 200 can be the same or
similar to those provided in the system 50 adapted for a single
establishment, various other items are preferably added to
facilitate scalability issues and communications across multiple
gaming properties. One possible mode of communication across
multiple properties at multiple locations can involve the use of
modems and telephone lines, while another could involve access over
the Internet through any of a variety of Internet connection modes.
A proprietary network involving custom wired and/or wireless
connections is also possible. Added equipment for such an
implementation can include additional computers used at each gaming
property to cache and regulate the flow of data to the centralized
location and other gaming related systems, as well as additional
computers at centralized location 105 that can be used to cache and
regulate the flow of data to each gaming property and to other
gaming related systems.
[0067] Alternatively, an implementation of tracking units and
systems across multiple disparate gaming properties can involve the
use of several independent systems, such as that which is shown for
WAN 200 of FIG. 4B. As in the foregoing example, WAN 200 also
involves four separate casinos A, B, C and D, although it will be
readily appreciated that other types of gaming properties and other
numbers of casinos and/or other gaming properties can be included
in WAN 200. As in the foregoing example, a centralized location
205, such as a corporate office, can be implemented to facilitate
communications with and host system wide components for the entire
WAN, such as a system wide server 270W and system wide "Central
Player Database" 290W. Unlike that which is shown for WAN 100 in
FIG. 4A, however, WAN 200 is made up of one or more independent
LANs 201, 202, 203, 204. As shown, each of casinos A-D has its own
independent LAN, each of which can be substantially similar to that
of system 50 discussed above. As such, each LAN has its own local
basic system, server and database. For example, casino A has its
own local basic system 220A, server 270A and database 290A, as well
as an interface 225A to the centralized location 205 having
centralized system wide server 270W and system wide database 290W.
Similar items 220B-D, 270B-D, 290B-D and 225B-D are present for
each of casinos B, C and D.
[0068] As will be readily appreciated, several additional
advantages can be realized through the implementation of WAN 200.
Besides having one centralized location where data across all
properties of the WAN can be accumulated, stored and analyzed, each
WAN property can have its own separate and independent system.
Thus, while power outages or communications delays may affect one
or more WAN properties 201-204 and/or the centralized location 205,
each property can have its own independent set of computing
components, database and data, such that real time access to at
least the data at a given property cannot be affected by problems
at one or more other locations of WAN 200. Having such separate
components can also serve as backup, in case one or more WAN
properties 201-204 and/or the centralized location 205 ultimately
fails, and can also provide a second source for checking data, if
needed.
Methods of Use
[0069] Whether implemented as WAN 100, WAN 200, or some combination
thereof, any WAN of multiple properties having tracking units can
provide further benefits not found in a simple single property
system. As will be readily appreciated, the ability to monitor
multiple disparate properties at different locations from a single
location in real time can provide an immense advantage to an
operator controlling multiple properties. For example, a WAN can be
adapted to provide a network wide "Headcount" or "corporate
utilization" component. As in the single system headcount, tracking
can be made of items such as customer density, table minimums, game
types and areas, time of day and table shifts, among others, only
across all WAN properties. Comparisons and analysis can then be
made across each individual property and across all properties as a
whole, such that better decisions can be made regarding staffing,
table designations, minimum bet amounts and other floor games
considerations across the entire WAN. The ability to track in real
time can also provide the advantage of quick feedback where an
operator decides to tinker with one or more floor details.
[0070] Another example of an added advantage to utilizing the
foregoing tracking units across a WAN is the ability to track
notable players and other persons more readily and easily. Through
use of the system surveillance cameras, RFID gaming chip
transaction tracking capabilities, and player files on system
databases, video and observed information can be continually noted
and recorded for a notable player or person, such as a "high
roller," VIP, celebrity, known cheat or the like. Not only can this
information be used to identify and track a particular player from
session to session at a single property, but it can also be used to
track a person across multiple properties. For example, where a
notable player or person is leaving one casino and is headed for
another, a note or message entered into a tracking unit at one
property can notify one or more other properties of such a move.
Whereas such player movements have traditionally been tracked
manually, such as by telephone contacts from location to location
(e.g., "John Doe is leaving here after winning a $5000 jackpot, and
is headed your way"), a simple entry into one tracking unit of a
WAN can now notify all other tracking units and WAN locations of
such a move (e.g., John Doe at Casino A from 8:30 until now; Total
net from Casino A to Mr. Doe of $5022; Mr. Doe now headed toward
Casino B).
[0071] Although useful as a simple communication tool, such as
shown above, such a feature can also be very useful in tracking
casino hoppers, such as cheats who hit different casino(s) every
night, but usually do not stay in one place for long and who
typically do not hit a given casino often or regularly. For
example, a player who uses an illegal or frowned upon system to
take a few hundred dollars from a casino in a typical system may go
undetected if he or she does not frequent any particular casino.
However, where a WAN of many casinos is able to see that this
player nets that same few hundred dollars from many casinos in the
WAN on a regular or semi-regular basis, then higher scrutiny can be
paid to such a player. As such, additional tracked data, still
images and/or video clips of that player can be recorded and added
to the player file for that player at the Central Player Database
270W.
[0072] Turning now to FIG. 5, a flowchart conveying an exemplary
method of monitoring and controlling table games across a WAN
according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.
While this flowchart may be comprehensive in some respects, it will
be readily understood that not every step provided is necessary,
that other steps can be included, and that the order of steps might
be rearranged as desired by a given gaming operator or other
pertinent party. After start step 300, the first pair of process
steps involve determining the number of different sets of tracking
data that are to be used in a given instance. At process step 302,
the number of different sets is determined, and the variable "T" is
set to equal this number, while at process step 304, the counter
"N" is set at 1. In effect, steps 302, 304, 320 and 322 primarily
involve determining the number of times that steps 306 through 318
are performed.
[0073] At subsequent process step 306, tracking data set "N" is
received. Such a receipt of tracking data can take place at, for
example, a given electronic gaming activity tracking unit. For
purposes of illustration, where "N"=1, this could involve "Data Set
1" being received at "Tracking Unit A1" at "Casino A," and where
"N"=2, this could involve "Data Set 2" being received at "Tracking
Unit B2" at "Casino B." An inquiry can then be made at decision
step 308 as to whether a visual image and/or video clip exists or
is desired for Data Set N. If no image or clip is present or
desired, then the method continues to decision step 312.
[0074] If a visual images and/or video clip exists, however, then
the method moves to process step 309, where "Visual Image N" is
captured. Visual Image N can then be forwarded to a processing
unit, such as a central server, at process step 310. Visual Image N
can also be associated with Data Set N at process step 311, such as
by storing the subject visual image or video clip with a file
associated with Data Set N, for example. Of course, more than one
image and/or video clip can be involved, and it will be understood
that the process can be repeated as suitable for each such image or
clip. Where multiple visual images and/or video clips are to be
associated with a given Data Set N, such items can be denoted as
Visual Image N1, Visual Image N2, and so forth, or by any other
suitable approach, as desired.
[0075] The method then moves to decision step 312, where an inquiry
is made as to whether gaming chip RFID data exists or is desired
for Data Set N. If no gaming chip RFID data is present or desired,
then the method continues to process step 316. If such gaming chip
RFID data exists or is desired, however, then the method continues
to process steps 313 through 315, which are similar in nature to
process steps 309 through 311 for visual images above. At step 313,
"Gaming Chip RFID Data N" is captured, after which this captured
data or at least a portion thereof is forwarded to the central
server at step 314. Gaming Chip RFID Data N can then be similarly
associated with overall Data Set N at step 315, such as by storing
or incorporating at least a portion of this RFID data with a file
associated with Data Set N. Again, more than one set of RFID data
may be involved, and it will be understood that the process can be
repeated as suitable for each such additional RFID data set, with
further designations of data, data portions, data sets or data
subsets where deemed appropriate.
[0076] The method then continues to process step 316, where Data
Set N is itself forwarded to a processing unit, such as a central
server. Data Set N can then be stored at a database, such as a
central database associated with a central server. This can be a
local database on a given LAN and/or Central Player Database 290W,
as noted above. Of course, the forwarding and storing of Data Set N
can occur before or simultaneously with the forwarding, storing
and/or associating of one or more visual images and/or video clips,
as will be readily appreciated. At subsequent decision step 320, an
inquiry is made as to whether the current value of counter "N" is
equal to "T," which again is the total number of data sets involved
for a given process. If not, then the method continues to process
step 322, where N is incremented by 1, after which the method
reverts to process step 306 and repeats steps 306 through 320 for
the next data set.
[0077] When all data sets have been received, forwarded and stored,
along with any associated visual images, then the method moves on
from decision step 322 to process step 324, where multiple sets of
tracking data are analyzed. For the present illustrative example,
this would involve only Data Set 1 and Data Set 2, although it will
be readily appreciated that any number of data sets could be
involved. As noted above, this could thus involve Data Set 1 from a
unit at Casino A and Data Set 2 from a unit at Casino B, which
could be analyzed at, for example a corporate office or other
central or remote location. After multiple sets of tracking data
are analyzed, the results are then displayed at process step 326,
which might take place at, for example, the same corporate office
where the data was analyzed.
[0078] At process step 328, modified data can be produced based on
one or more of the received data sets. For example, a modified set
of data showing pertinent sums and/or differences between various
items from Data Set 1 and the same or similar items from Data Set 2
can be produced. As one particular example, where the average table
density for a given hour at the few $10 blackjack tables monitored
at Casino A in Data Set 1 is 50%, and the average table density for
that same hour at the few $10 blackjack tables monitored at Casino
B in Data Set 2 is 80%, then a Modified Data Set can include a
"Difference Value" of 30% in average table density for $10
blackjack tables between Casinos A and B for that hour. As another
specific example, session totals for different playing sessions of
a specific player, such as "John Doe," may comprise Data Set 1 and
Data Set 2. The modified data may then represent differences in
trends that are noticed and tracked for this player, depending upon
how he plays at different casinos. Of course, many other specifics
and types of data can be tracked, analyzed and modified, as
desired. At subsequent process step 330, the modified data is then
stored at a database, such as a central database. The method then
ends at end step 332. Again, various details and additional steps
may similarly be included, not all steps discussed herein may be
practiced in a given embodiment, and it is specifically
contemplated that many variations of these exemplary methods may
also be practiced.
[0079] Although the foregoing invention has been described in
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
and understanding, it will be recognized that the above described
invention may be embodied in numerous other specific variations and
embodiments without departing from the spirit or essential
characteristics of the invention. Certain changes and modifications
may be practiced, and it is understood that the invention is not to
be limited by the foregoing details, but rather is to be defined by
the scope of the appended claims.
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