U.S. patent application number 11/382867 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for multi-purpose casino chips.
Invention is credited to Chad A. Ryan.
Application Number | 20060258442 11/382867 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37419849 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060258442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ryan; Chad A. |
November 16, 2006 |
MULTI-PURPOSE CASINO CHIPS
Abstract
This application describes, among other things, a plurality of
casino games located in a gaming establishment wherein at least
some of the games include a reader component that detects a RFID
tag in proximity to the reader component and produces detection
information indicative at least in part of the detection of a
particular one of a RFID tag carried by an individual in the gaming
establishment. An information system includes software operable on
the system to record information concerning the movement and
activities of an individual in a gaming establishment as determined
from reading individual RFID tags by the reader components.
According to an alternate embodiment, games include RFID tags that
can be detected by other games using the RF reader component.
Accordingly, the information system can determine the location and
movement of an individual through a gaming establishment, as well
as determine which games are in proximity to each other where such
games are outfitted with a RFID tag. In another embodiment, a
plurality of betting articles with RFID tags take the form of chips
used to place bets at a table game such as a poker or blackjack
table, or at a gaming machine such as a video poker game or slot
machine, wherein RFID reading devices read identification tags
associated with the articles and the chips can be used in either
type game.
Inventors: |
Ryan; Chad A.; (Henderson,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37419849 |
Appl. No.: |
11/382867 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60680984 |
May 13, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/32 20130101;
G07F 17/322 20130101; G07F 17/3237 20130101; G07F 17/3239 20130101;
G07F 17/3251 20130101; A63F 2009/2429 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: accepting at least one betting article from
a player at a table game wherein the betting article is used to
place a bet and wherein the betting article includes a radio
frequency identification tag device associated therewith; reading
information about the betting article from the tag device while the
betting article is located at the table game; and accepting at a
later time the at least one betting article in a gaming machine,
wherein the gaming machine reads information about the at least one
betting article from the associated tag device, and the gaming
machine crediting the player with an amount determined at least in
part using the information read from the tag device.
2. A method according to claim 1 further including dispensing the
one or more betting articles from a gaming machine.
3. Apparatus comprising an acceptor mechanism capable of accepting
a betting article adapted for use at least both as a betting
article used at a table game and as a token for placing a bet at a
gaming device.
4. Apparatus comprising: a gaming machine including an acceptor
capable of accepting an article used as a betting article in a
casino; and the article including a radio frequency identification
tag.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 further wherein the gaming
machine includes a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the article
used as a betting article.
6. Apparatus comprising: a plurality of articles each including a
radio frequency identification tag, the identification tag
including one or more items of data capable of uniquely identifying
the article; a computing system adapted to track data pertaining to
the articles, wherein the data pertaining to the articles is at
least in part determined using the one or more items of data
associated with an identification tag; a reading device positioned
at a table game, wherein the reading device can read at least one
of the identification tags associated with the articles; and a
reading device positioned at a gaming machine, wherein the reading
device can read at least one of the identification tags associated
with the articles.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6 further wherein the gaming
machine includes a dispensing mechanism that dispenses at least one
of the plurality of articles.
8. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the plurality of articles
are located on the premise of a first gaming establishment.
9. Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the plurality of articles
are located on at least two different gaming establishments.
10. A system comprising: a plurality of casino games located in a
gaming establishment wherein at least some of the games include a
reader component adapted to detect a RFID tag in proximity to the
reader component and read data from the RFID tag, wherein the RFID
tag is carried by one or more betting articles used in the gaming
establishment, wherein at least some of the games that include the
reader component are table games and other of the games that
include the reader component are gaming machines; and an
information system including software operable on the system to
record information concerning the betting articles used in the
gaming establishment.
11. A system according to claim 10 further including a data
transmission system connecting the reader component to the
information system and wherein the transmission system comprises
physical connectors connecting the information system to the reader
components.
12. A system according to claim 10 further including a data
transmission system connecting the reader component to the
information system and wherein the transmission system comprises RF
transmission components passing data between the reader components
and the information system using radio frequency transmissions.
13. A system according to claim 10 wherein the reader component is
an antenna.
14. A system according to claim 13 further wherein the reader
component includes a reader unit receiving input from the
antenna.
15. A system according to claim 14 further wherein the reader unit
is located in the casino game.
16. A system according to claim 15 further wherein the reader unit
is located outside of the casino game.
17. A system according to claim 16 further including a reader unit
receiving input from a plurality of antennas wherein the antennas
are located in two or more different casino games.
18. A method comprising: providing a RFID tag on a betting article
used in a gaming establishment; the individual carrying the betting
article as they move about or play games in the gaming
establishment; and using a RFID tag reader component situated in or
near a casino game to receive information from the RFID tag,
wherein at least one of the casino games is a table game and
another one of the casino games is a gaming machine.
19. A method according to claim 18 further including altering game
play for an individual in response to detecting a betting article
at a game based on detecting a RFID tag.
20. A method according to claim 19 further wherein the casino game
is at least in part an electronically controlled game.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/680,984 filed May 13,
2005, which application is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains generally to casino gaming,
and more particularly to methods, systems, and software for using
radio frequency identification technology in a gaming
establishment.
COPYRIGHT
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material to which the claim of copyright protection is made. The
copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by
any person of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it
appears in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office file or records,
but reserves all other rights whatsoever. Copyright 2006, WMS
Gaming, Inc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Gaming establishments typically strive to provide a player
with a satisfying experience while ensuring that the gaming
establishment has the best possible chance to maximize revenue and
profit from each player. Creating a satisfying experience can be
assisted by making gaming convenient and easy for the player.
Maximizing revenue may be assisted by reducing fraud or cheating.
Described below are various embodiments of the inventive subject
matter hereof that may, among other things, assist in improving a
player's experience in a gaming establishment and also in enhancing
a gaming establishment's profit by reducing fraud or cheating or by
other means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0005] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate various system embodiments of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
[0006] FIGS. 10-18 illustrate various method embodiments of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE SUBJECT MATTER
[0007] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of
the inventive subject matter, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of
illustration specific embodiments in which the inventive subject
matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described in
sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice
the inventive subject matter, and it is to be understood that other
embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without
departing from the scope of the present inventive subject matter.
The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken
in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present inventive subject
matter is defined only by the appended claims.
[0008] Referring now to FIG. 1 there is illustrated in block
diagram form of a system 100 according to a first example
embodiment of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. System
100 is capable of tracking individuals 101 in a gaming
establishment 104 such as a casino in which a number of casino
games 102 are deployed. The individuals are provided with and carry
or wear a radio frequency identification (RFID) tags 108. RFID tags
108 may be, for example, embedded or mounted in a plastic carrier
109, such as a picture identification card. A RFID tag 108 is, in
one example embodiment, capable of emitting one or more signals
that can be used by a reader component 106 mounted in or on or
proximate a casino game 102. The reader component reads the RFID
tag 108 and obtains information stored in the tag that can be used
to uniquely identify it. Accordingly, when an individual 101 brings
a RFID tag 108 into proximity to a reader component 106, the reader
component 106 detects one or more signals from the device 108. The
reader component 106 in turn generates one or more signals or data
that is indicative of the identity of the RFID tag. Thus, by virtue
of knowing the location of the reader component 106, the location
of the RFID tag 108 can be ascertained. A system 120 is provided
for processing and recording data collected from RFID tags 108, as
described in more detail below.
[0009] As used herein, the term casino game encompasses, without
limitation, slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables,
poker tables, craps tables and any other game of chance offered by
a gaming establishment wherein for example the game qualifies as
regulated and/or licensed gaming equipment. The term gaming
establishment refers to an establishment that offers casino gaming
experiences to its patrons and, in one example embodiment, is
licensed by a gaming regulatory authority to provide such gaming
experiences.
[0010] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the reader component 106
positioned in or on the game 102 may be a reader unit 204 that
supports at least one antenna 202 that is co-located with the unit
204, such as the stationary reader model RDR-001, sold by Matrics,
Inc., of Columbia, Md., U.S.A. The antenna 202 may be the general
purpose antenna model number ANT-001 also available from Matrics,
Inc. In the alternative, a reader unit 204 may support two or more
antennas 202 that are located remotely from unit 204. RFID tag 108
may be, for example, the EPC Version 1 UHF RFID tag available from
Matrics, Inc.
[0011] Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a generic term
for technologies that use radio waves to automatically identify
individual items. There are several methods of identifying objects
using RFID tags, such as tags 108. One of the most common is to
store a serial number that identifies an item, thing, or person
(such as an individual carrying an RFID tag 108), and perhaps other
information, on a microchip that is attached to an antenna (the
chip and the antenna together are called an RFID transponder or an
RFID tag). The antenna enables the chip to transmit the
identification information to a reader. The reader converts the
radio waves returned from the RFID tag into a form that can then be
passed on to, for example the system 120, that can make use of it.
While it depends on the particular RFID tag and the application,
one example embodiment of a RFID tag 108 carries about 2 KB of
data--enough to store some basic information about the item or
person it represents.
[0012] As described in various configurations below, an RFID system
such as system 100 may comprise a RFID tag 108, which is made up of
a microchip with, for example, a coiled antenna, and an
interrogator or reader with an antenna, referred to herein in some
instances as a reader component 106 generally, or more specifically
as may be provided in some embodiments as a reader unit 204 and
antenna 202. Reader unit 204 may include an integral or co-located
antenna, or it may be deployed with one or remote antennas deployed
at some distance from the unit 204. Remote antennas may be coupled
to the reader unit 204 with a wireline connection. The reader 204
generates electromagnetic waves from the antenna 204 that form a
magnetic field when they "couple" with the antenna on the RFID tag.
According to one example embodiment, system 100 or other
embodiments herein below described use passive tags that have no
battery. These passive tags draw power from the reader, which sends
out electromagnetic waves that induce a current in the tag's
antenna. The RFID tag draws power from this current and uses it to
power the microchip's circuits. The chip then modulates the waves
that the tag sends back to the reader and the reader converts the
new waves into digital data. Most passive RFID tags simply reflect
back waves from the reader. Energy harvesting, on the other hand,
is a technique in which energy from the reader is gathered by the
tag, stored momentarily, and transmitted back at a different
frequency.
[0013] According to another example embodiment of the RFID tags
108, there are provided active RFID tags that have a battery, which
is used to run the microchip's circuitry and to broadcast a signal
to a reader (for example like the way a cell phone transmits
signals to a base station). Semi-passive tags can also be used in
the embodiments herein, and use a battery to run the chip's
circuitry, but communicate by drawing power from the reader. Active
and semi-passive tags are useful for tracking items that need to be
scanned over long ranges, but they cost more than passive tags. The
read range of passive tags may not be as far as active tags, for
example for some example technology, less than ten feet as opposed
to one-hundred (100) feet or more for active tags. More
particularly, the read range of passive tags depends on many
factors: the frequency of operation, the power of the reader,
interference from metal objects or other RF devices. In general,
low-frequency tags are read from a foot or less. High frequency
tags are read from about three feet and UHF tags are read from 10
to 20 feet. Where longer ranges are needed, active tags use
batteries to boost read ranges to 300 feet or more.
[0014] Radio frequency identification in system 100 does not
require line of sight. RFID tags can be read as long as they are
within range of a reader. Radio waves travel through most
non-metallic materials, allowing RFID tags or the readers to be
embedded in packaging or encased in protective plastic for
weather-proofing and greater durability. Or, in the alternative,
the reader component 106 can be mounted in a housing provided that
the radio waves can traverse the housing, either by going through a
wall, window or opening in the housing. However, reading an RFID
through a metallic barrier can be more difficult.
[0015] RFID tags and readers have to be tuned to the same frequency
to communicate. RFID systems can use many different frequencies,
but generally the most common are low- (around 125 KHz), high-
(13.56 MHz) and ultra-high frequency, or UHF (850-900 MHz).
Microwave (2.45 GHz) is also used in some applications. Different
frequencies have different characteristics that make them more
useful for different applications. For instance, low-frequency tags
are cheaper than ultra high frequency (UHF) tags, use less power
and are better able to penetrate non-metallic substances. UHF
frequencies typically offer better range and can transfer data
faster. But they use more power and are less likely to pass through
materials. And because they tend to be more "directed," they may
require a clear path between the tag and reader.
[0016] System 100 and other embodiments disclosed herein may be
implemented with read-write or read-only RFID tags 108. With
read-write chips, an application can add information to the tag or
write over existing information when the tag is within range of a
reader, or interrogator. Some read-only microchips have information
stored on them during the manufacturing process. The information on
such chips can never be changed. Another option is to use
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, or EEPROM.
With EEPROM, the data can be overwritten using a special electronic
process.
[0017] It is noted that one problem encountered with RFID is the
signal from one reader can interfere with the signal from another
where coverage overlaps. This is called reader collision. One way
to avoid the problem is to use a technique called time division
multiple access, or TDMA. In simple terms, the readers are
instructed to read at different times, rather than both trying to
read at the same time. This ensures that they don't interfere with
each other. But it means any RFID tag in an area where two readers
overlap will be read twice. Accordingly, in one example embodiment
of the systems and methods described hereinabove, the system or
method is operated so that if one reader reads a tag another reader
does not read it again. Another problem readers have is reading a
lot of RFID tags in the same field. Tag collision occurs when more
than one chip reflects back a signal at the same time, confusing
the reader. Different vendors of RFID technology have developed
different systems for having the tags respond to the reader one at
a time. Since they can be read in milliseconds, it appears that all
the tags are being read simultaneously.
[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1, reader component 106 is configured
to communicate with an information system 120 through a
communication channel 130, shown for some embodiments in FIGS. 3
and 4. Information system 120 may be disposed in the gaming
establishment 104 or at a remote site. System 120 includes at least
one processing unit 122 and software 124 operable on the system to
record and process data read from RFID tags 108 as read by the tag
reader components 106. Through the processing of this data and
using other stored data, system 120 can track the position of an
individual 101 in the gaming establishment 104 and determine which
games 102 the individual 101 is playing and for how long. To
provide this functionality, software 124 additionally operates to
maintain a database 125 of records representing individuals 101,
reader components 106 and the casino game they are associated with,
RFID tags 108 and the individuals they are assigned or associated
with, and the location of RFID tag 108 over a desired period of
time. Accordingly, the recorded RFID location information (as
determined by the detection of such RFID tags at a casino game 102)
allows system 120 to track the location, movement, and game play of
an individual 101 in the casino.
[0019] As noted above, data transmission system 130, shown in FIGS.
3 and 4 provides for conveying data from or between the reader
components 106, such as a reader unit 204, to the information
system 120. According to one alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 3,
the data transmission system 130 comprises physical connectors 302
connecting the information system 120 to the reader component 106,
such as through an Ethernet connection. According to another
alternate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, the data transmission
system 130 comprises RF transmission components 402 passing data
between the reader component 106 and the information system 120
using radio frequency transmissions 404.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is illustrated an embodiment
500 in which the reader component 106 is located on the side 502 of
a housing of a casino game 504. In the alternate embodiment 600
shown in FIG. 6, a reader component 106 is located within the
housing 602 of the casino game 604. In either embodiment 500 or
600, the reader component 106 can either be an antenna 202 alone,
with the reader unit 204 located remotely from the casino game, or
the reader component 106 can be a reader unit 204 that includes an
antenna 202.
[0021] As illustrated in FIG. 7, in one example embodiment 700
according the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, a reader
unit 204 receives input from a plurality of antennas 202, wherein
the antennas are located in two or more different casino games
102.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is illustrated an alternate
embodiment 800 wherein the software 124 operable on information
system 120 includes program code 806 that may have the capability
of sending game play control instructions or data 809 to the one or
more casino games 102. Games 102 may include an electronic
controller 812 (including for example a programmed computer)
adapted to be responsive to instructions or data 809 from a remote
system such as system 120 to control the operation of the game
102.
[0023] In yet another alternate embodiment, program code 806 is
operable on system 120 for recording the individual's game playing
history in one or more records in a database 125. In a further
alternate embodiment of the system of FIG. 8, program code 806 is
capable of sending instructions to a casino game 102 to alter game
play for an individual 101 in response to the detection of an
individual at the game 102, as determined by detecting a RFID tag
108 carried by the individual 101. In yet another alternate
embodiment illustrated by FIG. 8, program code 806 may be
configured to work with a RFID tag 108 that is part of a token or
machine readable card an individual uses in connection with playing
casino games. For example, a token or machine readable card may
include a magnetic strip or smart card components.
[0024] In further alternate embodiments of the inventive matter
described herein shown in FIG. 9, a reader component 106 may be
mounted in a casino game 102 to facilitate RF radiation traversing
the game housing, such as through the belly glass of the game. As
also shown in FIG. 9, in an alternate embodiment a RF reader
component 106 may be situated on the side 908 of a casino game
102.
[0025] Referring again to FIG. 9, there is illustrated still
another alternate embodiment 900. In embodiment 900, at least some
of the casino games 102 additionally include a RFID tag 108 mounted
on or in the games 102. In this embodiment, the RF reader
components 106 in a game 102 can detect the presence of a RFID tag
108 in or on another game 102. In this embodiment, software 124 in
system 120 includes program code 902 capable of maintaining one or
more records that indicate the association of a RFID tag 108 with a
particular game 102, and thereby determine which other games 102
having RFID tags 108 that are near the particular game 102. The
reader component 106, in this and other embodiments, may also be
configured to determine the direction from which an identified RFID
tag 108 emission is emanating, providing some directional
information that can be used to determine the relative orientation
of a detected game or individual with regard to the detecting
component 106. Still further, in this alternate embodiment, program
code 902 keeps records of casino games 102 and associated RFID tags
108. Accordingly, based on the detection by a first game 102 of
nearby games 102 having RFID tags 108, software 124 can determine
which casino games are in proximity with one another. In yet
another alternate embodiment of the above, program code 902 is
capable of sending instructions to the individual casino games 102
so that the game play can be altered based on the proximity of
casino games 102 to each other as determined by reading the RFID
tags 108 and also based on the detection of a particular individual
101 near or at a game 102. This embodiment enables casino games in
proximity to each other to act in concert, and to offer
complimentary game play or coordinated game play. Accordingly, a
player 101 may be presented with game play options on nearby games
102 that are customized for or known or thought to be desirable for
the player 101.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 10, a first method 1000 according to the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein is described. Method 1000
includes providing a tracking device including a RFID tag to an
individual in a gaming establishment, as illustrated in flow chart
item 1002. The individual carries the RFID tag with him or her as
they play games in the gaming establishment, as represented by flow
chart block 1004. As shown in flow chart item 1006, a RFID tag
reader situated in or near a casino game is used to detect an
individual in proximity to a casino game.
[0027] According to one alternate embodiment of method 1000, an
individual is detected in proximity to a casino game whether or not
the individual plays the game. According to yet another alternate
embodiment, an individual's game playing history is recorded based
on the detection of a RFID tag carried by the individual as he or
she plays casino games. In another alternate embodiment of FIG. 10,
method 1000 further includes data transmission method whereby
physical connectors connect the information method to the reader
components, or RF transmission components pass data between the
reader components and the information method using radio frequency
transmissions.
[0028] In still a further alternate embodiment shown as method 1100
in FIG. 11, the game play of a casino game is altered, as indicated
by flow chart item 1104, based on detecting that a particular
individual is playing the game as detected using the RFID tags and
RF reader components, as illustrated by flow chart item 1106.
[0029] According to one alternate embodiment, the casino game that
is altered is at least in part an electronically controlled game
such that game play commands and data may be sent to the game
through a signal conveyance in order to alter game play.
[0030] According to still another example embodiment of the methods
of the inventive subject matter described herein, a RFID tag is
part of a token or machine readable card an individual uses in
connection with playing in the casino or playing a casino game. For
example, the RFID tag may be part of an identification card or a
credit or debit card the player is provided by the gaming
establishment.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 12, there is illustrated yet another
method embodiment 1200 in which RF signals are passed from a RFID
tag, as indicated as flow chart item 1202, to a RF reader component
inside of a casino game, or, as indicated by item 1204, from a RF
reader component inside of a game to a RFID tag outside the game
and for example carried by an individual in a gaming establishment.
According to one example embodiment of the method, the RF signals
are passed through the belly glass or other RF permeable portion of
a casino game.
[0032] Another alternate embodiment of the method 1200 further
includes another block facilitating RF radiation traversing the
game housing by situating the reader component in the casino game.
In a yet another alternate embodiment of FIG. 12, further includes
situating the RFID tag reader on the top of a casino game.
[0033] In a further alternate embodiment depicted as method 1300 in
FIG. 13, the method of FIG. 12 further includes maintaining data in
an information system from received information derived from the
RFID readers in the gaming establishment, as depicted in block
1308. This method 1300 further includes recording information
concerning the movement and activities of an individual as depicted
by block 1310, as determined from reading individual RFID tag by
the reader components. Method 1300 further includes, as depicted by
block 1312, altering the play of one or more casino games in
response to the detection of a particular individual at a game.
[0034] In yet another alternate embodiment of method 1000
illustrated as method 1400 in FIG. 14, block 1402 depicts providing
the reader component as an antenna. Block 1404 depicts including a
reader unit receiving input from the antenna. In further alternate
embodiment of method 1400, the reader unit is located inside the
casino game, or outside of the casino game.
[0035] In another alternate embodiment of method 1400, FIG. 15
shows method 1500, which includes receiving input by the reader
unit from a plurality of antennas located in two or more different
casino games as depicted by block 1508.
[0036] In an alternate embodiment 1600 illustrated in FIG. 16, the
method 1000 further includes providing RFID tags for the casino
games, as depicted by item 1602. As also illustrated as another
further alternate embodiment, the method further includes, as
indicated by item 1604, maintaining a record of what games are next
to or near to each other from information derived from tag devices
associated with or in or on the casino games, as depicted by item
1606 on the flow chart. The method further may provide for allowing
games in proximity to act in concert such as offer complimentary
game play or coordinated game play options, as depicted by item
1608 on the flow chart.
[0037] There is described above a number of embodiments of
inventive subject matter wherein RFID tags are used to locate or
establish a position of an individual or a casino game.
[0038] Referring now to FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C, there is
illustrated yet another example embodiment 1700 of the inventive
subject matter disclosed herein. A plurality of betting articles
1710 are provided, and, for example, take the form of chips used to
place bets at a table game 1740 in a gaming establishment, such as
but not limited to poker, blackjack, craps or roulette. Each
betting article 1710 includes a RFID tag 1720 (shown for example
with respect to article 1710' in an enlarged, cut-away view). The
tags 1720 each include one or more items of data capable of
uniquely identifying the articles 1710, data indicative of the
value of the article 1710, or other data. One or more reading
devices 1730 used to read an RFID tag are positioned at one or more
table games 1740, wherein the reading device 1730 can read at least
one of the identification tags 1720 associated with the betting
articles. One or more reading devices 1750 are also positioned at a
gaming machine 1760 such as a video poker game or slot machine,
wherein the reading devices 1750 can read at least one of the
identification tags 1720 associated with the articles.
[0039] Reading devices 1730 may be positioned, for example,
underneath the gaming table surface 1742 of table game 1740 near an
area that a player may place a bet using the betting articles, to
enable the devices 1730 to detect the presence of the betting
articles, and, for example, the identification and value of the
article by reading the data stored therein. Reading devices 1730
may also be positioned in other areas of the table game 1740, for
example to read the RFID tags in betting articles collected by the
dealer into or paid by the dealer out of a chip tray, sometimes
also referred to as a chip rack or bank. Reading devices 1750 may
be positioned, for example, near an acceptor 1764 of the gaming
machine 1760, to enable the devices 1750 to detect the presence of
the betting articles 1710 placed in the acceptor 1764, and, for
example, the identification and value of the article by reading the
data stored therein. Reading devices 1750 may also be positioned in
other areas of the gaming machine 1760, for example to read the
RFID tags in betting articles in a hopper 1766, from which they can
be dispensed, or alternatively to a drop box (not shown) to be
collected. Reading devices 1750 may also be positioned to read RFID
tags of betting articles that may be dispensed by the gaming
machine 1760. Accordingly, gaming machine 1760 is adapted to
receive betting articles 1710 and to dispense them in the same
manner as coins or tokens or other betting articles used in the
gaming machine wherein the articles are placed in an acceptor and
counted to create credits on the machine, for example.
[0040] According to still another example embodiment, the method
and apparatus may provide for shielding the RFID reading devices
(for example 1730 or 1750) to ensure that the only RFID signals it
detects are those coming from the betting article path (for example
1767 in FIG. 17C). In another embodiment, there may be provided a
mechanism to determine direction of travel through the betting
article path to avoid cheats similar to stringing coins. This could
also help provide information to the gaming machine operating
system for use in determining whether or not to add credit to the
credit meter when it reads a betting article in its RFID
reader.
[0041] In either the case of the reading devices 1730 or 1750, the
reading devices may be connected to a local computing platform 1735
or 1755 located at or near the table game 1740 or gaming machine
1760, such that the local computing platforms can receive
information from the RFID tags and perform any desired functions,
such as to provide counts or indications to dealers or players or
other personnel. One or more further computing systems 1770 may
also be provided, and are adapted to receive data pertaining to the
betting articles 1710, wherein the data pertaining to the articles
is at least in part determined using the one or more items of data
associated with an identification tag. Systems 1770 may be located
distant from the table games or gaming machines, for example in a
computer center in a casino or other gaming establishment, or in
any other location. In one embodiment, the local computing
platforms are connected, for example through wired or wireless
network, to the computing systems 1770 and pass information about
betting articles 1710 to the computing systems 1770.
[0042] Thus, according these embodiments, the same betting
articles, typically casino chips, may be used both to play a table
game and also to play a gaming machine. This dual use of the
betting articles such as chips thus provides a player with
convenience, and also increases the chances that a player of one
type of game may stop and play the other type of game, thus
enhancing the player's range of experience and potentially keeping
the player in the gaming establishment longer than otherwise may be
the case. In addition, the ability to read an identification from
the betting articles may assist in cheating or fraud reduction, as
betting articles may tracked and only accepted or credited if
properly registered, as may be implemented using software on, for
example, system 1770, to register and track the betting articles.
Other information about the use of the betting articles may also be
determined where their use is tracked by system 1770 or by other
means.
[0043] According to still another embodiment, the plurality of
betting articles 1710 are located on the premise of a first gaming
establishment, and in another embodiment, they are located on at
least two different gaming establishments. Thus, accordingly, the
same betting articles may be used at multiple different gaming
establishments, which may or may not be owned entirely by or
substantially by the same entities. In addition, accordingly, the
computing system 1770 may be adapted to track betting articles
across multiple establishments. For instance, all betting articles
1710 may be registered and tracked using a common computing
platform or data repository whether or not the articles are issued
or honored by the same or different gaming establishments under the
same or different control.
[0044] According to another example embodiment 1800 of the
inventive subject matter there is provided a method wherein one or
more betting articles, for example chips, are distributed 1810 to a
player for use in a casino, wherein the one or more chips have a
monetary value, and wherein each of the one or more chips include a
radio frequency identification tag device associated therewith. The
one or more of the chips are accepted 1820 from a player at a table
game wherein chips are used to place bets, and information is read
1830 about the one or more chips from the tag device while the one
or more chips are located at the table game. Further, the one or
more chips may also be accepted 1840 in a gaming machine, wherein
the gaming machine reads 1850 information about the one or more
chips from the associated tag devices, and the gaming machine
credits 1860 the player with an amount determined at least in part
using the information read from the tag device.
[0045] According to one example embodiment, the betting articles
may have a monetary value. In an alternative embodiment, however,
the gaming articles may have no monetary value, for example
promotional gaming chips. Such betting articles may not be
redeemable for currency but would be valid for placing wagers at a
table game or at a gaming machine. In another embodiment, there may
be three types of credit tracked on a gaming machine: cashable
credits redeemable for currency (usually comes from money inserted
by the player or from winnings achieved by the player),
non-restricted promotional credits redeemable for currency (credits
given to the player by the casino typically as part of a marketing
program), and restricted promotional credits not redeemable for
currency (credits given to the player by the casino or gaming
establishment that must be wagered). Both non-restricted and
restricted credits can only be inserted into the gaming machine at
this time either via a ticket/coupon accepted via the bill acceptor
and validated with a cashless wagering system or via an electronic
download from a player account established with the gaming
establishment and transmitted to the gaming machine via a cashless
wagering system.
[0046] According to one example embodiment, there may also be
accepted betting articles at a game with the associated RFID tag
containing information related to which type of credit that betting
article represents, thus providing the gaming establishments with
another method of inserting promotional credit into a gaming
machine. Also, like tickets and player account transfers, one
embodiment may require that the promotional credit only be accepted
if a player card is present at the gaming machine/table (allowing
the system to monitor which players are responsive to different
promotions) or if a specific player card is inserted at the gaming
machine/table (allowing promotions to only be redeemed by a
specific patron).
[0047] According to another example embodiment, there is provided a
bonusing method and system. In one example, a bonusing
system/method might award a "lucky betting article (e.g. chip)"
bonus. To do so, for example, a random number is generated that
identifies one or more of the betting articles by a unique
identifier, such as a serial number. The system may run the bonus
across the entire establishment, or use a subset of the entire
floor as a group of gaming machines participating in the lucky
betting article game. The system may then monitor the betting
article acceptors for all games participating in the bonus pool.
And when the randomly selected betting article is wagered, the
gaming machine where the wager was placed may be awarded a bonus
paid to the player at the gaming machine. In one example
embodiment, these may be progressive bonus awards that would
increase over time. According to one example embodiment, the
system/method may randomly select a betting article identifier
(e.g. serial number stored in the RFID tag) from the total set of
betting articles in the gaming establishment system, which may be
segregated by denomination, promotional betting articles, or other
means.
[0048] According to one example embodiment, the lucky betting
article may be implemented at table games such that, for example,
the table game may provide the dealer with some form of
notification that it detects the `lucky betting article` at a
particular betting spot and the amount of the bonus to be paid. The
notification may take the form of a message displayed on a video
screen at the gaming table, the betting spot could light up, or
there could be an audible indication, either alone or in
combination with each other. The dealer may then pay the bonus in
betting articles in addition to any wins the player may have
achieved with that bet.
[0049] According to other example embodiments of the methods of the
inventive subject matter, at least one chip is accepted from a
player at a table game wherein the chip is used to place a bet and
wherein the chip include a radio frequency identification tag
device associated therewith. Information is read from the chip from
the tag device while the chip is located at the table game. At a
later time, the at least one chip is accepted in a gaming machine,
wherein the gaming machine reads information about the at least one
chip from the associated tag device, and the gaming machine credits
the player with an amount determined at least in part using the
information read from the tag device.
[0050] According to another example embodiment, at least one chip
is accepted from a first player at a table game wherein the chip is
used to place a bet and wherein the chip include a radio frequency
identification tag device associated therewith. Information about
the chip is read from the tag device while the chip is located at
the table game. At a later time the at least one chip is provided
to a second, different player, and the second different player uses
the at least one chip in a gaming machine. The gaming machine reads
information about the at least one chip from the associated tag
device, and the gaming machine credits the player with an amount
determined at least in part using the information read from the tag
device.
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