U.S. patent application number 11/419870 was filed with the patent office on 2006-12-21 for identifying components of a casino game.
Invention is credited to Mark B. Gagner, Walter E. Smolucha.
Application Number | 20060287078 11/419870 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37574095 |
Filed Date | 2006-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060287078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smolucha; Walter E. ; et
al. |
December 21, 2006 |
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS OF A CASINO GAME
Abstract
This application describes, among other things, a casino game
for use in a gaming establishment wherein at least some of the
components of the game include an attached radio
frequency-responsive element, such as an RFID tag. In one example,
the radio frequency-responsive element contains information
regarding the corresponding attached components. In another
example, the casino game contains a plurality of selected
components having RFID tags. When the tags are interrogated,
information provided by the tags can be used to determine whether
components of the game have been replaced, are missing, or the
like. Also, a method of identifying components in the game is
disclosed. In one example, the method includes interrogating radio
frequency-responsive elements attached to selected components of
the casino game, receiving a response code signal from the
interrogated radio frequency-responsive elements, and generating an
output based on the received signals.
Inventors: |
Smolucha; Walter E.;
(Melrose Park, IL) ; Gagner; Mark B.; (West
Chicago, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG, WOESSNER & KLUTH, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37574095 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419870 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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PCT/US05/13514 |
Apr 19, 2005 |
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11419870 |
May 23, 2006 |
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60564321 |
Apr 22, 2004 |
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60683564 |
May 23, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
463/29 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07F 17/3223 20130101;
G07F 17/3232 20130101; G07F 17/3202 20130101; G07F 17/3241
20130101; G07F 17/3218 20130101; G07F 17/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/029 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. Apparatus comprising: a casino game having one or more
subcomponents wherein at least one of the subcomponents includes a
radio frequency-responsive element that can be used to identify the
component.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 further wherein the radio
frequency-responsive element includes an antenna and an integrated
circuit, the radio frequency-responsive element having information
storage and transmission capabilities adapted to enable an
interrogation system to obtain information from the radio
frequency-responsive element.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information stored
in the radio frequency-responsive element is related to
identification of the component of the casino game.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the
radio frequency-responsive element is physically attached to the
component.
5. Apparatus comprising: a casino game including a plurality of
components wherein at least one of the selected components includes
a radio frequency-responsive element including an antenna and an
integrated circuit, the radio frequency-responsive element having
information storage and transmission capabilities adapted to enable
an interrogation system to obtain information from the radio
frequency-responsive element; wherein the information stored in
each of the radio frequency-responsive elements is related to the
attached component.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the information provided from
the radio frequency-responsive elements is interpreted to determine
the identity of the at least one component.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the information provided from
the radio frequency-responsive elements is interpreted to determine
whether the component is the component expected to be present in
the game.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 and further comprising a removable
panel adapted to permit interrogation of all of the selected
components in the casino game.
9. A method comprising: interrogating radio frequency-responsive
elements associated with one or more components of a casino game;
receiving a signal from the interrogated radio frequency-responsive
elements; and recording information about the components based on
the received signals.
10. A method according to claim 9, and further comprising: creating
reference data related to the casino game; comparing information
from the received signals to the reference data; and generating
results of the comparison.
11. A method according to claim 9 further including interrogating
the components while they are in an assembled casino game.
12. A method comprising: assembling a casino game; interrogating
radio frequency-responsive elements associated with one or more
components of the casino game while the components are in the
assembled game; receiving a signal from the interrogated radio
frequency-responsive elements; and recording information about the
components based on the received signals.
13. A method according to claim 12, and further including creating
reference data related to the casino game, comparing information
from the received signals to the reference data, and generating
results of the comparison.
14. A method comprising: obtaining a component to be assembled in a
casino game; positioning a radio-frequency responsive element with
the casino game component; and assembling the component into a
casino game.
15. A method according to claim 14 further including interrogating
the component after it has been assembled in the casino game.
16. A method according to claim 14 further including creating a
reference database indicating components known to be present in the
casino game based on the interrogation.
17. A method comprising affixing the radio-frequency responsive
element to the game component using one or more of the following:
adhesives, mechanical fasteners, integrated molding.
18. A method according to claim 17 further including making the
affixed component one or more of the following: tamper-evident,
tamper resistant or tamper proof.
19. A method comprising: obtaining a casino game component; using a
radio-frequency responsive element to tag the component; and
detecting the casino game component in a manufacturing facility by
interrogating the radio-frequency responsive element.
20. A machine-readable medium having machine executable
instructions for causing a casino game to perform operations
comprising: interrogating radio frequency-responsive elements
associated with one or more components of the casino game;
receiving a signal from the interrogated radio frequency-responsive
elements; and recording information about the components based on
the received signals.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation-in-Part under 35 U.S.C.
111(a) of International Application No. PCT/US2005/013514, filed
Apr. 19, 2005, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/564,321, filed Apr. 22,
2004. This application also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e)
from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/683,564 filed May 23,
2005. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention described herein pertain
generally to casino gaming apparatus, or casino games; and more
particularly to articles, apparatus and methods for identifying
selected components of casino games suitable for use 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] The security and reliability of gaming devices is of
foremost importance to gaming regulators and to game manufacturers.
As such, it is very important that the components of gaming
machines and devices be maintained in working order and also that
the proper components are used in any particular game.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 3 illustrate various system embodiments
of the disclosed inventive subject matter.
[0006] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate various method embodiments of the
disclosed inventive subject matter.
[0007] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of the disclosed
inventive subject matter.
[0008] FIG. 7 illustrates a system embodiment of the described
inventive subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIVE SUBJECT MATTER DISCLOSED
HEREIN
[0009] In the following detailed description of the embodiments of
the inventive subject matter disclosed herein, 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 disclosed herein may be practiced. These
embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those
skilled in the art to practice the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein, 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. Described below are various
embodiments of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein hereof
that can, among other things, assist in improving the security and
reliability of gaming devices.
[0010] 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.
[0011] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one example embodiment of the
inventive subject matter disclosed herein, located at an example
gaming establishment 10. The gaming establishment 10 includes at
least one but often a plurality of casino gaming machines 12A, 12B,
12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12G and 12H. Each casino gaming machine 12A-H
in the example includes a plurality of subcomponents, and one or
more of the subcomponents includes an attached radio
frequency-responsive element of which 14A and 14N are shown. It is
understood that additional radio frequency-responsive elements may
be included as subcomponents of the casino gaming machines 12B-G.
In the example, a person using a reader device 16 interrogates the
radio frequency-responsive elements of each casino gaming machine
12A-H using radio frequency identification. The interrogation
process is used to develop an inventory of the game components.
This inventory is recorded and analyzed manually or automatically
to determine if the detected components are as expected based on
preexisting records or other factors. The interrogation process
determines whether the casino game has or at least appears to
include expected or correct components or whether the casino gaming
machine includes additional, fewer or unanticipated components. The
inventory of the machine is usable for other purposes such as
ordering or identifying a replacement part. System embodiments
described herein incorporates radio frequency identification to
create more secure casino gaming machines or a gaming establishment
by allowing rapid verification that casino games include the
desired or expected components, and that improper or uncertified
components are not improperly installed or swapped between
machines.
[0012] Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is a term for
technologies that use radio waves and radio frequency-responsive
elements to automatically identify individual items. One of the
most common methods of identifying individual items is to store a
serial number that identifies a component, and perhaps other
information, on a radio frequency-responsive element. One example
of a radio frequency-responsive element is a microchip that is
attached to an antenna, described in more detail below with respect
to FIG. 2. The chip and the antenna together are often called an
RFID transponder or an RFID tag. The antenna enables the chip to
transmit the identification information to a reader. A reader
converts the radio waves returned from the radio
frequency-responsive element into a form that can then be passed on
to, for example, a software system that can make use of it.
[0013] Radio frequency-responsive elements can be either active or
passive. An active tag incorporates an additional energy source,
such as a battery, into the tag construction. This energy source
permits active radio frequency-responsive elements to create and
transmit strong response signals even in regions where the
interrogating radio frequency field is weak, and thus an active
radio frequency-responsive element is detectable at greater range.
However, the relatively short lifetime of the battery limits the
useful life of the tag. In addition, the battery adds to the size
and cost of the tag. A passive element derives the energy needed to
power the element from the interrogating radio frequency field, and
uses that energy to transmit response codes by modulating the
impedance the antenna presents to the interrogating field, thereby
modulating the signal reflected back to the reader antenna. Thus,
their range is more limited. Because passive elements are preferred
for many applications, the remainder of the discussion will be
confined to this class of element. Those skilled in the art,
however, will recognize that these two types of elements share many
features and that both can be used in the examples of this
disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 1B shows a casino gaming machine 12 including a
plurality of radio frequency-responsive elements 14A-14N that are
associated with respective subcomponents of the casino gaming
machine 12. By way of illustration, components of the casino gaming
machines 12 includes items such as the housing, monitors, printers,
hoppers, money validation devices, cabinets, secondary displays,
dot matrix devices, signage, chairs, power supplies, lights,
electronic boards, or other components such as Flash memory,
read-only memory (ROM) or programmable read only memory devices
(PROM) devices or other data storage devices, or processing units.
The ROM, PROM or other memory storage devices may store critical
and sensitive software or data used to control machine operation,
calculate odds, determine payouts or other sensitive computations
or controls. Those skilled in the art can recognize that this list
is not inclusive or applicable to each casino gaming machine
covered by the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In one
example, the elements are attached to the subcomponents with a
pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). An example of information stored
in each element and transmitted to a reader interrogating the
element can include an identification of the attached
component.
[0015] Additional security is obtained by making the RFID tag
tamper-evident, tamper-resistant, or tamper-proof. One way of
providing such additional security is to use high strength adhesive
to attach the RFID tag to the subcomponents of the machine, for
example by adhering the antenna of the radio frequency-responsive
element to the component such that removal of the RFID tag would
destroy or disable the antenna. In another example, the RFID tag
may be permanently, semi-permanently or removably attached to the
component using tamper-resistant, tamper-evident or tamper proof
fastening, or by other means. Such fastening includes riveting or
molding the RFID tag to the subcomponents of the machine. In cases
where the RFID tags are readily visible to an observer, additional
security measures include other coded or uncoded visual information
on the RFID tag.
[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, a passive radio frequency-responsive
element 14 typically includes two components: an integrated circuit
22 and an antenna 24. The integrated circuit provides the primary
identification function. It includes software and circuitry to
permanently store the tag identification and other desirable
information, interpret and process commands received from the
interrogation hardware, respond to requests for information by the
interrogator, and assist the hardware in resolving conflicts
resulting from multiple tags responding to interrogation
simultaneously. Optionally, the integrated circuit provides for
updating the information stored in its memory (read/write) as
opposed to just reading the information out (read only). Integrated
circuits suitable for use in radio frequency-responsive elements
include those available from Texas Instruments (in their TIRIS line
of products), Philips (in their Mifare and Hitag line of products),
Motorola/Indala, and Single Chip Systems, among others. One example
is a tag from Texas Instruments sold under the trade designation
#RI-101-110A.
[0017] The antenna geometry and properties depend on the desired
operating frequency of the radio frequency-responsive portion of
the tag. For example, 2.45 GHz (or similar) radio
frequency-responsive elements typically include a dipole antenna,
such as the linear dipole antennas (not shown), or folded dipole
antennas (not shown). A 13.56 MHz (or similar) radio
frequency-responsive element would use a spiral or coil antenna 24.
In either ease, the antenna 24 intercepts the radio frequency
energy radiated by an interrogation source. This signal energy
carries both power and commands to the tag. The antenna enables the
radio frequency-responsive element to absorb energy sufficient to
power the IC chip and thereby provide the response to be detected.
Thus, the characteristics of the antenna must be matched to the
system in which it is incorporated. In the case of tags operating
in the high MHz to GHz range, an important characteristic is the
antenna length. Typically, the effective length of a dipole antenna
is selected so that it is close to a half wavelength or multiple
half wavelength of the interrogation signal. In the case of tags
operating in the low to mid MHz region (13.56 MHz, for example)
where a half wavelength antenna is impractical due to size
limitations, the important characteristics are antenna inductance
and the number of turns on the antenna coil. For both antenna
types, good electrical conductivity is required. Typically, metals
such as copper or aluminum would be used, but other conductors,
including magnetic metals such as permalloy, are also acceptable.
It is also important that the input impedance of the selected IC
chip match the impedance of the antenna for maximum energy
transfer.
[0018] A capacitor 26 is often included to increase the performance
of the marker. The capacitor 26, when present, tunes the operating
frequency of the tag to a particular value. This is desirable for
obtaining maximum operating range and insuring compliance with
regulatory requirements. The capacitor may either be a discrete
component, or integrated into the antenna as described below. In
some tag designs, particularly tags designed to operate at very
high frequencies, such as 2.45 GHz, a tuning capacitor is not
required. The capacitor is selected so that, when coupled to the
inductance provided by the antenna, the resonant frequency of the
composite structure, given by: f r = 1 2 .times. .pi. .times. 1 LC
##EQU1## where C=capacitance (in Farads) and L=inductance (in
Henries), closely matches the desired operating frequency of the
RFID system. The capacitor may also be a distributed capacitor as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,276 to Tait et al. and 4,578,654
to Tait et al. Distributed capacitance is desirable to reduce tag
size, particularly thickness, and to minimize manual assembly.
[0019] In operation, as shown in FIG. 3, the radio
frequency-responsive element 14 is interrogated by reader system
30, which is typically located near the point at which the tags are
to be monitored. Hand held detection devices such as reader device
16 shown in FIG. 1B may be used. An interrogation source 32
(typically including a drive oscillator and an amplifier) is
coupled to an antenna 34 (sometimes described as a field coil) for
transmitting an alternating radio frequency field, or interrogation
signal, in the interrogation zone. The system 30 also includes an
antenna for receiving a signal (shown as antenna 34, and sometimes
described as a receiving coil) and detector 36 for processing
signals produced by tags in the interrogation zone.
[0020] The interrogation source 32 transmits an interrogation
signal 37A, which may be selected within certain known frequency
bands that are preferred because they do not interfere with other
applications, and because they comply with applicable government
regulations. When the radio frequency-responsive element receives
an interrogation signal it transmits its own response code signal
37B that is received by the antenna 34 and transmitted to detector
36. The detector decodes the response, identifies the tag
(typically based on information stored in a computer and/or other
memory device 38), and takes action based on the code signal
detected. Various modifications of the illustrated system are known
to those of skill in the art including, for example, using separate
antennas for the interrogation source 32 and the detector 36 in
place of the single antenna 34 that is illustrated.
[0021] A computer system 31 is further provided in one example
embodiment in order to store and analyze machine inventory data.
System 31 may be located proximate the gaming machines 12, or may
be located remotely from the machines, or may be portable, for
example carried by maintenance or security worker. System 31, in
one embodiment, may store an inventory of subcomponents for each
machine. Such inventory may be input in the system 18 manually, or
may be input automatically for example by scanning a machine after
it has been assembled and automatically gathering the inventory
information from the results of the scan. System 31, in one
embodiment, includes software 33 capable of assembling and
maintaining the inventory, retrieving inventory data and modifying
inventory data representing the subcomponents of a machine. In one
embodiment, system 31 is a server that is accessible to personnel
responsible for assembling and shipping machines 12. System 31 may
also be accessible to maintenance or security personnel working in
a casino environment in which the machines 12 are positioned. Such
as server may be an Internet-based server, for example a web
server, or any other type of server or method for wide area network
access, for example using wireless communications.
[0022] Further, some software 33 embodiments are capable of storing
and retrieving warranty information in association with each
subcomponents and an associated RF tag. Such software permits a
technician working on or checking a machine 12 to look up pertinent
warranty or repair information, based on the identification of the
component using the RFID tag.
[0023] Radio frequency identification of the subcomponents does not
require line of sight (LOS). Radio frequency-responsive elements 14
are readable as long as they are within range of a reader. Radio
waves travel through most non-metallic materials, allowing radio
frequency-responsive elements or the readers to be embedded in
packaging or encased in protective plastic for weather-proofing and
greater durability. Reading an RFID through a metallic barrier can
be often difficult, and many elements tend to detune when placed
proximate to metallic devices. The casino game can be provided with
a removable panel 19, or the like, that can create an opening to
make the elements 14A-14N more readable. The panel 19 can be
removed and the reader inserted into or placed proximate the
opening in order to better read radio-obscured elements. Also,
elements that are attached to metallic components or components
containing metallic parts can be spaced apart from the metal. Many
elements are prone to detune unless spaced apart from metal by at
least about one-quarter of an inch (6.4 mm). The elements can be
strategically placed to be at least one-quarter inch from metallic
parts. In the case of elements attached to metallic components, the
elements can be spaced apart from the component by including a
spacer, such as a polyurethane foam pad, between the surface of the
component and the element.
[0024] Additionally, most radio frequency identification
technologies permit readers to interrogate several elements at
once. Elements within the range of a reader can be interrogated
with a single interrogation signal. Tag collision occurs when more
than one element 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. Because they can be read in milliseconds, it appears that
all the tags are being read simultaneously. The reader can receive
information from several elements based on this interrogation
signal, and the reader can distinguish information received from
each of the elements. Readers can be constructed such that an
entire casino game is within an interrogation zone so as to receive
response code signals from each of the elements with a single
interrogation signal.
[0025] Information provided to the reader with each received
response code signal can be processed in one or more of several
ways. For example, a handheld reader may be completely
self-contained in that it can store and process the received
signals and provide an output for a user. Other types of readers
can provide a signal to another system that would then create an
output for the user. For example, information received from a
reader can be uploaded into a computer network that can then store
and process the uploaded information and provide a usable
output.
[0026] The casino game 12 is usable in one or more interrogation
strategies. A basic interrogation strategy is illustrated in FIG.
4. In general, interrogation strategy 40 includes interrogating the
radio frequency-responsive elements attached to the subcomponents
42, receiving a response code signal from the interrogated elements
44, and generating an output based on the received signals 46. One
species of the interrogation strategy 40 is shown in FIG. 5 as
strategy 50 and includes creating a reference data 52,
interrogating the radio frequency-responsive elements attached to
the subcomponents 42, receiving a response code signal from the
interrogated elements 44, comparing information in the received
signals to the reference data 54, and generating results of the
comparison 56.
[0027] Many applications of the interrogation strategies are
contemplated. Among these applications is the ability to determine
whether a casino game has missing or improperly swapped or replaced
parts. For example, the casino game includes subcomponents with
matching RFID tags. The tags can be interrogated and read. The
relevant information from the response code signals is processed to
determine whether the detected RFID tags match those stored in the
inventory database for the machine. If so, it can be inferred that
the subcomponents have not been replaced. Additional information
can be included in the response code signal to identify which
component corresponds with the tag. This information from the
response code signals can be processed to determine whether all of
the subcomponents included during manufacture are still in the
machine. This interrogation can also determine if certain other
components (with attached RFID tags) are included in addition to
those included in manufacture. In another example embodiment as
referred to above with respect to system 18, the tags of each game
may be read at manufacture and the information stored in an
electronic file so that serial numbers or other identification
codes can be associated with a particular casino game. Later, the
tags can be interrogated and the information in the response code
signals compared to the electronic file. If there are no
discrepancies, it can be inferred that the subcomponents of the
casino game have not been replaced or removed. Many algorithms and
processes can be developed to implement these and similar
interrogation strategies, including algorithms and processes to
verify that part removal or part replacement has been authorized,
and are intended to be included within the scope of the inventive
subject matter disclosed herein.
[0028] The interrogation strategies can be used to verify the
authenticity of a casino game or to determine whether the game has
been tampered with. Examples of these are described here briefly.
An agent of the manufacturer or gaming establishment may want to
verify that parts have not been removed or replaced during shipment
of the game between intended destinations. Also, the gaming
establishments or gaming regulators might want to verify that
certain critical components have not been removed or tampered with.
Through the application and use of the inventive subject matter
disclosed herein
[0029] Another example involves warranty issues. Casino games in
gaming establishments often are sold with a manufacturer's limited
warranty. The warranty often expires after a predetermined period
of time. The gaming establishment may own or otherwise possess
several of the same games, some of which may include expired
warranties. In one example, a specific component fails in one game
no longer covered by warranty. Some repair technicians have been
known to swap the failed component and replace it with a like
component obtained from an otherwise working game that is still
covered by warranty. The failed part may then be presented for
warranty repair contrary to the interests of the manufacturer.
[0030] Applications of the inventive subject matter disclosed
herein can also include tracking individual subcomponents, or
tracking several similar subcomponents. RFID tags on subcomponents
may also be used to track the selected component through
manufacturing, for example. RFID tags can also be used to track
inventories of subcomponents. One example is that an entire palette
of a particular selected component can be interrogated at once to
determine, based on the received response code signals, the exact
number of subcomponents on that pallet. Other applications can be
readily imagined. In addition, in another embodiment, RF
interrogation is used to track the movement of casino gaming
components in a manufacturing or warehouse facility in order to
prevent unauthorized removal of such components and/or potential
tampering with such components.
[0031] According to still another example embodiment according to
the inventive subject matter herein, there is provided a method for
ensuring regulatory compliance of casino games by tagging casino
game components with RF tags, and using RF tag interrogation to
collect data on the components in the games in operation in a
casino, and to verify that such components are consistent with
components expected to be in such games. Using this method,
regulators may assure themselves that bona-fide, authentic casino
game equipment is being used by a casino or other gaming
operator.
[0032] According to still another example embodiment schematically
illustrate in FIG. 6, an RF tag 60 is affixed or mounted on a reel
62 of a casino game, and used to determine the position of the reel
as it spins, by detection of the RF tag by a detection unit 64 that
interrogates the tag 60 and detects its proximity. Other casino
game components such as dice or roulette wheels or dice or roulette
balls may be equipped with RF tags and detected so as to ascertain
their position and/or authenticity during the play of the game,
again using a detection unit that is positioned so as to be able to
detect the RF tag associated with the component.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates another system embodiment of the
inventive subject matter. The system of FIG. 7 includes a casino
game 72 including a plurality of subcomponents, and one or more of
the subcomponents includes an attached radio frequency-responsive
element 14A, 14B, . . . 14N. This casino game 72 also includes a
reader unit 74 within, or mounted on (not illustrated), the casino
game 72. In some embodiments, the reader unit is a stationary
reader model RDR-001, sold by Matrics, Inc. or Columbia, Md.,
U.S.A. The reader unit 74 can interrogate the radio
frequency-responsive elements of the casino game 72 using radio
frequency identification. The interrogation process can be used to
develop an inventory of the game components. This inventory can be
recorded and analyzed manually or automatically to determine if the
detected components are as expected based on preexisting records or
other factors. It may thus be determined if the casino game 72 has
or at least appears to contain the expected or correct components
or whether the casino game 72 includes additional, fewer or
unanticipated components. The inventory of the casino game 72 can
also be used for other purposes such as ordering or identifying a
replacement part. In some embodiments, the reader unit 74 can also
read an RFID tag embedded in a casino chip, such as a poker chip.
The system of the present disclosure thus incorporates radio
frequency identification to create a more secure casino game or
gaming establishment by allowing rapid verification that casino
games contain the desired or expected components, and that improper
or uncertified components are not improperly installed or swapped
between machines.
[0034] In some embodiments, the casino game 72 further includes
software that executes on a processor and stores data in a memory
device. The data stored in the memory device can include data
identifying parts the card reader identifies and/or should identify
in casino game 72. The data stored in the memory device can be used
to compare received RFID signals against to determine if the casino
game has been tampered with. In some embodiments, if the software
determines a game appears to have been tampered with, or otherwise
determines a difference when performing the comparison, the
software can disable the casino game 72.
[0035] In yet another embodiment, the casino game 72 includes a
connection to a network, such as a secure network within a gaming
establishment. The reader unit 74 can transmit received RFID tags
over the network connection to an inventory server along with a
casino game 72 identifier.
[0036] In one embodiment, any of the components of casino games 12
or 72 can include hardware, firmware, and/or software for
performing the operations described herein. The embodiments may
also include machine-readable media. Machine-readable media
includes any mechanism that provides (i.e., stores and/or
transmits) information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a
casino game, computer, etc.). For example, tangible
machine-readable media includes read only memory (ROM), random
access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage
media, flash memory machines, etc. Machine-readable media also
includes any media suitable for transmitting software over a
network.
[0037] There is described above a number of embodiments of
inventive subject matter wherein RFID tags are used to identify
subcomponents of a casino game. The terminology used in this
application is meant to include all of these environments. It is to
be understood that the above description is intended to be
illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be
apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above
description. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this
invention be limited only by the following claims and equivalents
thereof.
[0038] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.
1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature and
gist of the technical disclosure. The Abstract is submitted with
the understanding that it will not be used to limit the scope of
the claims.
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