Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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PERSONAL DIGITAL KEY AND RECEIVER/DECODER CIRCUIT
SYSTEM AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cross-Reference To Related Applications:
This application is a continuation of the following: co-pending Application
Serial No. 09/750,487, filed on December 27, 2000; co-pending Application
Serial
No. 10/016,857, filed on December 14, 2001; co-pending Application Serial No.
10/153,979, filed on May 23, 2002; co-pending Application Serial No.
10/715,035,
filed on November 17, 2003; and co-pending Application Serial No. 10/847,135,
filed on May 17, 2004, and this application is claiming the benefit of co-
pending
provisional Application Serial No. 60/632,067, filed on December 1, 2004, and
co-
pending provisional Application Serial No. 60/652,765, filed on February 14,
2005.
The following are incorporated herein by reference: United States Patent
Application Publication No. US 2002/0080969, published on June 27, 2002,
entitled "Digital Rights Management System and Method"; United States Patent
Application Publication No. US 2003/0115351, published on June 19, 2003,
entitled "Digital Content Distribution System and Method"; United States
Patent
Application Publication No. US 2002/0144116, published on October 3, 2002,
entitled "Digital Rights Management"; United States Patent Application
Publication
No. US 2004/0098597, published on May 20, 2004, entitled "Digital Content
Security System"; and United States Patent Application Publication No. US
2004/0255139, published on Decelnber 16, 2004 entitled "Digital Content
Security
System". The following is incorporated by reference as an Appendix herein: PCT
Patent Application, serial no. PCT/US2005/007535, filed on March 8, 2005,
entitled "Linked Account System Using Personal Digital Key".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This application is a continuation of the following: co-pending Application
Serial No. 09/750,487, filed on December 27, 2000; co-pending Application
Serial
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No. 10/016,857, filed on December 14, 2001; co-pending Application Serial No.
10/153,979, filed on May 23, 2002; co-pending Application Serial No.
10/715,035,
filed on November 17, 2003; and co-pending Application Serial No. 10/847,135,
filed on May 17, 2004, and co-pending PCT Patent Application, Serial No.
PCT/US2005/007535, filed on March 8, 2005, and this application is claiming
the
benefit of co-pending provisional Application Serial No. 60/632,067, filed on
December 1, 2004, and co-pending provisional Application Serial No.
60/652,765,
filed on February 14, 2005.
The following are incorporated herein by reference: United States Patent
Application Publication No. US 2002/0080969, published on June 27, 2002,
entitled "Digital Rights Management System and Method"; United States Patent
Application Publication No. US 2003/0115351, published on June 19, 2003,
entitled "Digital Content Distribution System and Method"; United States
Patent
Application Publication No. US 2002/0144116, published on October 3, 2002,
entitled "Digital Rights Management"; United States Patent Application
Publication
No. US 2004/0098597, published on May 20, 2004, entitled "Digital Content
Security System"; and United States Patent Application Publication No. US
2004/0255139, published on December 16, 2004 entitled "Digital Content
Security
System". The following is incorporated by reference as an Appendix herein: PCT
Patent Application, serial no. PCT/US2005/007535, filed on March 8, 2005,
entitled "Linked Account System Using Personal Digital Key".
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a first version of a wireless personal digital
key, in
accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an illustration of a second version of a wireless personal digital
key, in accordance with the present invention.
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FIG. 3 includes illustrations of several forms of wireless personal digital
keys, in the present invention.
FIG. 4 includes illustrations of several versions of receiver/decoder circuit
adapters, in the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an illustration of receiver/decoder circuit chipsets, in accordance
with the present invention.
FIG. 6 is an illustration of receiver/decoder circuit chipsets and several
versions of receiver/decoder circuit adapters, in the present invention.
FIG. 7 is an illustration of a personal digital key and a receiver/decoder
circuit adapter in the present invention.
FIG. 8 is an illustration of a personal digital key and a linked account, in
the
present invention.
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a personal digital key, a receiver/decoder
circuit
adapter, and a secured linked account, in the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an illustration of a version of a personal digital key and
nlultiple
devices which can be linked thereto, in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an illustration of a person with an associated personal digital key
enabling a customized service of operating a secured computer through a linked
account, in the present invention.
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FIG. 12 is an illustration of a person with an associated personal digital key
enabling a customized service of opening a secured door through a linked
account,
in the present invention.
FIG. 13 is an illustration of a person with an associated personal digital key
enabling a customized service of ordering a camera online through a linked
account, in the present invention.
FIG. 14 is an illustration of a person with an associated personal digital key
enabling multiple casino customized services relating to restaurant, hotel,
and
parking through a linked account, in the present invention.
FIG. 15 is an illustration of a person with an associated personal digital key
enabling casino customized services relating to the tracking of customers and
employees, in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the drawings, the system according to the invention enables
automatic autlientication of a personal digital key based upon proximity of
the
personal digital key, wherein the personal digital key is able to be
associated with a
person, and enables linking of the personal digital key to an account based
upon the
automatic authentication. The system includes a personal digital key, able to
be
associated with a person, which includes encrypted digital data unique
thereto, and
which enables automatic authentication based upon proximity thereof to an
account
liiiking system. It also includes an account linking system based upon
automatic
authentication of the personal digital key, which account linking system
comprises
a receiver/decoder circuit, which is able to automatically authenticate the
personal
digital key upon proximity of the personal digital key to the receiver/decoder
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circuit, and whereby the personal digital key is able to be linked to and
associated
with an account.
The personal digital key and the receiver/decoder circuit are able to
authenticate each other. The linked account is unlocked upon the personal
digital
key being located in proximity and authenticated to the receiver/decoder
circuit, and
the linked account is locked upon the personal digital key being located outs
of
proximity to the receiver/decoder circuit. The personal digital key includes
an
internal power source. The range of the personal digital key, for proximity to
the
receiver/decoder circuit to enable account linking, is adjustable as desired.
The
range, on average, is typically about six to eight feet, but can extend up to
about
three-hundred feet and beyond. The personal digital key includes a pennanent,
secure, unique identifier, that can never be modified, updated, or manipulated
in
any way. It transmits the unique encrypted digital data to the
receiver/decoder
circuit through a secure wireless link.
The unique encrypted digital data in the personal digital key includes an
unchangeable unique personal digital key identifier. The receiver/decoder
circuit
includes an unchangeable unique identifier. The receiver/decoder circuit is
able to
detect, authenticate, and securely communicate with the personal digital key.
The
receiver/decoder circuit is able to detect, authenticate, and securely
communicate
with inultiple personal digital keys in parallel. The receiver/decoder circuit
is
further able to encrypt and decrypt content, such as data, documents, e-mail,
transactions, games, and music. The linked account includes data therein, and
the
receiver/decoder circuit is able to directly or indirectly access the data in
the linked
account based upon automatic authentication of the personal digital key. The
personal digital key and the reader/decoder circuit includes embedded
challenge-
response logic and cryptographic algorithms, for enabling secure
authentication of
the personal digital key and the receiver/decoder circuit as original, not
copied,
authorized devices, and for enabling secure ongoing communications between the
authentic devices.
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The system is able to provide one or more customized services for the linked
account. The customized service provided for the linked account may comprise
customized services for a casino property and/or a hotel property. The casino
property customized service may comprise tracking the number of personal
digital
keys which are in proximity to a receiver/decoder circuit. The casino property
can
also include a slot machine or the like, and the casino property customized
service
may include games which are able to be downloaded to the slot machine, wherein
the slot machine includes the receiver/decoder circuit, the system is able to
track
customer preferences regarding games, and, based upon the games preferences,
and
through the receiver/decoder unchangeable unique identifier, the system is
able to
decrypt games delivered to the slot machine from the system's download seiver,
ensuring that a downloaded game has arrived unaltered from that of the
download
server's "master" version.
The system can further protect any and all transaction data flowing across
the system's network, between slot machines and their associated
reader/decoder
circuits (or any other device utilizing a recorder/decoder circuit) and the
system's
various servers. In this function, the system utilizes the reader/decoder
circuits
located in each communicating devices to encrypt/decrypt the transaction data.
The system may further include a game server which includes games which
the game server is able to encrypt. The receiver/decoder circuit in the slot
machine
is able to accept games from the game server which have been encrypted with
the
reader/decoder circuit's unique identifier as the encryption key, and the
receiver/decoder circuit is able to decrypt such games for play on the slot
machine.
As clearly observed in the drawings, the system according to the invention
includes a Personal Digital Key (PDK) proximity-based technology, where small,
individually-unique devices, comprising personal digital keys (Keys), are
wirelessly
authenticated by a secondary device, which comprises a Reader/Decoder Circuit
(RDCs). RDCs act as gatekeepers to a wide variety of digital and physical
items,
optionally granting valid Keys access to the items.
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The system's core capabilities include secure digital access, secure access
and use of digital content, devices and transactions, secure physical access,
secure
access and use of physical entities and devices, and Key and Owner recognition
and
authentication. Many products are designed around these capabilities, which
products include Keys, RDCs/Chipsets, and/or, Hard Drives, Access Systems, and
Account Protection Systems. The system may be utilized in gaming (e.g. casino)
and non-gaming products.
In the system, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, several forms of Keys are shown,
including Keys 10, 12, 14, and 16, which keys are single-unit, self-contained
devices, wllich may be shaped siinilar to automobile-style key fobs. Every Key
produced is uniquely identifiable. Keys incorporate and utilize complex,
active-
technology, two-way, secure, wireless authentication and encrypted
conununications algoritluns. Keys are not able to be modified, updated, or
changed
in any way once manufactured, making them substantially impervious to
tampering
and hacking.
The Key, in a standard proximity-only version, utilizes a standard Key,
which involves simply carrying it. Regardless of the number of uses,
individuals
never require more than one Key. Plastic or siinilar Key housings (the casing
surrounding a Key's internal components and electronics) can be fonned and
shaped into many varying designs. This capability enables customized branding,
acceptable and suitable for use in single and multiple-property environments,
where
the properties are not necessarily all part of the same business entity. This
allows
customers and players to utilize and carry only a single Key, regardless of
how
many businesses, properties, and systems they wish to interact with. One
example
of such an option includes forining Keys in the shape of miniature slot
machines,
where a slide-in compartinent accepts small branded "signs" containing the
names
of casino properties. An individual sign could be slid in or out of the
housing as
needed, and multiple signs could, for example, simultaneously be attached,
along
with the Key itself, to a typical key ring. The Key provides branding options
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acceptable to property owners, which enable customers and players to utilize
and
carry only a single Key.
A Bio Key 12, as shown in FIG. 2, is an enhanced proximity and biometric
version. It utilizes an enhanced Bio Key, which, for example, may involve
placing
a finger on the Key's pad, running an eye-scan, or taking any biometric
action,
enabling it to biometrically authenticate its owner. In all other respects,
Bio Keys
are identical to standard Keys. In particular, the Bio Key 12 works like the
Key 10,
with the difference that the Key 10 transmits its identification code when it
is asked
to, whereas the Bio Key 12 will not do so unless the biometric action is
taken, so
that it authenticates the person, whereupon the identification code is
transmitted.
The system is a proximity-based technology, and RDC adapters 18, 20, 22
and 24, referring to FIGS. 4, 6, 7, and 9, can detect, authenticate and
communicate
with Keys when they are in-range, and they know when they are not detected in-
range. Specific protected items include a digital file, which can be
associated
("linked") with individual Keys. The system technology utilizes elements and
features such as Key and Receiver/Decoder Circuit components, active (two-way
authentications/communications) proximity-based technology, and the ability to
automatically detect, read and authenticate Keys (every Key is unique). It
also
utilizes the ability to conduct secure communications over its wireless Key-to-
RDC
link, and the ability to optionally einploy secondary authentication processes
(such
as requesting passwords for confirinations or taking a biometric action) when
desired.
PDK Reader/Decoder Circuit chipsets 26 (RDC chipsets), as seen in FIGS.
5-6, incorporate core capabilities wllich include authentication,
cryptography, and
access control. Reader/Decoder Circuit adapters (RDCs) utilize standardized
chipsets. RDC options enable the PDK technology to be added to nearly any
legacy
and modern coinputer, as well as most other electronic devices. PDK's
standardized chipsets power all RDC adapters, and integrate directly into OEM
products enabling full, on-board PDK compliancy. External RDC options connect
via PC Card and USB ports, creating upgrade paths for legacy and modern
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computers, which include standard hard drives, except for the addition of
integrated
RDCs. Access to the drives and their content is allowed only when linked Keys
are
detected, protecting them if lost, stolen, or simply left unattended.
Once an account is linked, whenever access is attempted, an RDC scans for
the items (as file 28, secured file 30, and through drive 32, door 34,
computer 36,
and slot machine 38, for example, in FIGS. 8-10) linked to the Key. If
detected,
access is allowed - - if not, access is denied, and the item remains locked
and
secured. Because Keys can be linked to as many protected items as needed, at
any
time, users never need to carry more than a single small Key, and similarly,
standardized RDCs simplify upgrade and integration efforts.
For example, with a person at his desk, and his Key detected, as in FIG. 11,
his computer 36 functions exactly as any other PC. But when he moves away, and
his Key is no longer detected, his drive is automatically locked and secured.
Similarly, when the person approaches a PDK-enhanced ATM, he siinply touches
his finger to his Bio Key, the ATM automatically recognizes who he is (and his
account number), and effectively uses his fingerprint as his PIN. It provides
'
enlianced authentication of account-based transactions - significantly
reducing
opportunities for credit/bank card fraud, by linking an account holder's Key
to his
or her account. Once linked, transactions against the accounts are allowed
only
when linked Keys are detected. In an example, as seen in FIG. 13, when
attempting
to purchase a new Cainera, a person makes his selection, and enters his credit
card
nuinber. His key is automatically read, and his order, card and Key
information is
sent to the store.
As illustrated in FIG. 12, the following "access" examples illustrate basic
capabilities and uses enabled by core capabilities. Utilizing botll the
standard
and/or biometrically-enhanced Keys, many similar OEM and stand-alone products
and uses are envisioned. Core recognition and authentication capabilities can
be
integrated into many common devices with relative ease. Hands-free, password
free, contact key free, and very close placement key free technology enables
limitless new possibilities for handling traditionally inefficient and/or
inconvenient
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tasks. Various Key types and styles provide the means to tailor the
technology's
security capabilities to nearly any need.
The system's RDCs wirelessly detect, authenticate, and securely
coinmunicate with Keys. RDCs may include the ability to interrogate Keys in a
particular region and section (e.g. a room or section of a property), and to
identify
specific Key information, (e.g. quantities of Keys in an area), to identify
"hot
spots". It also includes the ability for high traffic areas and general
customer
distribution about a property, or to locate a specific Key(s). RDCs can
siinultaneously detect multiple Keys in a vicinity, (e.g. detecting all
individuals
surrounding a particular game).
The system's gaming products include casino property systems, for example
for a casino or a Casino/Hotel, which include standard and biometrically-
enhanced
versions. The technology in casino and hotel environments enables Keys to
replace
or work in conjunction with curreiitly-standard Player Tracking Cards (PTC).
Each
Key is linked to an account record(s) located in a centralized database(s),
where
customer and player account information is maintained, and may also replace or
work with cash and/or room-charge account numbers (Electronic Fund Transfer or
EFT) where appropriate (within the establishment). Key usage may be configured
as one per individual, one per casino, one per casino chain, or combinations
of each
depending on needs. RDCs may function as stand-alone units, and replace or
work
in conjunction with current Player Tracking System (PTS) card readers and
other
common devices such as cash registers, credit card swipe machines, door
locking
mechanisms, kiosks, and PCs.
When the system is installed in other than electronic gaining machines,
RDCs may be connected to the needed network(s) and centralized database(s) via
devices such as small stand-alone units with or without touch-screens or
display
mechanisms, integrated into other devices such as kiosks, PCs, cash registers,
door
locking mechailisms, portable readers (as may be used in parking lot garages
or
walk-up bars). Such connections may be via independent hardware connected
directly to PTS network (bypassing all local-device hardware), or via
independent
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hardware connected to independent network itiuuling parallel to PTS network
(where the networks are optionally connected elsewhere). Connections for any
of
above options may be wired or wireless.
The system's features and capabilities, as in FIGS. 14-15, provide casinos 40
and hotels increased profitability by offering their guests a greatly-
enhanced, more
comfortable and fun experience, while simultaneously enabling a wide array of
new
marketing and data gathering capabilities. The product can be introduced as a
player tracking card (i.e. plastic cards used by players to accuinulative
redeemable
points) replacement, and over time expanded to provide a potentially property-
wide
solution. The ability to automatically recognize guests (and enzployees) and
use the
information to track, market, and collect data creates significant new
opportunities
for managing and growing casino and hotel operations (e.g. downloadable
gaming).
Automatic player tracking login offers the potential to significantly increase
system
utilization, and enhance the customer experience. Data, such as how long a
person
looked at a new game, but chose not to play, can now be acquired. The system
always knows "who's there" and can use the data as needed.
Operators of the system can utilize the technology to provide extremely
efficient and personalized guest services, and to implement powerful new
employee
management options. The system enables a totally passive and comprehensive
property management solution, including automatic player tracking, custoinized
downloading, slot floor research reporting, innovative marketing options, and
on
premise access options. It leverages market and customer interest in
technologies,
maximizing floor profitability via practical application of superior player
tracking
and data analysis. It also enables system and device data gathering and
analysis
abilities to configure floor profitability. The market places growth premiuins
on
technologies providing tangible benefits. The system presents a solution to
longer-
term applications related to online gaming via biometric extension.
At the discretion of the system's administrators (e.g. a casino property
owner), any individual Key can be utilized for on-premise functions of a
single
casino/hotel property, and/or multiple casino/hotel properties, including
properties
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from unrelated entities. Key usage may be configured as one per individual,
one
per casino, one per casino chain, or a combination of each depending on needs.
n-
line/Internet-based functions include on-line gaming and general website
interaction
- providing identification, authentication, age-verification, and means of
payment
services. In addition, a Key can also be used for and with any other non-
gaming-
related system-based application and product. Identical style Keys can be used
by
customers and employees, simplifying Key operations and management.
RDCs may be installed and utilized independently (e.g. on floors, ceilings,
walls), in gaming equipment (e.g. slot machines, table games), or in other
equipment/environments (e.g. cash registers, check-in desks, PCs, kiosks).
When
installed in electronic gaming machines, tables, or similar equipment, RDCs
may be
connected to the system's network(s) and centralized database(s) via player
tracking
hardware, in-place' of or in addition-to the hardware's card-reader component
(via
the sanle connection port), or via local-device's gaming motherboard
(bypassing
player tracking hardware). RDCs may also be connected via independent hardware
connected directly to PTS network (bypassing all local-device hardware), or
via
independent hardware connected to an independent network running parallel to a
PTS network (where the networks may optionally be connected elsewhere).
Connections for any of the above options may be wired or wireless.
The system is able to benefit casinos by providing significant data capture
and marketing capabilities and opportunities, ability to offer customers
effortless
and consistent access to casino player Rewards Programs (RP), ability to build
and
enhance custoiner-loyalty, ability to offer customers a more capable, simpler,
and
efficient PTC solution than any currently available option (such as standard
PTC or
smart cards), and technologies such as retinal-scan and finger-print
technologies.
The system can also provide lower per-unit gaming machine costs due to the
positive price differential between standard card readers and RDCs, and
additional
available unused gaming machine front-surface space (due to card readers not
being
installed) providing promotional ad space and more simplified player
interface.
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The system's general configuration features may include customer database
records, local machine hard drives and associated data, and any other
transaction/stored data may be linked/associated with Keys taking advantage of
PDK's enciyption capabilities to enhance data security and integrity. When
idle,
RDCs look for any Keys remaining within their "read window" for a defmable
period of time (e.g. to deten.nine whether a player wishes to "log in" to PTS,
to
measure time players spend browsing, to recognize hotel guests near kiosks).
When
an RDC detects a Key and has read its data, it presents on its display
mechanism
(one internal to the local-device) a message showing the player's naine (or
nickname) and asking for confirmation of the Key's use (on gaming devices this
action would effectively log the player into the PTS network for the duration
of
their gaine play). RDCs will not look to log someone else in, once someone is
already logged in, but they will still be looking for other Keys, even though
someone is logged in. The RDCs, in looking for other keys, enable the system
for
example to track people moving through a casino. When a player (Key) moves out
of range, a "bell" (or similar) may sound to catch the player's attention,
asking for
confirmation to "log out". After a definable amount of time however, it may
log
the player out automatically.
In the system, to better define a "read window" (a desired Key detection
area), RDCs may include options and capabilities including a directional
anterma
which narrows the "active window" (angular area from which a Key can be
detected) to a limited space (e.g. the front area of a gaming device). An
adjustable
"read range and elasticity" feature (distance from an RDC at which a Key
should be
detected) to further limit the "active window" and minimize spurious reads, a
"strongest signal detection" feature (where the strength of each detected Key
signal
is compared to determine the strongest) to more accurately select a
specific/correct
Key when multiple Keys are detected, a "read duration" feature (length of time
a
Key is "seen" or "not seen" before RDC considers it "detected" or "lost") to
minimize spurious reads.
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The system has the ability to automatically deliver information to individuals
based on their (Key's) proximity to an RDC (and optionally also from
information
retrieved from the Key's associated account). Examples include customer
preference items (default bet information, color or text-size options), and
automating downloadable gaming (where games are actually stored and retrieved
from centralized servers versus the local gaming devices) - customers can be
offered games, sets of games/gaine types, based on their known likings,
dynamic
casino-floor game configuration. A section of a casino's floor can dynamically
be
configured for card games, another for slots, etc., based on known histories
and
preferences of customers and browsers, or specific quantities of customers and
browsers in a given section at a given time.
In a downloadable game environment, where games in slot machines can be
changed, by taking advantage of all the data that is accumulated from the
wireless
keys, the system down the line, through a program on the back-end, can
reconfigure
the floor itself, dynamically changing the floor layout by taking advantage of
the
downloadable gaming capabilities, and the fact that keys are reporting that
type of
information. For example, at certain times more people will be playing
blackjack
games than slot machine games, wliereupon the system can change large parts of
the floor over to blackjack games from the slot machine games. Additional
deliverable information includes customer recognition/greeting - grabbing
attention
of "browsers" by displaying their naine (or nickname), offering incentives to
play/shop, offering marketing promos, or similar, and customer marketing
promotions - offering prizes to individuals playing particular high-stakes
games at
the right moment.
The system also has the ability to automatically acquire data from
individual's based on their (Key's) proximity to an RDC. Examples include any
data available via cuiTent/standard PTS devices, player data at non-connected
(not
directly attached to PTS network) games such as poker tables, blackjack
tables,
passive-viewer (browser) statistics, tracking how many individuals look at a
new
game and for how long, and how many passed through a particular section of
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casino. Also, acquired data may include general customers and browsers
statistics,
game/game-type/game-bank data, shopping and restaurant preference data,
general
customers and browsers data - shopping and restaurant sales transactions, and
customer and Key identification data, used to trigger hotel room locking
mechanisms, to trigger kiosk programs, and to automatically identify customers
to
parking-garage attendants.
Further, the system enables game/machine and back-end systems
configuration and management such as to enable casinos internal management
processes including enabling setup, configuration, and reporting features of
games,
machines, and backend systems, without requiring such equipment to be
internally
accessed (minimizing how often machines are opened, how long procedures take
to
perfoml), as with customers and players, and RDCs can detect authorized casino
personnel by the Key(s) they possess, and optionally, a related password for
confirmation. All transaction-related information (user ID,
changes/modifications
performed) can optionally be automatically logged to create an audit trail.
Also, the system enables casino-wide operations, by utilizing RDCs in stand-
alone devices, or as components of other available devices. The system can
provide
centralized, consistently-administered and efficient management of additional
casino operations such as hotel check-in/check-out, restaurant/store
transactions,
hotel room-key replacement, and parking-garage management. Customers and
players can automatically, efficiently, and consistently be recognized,
addressed,
marketed to, tracked and billed anywhere on the property (or property chain).
Additionally the system's security features and capabilities can provide safe,
centralized EFT system management across a property's operations.
The system further enables Casino and Hotel systems to provide a greatly
enlianced player and customer tracking system and experience, by enabling
customers and players to automatically, efficiently, and consistently be
recognized,
addressed, marketed to, obseived/researched (optionally at their discretion),
tracked
and billed anywhere on a property(s). In addition, the system enables
centralized,
consistently-administered and efficient management of additional property
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operations such as hotel check-in/check-out, restaurant/store transactions,
hotel
room-key utilization, and parking-garage management. In addition, any
individual
PDK Key can be utilized for any and all other defined PDK-related
functions/uses.
Other uses of the technology may include customer-convenience features,
including automatic logons and logoffs from PTSs, and utilization of Keys (and
secured transaction technology) for any cash or room-based transactions
occurring
on given system(s)/property(s), including properties from unrelated entities.
Further features include utilization of a single Key to safely and securely
pay for
any services on a property(s), open hotel room doors, automatically notify the
parking garage cars are to be retrieved, automating hotel check-in/check-out
processes, automatically accessing kiosks (for account information), and for
any
standard PTS-based need. It can also be used for automatic presentation and/or
selection of user-specific preferences such as game/bet options, or favorite
game/set
of games (in a downloadable gaming environment), and favorite wines and dishes
at a restaurant.
Marketing acquisition features (automatically acquired fiom individuals
based on their Key's proximity to RDCs) include any data available via current
and
standard PTS devices, and optionally any other business-related transactions
on a
property(s), player data at non-connected (not directly attached to PTS
network)
games, such as poker tables, blackjack tables. It may also acquire passive-
viewer
(browser) statistics - tracking how many individuals look at a new gaine (but
chose
not to play) and for how long, and how many passed through a particular
section of
casino, "hot spots" within a property. General customers and browsers
statistics
may be collected including game/game-type and game-bank data, and shopping and
restaurant preference data.
Marketing delivery features automatically delivered to individuals based on
their Key's proximity to an RDC, utiliziilg previously-acquired known
preferences,
include automating downloadable gaming (where games are actually stored and
retrieved from centralized servers versus local gaming devices), where
customers
can be offered games, sets of games/game types, based on their known likings,
pre-
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acquired statistics and/or the property's advertising and marketing needs.
Additional features include automatically offering and setting customer
preference
items (default bet information, color or text-size options), which enhances
the
customer experience and extends their lengtll of play, automatically locating
and/or
recognition and greeting customers, including grabbing attention of "browsers"
by
displaying their name (or nickname), and offering incentives, automatically
offering
targeted marketing promos, such as offering prizes to individuals playing
particular
games or at particular times, offering diruzers at favorite restaurants or
gifts at
favorite shops, and third-party products relative to known likings.
Property-management-oriented features include enabling customers and
players to automatically, efficiently, and consistently be recognized,
addressed,
marketed to, observed and researched (optionally at their discretion), tracked
and
billed anywhere on a property(s), which provides a greatly enhanced player and
customer experience. Added features include enabling centralized, consistently-
administered and efficient management of additional property operations such
as
hotel check-in/check-out, restaurant/store transactions, hotel room-key
utilization,
and parking-garage management.
Other features include providing secure, system-wide, unified-model access
to customer-related account information, optionally utilizing a separate pass-
phrase
(or equivalent) to further increase the level of security, such as for cash
balances,
EFT functions, game outcome data, user preferences (such as favorite games,
and
game settings), marketing preferences (favorite restaurants, drinks, and
shows), and
status information (such as the location of a car in the parking garage, and a
hotel
room nunzber). Also, furtlzer features include dynamically re-configuring
casino-
floor game layouts (via downloadable gaming technologies), whereby a section
of a
casino's floor can dynainically be configured for card games, and another for
slots,
based on known histories and preferences of customers and browsers, and
specific
quantities of customers and browsers in a given section at a given time.
The system is able to simplify, manage and control employee setup,
configuration and reporting features of games, machines, and backend systems.
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Many of these functions can be accomplished without requiring the equipment to
be
internally accessed and without mechanical keys (minimizing how often machines
are opened, and how long procedures take to perform), automatically detect,
locate
and track a Key holder's physical position/activity (when in proximity of an
associated system), applicable to customers and employees, and automatically
control access to digital and pllysical entities. Additional functions include
managing valid time and location access controls, and automatically log and
create
audit trails of all system-related transaction infonnation (user ID,
changes/modifications perfonned, and transactions completed).
The system provides security-oriented features and products for securing and
protecting digital transactions, enabling their use as an electronic payment
(EFT)
means, for securing digital files, enabling secure access to system and non-
system
data files (such as a database, Word or Excel, file), and for secure
downloading of
digital content/data on the system, such as downloadable games or promotional
marketing data. The system further provides for securing data on and providing
secure access to digital storage devices such as hard drives, customer
database
records, and individual digital hard drives, digital files, and digital
transaction data
may be associated and linked with particular Keys, encrypting and securing the
content/devices, for enabling customized, gaming-specific, hard drive device
intended for direct integration into gaming machines (e.g. a slot machine).
The
system offers an integrated device RDC and a regulatory agency-approved,
secure
storage unit (for downloadable/pre-loaded electronic games, game/player
tracking
system data).
While the particular system as shown and disclosed in detail herein is fully
capable of obtaining the objects and providing the aspects and advantages
previously stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of
the presently
preferred embodiment of the invention, and that no limitations are intended to
the
details of construction or design shown herein otlzer than as described in the
appended claims.
