Patent Application
20050289056
The present invention relates to an electronic funds and data management system and apparatus for the secure storage, retrieval, transmission and tracking of electronic funds, transactions, and customer data, in a heterogeneous network. Specifically, the present invention recites a system and method for dispensing money from a cash bank, and replenishing money from a cash bank to an electronic safe, wherein input and dispensing devices may each be of multiple device types.
Casinos frequently implement player tracking systems to track the wagering history of players, to award points or “comps,” (e.g., coupons for discounted meals, drinks, shows, rooms, etc.) based on the level of wagering, and to generally promote the casino by enticing players to return to the casino in order to accumulate more points and comps. Presently it is typical for a player to be issued a plastic card that has an embedded magnetic stripe on which a player identification number is encoded. The player inserts the card into a magnetic reading device located on slot machines or other games in the casino in order to identify the player during the time that the card is inserted in the reader. Some systems require the player to enter a PIN to identify themselves through a keypad. The readers are generally linked to a local computer system that records the gaming activity for each player that uses a card. Some systems link local systems so that information can be available at different locations, although these systems generally do not centralize the information, but instead maintain the information in a distributed fashion at each location.
Despite the widespread use of magnetic card systems for player tracking, these systems have several drawbacks. Card readers tend to require considerable maintenance because of the mechanical parts used in receiving and expelling cards. Cards also tend to get lost, primarily because players forget to take them when they leave a game. Finally, a player that just wants to quickly play a game is discouraged from using his or her magnetic card in that it takes time to use the card: the player has to take the card out of his/her wallet, insert the card, wait for the card to be accepted, enter a PIN, and finally begin play.
Additionally, there is no comprehensive system that controls and tracks the dispensing of cash. There are systems such as cash registers and ATM machines for storing and enabling the dispensing of pay outs at locations. In such known systems, the pay outs and dispensing methods are based largely on single depletion methods such as issuing change to a customer or receiving cash from an ATM machine, for instance. Typically, a retail outlet or restaurant/bar would replenish their depletion of cash from the acceptance of checks, IOU's, vouchers, games, and coupons from their bank account on the next business day. It has become increasingly tedious to account for and manually reconcile these types of depletion methods. Also, it has been known for locations such as convenience stores to utilize a safe for dispensing small sums of cash over a period of time such that the liability of theft at these locations are kept to a minimum, because the control of allowing excess cash to be withdrawn from the safe increases the theft liability. The drawback to this method is the inconvenience caused when cash required from the safe exceeds the time parameters for cash dispensing which results in delays from getting change to customers.
In other described methods for dispensing cash through a safe such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,763,998, the claims are based upon individual events occurring at the locations through a single transaction at a gaming device, and further based upon an attendant being the interface between the events. Although these cash dispensing methods may be beneficial for security, there are drawbacks to dispensing the cash too often, with always having the attendant involved with the transaction. Further, the methods do not disclose the ability of handling multiple inputs that affect the need for dispensing cash. In the methods enclosed, the safe dispenses cash at specific trigger intervals such as shift end or thresholds based on accumulating the multiple debit methods. This results in less labor at the location where the safe resides, less wear and tear on the moving mechanisms within the safe, and less transactions to audit at the safe. As more types of systems are deployed; such as coupons for Point of Sale food and beverage, free play coupons for gaming machines, marker systems for short term loans to customers, and the like, it becomes increasingly necessary to utilize a safe dispensing system that has accommodations for all of these cash depletion methods whereby all of the depletion methods can be combined and audited for secure cash replenishment.
A player tracking system is described herein that utilizes an RF device to carry a player identification number instead of a magnetic stripe card. In general, a system and method in an embodiment of the invention includes a small plastic fob containing a radio frequency (RF) antenna and an embedded identifier. The fob transmits a signal that is received by one of a plurality of games or other interactive devices having associated circuitry installed which recognizes the identifier and thus identifies the player who holds the fob. Several discrete remote gaming locations are connected to a central location where player information is stored and maintained in a database. When a player scans his fob at a game at any remote location connected to the central location, the identifier is transmitted to the central location and the player information is transmitted to the game. The player can begin play, accumulating points on his/her account reflective of his or her gaming activity. Points are accumulated based on the level of wagering and/or winning, based on awards or marketing promotions, or by any other method determined by the gaming establishment. Comps can also be awarded and recorded in the player's account. Points, in some embodiments, have a monetary value, and the player can redeem points for cash at the game itself without third-party assistance.
Enrollment of players in a tracking system in an embodiment of the invention can also be accomplished at a gaming or other interactive device that is part of the system. In one embodiment, an enroll signal is entered at the device, typically by a button, and then a fob held by the individual is scanned. A PIN is entered by the individual and the identifier and PIN are transmitted to the central site.
Finally, a system in an embodiment of the invention generates a plurality of reports at the central site which are viewable at the remote sites. In some embodiments the reports are viewable over an Internet connection. In one embodiment, one of the reports allows a user to view the activity of a player in real time.
By using an RF fob in some embodiments, there is less maintenance required for readers, a player can more quickly initiate play while accumulating points, and loss of fobs is lower than with magnetic cards, since the fobs are not inserted into a reader but kept on the player's person.
In an extension of the present invention, the present invention also includes a system for tracking cash transactions and dispensing cash, as well as transferring cash between a safe cash dispenser and a cash drawer. In such an optional embodiment, a cash reconciliation and secure cash replenishment system includes a computer communicating with a computer network that stores a transaction and information database. A cash dispenser communicating with the computer network includes a secure cash safe storing cash and a cash drawer receiving cash from the secure cash safe and dispensing cash.
According to the present invention, a plurality of transaction nodes, each of which communicate with the computer network, receive transaction input identifying a transaction amount. When transaction input received at one of the transaction nodes is transmitted to the computer, the computer records the transaction at the transaction and information database and triggers the dispensing of cash from the cash dispenser in accordance with the transaction input. In an optional embodiment, the computer stores a tag identifier database and each transaction input includes a tag identifier received, for example, from a fob (described above). In such an optional embodiment, before triggering the dispensing of cash at the cash dispenser, the computer validates the transaction input by comparing the tag identifier to the tag identifier database.
It is contemplated that the transaction input may come in a variety of different forms including: (a) a manual input for manually entering transactions against the transaction and information database, (b) an electronic input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database, (c) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through a point of sale system, (d) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through an electronic check cashing system, (e) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through a credit card system, (f) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through a debit card system, (g) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through a credit marker system, (h) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through an online accounting system, (i) a computer input for entering electronic transactions against the transaction and information database through a radio frequency identifier device, and (j) a computer input for entering manual transactions against the transaction and information database through an interface.
The present invention also serves to move cash from the cash safe to the cash drawer. The conditions causing the computer to trigger the transfer of cash from the cash safe to the cash drawer could take many different forms, including a specific time such as a fixed employee shift change time, the depletion of the cash in the cash drawer below a predetermined balance, or the like.
The system may further include an auditing and reporting system communicating with the computer network. The auditing and reporting system includes an output device. The auditing and reporting system receives data from the computer network identifying, for each transaction input, the transaction node at which the transaction input was received and the transaction amount and outputs the data at the output device
The present method and system allows for secure replenishment by taking into account electronically the various debit transactions that occur through both manual and electronic interfaces, which are much more reliable than the timed methods.
Reference is now made to the figures wherein like parts are referred to by like numerals throughout. An embodiment in accordance with the invention is illustrated in
Remote site 102 includes one or more slot machines 104, Slots 1 . . . n. An RF enclosure 106 is mounted on or otherwise coupled to each slot machine 104. Referring to
Referring again to
Each RF enclosure 106 is coupled to a computing device 120 at remote site 102. In one embodiment, each RF enclosure 106 is coupled to computing device 120 using RS485-based connections. In one embodiment, computing device 120 is a PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP and further includes a 1 Ghz processor, 256 Mb RAM, a 40 MB hard drive, a 56 kB modem, and a RS485-to-RS232 adapter. In one embodiment, computing device 120 further includes a browser such as Internet Explorer 5.0. Nonetheless, some embodiments do not include a browser and do not even require a display with computing device 120. As should be understood, the elements of computing device 120 described are exemplary only and many alternatives will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art. For instance, rather than a Windows-based PC, a MAC, a Linux-base device, a UNIX-based device, or other computing device can be used. As well, a broadband connection or leased line can be used instead of a 56 k modem. Moreover, elements of computing device 120 can also be of differing speeds or sizes in other embodiments. Computing device 120 is sometimes referred to herein as a “Data Control Unit” or “DCU.”
DCU 120 will at least periodically establish a connection with a modem bank 122 at central site 100. Modem bank 122 includes a dedicated modem for each remote site 102 (only one remote site is shown). In some embodiments for security purposes, modems at both the central site and remote sites will only accept an incoming call from a pre-assigned phone number (i.e., that of the remote site or central site). Modem bank 122 is coupled to a computing device 124 that receives data from all remote locations and is described in further detail below. Computing device 124, a Windows-based application, is sometimes referred to herein as a “Poller.”
Poller 124 is coupled to hub 126, which in turn is coupled to database 128, which in one embodiment runs Microsoft SQL Server 2000, although other embodiments may run other database software. Hub 126 is further coupled to computing device 130. Computing device 130 is the main administrative interface to the system of
Admin-Manager device 130 further includes software modules to support an Administration function, a Management function, and a Reporting function.
The Administration module is used to manage system user access for the central site employees as well as the owners and managers of the various remote locations where the system is deployed. A user-administrator is responsible for setting up new users and user groups as well as removing users, e.g., when an employee leaves the company. Information is stored for each remote site, including address phone numbers, and contact information.
At least two categories of users are established in one embodiment: owners/managers of remote locations and “bar hosts.” Bar hosts, unless they are also an owner or manager, normally do not have privileges to use any of the system functions and are not granted system access. However, bar hosts are assigned “employee fobs” for the purpose of enrolling new players, as will be described below. The Management module acts as the primary user interface to the player tracking system. Access privileges to the various functions of the program are granted through the administration module. The management module manages player accounts, including adding, editing, disabling, and deleting accounts. The management module also manages fobs including initializing, verifying, processing, registering, enabling and disabling fobs. The management module further accounts for slot machines at the various remote locations, including adding, deleting, and moving slot machines, provides EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) meter information for use by other accounting systems, allows game meter information to be viewed for problem resolution, shows transaction histories on various slot machines, and includes system set up parameters.
Fob registration is done using the manager module on device 130, which registration must occur before a fob can be issued to a player. Referring to
When the central site receives the registration from, it enters the player information using the management module, step 414. In particular, the user enters the information from the form into appropriate fields displayed on device 130. The program then prompts the user for the barcode on the registration form. The user scans the barcode on the form using wand 136, thereby matching the fob to the user's account. Any play that has been recorded for the player while using the fob before the player information was entered at the central site will be associated with the new account and the player will now be able to redeem player points for cash at any game that is connected to the central site.
As soon as the player receives the fob at the remote site, the player can begin to use it for accumulating points even though all of his/her specific information has not yet been entered in the database at the central site. Referring to
Once enrolled, to accumulate points while playing games, the player swipes his/her fob across the area on the reader unit where the RF coil is located, step 602. The identifier is transmitted from the fob to the antenna 112 and RF ID reader 114 and then transmitted from the RF enclosure 106 to the central site through DCU 120, step 604. The central site database is searched using the identifier to find the player's name and point balance, step 606. While the player information is retrieved, the display displays a message such as “Searching for Files.” Once the player information is found, the player information in transmitted to the remote site, and a greeting is displayed to the player, e.g., “Hello Nancy! You have 198,340 points”. If no player is found, but the fob is valid, then only the player's points are displayed, e.g., “Hello Player! You have 108 points.” Player information may not be found if the player has recently enrolled and the player's information has not yet been entered at the central site. Although some embodiments only display the player's point balance other embodiments may display other elements of the player's account, such as whether the player has any comps or comps that are available for redemption.
Once successfully logged in, the player will typically go on to play the game, 610. When finished playing, the player presses the “logout” key on the keypad 118, step 612. The player's session points will be displayed along with a logout message in some embodiments, step 614. In addition, the system will automatically log out the player after a period of inactivity (e.g., 1 minute) or when a new player swipes a fob across the reader. The player's activity for each session from login to logout is recorded at the central site typically in the form of a point or account balance, although additional information can be stored such as the length of time the player played, how much money was wagered, and what game was played.
When a player is not playing a game, display 116 displays one or more attract messages, e.g., “Welcome to ABC Casino!,” as shown in steps 500 (
After a successful login, the player may choose to redeem points,
In addition to an Administration Module and a Management Module, Admin-Management device 130 also includes a Reporting Module in some embodiments. With the reporting module, various reports can be created. Reports can be accessed only by those having privileges to access reports—generally only those users whose job descriptions require access (access privileges are assigned with the Administration Module). Reports are generated at central site 100 since almost all player information is stored in database 128 and not at remote locations. In some embodiments, some reports are available over an Internet connection for those users at remote sites, but users will be required to log in and have appropriate privileges to be granted report access. Reports that are able to be generated in one embodiment include: user access reports showing access privileges for all users of the system; audit reports showing actions taken by users when logged into the system; redemption reports on a game-by-game basis; slot listing reports showing detailed information about games installed at each remote location, e.g., manufacturer, slot identifier number; parameter listing reports showing system parameters usually set up on system installation; liability reports showing a summary of outstanding player point values and the cash value of those points; meter consistency reports which show if games having meters that are incrementing outside of a reasonable predetermined rate; enrollment reports showing the number of newly enrolled players at various remote locations; comp detail reports showing the number and average value of comps given to players at selected remote locations; redemption detail reports showing point redemptions made at selected remote locations; version reports showing modifications and upgrades to the system; theoretical win reports showing player activity according to theoretical win per trip per gaming location; player history reports showing a detailed history per day for each location for each player; card/non-carded reports indicates the amount of coin-in per location that was played by logged-in players versus non-logged players; zip code reports shows the amount of coin-in, theoretical win, and actual win that a remote location produces from its enrolled players by zip code; and other various reports.
In addition, an embodiment of the invention can generate current player reports showing statistics regarding the activity of each currently logged-in player by location and in real time. These real-time reports are viewable in some embodiments by authorized users at remote locations on an Internet connection to the central location.
The remote site and the central site communicate using the poller and the DCU. The poller and the DCU each include software programs that place information into (and take information out of) the communication packets used for communicating between the sites.
Each packet utilizes a series of commands or bytes which are utilized as commands for the receiving application to decipher and by which the receiving application can decode and route or respond based on the deciphered message. “STX” and “ETV indicate the start and end of a packet. “Destination Address” and “Source Address” indicate the locations the packet is going to and the location that it came from. If a message is to be broadcast to, e.g., all remote locations from the central location the destination address is set to zero. “Category” and “Code” describe the class and category of messages. “Date Time” indicates the date and time the message was sent as is known in the art. “Logical Data Length” is the length of the data field. It is indicated as “logical” because in some embodiments, the physical data length may be different. For instance, in some embodiments, if the data field contains 0×55 or 0×AA, when the message is sent physically, these bytes are duplicated, e.g., if logical data is 0×55 0×AA, then the data physically sent is 0×55 0×55 0×AA 0×AA. The Logical Data Length does not include the duplicated bytes. “Data” contains any data being sent as will be described with the discussion of Categories and Codes.
Finally a CRC (Cyclical Redundancy Check) is used on the packet to further ensure the data send is accurate and not changed while in transit. CRC functions are well known in the art and any CRC function can be used. In one embodiment, however, the following CRC function is used:
UINT16 compute_CRC(UINT8 *s, UINT32 len, UINT16 crcva1)
The “Category” and “Code” fields of each packet indicate the information that is being conveyed.
Accordingly a system and method have been described that provides a small RF identifying device that can simply be scanned and does not need to be inserted into a reader or otherwise leave the hands of the player. Although slot machines have been discussed as exemplary herein, it is to be understood, that various embodiments of the invention could be applied to other types of stand-alone games as well as gaming tables, and all are generally referred to herein as “gaming devices.” In addition, as should be understood, RF readers may also be established at kiosks, e.g., to check or redeem points, or at pay stations in restaurants, bars, gift shops, or other establishments, where the kiosks and pay stations are for tracking expenditures, accumulating points as a result of expenditures, or for redeeming points and comps. RF readers may also be used at sports wagering kiosks to redeem points for placing sports bets and to allow the accumulation of points when a player places sports bets. Accordingly, gaming devices, kiosks, and pay stations are all referred to generally herein as “interactive devices” and all generally share the characteristic that they are interactive with the player. Moreover, although an embodiment of the system as described herein is for recognizing players in a casino-type gaming environment, other embodiments are contemplated for other environments, including employee time management and building security.
Some advantages of using a fob include lower maintenance cost for the casino as the mechanical card reader is eliminated, greater player satisfaction because the fob is approximately 75% smaller than a magnetic card and can be comfortably attached to a key chain in some embodiments, faster access to player accounts as the player need only swipe the fob across the RF reader without using a key pad to actuate the system, and there is also a lower risk of loss of the fob because, unlike a magnetic card, it is not inserted into a reader for the entire time of play but rather kept on the player's person.
As shown in
According to the present invention, transaction input, including a transaction amount, is received at the transaction nodes 250. The computer processor 120 collects the transaction input, stores the transaction input at the transaction and information database, and commands the cash drawer 88 to dispense cash to the patron 89. That is, upon request from the customer/patron 89, and upon establishing that the transaction and information database 13 indicates that the requested funds are available, the cash drawer 88 may dispense the requested cash to the customer/patron 89.
As noted above, the dispensing of cash may cause the amount of cash in the cash drawer 88 to fall below a certain level. If the level falls below a predetermined balance, the computer 120 commands the cash safe 87 to replenish the cash drawer 88. In an optional embodiment, the replenishment is recorded at the transaction and information database stored at the data storage 200 and the balance is zeroed (indicating that the cash drawer contains a predetermined amount of cash). Additionally or alternatively, the cash drawer 88 may be replenished from the cash safe 87 at a predetermined time criteria, such as a shift end, upon command from the computer 120.
In a further optional embodiment, an auditing and reporting system may be provided. In such an optional embodiment, the auditing and reporting functions may be performed by the same computer 120 as the cash handling functions, or may be separately handled. In either case, the auditing and reporting system may include an output device, such as a printer, so that data received through the computer network identifying, for each transaction input, the transaction node at which the transaction input was received and the transaction amount, may be output, e.g. printed as a report.
According to the optional embodiment illustrated in
While certain embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described it is to be understood that the present invention is subject to many modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims presented herein.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/809,536, entitled “Player Tracking System,” filed Mar. 24, 2004 which, in turn, claimed the priority of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/458,852, entitled “Player Tracking System,” filed Mar. 27, 2003 by Applicants herein.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60458852 | Mar 2003 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 10809536 | Mar 2004 | US |
| Child | 11216714 | Aug 2005 | US |
