Wireless Player Tracking Using Personal Digital Key Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional player tracking systems in casinos and hotels face issues such as worn-out magnetic strips, inconvenience in data collection, inability to track non-gaming activities, and the need for multiple cards for various transactions, leading to suboptimal customer service and missed marketing opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A wireless identification system using Personal Digital Keys (PDKs) that communicate with a receiver/decoder circuit, enabling group assignments and functions like proximity-based tracking, back betting, event initiation, and notification services, allowing for enhanced customer tracking and service without the need for physical card insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional magnetic strip player tracking cards are used, then customer tracking functionality is provided, but the magnetic strips wear down over time requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical magnetic strip system with a wireless identification system using RFID technology. The player tracking card contains an RFID tag that communicates wirelessly with readers, eliminating the mechanical magnetic strip that wore down from repeated insertion and removal. This substitution provides durable, contactless tracking without the wear issues of magnetic strips.
2Loss of information
If players must insert tracking cards into electronic gaming machines, then tracking information is collected, but players are inconvenienced and some are discouraged from using tracking cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical card insertion process with wireless RFID communication. Readers positioned at gaming tables and electronic gaming machines automatically detect and track players carrying RFID-enabled player cards without requiring physical insertion. This eliminates the inconvenience of fumbling with card slots while maintaining comprehensive tracking data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic player detection and tracking without requiring player action. The RFID readers continuously scan for player cards in proximity and automatically log presence, time spent, and gaming activity. Players simply need to be near the gaming area for tracking to occur, making the system truly self-service and eliminating manual card handling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate cards are used for room keys and personal transactions, then specific functions are provided, but customers must carry and manage multiple cards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional RFID player card that can serve multiple purposes. In addition to casino gaming tracking, the card can be programmed to function as a hotel room key, provide access to club lounges, enable shopping transactions at casino stores, and facilitate dining payments. This single universal card replaces the need to carry separate cards for each function, while the RFID technology provides the adaptability to handle different application types.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient and reliable customer tracking, enabling personalized services, targeted marketing, and improved customer experience by allowing PDKs to detect and respond to user proximity and activities without the need for card insertion, reducing the burden on users and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The PDK is adapted to wirelessly communicate with a receiver/decoder circuit (RDC). When the PDK enters a proximity zone of the RDC, the RDC wirelessly receives information from the PDK identifying the PDK.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method provides efficient and highly reliable customer tracking. A Personal Digital Key (PDK) is associated with and carried by a user. The PDK wirelessly communicates with a receiver/decoder circuit (RDC) that can be coupled to a variety of electronic devices. The RDC authenticates the PDK based on received data and stores information to track customers and provide improved service. A PDK can be assigned to one more groups of PDKs based on the received data. Specific functions can then be executed based on the group assignments. In a casino environment, the system enables functions such as group gaming, back betting, event tracking, and notification services.