Gaming terminal and system with biometric identification

• US 20060205497A1
• Filed: 05/03/2006
• Published: 09/14/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Original Assignee: IGT (International Game Technology)
• Inventors: Griswold, Chancey W., Mattice, Harold E., Wells, William R., Wilder, Richard
• Granted Patent: US 8,243,929 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 463/29
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2007/308 Means for detecting misuse or errors, e.g. giving audible or visible warning; Preventing misuse
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/1012 involving biosensors worn by the player, e.g. for measuring heart beat, limb activity
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2300/401 Secure communication, e.g. using encryption or authentication
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 3/00157 Casino or betting games horse races A63F3/00082
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3206 Player sensing means, e.g. presence detection, biometrics
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3251 involving media of variable value, e.g. programmable cards, programmable tokens

Abstract

A gaming system is provided with biometric facilities for identifying or verifying the identity of a player or perspective player. In one aspect reference biometric data is stored in a portable biometric data storage device such as a smart card, PCMCIA card or the like and is preferably left in the possession or control of the individual or individuals to whom the biometric data relates. The reference biometric data is read in individual gaming terminals and compared, in individual gaming terminals to measured biometric data of a player or perspective player. In one aspect, gaming terminals use biometric verification or indication to implement a practical and feasible cashless gaming terminal.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A method for creating a player identification usable in a gaming environment and having at least two authenticators, the method comprising:

(a) creating a first authenticator;

(b) entering at least one more authenticator in the form of biometric data;

(c) associating said first authenticator and said at least one more authenticator with a player;

(d) providing player identification at a game device having an associated biometric reader using said first authenticator and at least one of said at least one more authenticators, where said first authenticator is a data storage device.

22. A method for creating a player identification usable in a gaming environment and having at least two authenticators, the method comprising:

(a) creating a first authenticator;

(b) entering at least one more authenticator in the form of biometric data;

(c) associating said first authenticator and said at lest one more authenticator with a player and further identifying said first authenticator as an authenticator that will be the authenticator used for searching and identifying said player in a player identification database; and

(d) providing player identification at a game device having an associated biometric reader using said first authenticator and at least one of said at least one more authenticators.

23. A method for enabling electronic transfers using at least two authenticators where any authenticator that is not the first authenticator uses biometric data, in a gaming environment while using a game device having an associated biometric reader, the method comprising:

(a) having a first authenticator readable by a reader associated with said game device;

(b) having a second authenticator different from said first authenticator and readable by a readers associated with said game device;

(c) having an entry in a player identification database, where said entry further comprises first authenticator data and second authenticator data;

(d) uniquely associating a player using a game device with an entry in said player identification database and recognizing a player request for an electronic transfer;

(e) acknowledging a desired electronic transfer;

(f) using said second authenticator to confirm and authorize said desired electronic transfer.