Passive biometric customer identification and tracking system

• US 7,357,717 B1
• Filed: 01/13/2004
• Issued: 04/15/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/22/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Biometric Recognition LLC
• Original Assignee: Biometric Recognition LLC
• Inventors: Cumbers, Blake
• Primary Examiner(s): SAGER, MARK ALAN
• Application Number:
  US10/757,652
• Time in Patent Office: 1,554 Days
• Field of Search: 463 16- 20, 463 25- 26, 463/29, 463 39- 43, 463 46- 47, 700 91- 93, 273/293, 273/143.R, 235/375, 235/380, 235/382, 705/14, 705 16- 18, 340/825.36, 340/5.2, 340/5.52, 340 582- 584, 382/115, 382/117, 382/118, 713/182, 713/186
• US Class Current: 463/29
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/31 User authentication
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 21/32 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voiceprints
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2221/2109 Game systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0209 Incentive being awarded or redeemed in connection with the playing of a video game
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/37 using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/38 with central registration
• 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 17/3239 Tracking of individual players

Abstract

A computer-based customer tracking system passively identifies customers. Acquired biometric identification information is sent to a computer processor, which searches files in a library for matching biometric data. If no match is found, the processor opens a new file in the library. If a match is found, said processor stores in the file that a repeat identification has occurred. If said processor is only able to reduce the number of possible matches to two or more files, personnel determines if a match certain has occurred. If prior activity information stored in the file exceeds a predetermined level, the prior activity information is retrieved from the file and sent to a terminal, preferably at the location of the transaction. New information from the transaction is stored for future access. The processor scans the files periodically, and deletes files which include activity level below a predetermined level over a preselected time period.

Claims

1. An electronic gaming machine comprising:

a processor for controlling the operation of said electronic gaming machine;

biometric identification means for identifying a player of said electronic gaming machine; and

wherein said biometric identification means communicates with a database to compare captured biometric data with stored biometric data verifying the identity of the player, and when verified, opening a player'"'"'s account to receive play data based on the verified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine, and when not verified, creating a new biometric data file to receive play data based on the unverified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine.

2. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said biometric identification means acquires physical features of the player'"'"'s face.

3. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said biometric identification means scans an iris of the player'"'"'s eye.

4. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said biometric identification means acquires a fingerprint of the player.

5. The electronic gaming machine of claim 1 wherein said biometric identification means is remotely located from said gaming machine.

6. A gaming system comprising:

a gaming apparatus for facilitating play of a wagering game;

biometric identification means proximate said gaming apparatus for identifying players of said wagering game; and

wherein said biometric identification means communicates with a database to compare captured biometric data with stored biometric data verifying the identity of the player, and when verified, opening a player'"'"'s account to receive play data based on the verified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine, and when not verified, creating a new biometric data file to receive play data based on the unverified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine.

7. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein the gaming apparatus is an electronic gaming device.

8. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein the gaming apparatus is a live gaming table.

9. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein said biometric identification means acquires physical features of the player'"'"'s face.

10. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein said biometric identification means scans an iris of the player'"'"'s eye.

11. The gaming system of claim 6 wherein said biometric identification means acquires a fingerprint of the player.

12. A system for identifying a player of a wagering game comprising:

biometric identification means in proximity to said wagering game;

a computer storage means in communication with said biometric identification means;

wherein biometric data of said player is acquired by said biometric identification means and compared to biometric data stored in said computer storage means and

wherein said biometric identification means communicates with a database to compare captured biometric data with stored biometric data verifying the identity of the player, and when verified, opening a player'"'"'s account to receive play data based on the verified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine, and when not verified, creating a new biometric data file to receive play data based on the unverified player'"'"'s play of said electronic gaming machine.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is a facial scanner.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is an iris scanner.

15. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is a fingerprint reader.

16. The system of claim 12 wherein said system is used to track gaming play of said player.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein said computer storage means is linked to a plurality of wagering games.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is integrated in an electronic gaming machine.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is remotely located at a detached location away from an electronic gaming machine.

20. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is positioned on a live gaming table.

21. The system of claim 12 wherein said biometric identification means is positioned in proximity to a live gaming table.