Game access device with time varying signal

• US 8,939,359 B2
• Filed: 03/15/2007
• Issued: 01/27/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CFPH LLC (Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.)
• Original Assignee: CFPH LLC (Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.)
• Inventors: Gelman, Geoffrey M., Rushin, Ronald, Alderucci, Dean P., Asher, Joseph M.
• Primary Examiner(s): LE, THIEN MINH
• Application Number:
  US11/686,354
• Publication Number:
  US 20080015013A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,875 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/382, 235/383, 235/384, 235/486, 235/487, 235/375, 463/16, 463/19, 463/29, 463/39, 463/46, 463/47
• US Class Current: 235/380
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/32 for games, toys, sports, or amusements
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3223 Architectural aspects of a gaming system, e.g. internal configuration, master/slave, wireless communication
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3225 Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3241 Security aspects of a gaming system, e.g. detecting cheating, device integrity, surveillance computer security G06F21/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/3288 Betting, e.g. on live events, bookmaking
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2463/102 applying security measure for e-commerce data processing systems or methods, specially adapted for e-commerce G06Q30/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/105 Multiple levels of security

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security checks, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users. The apparatus may further emit a time varying signal to enhance security.

Claims

1. A method comprising:

receiving a first signal at a first time;

determining a first period based on the first time;

comparing the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permitting the placement of a first bet and the generation of a first game outcome if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determining a second period based on the second time;

comparing the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal; and

permitting the placement of a second bet and the generation of a second game outcome if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

2. The method of claim 1, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

3. The method of claim 2, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

storing the second signal in a table in association with the first period; and

storing the fourth signal in the table in association with the second period.

5. The method of claim 4, in which storing the second signal comprises:

storing the second signal in the table in further association with a player identifier; and

in which storing the fourth signal comprises;

storing the fourth signal in the table in further association with the player identifier.

6. The method of claim 1, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

7. The method of claim 1, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

8. An apparatus, comprising:

a wristband; and

an emitter operable to emit different signals according to a programmed schedule, in which the emitter is operable to emit a first signal during a first time period and to emit a second signal during a second time period, in which the first signal is different from the second signal, and in which the first signal and the second signal are each associated with at least one player;

wherein the signals emitted by the emitter cause a device that receives the signals to perform at least one action, wherein the device performs the at least one action during the first time period only when the signal received by the device during the first time period comprises the first signal and wherein the device performs the at least one action during the second time period only when the signal received by the device during the second time period comprises the second signal.

9. An apparatus, comprising:

a wristband; and

an emitter operable to emit different signals according to a programmed schedule, in which each signal is associated with the same player, and in which the emitter is operable to emit a first signal during a first five-minute period, and to emit a second signal during a second five-minute period;

wherein the signals emitted by the emitter cause a device that receives the signals to perform at least one action, wherein the device performs the at least one action during the first five-minute period only when the signal received by the device during the first five-minute period comprises the first signal and wherein the device performs the at least one action during the second five-minute period only when the signal received by the device during the second five-minute period comprises the second signal.

10. An apparatus comprising:

a wristband;

an emitter operable to emit a first signal which is associated with a first person;

a receiver operable to detect a second signal which is associated with a second person;

a medium for storing a set of signals, each signal associated with a person;

logic operable to use the medium to look up the identity of the second person based on the second signal; and

an output device operable to produce a third signal which is perceptible to humans, the third signal produced based on the identity of the second person.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the output device comprises a display device.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the output device comprises a buzzer.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the output device is operable to produce the third signal if the identity of the second person corresponds to a friend of the first person.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, in which the output device comprises a liquid crystal display screen.

15. A method comprising:

receiving, by a processor of a computing device, a first signal at a first time;

determining, by the processor, a first period based on the first time;

comparing, by the processor, the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permitting, by the processor, an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving, by the processor, a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determining, by the processor, a second period based on the second time;

comparing, by the processor, the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal; and

permitting, by the processor, an activity if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

16. The method of claim 15, in which the computing device comprises a gaming device.

17. The method of claim 15, in which the computing device comprises a wireless mobile station.

18. The method of claim 15, in which the computing device comprises a server.

19. The method of claim 15, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving, by the processor, the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

20. The method of claim 19, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving, by the processor, the third signal from the bracelet.

21. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

storing, by the processor, the second signal in a table in association with the first period; and

storing, by the processor, the fourth signal in the table in association with the second period.

22. The method of claim 21, in which storing the second signal comprises:

storing, by the processor, the second signal in the table in further association with an identifier of a person; and

in which storing the fourth signal comprises;

storing, by the processor, the fourth signal in the table in further association with the identifier.

23. The method of claim 15, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

24. The method of claim 15, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

25. An apparatus, comprising:

a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to;

receive a first signal at a first time;

determine a first period based on the first time;

compare the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permit an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receive a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determine a second period based on the second time;

compare the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal; and

permit an activity if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising:

a processor, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the processor.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

29. The apparatus of claim 26, in which the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

store the second signal in a table in association with the first period; and

store the fourth signal in the table in association with the second period.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, in which storing the second signal comprises:

storing the second signal in the table in further association with an identifier of a person; and

in which storing the fourth signal comprises;

storing the fourth signal in the table in further association with the identifier.

31. The apparatus of claim 26, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

32. The apparatus of claim 26, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

33. A method comprising:

receiving a first signal at a first time;

determining a first period based on the first time;

comparing the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permitting the placement of a first bet and the generation of a first game outcome if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is identical to the first signal;

determining a second period based on the second time;

comparing the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal;

determining that the third signal does not match the fourth signal; and

responsively to determining that the third signal does not match the fourth signal, not permitting the placement of a second bet.

34. The method of claim 33, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

35. The method of claim 34, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

36. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

storing the second signal in a table in association with the first period; and

storing the fourth signal in the table in association with the second period.

37. The method of claim 36, in which storing the second signal comprises:

storing the second signal in the table in further association with a player identifier; and

in which storing the fourth signal comprises;

storing the fourth signal in the table in further association with the player identifier.

38. The method of claim 33, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

39. The method of claim 33, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

40. A method comprising:

receiving, by a processor of a computing device, a first signal at a first time;

determining, by the processor, a first period based on the first time;

comparing, by the processor, the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permitting, by the processor, an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving, by the processor, a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is identical to the first signal;

determining, by the processor, a second period based on the second time;

comparing, by the processor, the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal;

determining, by the processor, that the third signal does not match the fourth signal; and

responsively to determining that the third signal does not match the fourth signal, not permitting, by the processor, an activity.

41. The method of claim 40, in which the computing device comprises a gaming device.

42. The method of claim 40, in which the computing device comprises a wireless mobile station.

43. The method of claim 40, in which the computing device comprises a server.

44. An apparatus, comprising:

a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to;

receive a first signal at a first time;

determine a first period based on the first time;

compare the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period;

permit an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receive a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is identical to the first signal;

determine a second period based on the second time;

compare the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is different from the second signal;

determine that the third signal does not match the fourth signal; and

responsively to determining that the third signal does not match the fourth signal, not permit an activity.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising:

a processor, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the processor.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

48. The apparatus of claim 45, in which the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to:

store the second signal in a table in association with the first period; and

store the fourth signal in the table in association with the second period.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, in which storing the second signal comprises:

storing the second signal in the table in further association with an identifier of a person; and

in which storing the fourth signal comprises;

storing the fourth signal in the table in further association with the identifier.

50. The apparatus of claim 45, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

51. The apparatus of claim 45, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

52. A method comprising:

receiving a first signal at a first time;

determining a first period based on the first time;

comparing the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period, in which the second signal is stored in a table in association with the first period;

permitting the placement of a first bet and the generation of a first game outcome if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determining a second period based on the second time;

comparing the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in association with the second period; and

permitting the placement of a second bet and the generation of a second game outcome if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

53. The method of claim 52, in which the second signal is stored in the table in further association with a player identifier, and in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in further association with the player identifier.

54. The method of claim 52, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

55. The method of claim 54, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

56. The method of claim 52, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

57. The method of claim 52, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.

58. A method comprising:

receiving, by a processor of a computing device, a first signal at a first time;

determining, by the processor, a first period based on the first time;

comparing, by the processor, the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period, in which the second signal is stored in a table in association with the first period;

permitting, by the processor, an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receiving, by the processor, a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determining, by the processor, a second period based on the second time;

comparing, by the processor, the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in association with the second period; and

permitting, by the processor, an activity if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

59. The method of claim 58, in which the computing device comprises a gaming device.

60. The method of claim 58, in which the computing device comprises a wireless mobile station.

61. The method of claim 58, in which the computing device comprises a server.

62. The method of claim 58, in which the second signal is stored in the table in further association with an identifier of a person, and in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in further association with the identifier.

63. An apparatus, comprising:

a memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to;

receive a first signal at a first time;

determine a first period based on the first time;

compare the first signal to a second signal that is associated with the first period, in which the second signal is stored in a table in association with the first period;

permit an activity if the first signal matches the second signal;

receive a third signal at a second time, in which the third signal is different from the first signal;

determine a second period based on the second time;

compare the third signal to a fourth signal that is associated with the second period, in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in association with the second period; and

permit an activity if the third signal matches the fourth signal.

64. The apparatus of claim 63, further comprising:

a processor, wherein the memory is communicatively coupled to the processor.

65. The apparatus of claim 64, in which the second signal is stored in the table in further association with an identifier of a person, and in which the fourth signal is stored in the table in further association with the identifier.

66. The apparatus of claim 64, in which receiving the first signal comprises:

receiving the first signal from a bracelet, in which the bracelet comprises a wristband and an RFID tag.

67. The apparatus of claim 66, in which receiving the third signal comprises:

receiving the third signal from the bracelet.

68. The apparatus of claim 64, in which the first period is a period of time within which the first time falls.

69. The apparatus of claim 64, in which the first period is adjacent in time to the second period.