WO2000068761A1

WO2000068761A1 - Wireless proximity switching system for anti-gambling applications

Info

Publication number: WO2000068761A1
Application number: PCT/CA2000/000525
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Power; Arunas Macikunas; Randy Williams; David Williams; Michel Goguen
Original assignee: Com Dev International Ltd.
Priority date: 1999-05-07
Filing date: 2000-05-05
Publication date: 2000-11-16

Abstract

A proximity system (10) for a video display device (11) is provided that comprises an identification device (12) and a detection device (14). The identification device (12) is configured to be carried or worn by the targeted individual and includes a transmitter that is operable to transmit an identification signal. The detection device (14) is configured for coupling to the video display device (11) and includes a detector that is operable to detect the identification signal transmitted by the identification device. The detection device (14) also includes a distance measuring system that is operable to determine the proximity of the identification device to the video display device. The detection device (14) is also operable to provide a first alert indication signal when the identification device is within a first threshold distance from the detection device (14). The detection device is alternatively operable to provide a second alert indication signal when the identification device is within a second threshold distance from the detection device (14).

Description

Wireless Proximity Switching System for Anti-Gambling

Applications

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Serial

Number 60/133,107, filed May 7, 1999.

The present invention is related to the field of proximity detector systems. In particular, the invention relates to a wireless proximity switching system for anti-gambling applications. The system detects how close a targeted individual is to a gambling apparatus and sounds an alarm or disables the playing feature of the apparatus when the targeted individual is too close to the gambling apparatus.

With the proliferation of gambling devices, such as video lottery terminals, video slot machines, video poker games or other electronic gaming machines in public establishments, it is difficult for someone with a gambling addiction to avoid coming in contact with a gambling apparatus. The proliferation has also brought about an increase in the incidence of gambling addictions. While most people can simply choose to forego playing a gambling apparatus if they do not want to gamble, many gambling addicts find the temptation too much for them to overcome by themselves when confronted with a gambling apparatus nearby. Gambling addictions have resulted in personal bankruptcy, family break-ups, and suicide. Therefore, help in needed for gambling addicts to avoid gambling machines.

It has been suggested that passive gambling deterrents can be employed to aid a gambling addict, such as signs warning against use of the machines or warning messages that are scrolled across the screen of the devices. These methods, however, are often very ineffective at preventing gambling addicts from using the machine and stemming the rise of addiction to these devices. Even a reduction in the devices' operating hours as well as a reduction in the places where these devices are located have not achieved acceptable results. Moreover, all players are subjected to the passive deterrents including those non-targeted non-addicts. Therefore there remains a general need in this field for a system for deterring or preventing gambling addicts from using the devices when the addict lacks the willpower to choose to walk away from the gambling machines. There remains a more particular need for a system that will only activate when a targeted individual, i.e., gambling addict, approaches the gambling apparatus and will not affect non-targeted individuals.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the problems noted above and satisfies the needs in this field for an active anti-gambling system that will deter or prevent a gambling addict from using a gambling apparatus and that will only activate when a targeted individual, i.e., gambling addict, approaches the gambling apparatus.

The present invention is a proximity system for a video display device that comprises an identification device and a detection device. The identification device is configured to be carried or worn by the targeted individual and includes a transmitter that is operable to transmit an identification signal. The detection device is configured for coupling to the video display device and includes a detector that is operable to detect the identification signal transmitted by the identification device. The detection device also includes a distance measuring system that is operable to determine the proximity of the identification device to the video display device. The detection device is also operable to provide a first alert indication signal when the identification device is within a first threshold distance from the detection device. The detection device is alternatively operable to provide a second alert indication signal when the identification device is within a second threshold distance from the detection device. In one embodiment, the first threshold distance is ten feet and the second threshold distance is three feet. The first alert indication could alternatively be an audible alarm, a visual alarm or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the first alert indication may be observable only by the targeted individual.

The present invention has many advantageous features. Not all of these features are simultaneously required to practice the invention as claimed, and the following list is merely illustrative of the types of benefits that may be provided, alone or in combination, by the present invention. These advantages include: (1) a lack of effect on the general public - it only operates when a targeted individual is present; (2) a visible sign of commitment to help the targeted individual; (3) the prevention of targeted individuals from playing a gaming machine; (4) the detection device's adaptabiUty to any gaming machine;

(5) an identification device that lasts at least a month depending on the battery;

(6) range thresholds that are programmable to suit the gaming machine in which it is installed; (7) the identification device's miniature size which allows it to fit on a bracelet or other jewelry; and (8) the ability to identify an identification device by its identification signal and/or its electronic serial number.

BRIEF PESCRIPΩQN OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will become more apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the proximity detector system;

FIG.2 is a block diagram of the identification device portion of the proximity detector system; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the detection device portion of the proximity detector system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 sets forth a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the proximity detector system 10 according to the present invention. The system 10 comprises an identification device 12 to be worn by an individual who is to be kept away from gaming devices (hereinafter referred to as the targeted individual) and a detection device 14 that is coupled to a video display or gaming device 11 such as a video lottery terminal, video slot machine, video poker game, or other gaming devices. The invention provides a mechanism and method through which a targeted individual can be assisted in avoiding and not playing gaming devices 11. The targeted individual could be an addicted gambler who voluntarily submits to wearing the identification device 12 or someone who for some other reason must wear the identification device 12. In the case of the addicted gambler who voluntarily submits to wearing an identification device 12, wearing the identification device 12 has the added benefit of demonstrating to the addict and the addict's family the addict's commitment to stop playing gaming devices.

A preferred embodiment of the system 10 works as described in the following. A targeted individual would wear the identification device 12 at all times. The identification device 12 periodically emits a burst of energy, preferably rf energy. The energy burst preferably includes coded information for use in identifying the energy burst as a burst of energy from an identification device 12. The coded information is preferably a general code used by all identification devices 12 in the system, but could be a unique code for a specific identification device 12 or a code having a combination of unique and general characteristics. Detection devices 14 would be installed at gaming machines 11. As a targeted individual wearing an identification device 12 approaches a gaming machine 11 so equipped with a detection device 14, the detection device 14 begins to detect energy emitted by the identification device 12. In response to energy detection, the detection device 14 determines whether the energy originated from an identification device 12 known to the system 10 and if so calculates the distance between the identification device 12 and the detection device 14. The detection device 14 is configured to respond in a plurality of ways based on the calculated distance between the identification device 12 and the detection device 14.

The preferred detection device 14 is configured to detect when one or more identification devices 12 are within a plurality of distinct threshold distances from the detection device 14. When an identification device 12 is within a first threshold distance, preferably 10 feet, the detection device 14 provides a first alert indication signal. When the identification device 12 is within a second threshold distance, preferably 3 feet, the detection device 14 provides a second alert indication signal. The detection device 14 could optionally be configured to provide other alert indication signals at these or other ranges. The alert indication signals are preferably designed to notify the gaming machine 11 at which the detection device 14 is coupled to perform an alert function. Preferably, at the first threshold distance an alarm is actuated. Preferably, at the second threshold distance the gaming machine's playing features are disabled. The alarm alert function could be the actuation of an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a combination of an audible and visual alarm, or some other type of alarm or notification. The alarm alert function could optionally be some type of alarm or notification that is apparent only to the wearer of the identification device 12 and not apparent to others. The disablement alert function could be powering off the gaming machine, blanking the gaming machine's screen, disabling the gaming machine' s input mechanism or controls, or a number of other functions that prevent the targeted individual from accessing or using the gaming machine.

Alternatively the alert indication signals could cause the alert functions to be performed without action by the gaming machine. For example, the detection device 14 could be coupled directly to an alarm and to the gaming machines 's power. At the first threshold distance, the detection device 's 14 first alert indication signal could actuate the alarm. At the second threshold distance, the detection device's 14 second alert indication could disconnect the power to the gaming device or power to parts of the gaming device thereby disabling the gaming device's playing features.

Now with reference to figure 2, the preferred identification device 12 includes a transmitter 16, a controller 18, an antenna 20, and a power source 22. The transmitter 16 of the preferred identification device 12 emits the burst of energy that is detected by the detection device 14. The transmitter 16 in the preferred embodiment is a fixed frequency on off keyed transmitter block which is driven on by the controller 18. The output radio frequency ("RF") power of a preferred device is -15 dBm ±_ 1 dB, at a frequency of 418 MHz ±_ 0.05 MHz, however, other frequencies, other power levels, and other modulations, such as amplitude modulation ("AM"), frequency modulation ("FM"), phase modulation ("PM"), pulse position modulation ("PPM"), or other modulations or combinations of modulation techniques, can also be used.

The controller 18 controls the functioning of the identification device 12 and preferably comprises a micro-controller. The controller 18 could alternatively comprise a number of devices such as a microprocessor, a state machine, logic devices, logic arrays or other devices. The controller 18 also preferably includes memory in which the transmission data is stored. To conserve power, the controller 18 could have a low power mode from which it wakes up when it is time to transmit. The transmitter 16 transmits only when directed to do so by the controller 18. The identification information transmitted by the transmitter 16 is provided by the controller 18. All identification devices 12 preferably transmit the same information to identify themselves, however, each identification device could transmit unique identification information. The controller 18 directs the transmitter 16 to transmit at random intervals. Random timing intervals are utilized to reduce the likelihood that the transmissions of two or more identification devices 12 that are in the proximity of a detection device 14 interfere with each other. The timing intervals used by the identification devices 12 are stored in the memory. In one embodiment, the identification device 12 transmits energy bursts at random time intervals that on average are 2.125 seconds apart. The data transmitted is preferably, frequency, amplitude or phase modulated at a 2400 bit per second (b/s) data rate and coded in Manchester format, in bursts of 24 bits, repeated at random intervals within a minimum 2 second interval and a maximum 2.25 second interval. In another embodiment, the identification device 12 transmits energy bursts every 1 second for the first seven energy bursts transmitted and transmits every eighth energy burst 47 milliseconds after the seventh energy burst has been transmitted. Other data rates, formats, and intervals could be used as well.

Alternatively, the controller 18 and transmitter 16 could be combined in a single architecture such as in a single integrated circuit. In such an arrangement, the internal functionality could remain the same as described above. The antenna 20 preferably is a loop antenna, part of which is printed on the circuit board which holds the components of the identification device 12, and is impedance matched to the transmitter 16 output by coupling means. Appropriate coupling means include capacitive, magnetic, inductive, or direct connection means such as a tapped connection. The top of the identification device's 12 casing preferably is nonmetallic to allow the energy burst to radiate out. Other antenna types may be used in conjunction with this invention. The suitability of other antennas are well known to those skilled in the art and would depend highly on the operating frequency. The identification device 12 is designed for coupling to a wearing utensil, such as an ankle or wrist bracelet or other item, which the targeted individual will wear, or the identification device 12 could be worn on clothes. The size of the identification device 12 including the antenna 20, is small, preferably 50 mm x 40 mm x 10 mm or less. The identification device 12 is preferably housed in a bracelet which is water proof, shock proof and tamper proof. The identification device 12 is preferably designed to be worn by the targeted individual all the time, so the identification device 12 is preferably water proof and is not a fire or shock hazard. The preferred identification device 12 also includes a power source 22.

The preferred power source 22 is a battery. The preferred identification device 12 is designed so that the battery will last at least one month with less than a 1 dB (21 %) reduction in the transmitter 16 output power over that time.

Now with reference to figure 3, the preferred detection device 14 is installed inside a gaming machine, without adjustments to the gaming machine other than making connections to the power supply 24, antenna 26, a 10 foot alarm function via a first normally closed switch, a 3 foot play function via second normally closed switch and a touch screen play function. The preferred detection device 14 preferably includes a receiver demodulator 28, a distance or power measurement circuit 30, a controller 32 with memory, in addition to the antenna 26 and power supply 24.

The antenna 26 is installed to provide a field of detection in front of the machine so that the gaming machine can detect the approach of an identification device 12. The antenna 26 is coupled to a receiver demodulator 28 within a receiver 29 which demodulates the energy signal received from the identification device 12. The demodulated energy signal is passed on to the power measurement circuit 30, which determines the distance of an identification device 12 to the detection device 14. The controller 32 is then provided with the distance between the identification device 12 and the detection device 14. The preferred controller 32 includes a plurality of range detection thresholds, preferably at 10 foot -± 3 feet and 3 foot -±. 1.5 feet. The threshold levels are adjustable by the system installer to account for the installation of the antenna on the machine and it's surroundings. In one embodiment, the detection device 14 is designed to trigger a first alert indication switch 34 that is coupled to an alarm if the identification device 12 is within the first threshold range for at least 1 second. The detection device 14 will hold the first alert indication switch 34 on for at least 1 second after actuation even if the identification device 12 is moved beyond the first threshold range during this 1 second interval. The detection device 14 continues to hold the first alert indication switch 34 on until the identification device 12 is moved beyond the first threshold range.

The detection device 14 is also designed to trigger a second alert indication switch 36 if the identification device 12 is within the second threshold range for at least 1 second. The mechanization for the second alert indication switch 36 is the same as that for the first alert indication switch 34.

In the preferred embodiment, the detection device 14 uses hysteresis to avoid multiple triggering or "chatter." In this embodiment, each threshold range has a maximum and a minimum range value. The first alert indication switch 34 is triggered if the identification device 12 is moved within the minimum range value of the first threshold range. The detection device 14 will hold the first alert indication switch 34 on until the identification device 12 is moved beyond the maximum range value of the first threshold range.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, the second alert indication switch 36 is triggered if the identification device 12 is moved within the minimum range value of the second threshold range. The detection device 14 will hold the second alert indication switch 36 on until the identification device 12 is moved beyond the maximum range value of the second threshold range. The preferred receiver 29 is a super heterodyne single conversion receiver with low side injection and 10.7 MHz IF for use with an integrated circuit IF system that includes a distance measurement circuit 30. The preferred distance measurement circuit 30 comprises received signal strength detection (RSSI) circuitry which is commensurate with received signal power. From the RSSI output of the IF system the on off keyed data is detected with a comparator and fed to the controller 32 of the detection device 14. The peak received signal level is detected with an envelope detector and then fed to an analog to digital converter and finally to the controller 32 for comparison with the thresholds. To avoid multiple triggering or "chatter," each threshold preferably has two values to realize a hysteresis in its response. A higher threshold value is used for turn-on and a lower threshold value is used for turn- off. Should the correct data be received and the RSSI is above the threshold, the controller 32 drives a notification device such as a light or buzzer and, depending on the threshold attained, a relay is switched from its normal state, the object of the relay is to disable functions of the video lottery terminal.

In another embodiment the receiver 29 determines the range by measuring the electrical phase angle or equivalent delay time of the rf signal return. In this embodiment, the identification device 12 TX phase locks to a transmitted signal from the detection device 14. Then, the detection device 14 synthesizes the same frequency and compares the phases. Other distance measuring methods could optionally be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.

In another embodiment, the detection device 14 includes a transmitter that periodically emits a burst of energy to trigger a response from an identification device 12. The identification device 12 includes a receiver that receives the burst of energy from the detection device 14. The identification device 12, in response to receipt of the energy from the detection device 14, in turn transmits another burst of energy with its identification information. The burst of energy from the identification device 12 could have the same properties as the previously described embodiments, such as defined frequency and power levels and a unique or non-unique ID code. Detection of the power level of the identification device's 12 transmission could be used to realize the two zone alarm and disable function described earlier. Another means of distance measurement could also be realized in such an embodiment utilizing the actual time delay between the burst of energy emitted by the detection device and that received from the identification device. The identification device 12 in this embodiment should have a substantially greater battery life than the identification devices 12 of other embodiments because the identification device 12 would not periodically transmit its energy bursts. The identification device 12 would transmit only when in the proximity, preferably less than 50 feet, of a gaming device equipped with a detection device 14 because it transmits only in response to receipt of energy from a detection device 14. The detection device 14 optionally could be configured to listen for an identification device' s 12 energy burst only after the detection device 14 has first emitted its energy burst, improving its immunity to other emitters of RF energy.

Having described in detail the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, including preferred modes of operation, it is to be understood that the present invention could be carried out with different elements and steps. The preferred and alternate embodiments are presented only by way of example and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention which is defined by the following claims.

Claims

What is claimed:

1. A proximity system for a video display device comprising:

(a) an identification device having a transmitter that is operable to transmit an identification signal; and (b) a detection device that is configured to be coupled to the video display device, said detection device including a detector that is operable to detect the identification signal transmitted by said identification device, said detection device also including a distance measuring system that is operable to determine the proximity of said identification device to the video display device, said detection device being operable to provide a first alert indication signal when said identification device is within a first threshold distance from the video display device.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein said detection device is operable to provide a second alert indication signal when said identification device is within a second threshold distance from the video display device.

3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter is an rf transmitter, said detector is an rf receiver, and said identification signal is an rf signal.

4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said transmitter is an optical frequency transmitter, said detector is an optical frequency receiver, and said identification signal is an optical frequency signal.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said identification signal includes an embedded identification code.

6. The system according to claim 1 wherein said video display device is a video gaming device.

7. The system according to claim 6 wherein said video gaming device is a video lottery terminal.

8. The system according to claim 1 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a signal strength measuring circuit for measuring signal strength.

9. The system according to claim 1 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a phase angle measuring circuit for measuring distance.

10. The system according to claim 1 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a delay time measuring circuit for measuring distance.

11. The system according to claim 1 wherein said first alert indication signal is an alarm.

12. The system according to claim 11 wherein said alarm is an audible alarm.

13. The system according to claim 11 wherein said alarm is a visual alarm.

14. The system according to claim 11 wherein said alarm is designed to be observable only by a targeted individual.

15. The system according to claim 2 wherein said second alert indication signal is operative to disable a playing feature of the video display device.

16. The system according to claim 2 wherein said second alert indication signal is operative to disable an operating feature of the video display device.

17. The system according to claim 16 wherein said second alert indication signal is operative to remove power from the video display device.

18. The system according to claim 1 wherein the video display device is configured to receive said first alert indication signal, the video display device being operable to activate an alarm upon receipt of said first alert indication signal.

19. The system according to claim 2 wherein the video display device is configured to receive said second alert indication signal, the video display device being operable to disable an operating feature of the video display device upon receipt of said second alert indication signal.

20. The system according to claim 19 wherein the video display device is operable to disconnect power to said video display device in response to receipt of said second alert indication signal.

21. The system according to claim 1 wherein said identification device further comprises a first controller that is operable to control the operation of said identification device and that is operable to generate an identification code.

22. The system according to claim 21 wherein said detection device further comprises a second controller that is operable to control the operation of said detection device and a code detector that is operable to decode the identification code that is generated by said first controller.

23. The system according to claim 1 further comprising a second identification device that is operable to transmit a second identification signal, said second identification signal including a unique identification code for said second identification device.

24. The system according to claim 1 wherein: (1) said identification device further comprises a second detector; and

(2) said detection device further comprises a second transmitter, said second transmitter being operable to transmit an interrogation signal, said second detector being operable to receive the interrogation signal, said identification device being operable to transmit the identification signal in response to receipt of the interrogation signal.

25. The system according to claim 24 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a signal strength measuring circuit for measuring signal strength.

26. The system according to claim 24 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a phase angle measuring circuit for measuring distance.

27. The system according to claim 24 wherein said distance measuring system comprises a delay time measuring circuit for measuring distance.

28. The system according to claim 1 wherein the first threshold distance is about 10 feet.

29. The system according to claim 1 wherein the first threshold distance is about 3 meters.

30. The system according to claim 2 wherein the second threshold distance is about 3 feet.

31. The system according to claim 2 wherein the second threshold distance is about 1 meter.