Wireless guest engagement system.

DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES TO BE USED IN A WIRELESS SYSTEM WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF THE GUEST

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Cross reference to related applications.

This application is a division of US Application Ser. No. 15/460,972 filed on March 16, 2017, which is a continuation of US Application Ser. No. 15/459,906 filed on March 15, 2017, which in turn claims the benefit of United States provisional applications No. 62/420,998, filed on November 11, 2016, and No. 62/440,938, filed on December 30, 2016 in the Patent and Trademark Office of I know. U.S., whose disclosures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

field of invention

The present subject matter relates to techniques and equipment for providing automated coupling with guests of a facility using wireless sensing technologies.

Background of the invention

Guests of hotels and resorts, cruise ships, as well as other retail and commercial establishments, have come to expect a high level of service and engagement from their

- 2 hosts. The service may include being provided with facilitated access to private and/or restricted areas without having to present a badge or other form of identification, swiping or placing an access card, or otherwise proactively identifying yourself. Engagement may include being personally recognized by hosts and provided with services and recommendations without requiring guests to identify themselves and reminding guests of their preferences or existing reservations.

In the present context, the service and coupling are only provided on the basis of users who provide a name or identification, use or swipe an access card and have information about reservations manually retrieved by a host through a computer terminal. For example, guests must present photo identification and a credit card upon check-in, the guest must use or swipe an access card to activate elevators or unlock doors to healthcare facilities and guest rooms during their stay. stay, and guests must identify themselves whenever they interact with a concierge, restaurant host, or front desk staff. As a result, interactions between hosts and guests are impersonal and disjointed.

- 3 The present disclosure provides an innovative guest docking system that relies on recent improvements in low-power wireless communication technologies and distributed sensor networks to provide novel services to said guests without requiring the guests to identify and/or authenticate themselves. proactive way. The Guest Docking System allows hosts to seamlessly connect with guests at their facility and provide recommendations to guests based on guests' previous experiences.

Summary of the Invention

The teachings of the present invention provide a system and methods for providing seamless engagement with customers of facilities including (and not limited to) resorts, cruise ships, hotels, convention centers, retailers and other commercial establishments, entertainment parks , casinos or other large-scale facilities (or group of facilities), through the use of wireless detection technologies. The capabilities depend on guests having individual guest devices that are used to automatically identify and authenticate guests throughout the facility, in order to provide seamless services to guests.

- 4 The host docking system relies on host devices (also referred to as medallions) that periodically emit identification signals that uniquely identify the devices and their associated hosts. Periodic beacon signals are detected by sensors provided throughout the facility, and used by the guest docking system that provides personalized services. Services include automatic unlocking of doors, including hotel or stateroom doors, based on the immediate proximity of your assigned room door. Services also include automated payment services provided at check-out or sales terminals, and automated check-in at interactive screens and portals, among others, based on secure wireless authentication of guest devices.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a host docking system includes a plurality of host devices provided to users of the guest docking system, each host device including a wireless communication antenna and operating to emit a periodic beacon signal that emits a unique identifier of the host device using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communications. The system of

- 5 guest docking further includes a sensor network comprising a plurality of sensors each mounted at a different known location and functioning to detect periodic identification signals including unique identifiers emitted using BLE communications by host devices of the plurality. of host devices that are close to the sensor. The host docking system further includes a communication network connecting each of the plurality of sensors in the sensor network, and a central server. The central server is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors of the sensor network through the communication network, and stores a record that associates each unique identifier of a host device detected using BLE communications via a sensor from the sensor network with the known location of the sensor and a time stamp.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a guest docking system includes a plurality of host devices provided to users of the guest docking system, each host device having a unique identifier and including first and second communication antennas. respectively configured to emit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) communications. The system of

- 6 host coupling further includes a sensor network comprising a plurality of sensors each mounted in a different location. At least one sensor of the plurality of sensors operates to detect host devices that are in proximity thereto and receive unique identifiers thereof based on BLE communication with the host devices, and at least one other sensor of the plurality of Sensors function to detect host devices that are in proximity thereto and receive unique identifiers thereof based on NFC communication with the host devices. The host docking system also includes a communication network connecting each of the plurality of sensors in the sensor network, and a central server. The central server is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of sensors of the sensor network through the communication network, and stores a record that associates each unique identifier of a host device received using BLE or NFC communications by a sensor network sensor.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly includes a wireless device and an accessory. The wireless device has a device body with a tapered shape including a front surface, a rear surface having the same shape as the front surface and a dimension greater than

- 7 the front surface, and a cavity in which a processor and at least one wireless communication antenna are arranged. The accessory is configured to be worn by a user and has an accessory body having a tapered cavity configured to releasably receive the wireless device. The tapered cavity includes a rear opening having the same shape as the front and rear surfaces of the body of the device.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a wireless device includes a body having a tapered shape including a front surface and a rear surface having the same shape as the front surface and a dimension larger than the front surface. The body includes a cavity in which a processor and at least one wireless communication antenna are arranged.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, an accessory configured for use by a user includes a body having interior and exterior surfaces respectively configured to face toward and away from the user when the accessory is used. The body has a tapered cavity extending between a front opening on the outer surface of the body and a rear opening on the inner surface of the body, the rear opening having the same shape as the front opening, and the opening

- 8 rear has a larger dimension than that of the front opening.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable wireless device includes a body having a completely closed cavity, the body having all dimensions equal to or less than 6.35 cm (2.5 inches), and the body having a thickness equal to or less 1.5875 cm (5/8 inches). The portable wireless device further includes a processor, a memory, a battery, and first and second wireless communication antennas disposed in the cavity. The first and second wireless communication antennas are respectively configured for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NEC) communications.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable wireless device includes a body having a completely closed cavity, and a processor, a memory, a battery, and first and second wireless communication antennas disposed in the cavity. The first and second wireless communication antennas are respectively configured for Bluetooth Low Energy Communications (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NEC). The body comprises an open metal ring arranged to substantially surround the cavity of the body, and the open metal ring includes at least one

- 9 opening having a non-conductive material disposed therein.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a portable wireless device includes a body having a completely closed cavity, and a processor, a memory, a battery, and first and second wireless communication antennas disposed in the cavity. The body has a truncated cone shape, a front surface that is circular and a back surface that is circular and has a larger diameter than the front surface. The front and rear surfaces have diameters of 1.905 to 6.35 cm (0.75 to 2.5 in), the body has a thickness of 0.3175 to 1.5875 cm (1/8 to 5/8 in), and an angle between the front surface and a surface Lateral body in the shape of a truncated cone is in the range of 86 to 88 degrees. The first and second wireless communication antennas are respectively configured for Bluetooth Low Energy Communications (BLE) and Near Field Communications (NEC).

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic door lock assembly includes a latch assembly, a door lock communication module, and an access panel. The deadbolt assembly includes a lock and an electronically controlled locking mechanism that operates to selectively open a door. The communication module

- Door lock 10 is electrically connected to the electronically controlled locking mechanism of the latch assembly, and includes a radio configured for wireless communication. The access panel includes a radio configured for wireless communication with the door lock communication module, a first transceiver configured for wireless communication with a user device, and a second transceiver for communication with a reservation server.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a door latch assembly includes a door knob, a latch selectively actuated by operation of the door knob, an electronically controlled locking mechanism that functions to selectively open the deadbolt, and a proximity sensor that functions to sense a user's contact or proximity to the door knob. The electronically controlled locking mechanism that functions to selectively open the deadbolt based on the user's contact or proximity to the door knob as detected by the proximity sensor.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an access panel for controlling an electronically controlled door lock includes a radio and first and second transceivers. The radio is configured for wireless communication with a door lock communication module electrically connected to an electronically controlled locking mechanism. The first transceiver is configured for wireless communication with a user device to identify a user seeking to activate the electronically controlled locking mechanism. The second transceiver is configured for communication with a backup server that stores identifiers of authorized users to activate the electronically controlled locking mechanism. Each of the radio, first transceiver, and second transceiver operate according to a different communication standard.

Additional advantages and new features will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following and the accompanying drawings or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The benefits of the present teachings can be realized and achieved through practice or use of various aspects of the methodologies, instruments and combinations set forth in the detailed examples described below.

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Brief description of the Figures

The drawing figures represent one or more embodiments according to the present teachings, by way of example only, not by way of limitation. In the figures, the same reference numbers are

- 12 refer to the same or similar elements.

Figures 1A and IB are high-level functional block diagrams showing components of a host docking system.

Figures 2A-2 E and 3A-3 E show medallions or host devices used in the host docking system and accessories into which the medallions can be releasably inserted.

Figures 4A-4F show exploded perspective views of additional accessories into which the medallions can be releasably inserted.

Figures 5A-5L are diagrams showing component parts of the medallions or host devices.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing functional components of a medallion.

Figures 7A-7I show an automated door latch assembly and its components that provide automatic release of a door based on an interaction with a medallion.

Figures 8A-8N are diagrams showing the sensors of the host docking system and its component parts.

Figure 9 is a high-level functional block diagram showing additional components, including end devices, of a guest docking system.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a

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- 13 play station that can be used as part of the guest docking system.

Figures 11 and 12 are simplified functional block diagrams of computer hardware platforms that may be used to implement guest docking system functionalities.

Detailed description of the invention

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth as examples in order to provide a complete understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings can be practiced without such details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components and/or circuits have been described at a relatively high level, without detail, to avoid unnecessary obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

The various equipment techniques and systems described herein enable automated engagement with users or guests of a facility using wireless detection technologies.

The guest docking system relies on wireless sensing technologies to securely identify guests based on lockets worn or worn by guests, and to automatically provide services to guests.

- 14 guests based on secure identification. The system additionally provides improved guest engagement by maintaining a database of guest locations and experiences, and allowing services to be provided to the guest regardless of guest locations.

Figure 1A provides a general block diagram showing components of a host docking system 10. The guest docking system 10 of Figure 1 may be provided at a facility such as a ship (e.g., cruise ship), hotel, restaurant, resort, convention center, medical center or other treatment facility, retail establishment. retail or other commercial establishment, entertainment store (e.g., concert hall, movie theater, arena or stadium, entertainment venue or casino), transportation center (e.g., airport, port or marine terminal, train or bus station, multimodal transportation center), or other facility or combination of such facilities. In one example, the facility may be a cruise ship that hosts large numbers of ships, or a cruise line that includes multiple cruise ships, associated shore facilities (e.g., port facilities), and port facilities (e.g., port facilities). of partners that provide coastal activities for cruise guests). In another example, the installation may be

- 15 a resource that includes one or more hotels, restaurants, theaters, entertainment parks and other associated facilities distributed across one or more geographic locations. In a further example, the facility may be an assembly of facilities associated with a particular event, such as a convention or trade show, including multi-party establishment locations (e.g., hotels, restaurants, museums, arenas, or other locations). retail sales). Users of the guest docking system are generally referred to herein as guests 12. In the example of a cruise ship, guests 12 include cruise passengers and may more generally include stairs, staff, and other users of guest devices 11. In Other Examples, guests 12 may include any person who interacts with the guest docking system 10, including users of guest devices 11. Guests 12 may thus refer to patients, nurses, doctors, and visitors, among other users, in the context. illustrative of a medical or treatment facility; convention buildings and/or displays in the illustrative context of a convention facility; buyers, staff members, travelers, sales personnel, and others in illustrative contexts of various types of commercial establishments.

- 16 The guest docking system 10 is configured to communicate wirelessly with guest devices 11, such as lockets worn or worn by guests 12, which each uniquely identify an associated guest and are configured for secure communication with the host docking system 10 in the examples detailed herein, The host devices 11 take the form of medallions and will be referred to generically as medallions in this description. However, the devices/meda11 ones 11 may take other formats, and the term medallion is not intended to limit the scope of the host devices 11 that can be used as part of the system 10. The host devices/meda11ons 11 are preferably lightweight and Compact to be easily used or carried by users. The host devices/meda11 ones 11 are configured to communicate using at least one wireless communication technology/protocol and, preferably, are configured to communicate using two or more different wireless communication technology/protocols. For example, a locket 11 may be configured to communicate in accordance with both near field communication (NFC) standards and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) standards, although the locket 11 may generally operate using only one of the standards at any time. given in order to reduce energy expenditure.

- 17 The guest docking system 10 includes a network 13 of sensors 15 mounted throughout the facility and configured to communicate wirelessly with the guest medallions 11. A sensor 15 of the network 13 may be used to detect the location of the host (or proximity to the sensor 15), for example, by detecting beacon signals or other signals emitted by the medallion 11. The sensor 15 can also be coupled in two-way communication with the medallion 11 to transmit information and receive information from the medallion 11. A Sensor 15 may also be located on or otherwise associated with a particular interface device 17 or a system interface function such as a sensor that is associated with a door lock 17a, an automatic door or turnstile, a terminal 17b, a cash register, a slot machine, an interactive screen 17c or portal 17d, or the like. In some situations, the sensor 15 is mounted within the interface device 17, while, in other situations, a sensor 15 associated with an interface device 17 is mounted in proximity to the interface device. For example, a light sensor may be placed above a location where a user interacting with the interface device 17 would be situated (e.g., above a location directly in front of, and about 1 foot away from the user). interface device 17), to detect only

- 18 beacon signals emitted by user medallions located directly in front of and near interface device 17. When associated with a particular interface device 17 or interface function, the sensor 15 may engage in two-way communication with the locket 11 and provide a secure communication channel between the device and the locket, for example, to provide unlocking. Automatic door lock based on secure authentication of a locket from a particular guest.

The guest docking system 10 may further make use of end devices such as BLE-enabled mobile devices, tablet computers, or interactive displays to provide services to guests through sensing (and communicating with) medallions 11. Services provided using end devices may be provided in addition to the aforementioned services provided using sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 and interface devices 17 to provide services. As described in more detail below (see, for example, the discussion of Figure 9), the services provided through the end devices may include location services (including location detection of medallions based on the end devices that detect identification signs of the medallions, and report detected medallions and

- 19 locations to a system server 21), and have medallions switch in or out of various modes of operation (e.g., sleep, beacon, and two-way modes), among other services.

The host docking system 10 also includes one or more servers 21 communicatively connected to the sensor network 13, to the interface devices 17, and wirelessly to the medallions 11 via the various sensors 15 provided throughout the system. docking station for guest 10 and associated installation. One or more communications networks 19 provide communication capabilities between the various elements of system 10. In one example, the guest docking system 10 includes at least one authentication server used to authenticate guest lockets and provide encryption and decryption services. The system may further include one or more servers that store databases of guest information (e.g., guest reservations), payment transaction servers (e.g., including guest billing information), location information (e.g. , sensor locations 15 within the facility, and medallion locations 11 throughout the facility and elsewhere) and the like.

Detailed descriptions of various components of the host docking system 10 will now be provided with reference to the figures

- 20 annexes. The descriptions focus on illustrative embodiments of the system components, and do not limit the scope of the attributes and functions of the components and system.

Two different structures of sensors 15 may be used in the system. In one example, each individual sensor 15 in the host docking system 10 includes a processor and memory that control, at least in part, operation of the sensor 15. In such an example , each sensor may additionally include a network transceiver that includes a communication port to communicatively connect the sensor 15 to the communication network 19. The network transceiver can be an Ethernet, Wifi or other appropriate transceiver.

Alternatively or additionally, the guest docking system 10 may include sensor network peripherals 14 distributed throughout the facility and functioning to have sensors 15 connected directly thereto. In this example, Figure IB provides an overall block diagram showing a more detailed view of the sensor network 13 of the host docking system 10 showing the sensor network peripherals 14 that are used to connect the sensors 15 to the communication network 19. In particular, as shown in the figure, the sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 are each connected directly to the respective sensor network peripherals 14, and each

- 21 one receives power from and operates under the control of the corresponding sensor network peripheral 14. In turn, the sensor network peripherals 14 connect to the communication network 19 and communicate with the servers 21 through the network 19.

Each sensor network peripheral generally includes a network transceiver for communication with the communication network 19, such as Ethernet, Wifi or other appropriate network transceiver. Each sensor network peripheral 14 further includes at least one port for connecting at least one associated sensor, for example, the sensor network peripheral 14 typically includes one or more communication buses through which multiple sensors can be connected. 15 or other devices. For example, a sensor network peripheral 14 may include two buses each that function to connect to sixteen sensors 15 in one example. Through these connections, the network sensor peripherals 14 serve to relay sensing information captured by the sensors 15 to the communication network 19 and servers 21, and to relay control or communications from the communication network 19 and servers 21 back. to sensors 15. The network sensor peripherals 14 may further relay data or other communications received from the medallions 11 by the sensors 15 to the communication network 19 and servers 21, and to relay control or communications from the network 19 of

- 22 communication and 21 servers back to the medallions 11 through the 15 sensors.

Each sensor network peripheral 14 includes a processor and memory, and which functions to control the operation of the sensor(s) 15 connected thereto. In particular, the use of the network sensor peripheral 14 can allow the host docking system 10 to operate with sensors 15 that have minimal (or no) on-board processing power and memory, and sensors 15 that require minimal configuration during the initial installation of the system. In particular, through the use of the sensor network peripherals 14, the individual sensors 15 do not need to store individual network identifiers (e.g., unique network addresses) for use by the sensors 15 to identify themselves on the communication network 19 and to identify the data transmitted by each respective sensor 15 on the network 19 as originating from the respective sensor 15 instead The sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to package data received from sensors 15 connected thereto for communication over the network 19 and in particular are configured to associate with data received from each respective sensor 15 an identifier for the respective sensor 15. The sensor network peripherals 14 are further configured to package data from the sensors 15 for communication over the network 19. Additionally

- 23 the individual sensors 15 do not need to operate to communicate on the network 19, and each respective sensor 15 does not need to have sufficient processing power to identify and process packets destined for the respective sensor from among the packets communicated over the network 19 . Instead, the sensor network peripherals 14 are configured to process data communicated over the network 19 to identify packets destined for the respective sensor network peripheral 14 and/or for sensors 15 connected thereto, to process instructions. included in the packages, and to control the appropriate sensor (S) 15 connected thereto according to the processed instructions.

As described above, the use of the sensor network peripheral 14 thus allows the wireless host docking system 10 to operate using low-cost sensors 15 that do not include network communication circuitry and do not include processing power or memory. minimal or minimal processing. Additionally, the use of the sensor network peripheral 14 allows the wireless host docking system 10 to be configured for and begin operation without having to assign individual network identifiers to each sensor 15, and/or without having to configure the servers. 21 with information about each individual sensor 15 in the system. Instead, the coupling system

- 24 for wireless host 10 can be configured for operation by connecting multitudes of sensors 15 directly to nearby sensor network peripherals 14 located throughout the facility, and configure the sensor network peripherals 14 for communication over the communication network 19 with 21 servers.

While the previous description has focused on the network sensor peripherals 14 that are directly connected to sensors 15 configured to detect the presence of and/or communicate with the medallions 11, the sensor network 13 and the network sensor peripherals 14 can more generally support other types of sensors or devices (generally referenced by number 16 in Figure IB). Specifically, the sensor network 13 and the sensor network peripherals 14 may be used to control the operation of and relay data from the other sensors or devices 16 over the communication network 19. The sensors or devices 16 may include sensors such as smoke or CO (carbon monoxide) sensors, infrared or occupancy sensors, photodiodes or light sensors, temperature and/or humidity sensors, and the like. The other sensors or devices 16 may also include devices such as speakers and/or microphones (e.g., parts of a public address (PA) system), actuators or controllers (e.g., to open or close vents or curtains).

- 25 window), switches or relays (for example, to turn on/off lights, heating and ventilation, power), cameras (for example, as part of a security system), and the like. The sensor network peripherals 14 may further be configured to support sensors mounted on (or associated with) sales terminals 17b, interactive displays 17c, and other interface devices 17 described throughout this document.

The functionality provided by the sensor network peripherals 14 may also be incorporated into other components of the wireless host docking system 10. Notably, the functionality of the sensor network peripherals 14 may be incorporated into components including a processor, memory, and a network transceiver for communication over the communication network 19. For example, as shown in Figure IB an access panel 705 provided in association with a door lock 17a may be configured to be used as a sensor network peripheral 14. Note that the access panel 705 is described in greater detail below in relation to Figures 7A-7I in the example of Figure IB, the access panel 705 may include at least one port and/or bus bar for connecting one or multiple sensors 15 thereto, and the access panel 705 may be configured to support the operation of the sensors 15 as described above in relation to the sensor network peripherals 14.

As detailed above, a host device 11 may take the form of a medallion 11, such as the illustrative medallion 11 shown in Figure 2A. As shown, medallion 11 takes the form of a token having an outer diameter of approximately 3.17 cm (1.25 inches) (range 1.905 to 6.35 cm (0.75 to 2.5 inches)), a thickness of approximately 0.952 cm (3/ 8 inches) (range of 0.3175 to 1.5875 cm (1/8 to 5/8 inches)), and a weight of approximately 1.8 ounces (51.03 gr) (range of 1.2-2.4 oηzas (34.02 - 68.04 gr)).

The locket 11 is configured to be inserted into different accessories worn by the guests 12. The accessories allow the lockets 11 to be securely attached to the guests 12 to ensure that the guests do not inadvertently lose or misplace their lockets. Figure 2B shows an illustrative accessory 201 that takes the form of a bracelet or bangle. Other types of accessories may also be used, including straps, pendants, key chains, necklaces, band buckles, bathrobes (for example, bikini rings), body piercings and the like, some of which are shown in the pictures. Figures 4A-4F. The medallion 11 is configured to be inserted into a cavity of the wrist accessory 201 that is shaped and sized to receive the medallion 11. As shown, the medallion

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- 27 11 is inserted through a back part of the wrist accessory 201, that is, through a side of the accessory 201 that is designed to face the user, such as the inner surface of the bracelet that is designed to enter in contact with a user's wrist when the bracelet is worn. The locket 11 is inserted through a back portion of the wrist accessory 201 to ensure that the locket 11 cannot inadvertently slide off the accessory 201 when the accessory 201 is worn by the user. In particular, as shown in Figure 2C, the accessory cavity 201 configured to receive the medallion may be tapered and thus have an angled or beveled edge ensuring that the medallion 11 can be inserted into the accessory cavity 201 but not It can pass through the cavity and exit the accessory 201 through a front surface thereof. In the example of Figure 2C, the edge is angled at approximately 3 degrees relative to a right-angled edge (corresponding to an angle of 87 degrees relative to the front or back surface). In detail, the cavity in the example of Figure 2C may not have a cylindrical shape but may have a tapered shape, for example, a conical shape of a slice of a cone having a circular base and edges angled relative to the circular base at a predetermined angle (for example, 3 degrees (+/-1 degree) relative to a right-angled edge, which

- 28 corresponds to an angle of 87 degrees (range of 86 - 88 degrees) in relation to the front or rear surface). The angle is such that the rear/bottom opening of the cavity is larger than the front/top opening, to prevent the medallion 11 from passing through the cavity.

Similarly, the medallion 11 may have a tapered shape having an angled edge along the outer peripheral surface, and the edge may be angled with a predetermined angle equal to that of the cavity (e.g., 3 degrees (+/-1 degree) relative to a right-angled edge, corresponding to an angle of 87 degrees (86-88 degree range) relative to the front or back surface), as also shown in Figure 2C. The angled edge of the medallion is such that the medallion has a smaller dimension (e.g., smaller diameter) on the front/top surface of the medallion 11 relative to the back/bottom surface 11b of the medallion 11. As such, the combination of angled edges of the medallion 11 and cavity in the fixture 201 ensures that the medallion can only be placed in the fixture 201 such that the front surface of the medallion 11 faces outward while the back surface 11b look back. Additionally, the medallion 11 can be sized to be slightly smaller than the cavity to facilitate the fit of the medallion 11 within the cavity. For example, medallion 11 may have a

- 29 outer dimension, such as an outer diameter, i.e. 75mm (for example, the range of 0.5 -1 mm) smaller than the inner dimension/diameter of the cavity to allow the medallion 11 to be inserted into the cavity even in the medallion is not perfectly aligned with the cavity and/or inclined with respect to the cavity.

In summary, the medallion can be easily and securely attached to the accessory 201 by virtue of the following features. The medallion 11 has an angled edge, inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 3 degrees) from the front inclined surface of the medallion to the rear surface of the fixture so as to align with the oppositely formed angled edge of the fixture 201. The angled edge design allows alignment of the medallion 11 to the fixture by inserting the medallion into the back left side of the fixture. Since the medallion 11 can only be inserted into or removed from the back of the accessory 201, the forces necessary to dislodge the medallion 11 from the accessory 201 are rearward and therefore opposed to a body of a host wearing the accessory 201 (and/or opposite another surface that prevents easy dislodgment of the medallion) when the medallion is in fixture 201. As such, the medallion 11 cannot be easily dislodged or removed from the accessory 201 when the accessory is used.

01.

- 30 The previous description has focused on the medallion 11 that has circular shapes, and corresponding cavities that have circular shapes. However, this description is not limited to such medallion and cavities. More generally, the medallions 11 and corresponding recesses in accessories may have oval or other rounded shapes or square, rectangular or other angular shapes (e.g., triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, etc.). In each case, the medallions 11 and the corresponding cavities may have conical shapes that include angled edges inclined at a predetermined angle (e.g., 3 degrees) from the rear surface of the medallion to the rear surface of the cavity to ensure that the medallion 11 can only be inserted into or removed from the back of the accessory 201. In such cases, the medallions 11 may have front and rear surfaces that have substantially similar (or identical) different shapes and dimensions to impart the tapered shape to the medallions 11, and the cavities in the fittings may similarly have front and rear openings. posterior that have substantially similar (or identical) shapes and different dimensions to give the tapered shape to the cavities.

Additionally, the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 may include magnets used to ensure that the medallion 11 is automatically positioned in

- 31 a predetermined rotational orientation with the cavity of the accessory 201 (for example, self-alignment of the medallion 11 in the accessory 201). The magnets additionally provide magnetic adhesion between the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 to reduce the chances of the medallion 11 becoming detached from (and/or falling out of) the accessory 201. Different numbers of magnets can be used for this purpose. For example, two, three, four, or five or more magnets can be used. The magnets may be uniformly spaced around peripheries of the medallion 11 and the cavity or, more generally, they may be spaced in predetermined positions around selected peripheries such that each magnet mounted on the medallion 11 aligns with a corresponding magnet mounted on the periphery of the cavity when the medallion 11 is inserted in a desired orientation into the accessory cavity.

As shown in Figure 2D, four magnets are provided in the fixture 201 in positions aligned with four magnets provided in the medallion 11 to ensure that the medallion 11 is always oriented in the correct position on the X and Y axis. In particular, magnets of opposite polarity may be provided at each location on the medallion 11 and the accessory 201, as shown in Figure 2E, to automatically align the medallion 11 in a particular rotational orientation relative to the accessory 201. For example, in the mechanism of

- 32 Magnet commitment of Figure 2E, the magnets on the top of the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 (e.g., the top) in the orientation shown in Figure 2D) have polarities that are reversed relative to the magnets at the bottom of the medallion 11 and fixture 201 (for example, the bottom of the magnets in the orientation shown in Figure 2D), to prevent the medallion 11 from being inserted rotationally inverted relative to the orientation shown in Figures 2D and 2E. This feature, together with the angled edges detailed in relation to Figures 2B and 2C, ensures that the medallion 11 can only (or preferably) be inserted into the fixture 201 in one orientation. As shown in Figure 3A, the medallion 11 may have a metal outer edge and a plastic body disposed within the interior of the metal outer ring. The electronic elements included in the medallion 11 are mounted inside the plastic body. The metallic outer rim is interrupted in at least one location to form an open ring, and includes a plastic or other non-conductive spacer within the resulting space. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 3A, the metal outer rim is formed from two separate semicircular metal housings that, when arranged along the outer edge of the medallion 11, are separated from each other by two diametrically opposed spaces. The spaces on the rim

- 33 outer metal edge (or between the outer metal rim parts) ensure that eddy currents cannot flow around the outer metal edge, and therefore ensure that eddy current flow does not significantly dampen wireless communication capabilities of the medallions 11. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3E, the circular metal housing may include one or more voids that are filled by injection molded plastic. As also shown in Figure 3E, the circular metal housing may include notches for placing magnets such as those described above in connection with Figures 2D-2E. In general, the outer metal ring is formed of a non-magnetic metal material. and can be formed, for example, from burnt aluminum.

A similar space may be included in a metal outer flange on fittings 201, as shown in Figure 3B. In detail, in embodiments in which an accessory 201 is metallic or includes metallic components around the periphery of the cavity configured to house the medallion 11, the accessory 201 includes a space in the metallic outer edge of the cavity. The gap in the metal outer edge (or between metal outer edge parts) ensures that eddy currents cannot flow around the metal outer edge and therefore ensures that eddy current flow does not dampen

- 34 significantly the wireless communication capacity of a medallion 11 housed in the accessory 201. To ensure proper function of the spaces in the outer metal edges of the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 the recesses of the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 must be aligned when medallion 11 is mounted on fixture 201. Specifically, the alignment of the spaces ensures that even if the outer metal edges of the medallion 11 and the accessory 201 come into contact with each other, the metal edges do not together form a closed metal loop around the electronic elements of the medallion 11. To ensure alignment of the gaps magnets such as those described above in relation to Figures 2D and 2E can be used to provide a desired rotational alignment of the medallion 11 within the fixture 201. The geometry and polarity of the magnets are arranged to have the Self-oriented medallion on the fixture with the gaps in the metal outer rings aligned with each other (e.g., adjacent to each other or in contact with each other).

The gaps in medallion 11 and fixture 201 have selected widths to ensure that a closed metal loop is not formed even if medallion 11 and fixture 201 are not in perfect alignment. Alternatively or additionally an insulating coating 41, such as a plastic or other insulating coating shown in the

- 35 Figures 3C and 3D, may be provided along an inner surface of the cavity in the fixture 201 that houses the medallion 11. The insulating liner 41 may extend along the entire circumference of the cavity or the insulating liner. 41 can be located so that it contacts the space in the metal outer edge of a medallion 11 when the medallion 11 is mounted in the desired orientation on the fixture 201. The insulating liner 41 ensures that a metal edge of the fitting 201 does not form a short circuit across the gap in the outer metal edge of the medallion 11 by providing insulation between the gap in the outer metal edges of the medallion 11 and the fitting 201.

As shown in Figure 2B, accessory 201 may take the form of a bracelet. However, other accessory formats can also be used. For example, Figures 4A-4 e show various other types of accessories configured to have medallions 11 inserted therein. In this aspect, Figure 4A shows a sports band accessory that includes a sports band (made, for example, of silicone), a retaining ring (made, for example, of stainless steel and includes a space filled with a material not driver 31) that fits onto the sport band and includes notches for attaching magnets, and a two-part clasp designed to close the band around the wearer's wrist. retaining ring

- 36 includes, in its center, the cavity configured to releasably house a medallion. Figure 4B shows a clip (made, for example, of aluminum) that includes a cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11, and further includes a space filled with a non-conductive material 31 around the periphery of the cavity. The clip may be attached to a key chain in some examples. Figure 4C shows a bracelet (made, for example, of nylon) that includes a retaining ring (made, for example, of stainless steel and includes a space filled with a non-conductive material such as plastic) that fits the bracelet and Includes notches to hold magnets. The retaining ring includes, at its center, the cavity configured to releasably house a meda11on 11.

Figure 4D shows a bracelet (made, for example, of stainless steel that includes a gap 32 filled with a non-conductive material 31), and a retaining ring 33 (made, for example, of stainless steel and includes a gap filled with a non-conductive material 31) that fits on the bracelet and includes notches 34 to contain magnets. The retaining ring includes, at its center, the cavity configured to releasably house a medallion 11. Figure 4E shows a pendant (made, for example, of stainless steel that includes a gap 32 filled with a non-conductive material 31), and a retaining ring 33 (made, for example, of

- 37 stainless steel and includes a space filled with a non-conductive material 31) that fits into the pendant and includes notches to retain magnets. The retaining ring includes, at its center, the cavity configured to releasably house a locket 11. In some examples, the pendant is configured to attach to a decorative chain for use by a guest. In other examples, the pendant is configured to be attached to a key chain or other item. Finally, Figure 4F shows an assembly configured to be used using a watch band. The assembly (made, for example, of stainless steel that includes a space filled with a non-conductive material) has a retaining ring (made, for example, of stainless steel and includes a space filled with a non-conductive material 31) that is Fits into mounting and includes notches to retain magnets.

The accessories shown in Figures 4A-4E are non-limiting examples of accessories on which the lockets 11 can be mounted. However, other types of accessories can also be used, including lanyards, straps, key chains, necklaces, buckles. band, bathing covers (e.g. bikini rings), body piercings and the like.

The previous description of the medallions 11 has focused on external attributes of the medallions 11, such as the medallions shown in Figure 5A. Specifically, Figure 5A shows views

- 38 top, bottom and side of an illustrative medallion. The following description of Figures 5B-5E details the internal structures of various embodiments of the medallions.

As shown in Figures 5B, 5C, 5D and 5E, different embodiments of the medallions 11 include magnets 501, a bottom cap 503, a foam padding 505, a battery assembly 507 (for example, a CR2025 battery), a insulation film separator 509, a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) 511, a BLE antenna 513 (e.g., a BLE J-shaped antenna), an NEC antenna 515 (e.g., a coil antenna coiled wire), a metal housing 517 (e.g., aluminum), and a top cover 519. The BLE antenna 513 may be soldered to a top surface of the PCB 511, while the NFC antenna 515 may be connected to the PCB 511 by pins. of connection. In the embodiment of Figure 5E, the NFC antenna 515 is coated in silicone for durability. As shown in Figure 5B, the magnets 501 can fit within notches provided in the upper cover 519 (or, alternatively, in the lower cover 503) and are held in place by the notches. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5E, the magnets 501 may fit within notches provided in the silicone coating of the NFC antenna 515 and may be held in place by the notches.

- 39 In the embodiment of Figures 5B, 5D and 5E, the metal housing 517 is manufactured separately from the lower and upper covers 503 and 519. The metal housing 517 can be made of aluminum or another metal, while the covers Bottom and top 503 and 519 can be made of plastic. In contrast, in the embodiment of Figure 5C, the top cover 519 is formed integrally with the metal housing 517. For example, in the embodiment of Figure 5C, the top cap 519 and the metal housing 517 can be machined out of a block of material that includes metal and plastic materials arranged within the block so that, after machining, the Top cap 519 has an open metal ring (e.g., at 517) disposed around its outer peripheral surface that is interrupted by one or more voids that are filled with plastic or other insulating material. Additionally, after machining, the top cap 519 has a plastic (or insulator) center. For this purpose, the block of material used for machining can be a metal impregnated with plastic.

Figures 5F and 5G show detailed views of PCB Mounts 511 used in medallions 11, showing in detail the J-shaped BLE antenna mounted on a top surface of the PCB. As shown in Figure 5 F, the J-shaped BLE antenna can be formed from die-cut steel, including machine-bent tabs.

- 40 and includes alignment pins for placement on the PCB. The pins can also provide grounding and power pads. As shown in Figure 5G, the J-shaped BLE antenna can be formed using a laser direct structuring (LDS) process as an injection molded plastic part plated with metal, and can include hopping features in one part. bottom of the molded part for use in placement and alignment on the PCB.

Detailed schematics of the J-shaped BLE antenna are provided in Figures 5H-5L. Figures 5H-5K show detailed schematic views of the BLE antenna provided with front, side, rear and bottom views, respectively, while Figure 5L provides a perspective view of the BLE antenna. Antenna dimensions and design tolerances on dimensions are given in the figures in millimeters (mm). The dimensions provided are illustrative, and the BLE antenna may be scaled or graduated relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular application in which the BLE antenna element is to be used. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the dimensions of the antenna are set such that a total length of the antenna allows the antenna to resonate at a desired frequency in the range of 2.4 GHz, for example, by setting a total length of the element of radiation to

- 41 approximately 1/4 wavelength at 2.4 GHz. Additionally, the radius of curvature of the J-shaped antenna can be adjusted to maximize the radius of curvature of the antenna within the space restrictions imposed by the cavity of the medallion within which the antenna is located while ensuring that the antenna does not contact a metallic outer ring of the medallion.

In embodiments in which the J-shaped BLE antenna is formed using a laser direct structuring (LDS) process as a metal-plated injection molded plastic part, the rear surface (shown in Figure 5J) can be formed from the injection molded plastic part while the front surface (shown in Figure 5H) may be substantially completely covered with metal. The metal plating formed on the front surface may extend to the rear surface, and may extend noticeably to those portions of the rear surface shown in gray shading in Figure 5J. In particular, the metal plating may extend along a top edge 521 of the J-shaped antenna to the rear surface of the antenna and thus provide a grounding terminal that is electrically connected to a ground terminal. of the PCBA 511. The metal plating may additionally extend over a side protrusion 523 of the J-shaped antenna to the rear surface of

- 42 the antenna and thus provide an RF signal terminal that is electrically connected to the PCBA 511. In operation, the PCBA 511 can thus apply signals between the ground terminal (at 521) and the RF signal terminal (at 523 ) to emit BLE signals using the antenna, and can detect signals on those terminals in order to receive BLE signals using the antenna.

Additionally, as shown in the cross-sectional view in Figure 51, the J-shaped antenna has a non-planar profile that includes two bending points used to raise the antenna element above the ground plane of the PCBA 511 By separating the antenna element high above the ground plane, the antenna element is able to radiate more RF energy. Finally, the corners of the J-shaped antenna can be formed by laser trimming so that they are not at a right angle (90 degrees) in order to allow fine frequency tuning.

Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the functional components of a medallion 11. The components shown in Figure 6, including the microprocessor 603, the memory 601, the transceivers 607 and 609, and the sensor 605, are part of the PCBA 511 shown in Figures 5B-5E.

As shown in Figure 6, the medallion 11 includes a memory 601, a microprocessor 603, an optional sensor(s) 60 5 such as a 1st terminal, one or more transceivers 607, 609 and associated antennas

- 43 513, 515 and the battery 507. The components can be communicatively and/or electrically connected to each other by integrated circuits on the PCB of the PCBA 511. In particular, memory 601 is communicatively connected to microprocessor 603, so that machine-executable programming instructions stored in memory 601 can be executed by microprocessor 603 to cause medallion 11 to perform functions such as those described below. throughout this description. In addition to the programming instructions, memory 601 stores a unique identifier used by the guest docking system 10 to uniquely identify each medallion. Memory 610 may also store encryption and decryption keys, and encrypted data. For example, in one example, the memory stores both a public identifier for the medallion 11 that uniquely identifies the medallion and is broadcast in the beacon signal emitted by the medallion, and a private identifier that also uniquely identifies the medallion. , is stored in an encrypted format in memory, and is used to securely authenticate the locket (for example, for use in payments and for unlocking doors). Additionally, the microprocessor 603 is connected with communication to one or more optional sensors 605, such as an accelerometer sensor, and to one or more transceivers 607, 609.

As noted above, the medallion

- 44 includes at least one transceiver and associated antenna configured for wireless communication with the host docking system 10. As shown, the medallion 11 includes two transceivers each operating according to a different communication standard. In the example, a first transceiver 607 operates in accordance with the BLE standard, and connects to an associated antenna 513 used for BLE communications, while a second transceiver 609 operates in accordance with the NEC standard (e.g., a radio frequency identification (REID), and connects to an associated antenna 515 used for NFC communications. While each transceiver is shown as having a dedicated antenna in Figure 6, in some embodiments two or more transceivers may share a single antenna.

As described above, the BLE transceiver and antenna are used by the medallion 11 to emit periodic beacon signals that allow the guest docking system 10 to determine the location and identity of a guest and provide services to the guest. The BLE transceiver and antenna can also be used for secure communications. However, operation of the BLE transceiver and antenna generally requires that the battery 507 provide sufficient power to the medallion 11 for operation. When the battery charge level 507 drops below a threshold, and/or the battery or BLE transceiver fails, the medallion 11

- 45 may be unable to communicate using BLE signals. In such situations, the locket can however function as a passive NFC/RFID device. In particular, to function as a passive NFC/RFID device, the locket does not require any battery power for its operation. Instead, the medallion operates based on energy collected through the NEC antenna from radio frequency signals that induce current flow in the antenna. When operated as a passive NFC/RFID device, the medallion may be configured to transmit signals including the unique medallion identifier in response to receiving REID interrogation signals or other signals that induce sufficient current flow in the antenna. The guest docking system 10 may thus be able to provide limited services to guests even if the guest lockets do not receive sufficient operating power from their batteries.

When the battery 507 provides sufficient power for operation of the BLE transceiver, the medallion 11 is configured to operate using three different modes of operation. Specifically, memory 601 stores programming instructions that, when executed by microprocessor 603, cause medallion 11 to operate in accordance with one of three selected modes of operation. Initially, when you first activate a medallion 11 with a

- 46 507 battery, 11 medallion works in sleep mode of operation. Sleep mode of operation is a very low power mode of operation that conserves battery power. In the sleep mode of operation, the medallion 11 periodically listens for network announcements from a recognized guest docking system 10 and remains in the sleep mode of operation as long as an announcement is not received from a guest docking system. 10 recognized. In the sleep mode of operation, the medallion 11 listens to network announcements on a periodic schedule such as once every 30 seconds, once every minute, once every 5 minutes, or the like. If a network announcement is received during a periodic listening period, the medallion 11 determines whether the announcement is for a recognized guest docking system 10 and, upon determining that the announcement is for a recognized guest docking system 10, the medallion 11 switches to bidirectional1 operating mode.

In the bidirectional1 mode of operation, the medallion 11 is configured to emit a beacon signal through the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513, and to listen to communications from the host docking system 10 recognized through the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513. The medallion 11 can additionally listen to communications through the NFC transceiver 609 and antenna 515 in the bidirectional1 mode of operation. Medallion 11 listens to communications from the security system.

- 47 coupling for host 10 recognized on a periodic basis in the bidirectional mode of operation1, for example, every 10 ms, every 100 ms or the like. Additional detailed information on the two-way operation mode1 is provided below in connection with the description of the door lock. The medallion 11 may continue to operate in the bidirectional1 operation mode until the medallion 11 receives a communication from the recognized host docking system 10 causing the operation mode to switch to the beacon operation mode. The bidirectional1 operation mode may consume more power than the sleep mode of operation.

In the beacon mode of operation, the medallion 11 is configured to emit the Beacon signal through the BLE transceiver 60 7 and the antenna 513. Optionally, the medallion may periodically listen to communications from the recognized host docking system 10 via the BLE transceiver 607 and antenna 513, but the listening time periods occur less frequently (e.g., every second, every 5 s, or similar) in the beacon operation mode than in the bidirectional operation mode directs to 1. As a result, the beacon mode of operation is associated with lower power consumption than the bidirectional1 mode of operation, but higher power consumption than the sleep mode of operation. Periodic listening periods in sleep mode

- 48 beacon operation are used to listen to the communications of the recognized host docking system 10 causing the operation mode to switch to the bidirectional operation mode.

In both bidirectional and beacon modes of operations, periodic beacon signals are transmitted from the medallion 11. Generally, the beacon signals include a unique medallion identifier, and are transmitted on a periodic basis (e.g., every 10 ms). , every 100 ms, every second, or similar). The beacon signals may be detected by the sensors 15 of the recognized guest docking system 10, and used by the guest docking system 10 to determine the approximate position of the medallion 11 within the facility. The beacon signals are also used by the recognized guest docking system 10 to provide services to the guest, as described in more detail below.

The medallions 11 communicate wirelessly with the sensors 15 of the recognized guest docking system 10 to allow the guest docking system to provide automated engagement with users or invitations from the facility in which the sensors 15 are mounted. While Sensors 15 may be mounted throughout the installation, some sensors 15 are mounted on or associated with

- 49 another mode with a particular interface device 17 or a system interface function. As shown in Figure IA, interface devices 17 include door locks 17a, automatic doors or dumpers, vending terminals 17b, money registers, slot machines, interactive displays 17c or portals 17d, and the like. A particular interface device 17, which provides the functionality of a door lock 17a, is described in detail below with respect to Figures 7A-7I.

The door lock 17a provides guests with the ability to access their cruise stateroom, resort room, or other limited access facility (e.g., a VIP vessel, spa, adaptive facility, elevator bank, or similar). ) and open the door that unlocks automatically based on wireless communications with the guest lockets 11. Specifically, the door lock 17a detects the presence of a medallion 11 in front of (or in close proximity to) the door and unlocks the door for the authorized host or service personnel (e.g., cabin steward, maids, or facilities). of engineers). Additionally, the door lock 17a may include a display panel that provides a visual and audio greeting to the guest and may provide real-time information about guest entry activities, and/or

- 50 messages from crew, staff or other members of the guest's side. The door lock display panel may include a panel-mounted camera used to record images and video of unauthorized persons attempting to access the room, as well as images of staff, staff members, and others accessing the room.

Figures 7A-7I illustratively show an automated door latch assembly 700 that provides door lock functionality 17a to automatically unlock a door based on an interaction with a guest's medallion 11. As shown in Figure 7A, the automated door latch assembly 700 can be used on a ship (e.g., a cruise ship) or a hotel to selectively open the door to a guest room (e.g., a state room). or hotel room). Specifically, the automated door latch assembly 700 can be used to selectively open the door of a guest room to allow entry into the room. Generally, the door remains unlocked at all times from inside the room, to allow guests to leave the room unhindered.

The automated door latch assembly 700 includes a latch assembly shown in greater detail in Figures 7E, 7G and 71, a

- 51 door lock 703 that selectively unlocks the latch assembly 701, and an access panel 705 mounted proximal to the door. The deadbolt assembly includes a lock and a door handle, knob or other mechanical component that provides door handle/peri 11 functionality, and is generally mounted within the door it controls. The latch assembly also includes an electronically controlled locking and unlocking mechanism, such as a solenoid controlled locking mechanism. The locking and unlocking mechanism of the deadbolt assembly is controlled by the door locking module 703, which is an electronic module that functions to send locking and releasing signals to the electronically controlled locking mechanism. The deadbolt assembly will also generally include a mechanical latching and disengaging mechanism, such as a key-based mechanism that allows the door to be unlocked using a physical key.

The door locking module 7 03 is electrically connected to the latch assembly 701, and more specifically to the latch assembly locking mechanism 701, by a cable or other conductor. The door lock module 703 is typically battery powered and mounted inside the door, although the door lock module 703 can be placed in different positions depending on the implementation. The same battery can be used to power the locking module

- 52 of the door 703 and the electronically controlled locking and unlocking mechanism of the deadbolt assembly 701. In addition to controlling the electronically controlled locking mechanism, the door locking module 7 0 3 communicates wirelessly with the access panel 705 from which he receives instructions to open the door.

The access panel 705 communicates wirelessly with the door lock module 703, and provides instructions for opening the door to the door lock module 703. The access panel 705 also communicates wirelessly with the medallions 11 and determines, based on a secure reading of the information stored in the guest medallion 11, whether or not to instruct the door lock module 703 to open the door. The access panel 705 further communicates with a central reservation server 21 of the guest docking system 10 to securely retrieve information on users allowing access to the door, and determines whether or not to instruct the access module. door lock 703 to open the door based on whether the information obtained from the guest medallion 11 (for example, a unique encrypted identifier) ​​matches that of a guest allowing access to the door. While the access panel 705 may be battery powered, the access panel 705 generally receives power from an external source (e.g., via

- 53 power over Ethernet (POE)). In some examples, the access panel 705 communicates wirelessly with the central reservation server 21, for example, over a Wi-Fi network. In general, however, the access panel 705 is connected to a wired network (e.g., an Ethernet network) through which it communicates wirelessly with the central reservation server 21 and through which it receives electrical power for operation. Note that the access panel 705 can be connected to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) so that it can continue to operate even if the power received from a grid or power generator is interrupted.

Figures 7C and 7D provide detailed views of an Illustrative access panel 705. As shown in the figures, the access panel includes a flat panel display (e.g., a touch-sensitive screen 7''), an integrated camera , and wireless transceivers and associated antenna(s) to communicate with the medallions 11 via BLE and/or NFC. The flat panel display can be used to provide meetings to guests for whom the door is unlocked, to provide information to guests for whom the door is not unlocked, as well as to provide other information. Other functions of the access panel 705 are described in more detail below.

Figures 7E, 7G and 71 provide exploded views of the latch assembly 701, including the

- 55 performed by the door locking module 703 allows the door locking module 703 to determine when a person touches, makes contact with, or is in close proximity (e.g., less than a few centimeters) to the knob. the door to activate the unlocking mechanism of the latch assembly 701 only when a person makes contact with or is very close to the door knob.

Figure 7F shows a semi-transparent view of an alternative latch assembly 701. As shown, the latch assembly includes an LED status indicator, displayed as a translucent ring-shaped indicator arranged around a base of the door knob, which is used to provide status information of the latch assembly. door lock. In one example, the LED status indicator may provide green illumination when a guest is authorized to open the door and provide red illumination when a guest is denied authorization to open the door.

Figure 7H is a block diagram illustratively showing the components of the door lock module 7 03 and the Access panel 705. As shown in Figure 7H, the door lock module 703 includes an operation microprocessor control of the door lock module 7 0 3, and a memory that stores instructions for execution in the microprocessor. door lock module

- 56 703 additionally includes a sensor, such as a radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR), or capacitive proximity sensor, used to determine when a guest's hand comes into contact or comes into close proximity to the door handle. The door locking module 703 additionally includes a short-range radio, such as a radio operating in the ISM band, for encrypted wireless communication with the access panel 705. The door lock module 703 is powered by a battery and a voltage charge converter such as a 4.5 V boost converter.

The access panel 7 05 includes a microprocessor that controls the operation of the access panel 705, and memory that stores instructions for execution in the microprocessor. The access panel 705 additionally includes a short range radio, such as a radio operating in the ISM band, for encrypted wireless communication with the door lock module 7 03. The access panel 705 may include a backup battery to provide backup power, and generally includes a power supply that receives electrical power from an external source such as power received over an Ethernet cable. The access panel 705 additionally includes one or more transceivers and associated antennas for communicating with medallions 11, such as a BLE transceiver and antenna and an NFC transceiver and antenna. In some examples, the antenna(s) of the access panel 705 are

- 57 specifically designed to wrap around an outer edge of the screen of the panel 705. Additionally or alternatively, the access panel 705 may be associated with (and connected to) a light sensor 15 that is disposed on a ceiling directly in front of the door, and the operation of the access panel 705 may be based on signals from beacon detected by sensor 15 of reflected light and emitted by guest medallions 11 located directly in front of the door. Additionally, a network transceiver allows the access panel 7 05 to communicate through a wired or wireless network, such as through the communication network 19 of the guest docking system 10 with a server 21. For central reservation in general, each access panel 705 is associated with a particular door that is located adjacent to, and the access panel 705 is associated one-to-one with the door lock module 703 of that door so that The access panel 705 can only control the unlocking of the door and the door locking module 703 operates in response to commands from only the access panel 705.

In operation, the latch assembly generally keeps the door in a stateroom latched by default. The access panel 705 keeps its BLE transceiver (or the BLE transceiver of the associated sensor 15) activated to detect any beacon signals transmitted by medallions 11 operating in proximity to the access panel 705. For this

- 58 purpose, the access panel 705 and/or its associated sensor 15 may be configured to detect beacon signals transmitted by recognized medallions that are within a range of 2-4 feet of the access panel. Thus, when a recognized medallion 11 enters the reading range of the access panel 705 and/or its associated sensor 15, the access panel 705 begins to receive the periodic beacon signals transmitted by the medallion 11 and initiates a sequence door unlocking.

First, based on the reception time of a recognized beacon signal, the access panel 705 determines the next period of time during which the medallion will listen for communications from the guest docking system 10. In turn, during the given period of time, the access panel 705 initiates a secure coupling to the locket 11 through which the access panel 705 can request the locket's unique private identifier (for example, using encryption such as elliptic curve cryptography (ECC). The unique private identifier may take the form of an encrypted code, such as a 48-byte encrypted code, that uniquely identifies the locket 11. In response to the request, the access panel 705 and the locket 11 establish a communication channel. secure and/or encrypted upon which the medallion provides its unique private identifier

- 59 to access panel 705. Generally, the unique private identifier is communicated over an encrypted BLE connection. Once the unique private identifier is received, the access panel 705 activates a lock control unit (LCU) that operates to query a local memory to determine whether the guest associated with the unique private identifier and medallion 11 allows access to the door at the current moment. For this purpose, the access panel 705 maintains in local memory a white list that includes records of unique private locket identifiers that allow access to the door at current and future times. If the unique private identifier received from medallion 11 is encrypted, the LCU decrypts the identifier and determines whether the decrypted identifier is whitelisted. If the access panel 705 determines that the guest associated with the unique private identifier and medallion 11 allows access to the door at the current time (for example, the unique private identifier is whitelisted), the access panel 7 0 5 displays a welcome message on its display screen and begins unlocking the door. In the alternative, if the access panel 7 05 determines that the received identifier is not listed in the register of identifiers that is allowed access to the door, the access panel 705 queries a server reservation 21 through network 19 for

- 60 retrieve updated information (if any) on medallion identifiers that allow access to the door. In turn, if the received identifier is not listed among the updated information, the access panel 705 determines that the guest does not have access to the door at the current time and optionally activates its camera to capture an image of the guest and transmits the image to a central server 21. Note that in cases in which the access panel 705 detects multiple medallions 11 within its vicinity, the access panel 705 performs the above steps for each detected medallion, displays a welcome message in the language of the guest of choice in its display screen that identifies each guest associated with a medallion 11 that allows access to the door and initiates unlocking of the door if at least one of the detected medallions is on the white list.

As part of opening the door, the access panel 7 05 activates its ISM radio and establishes a secure communication channel with the ISM radio of the associated door lock module 703. Once the secure communication channel is established and it is determined that the host or crew member is allowed access to the door, the access panel 705 transmits an activation code (e.g., an open authorization signal). to the door lock module 703 via the secure ISM channel. The code of

- 61 activation can be sent as a message that is encrypted, for example, using a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). In response to receiving the activation code, the door lock module 703 activates the proximity sensor (e.g., a capacitive proximity sensor) so that it monitors when the guest's (or crew member's) hand enters the door. contact or come into close proximity to the door handle. The door lock module 703 activates the unlocking mechanism (e.g., a solenoid) of the latch assembly 701. If the door is unlocked and opened, the door lock module 703 may communicate that the door has been opened. to the access panel 705 and the access panel 705 may, in turn, instruct the medallion 11 to return to the beacon mode of operation.

Optionally, the door lock module 703 can monitor when the person's hand makes contact with or comes into close proximity to the door handle at all times. In turn, if a door opening authorization signal has not been received from the access panel 7 0 5 and the door lock module 703 determines that a person's hand has contacted or comes into close proximity to the handle of the door, the door lock module 703 may send an unauthorized access attempt signal to the access panel 705. In response to receiving the unauthorized access attempt signal, the access panel 705 activates

- 62 its camera to capture an image of the person who has tried to access the door and transmits the image to a central server 21.

In embodiments in which the medallion 11 is configured to operate in both bidirectional1 and beacon modes of operation, the door unlocking sequence described above may include additional steps. If medallion 11 is operating in the bidirectional mode of operation, the door unlock sequence may proceed as described above. Optionally, once the door is determined to be unlocked, the door locking module 703 may communicate that the door has been opened to the access panel 705 and the access panel 705 may, in turn, communicate with the medallion. 11 that the medallion can return to the beacon mode of operation.

If the medallion 11 is operating in the beacon mode of operation, the host docking system 10 may need to instruct the medallion 11 to switch to the bidirectional mode of operation in order to allow the medallion 11 to establish the secure communication channel with the host. access panel 705 and provide access panel 7 0 5 with the locket unique private identifier. For this purpose, the access panel 705 may, in one example, determine based on the time of receiving a radio beacon signal from the medallion when the next period of time during which the medallion will listen for system communications

- 63 docking for guest 10. In turn, during the determined period of time, the access panel 705 transmits to the medallion 11 a communication to cause the medallion to switch to the two-way operation mode1. For example, the access panel 705 may transmit a request for the medallion's unique private identifier and, in response to receiving the request, the medallion may switch to bidirectional1 mode while continuing to transmit periodic beacon signals.

In another example, the guest docking system 10 may cause the medallion 11 to switch to the bidirectional1 mode of operation before the medallion 11 comes into close proximity of the access panel 705 (e.g., before being within 2- 4 feet from access panel 705). In the example, the location services provided by the guest docking system 10 verify the location of each guest within the facility through the guest medallion 11. Specifically, the network 13 of sensors 15 of the host docking system 10 continuously monitors radio beacon signals received from medallions 11 on each sensor 15 in the network and identifies medallions 11 that are in proximity to each sensor 15 based on the signals from beacon received and the public identifiers contained therein. Based on monitoring the medallion locations 11, the host docking system 10 can determine whether a

- 64 recognized medallion is near a locked door that is associated with medallion 11. For example, system 10 may determine that medallion 11 has entered a lobby that includes a door to which the guest associated with the medallion has access a, or that the medallion 11 has reached a predetermined vicinity (e.g., 100 feet or less) of such door. In response to the decision, the host docking system 10 causes one or more sensors 15 that are within communication range of the medallion 11 to transmit an activation command to the medallion 11 to cause the medallion 11 to switch to the bidirectional1 mode of operation. .

In the above example, the guest docking system 10 may additionally send an activation command to the access panel 705 of the door to which the medallion has access as the medallion 11 approaches the proximity of the door. In response to the wake up command, the access panel can begin monitoring its BLE transceiver for any lockets 11 that are within its reading range and are on the authorized user list (e.g. whitelist) stored by the access panel. access 705.

The description of the operation of the automated door lock assembly 700 provided above has focused on detection and BLE-based communications between the

- 65 access panel 705 and medallion 11. However, both access panel 7 0 5 and medallion 11 are also configured for NFC-based detection and communications, and access panel 705 also provides functionality to open a associated door based on NFC-based communications. NFC-based communications can be used, among other use cases, in situations where a medallion battery has been exhausted and the medallion is thus unable to emit BLE-based beacon signals or engage in NFC-based communications. BLE. To support NFC-based communication, the access panel 705 periodically emits an NFC read signal or NFC interrogation signal that is used to power any passive NFC base devices in its vicinity. If a medallion 11 is located in the vicinity of the access panel 705 the NFC read signal will activate the medallion's NFC antenna and transceiver and causes the medallion 11 to provide the access panel 705 with a response beacon signal based in NFC that includes the public identifier for the medallion 11 based on the received response signal the access panel 705 can then establish a secure NFC-based communication channel with the medallion 11 and proceed with unlocking the door based on an NFC-based unlocking process analogous to the BLE-based unlocking process described above (with the exception that all

- 66 communications will be carried out using the NEC transceiver instead of the BLE transceiver). The NEC-based unlocking process can also be used using various NEC-enabled devices, including NEC-enabled key cards, for example.

In addition to sensors 15 mounted on interface devices 17, guest docking system 10 includes a sensor network 13 of autonomous sensors 15 arranged throughout the facility (or facilities). Each sensor 15 has a known location, and the sensors 15 in the network 13 are used to track the locations of medallions 11 in the facility by creating a record of each medallion 11 detected by each sensor 15 with an associated time stamp. Additionally, each sensor 15 may engage in two-way communication with medallions 11 within its communication range, including detecting medallions 11 through detection of beacon signals and other signals transmitted by medallions 11 and transmitting and receiving signals to and from medallions 11 Examples of independent sensors 15 are shown and described in Figures 8A-8D. Specifically, Figures 8A and 8B show views of a directional or omnidirectional1 sensor, while Figures 8C and 8D show views of a light sensor. The omnidirectional sensor1 has a long communication range (for example, 30-50 feet, and

- 67 up to 100 feet or more) extending in all directions around the sensor; The directional sensor similarly has a communication range (e.g., 30-50 feet, and up to 100 feet or more) that extends in some (but not all) directions around the sensor. The light sensor has a shorter beamform communication range that has a diameter that is adjustable and can reach up to 7 -10 feet or more, and the beamform sensor typically has a communication range that extends in a selected direction from the sensor for a shorter distance than the omnidirectional sensor (for example, 15 feet or less). Note that each sensor communication interval can be adjusted downward from the maximum interval values ​​detailed above.

Figure 8A shows an exploded view of the directional or omnidirectional sensor that includes an electronic PCB 807 and an antenna PCB 803 mounted between a base plate 811 and a Radome 801. The antenna PCB 803 has an antenna element 802 mounted on the same one that is communicatively connected to the antenna circuit 803. The antenna element 802 has a proprietary shape such as those shown in detail in Figures 8E-8H and 8K-8N that confers directional or omnidirectional sensitivity to the sensor. The antenna PCB 803 communicates with the electronic PCB 807 through a cable 805, and a connector 8 0 9 provides

- 68 a connection between the electronic PCB 807 and the network 19. The sensor 15 can be mounted on or in a ceiling or wall of a facility (for example, using a connector nut 813), and can be used to monitor and communicate with the medallions arranged within the vicinity (e.g., within the communication range) of the sensor. Figure 8B shows the directional or omnidirectional sensor1 when all components are mounted together.

Figure 8C shows an exploded view of the light sensor including an electronic PCB 807 and an antenna mounted between a base plate 811 and a radome cover 801. A cosmetic base 814 may also be provided. The antenna PCB 803 has an element of antenna 802 mounted thereon which is communicatively connected to the antenna circuitry PCB 8 03. The antenna element 802 has a proprietary shape shown in detail in Figures 8I-8J that confers the directional sensitivity of the focus or spotlight to the sensor. The antenna includes an antenna PCB 803 having a foam spacer 804 mounted on a surface thereof, and an antenna element 802 mounted on the foam spacer 804. The antenna PCB 803 communicates with the electronic PCB 807 via a cable 805, and a connector 8 0 9 provides a connection between the electronic PCB 807 and the network 19. The sensor 15 may be mounted on or in a ceiling or wall. of an installation (for example, using

- 69 a connector nut 813), and can be used to monitor and communicate with medallions arranged within the vicinity (e.g., within the communication range and beam) of the sensor. Figure 8D shows the light sensor when all components are assembled together.

Detailed views of the antenna elements 8 02 that can be mounted to the antenna PCBs 803 provided in the sensors 15, such as those shown in Figures 8A-8D, are provided in relation to Figures 8E-8M and Figures 8A -8H show detailed views of the antenna element 8 02 provided in a directional sensor such as that shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The antenna element 802 may be designed for wall or ceiling mounting locations within a facility and may provide a directional sensing capability that has a wide beamwidth to produce linearly polarized radiation direction to the front face of the antenna. . As shown in the top and side views shown in Figures 8E-8G, the antenna element 802 has an inverted V shape that is generally symmetrical about a center line and includes two tabs extending downward from a main surface. of the antenna that are used to mount on the antenna PCB 8 0 3. The main surface of the antenna, shown in Figure 8E, includes a central rectangular part that has symmetrical extensions in the shape of a para1e1 gram.

- 70 extending from opposite sides of the central rectangular part. Illustrative dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in inches, are provided in the figures. The dimensions provided are illustrative, and antenna element 802 may be scaled up or scaled down relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular application. The antenna element 802 (and associated sensor 15) is designed to. In particular, dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, the dimensions provided may be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonant operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating range in the ISM band) when taking into account the ground clearance of the PCB. corresponding and the dielectric proximity of accommodation. The lower tabs extending downward from the main surface of the antenna serve as a power socket and a ground socket electrically connected to the PCB 803, and also serve to maintain the antenna element 802 at an appropriate height separation from the plane of PCB ground.

Figures 8I-8J show detailed views of the antenna element 802 provided in a Light (or beam) sensor such as that shown in Figures 8C and 8D. The antenna element 802 may be designed for ceiling mounting locations (or

- 71 high elevation wall mount with downward tilt) within a facility and can provide high gain and directional (i.e., focused) narrow beam detection capability of circularly polarized (CP) radiation. As shown in the top and side views shown in Figures 8I-8J, the antenna element 802 has a generally planar shape, and has a shape of a square having diagonally opposite corners spaced at 45 degree angles relative to the corners. sides of the square. The antenna element 802 of Figures 81 and 8J can be mounted on the antenna PCB 8 0 3 through a foam spacer 804, as shown in Figure 8C. Illustrative dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in millimeters (mm), are provided in the figures. The dimensions provided are illustrative, and antenna element 802 may be scaled up or scaled down relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular application. The antenna element 802 (and associated sensor 15) is designed to. In particular, dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency, axial ratio and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, the dimensions provided can be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonant operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating range in the ISM band) when taking into account the separation of

- 72 corresponding PCB ground and housing dielectric proximity.

Figures 8K-8N show detailed views of the antenna element 802 provided in a circular sensor. For example, the antenna element shown in Figures 8K-8N can provide omnidirectional detection1, and can be used within a sensor 15 such as that shown in Figures 8A and 8B. The antenna element 802 may be designed for ceiling mounting positions within a facility and provide a wide linearly polarized beamwidth for obtaining an omnidirectional1 azimuth angle detection pattern. As shown in the top and side views shown in Figures 8K-8M, the antenna element 802 has a generally symmetrical shape about a center line and includes two tabs extending downward from a main surface of the antenna that extends downward. used to mount on the antenna PCB 803 (as shown, for example, in Figure 8A). The main surface of the antenna shown in Figure 8K has a generally circular shape. Illustrative dimensions of antenna element 802, measured in inches, are provided in the figures. The dimensions provided are illustrative, and antenna element 802 may be scaled up or scaled down relative to the dimensions shown depending on the particular application. The antenna element 8 02 (and the associated sensor 15) is designed

- 73 for. In particular, dimensions can be selected and adjusted to vary the center frequency and impedance matching of the antenna. For example, the dimensions provided may be selected to provide the antenna element 802 with a resonant operating frequency of 2.4 GHz (within the BLE operating range in the ISM band) when taking into account the corresponding PCB ground clearance. and dielectric proximity of accommodation. The lower tabs extending downward from the main surface of the antenna serve as a power socket and a ground socket electrically connected to the PCB 803, and also serve to maintain the antenna element 802 at an appropriate height separation from the plane of PCB ground. The power and ground taps may provide different current flow directions on the surface of the antenna radiation element 802.

Generally, the sensors 15 mounted on the interface devices 17 of the guest docking system 10, such as the antennas of the access panels 705 used to open the doors, are adjusted to have a limited range (e.g., 2- 4 feet) to detect only guide medallions 11 that are in close proximity to the interface devices 17. Additionally, the sensors 15 of the interface devices 17 may be sensors

- 74 directions 1 that type of spotlight that works to detect medallions 11 in only selected directions. In this way, a sensor associated with an access panel 705 can function to detect only medallions 11 that are arranged within a limited distance in either direction of the sensor, while a sensor of a payment terminal or vending machine can only detect medallions 11 that are arranged within a limited angular range (for example, directly in front of the payment terminal or vending machine) and within a limited distance (for example, less than 2 feet) from the sensor.

As noted above, sensors 15 are arranged throughout the facility, and are used to monitor the locations of medallions 11 throughout the facility and provide services to people based on the detected signals. Specifically, the sensors 15 are used by the host docking system 10 to provide location information to the host docking system 10 at selectable levels of accuracy. At a low level of precision, the location of a medallion 11 is identified based on the identity(s) of the one or more sensors 15 or other devices that detect beacon signals from the medallion 11 at any given time. In this way, the position of the medallion at any time can be approximated

- 75 based on the known positions of the sensor (and/or positions of other devices, if known) that have detected the most recently detected beacon signal. In order to determine the position of a medallion 11 at a higher level of granularity, the position of the medallion is determined based on the relative received signal strength of the beacon signal measured at each of the sensors that have received the signal. beacon signal, and/or based on the detection range and detection beam characteristics (e.g., detection range and detection direction) of the sensor. In particular, when beacon signals from a medallion 11 are received by three or more sensors 15, the relative strength of the received signal of the beacon signal at each of the sensors 15 (and/or the delay between the beacon times reception of the beacon signal in each of the sensors 15) can be used to triangulate the position of the medallion 11 in relation to the known locations of each of the sensors 1 5.

Tracking the location of the medallions 11 within the facility may be performed not only by the sensors 15 of the sensor network 13 but also by sensors 15 mounted on interface devices 17 of the guest docking system 10. For example, the access panels 7 05 of the automated door locking assemblies 700 located throughout the facility may be used to detect all medallions 11 passing through the access panels 705. The access panels 705 may relay the identity of all detected medallions 11 to a central location server that maintains a record of all medallion locations with associated time stamps. Additionally, location monitoring can be performed through the detection of medallions 11 by BLE- or NEC-enabled devices such as BLE- or NEC-enabled mobile devices, tablet computers, or interactive displays that are in communication with the servers 21. of the guest docking system 10. BLE- or NEC-enabled mobile devices, such as guest mobile devices or staff member tablets, can detect medallions 11 located within the communication ranges of the devices and report the identities of detected medallions to the central location server. 11 along with detection time logs and location information for the device (if available).

In order to provide continuous real-time monitoring of the locations of medallions 11, each of the sensors and devices that detect medallions 11 relay the identity of all detected medallions 11 over the detection time-record time to the same central location server. The location server

Q LCC ίη/77Π7/Ε/ΥΙΛΙ

- 77 central thus maintains a record of all medallion locations with associated time stamps. The central location server may be used in this manner to identify each most recent detected locket location based on the most recent log entry for locket 11 or, if appropriate, based on two or more of the most recent entries in registration for medallion 11 (for example, to provide greater location accuracy by combining two different location detection methodologies). In this way, the host docking system 10 provides real-time (or near real-time) evaluations of each medallion location. The location information may further be used by the guest docking system 10 to provide additional services to guests or others, for example, to provide notification events to systems that are used to trigger personalized interactions when it is determined that a medallion 11 arriving in an area, moving around an area, abutting an area for a set amount of time, or leaving an area or space equipped with sensors 15.

Location-based services can be further enhanced through the use of sensors 15 located near entry and/or exit points of a facility. Specifically, if the last entry related to a particular medallion 11 in

- 78 the record maintained by the central location server is for an inbound/outbound location and the record does not include any of the additional detections of medallion 11 at later times in the facility, the system may determine that medallion 11 (and their associated guest) have left the facility. In turn, when medallion 11 is detected again at the same (or different) input/output1 location, it can be determined that the medallion has entered the facility. The guest docking system 10 may thus maintain a record of medallions 11 that are in the facility and a record of medallions 11 that have left the facility. Notification may be provided to users based on these records, for example, to inform another guest that their family member has left the facility and/or returned to the facility.

In addition to the functions described above, the guest docking system 10 may additionally be used for maritime alerts, emergency evacuations, or the like. Specifically, since the guest docking system 10 includes sensors 15 throughout the facility (or ship) that are configured to monitor the positions of the medallions 11, the guest docking system 10 maintains date-to-date information. date at guest locations within the

- 79 installation at all times based on the monitored locations of all guest medallions 11 based on the current information at the guest locations, the guest docking system 10 can dynamically assign queries to taking stations or evacuation routes when a thinning or evacuation operation is carried out. Specifically, the guest docking system 10 may dynamically assign guests to intake stations or evacuation routes in such a manner as to assign guests to the intake station or evacuation route that is closest to their current position when activates the thinning or evacuation operation. The guest docking system 10 may additionally or alternatively assign guests to picking stations or evacuation routes to avoid overloading a particular station or evacuation route when the thinning or evacuation operation is activated. For example, in situations in which a large number of guests are concentrated within a certain portion of the facility (for example, a large number of guests are at or near the stern of the ship), dynamic allocation can be used to assign certain guests to intake stations or evacuation routes at or near the bow of the ship to ensure that no intake station or evacuation route is overloaded with guests.

- 80 Additionally, the guest docking system 10 can monitor the position of medallions and guests during the evacuation operation, and dynamically change an assigned evacuation station of the particular guest based on the updated real-time information obtained based on the Real-time monitoring of guest changes in location (i.e. movement) throughout the facility. In this way, an evacuation station or route assigned to the guest can be updated if the guest follows an unexpected route during the evacuation operation, for example, if the guest follows an unexpected route to retrieve a child during the cull operation or evacuation or if the guest must detour around a smoke-filled corridor during evacuation.

The guest docking system 10 may further be used to automatically identify rooms that are cleared of all guests during the evacuation operation, for example, by determining that no medallions are present in the room and/or by determining that all guests associated with room are located elsewhere in the facility (based on monitored guest locket locations). In contrast, the guest docking system 10 can be used to automatically identify rooms that have guests present in them during the check-in.

- 81 thinning or evacuation operation (based on monitored guest locket locations), and to direct crew and/or emergency responders to identified rooms to assist guests in evacuation.

The previously identified features of the guest docking system 10 used in evacuations are enabled, in part, by the ability of the guest docking system to communicate information to guests during the evacuation operation. For this purpose, the guest docking system 10 relies on access panels 7 05, interactive displays 17c, portals 17d and the like that are located throughout the facility. Specifically, the guest docking system 10 provides evacuation instructions on displays of the interface devices 17, such as arrows (or more detailed instructions) pointing toward scrubbing stations and evacuation routes. The instructions may be further tailored to individual guests whose medallions are detected in the vicinity of each interface device 17, for example, to instruct one guest to evacuate in a particular direction while instructing a different guest to evacuate in another address (for example, to allow the other guest to return to other guests in your

- 82 part). The instructions may also provide information to guests regarding other guests in a same party, for example, to provide a guest with information on the current location, assigned evacuation location, and/or assigned evacuation route of the guest's child, passenger or friend. Instructions can also be customized for each guest to display in the guest's language of choice.

The guest docking system 10 provides services and engagement with guests through a variety of different modalities and terminals. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the guest docking system 10 may provide services and engagement through end devices 18 such as mobile devices 18a (e.g., smartphones), tablet computers 18b, interactive displays 18c. (e.g., touch-enabled presentation screens), network-enabled televisions (e.g., stateroom televisions), 18d desktop computers and/or network interfaces, kiosks, among others. Generally, an end device 18 includes a processor, memory that stores program instructions, a display, and a user input interface such as a touch screen, although additional components (or fewer components) may be used. Some end devices 18, including

- 83 interactive presentations 18c, network-enabled televisions, kiosks and the like, can also function as interface devices 17, and vice versa. In particular, end devices 18 that are not enabled (e.g., include a BLE transceiver) may generally function as interface devices 17. Conversely, interface devices 17 that include a user input interface and provide access to the guest docking application described in more detail below may function as end devices 18.

The services and engagement provided by the guest docking system 10 may be provided through an application or other executable program stored and executed by the end devices 18 such as a dedicated guest docking application. The services and engagement may alternatively or additionally be provided through network-based interfaces, such as a guest docking interface running on a server 21 accessed through a web browser run by an end device 18 and which has a communication connection to server 21. The services and engagement are generally based at least in part on data and information retrieved from the servers 21 of the guest docking system 10 through network connections (e.g., Internet connections) of the devices.

- 84 end devices 18, although certain services and engagement may be provided without network connections or without retrieving data and information from the servers 21. For purposes of communicating with the servers 21, the end devices 18 are shown in Figure 9 as having wireless ( for example, in the case of end devices 18a and 18b) or wired (for example, in the case of end devices 18c and 18d) connections to the servers 21 through the communication network 19. Note that the communication network 19 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, and the like.

As shown in Figure 9, some of the end devices 18 through which the services and engagement are provided may be BLE-enabled devices, such as BLE-enabled mobile devices 18a, tablet computers 18b, or interactive displays. 18c. When said end device 18 executes the guest docking application, the guest docking application may optionally activate the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to provide additional services to a user. For example, the guest docking application may activate the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 and use the activated BLE transceiver to listen for beacon signals emitted by medallions 11 located within a BLE communication range of the device.

- 85 final 18. The guest docking application may optionally report to the servers 21 the medallion identifiers 11 from which identification signals were received along with a receipt time stamp and location information for the end device 18 (when available) . The host docking application may further use the enabled BLE transceiver to couple in two-way communication with medallions 11 from which beacon signals were received. In one example, the host docking application may cause the mode of operation of a medallion 11 to change. In one use case, the guest docking application may cause the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to broadcast a guest docking system announcement, to cause any medallion 11 in its communication range to exit sleep mode when the Medallion 11 detects the announcement. In another use case, the host docking application may cause a medallion 11 operating in the beacon mode to enter the bidirectional mode 1 or sleep mode of operation, or cause a medallion 11 to operate in the beacon mode. bidirectional mode to enter beacon mode or sleep operation mode.

In some cases, the host docking application may additionally or alternatively activate the NFC transceiver of an end device 18 when the application is executed.

- 86 on an NFC-enabled end device 18. In such situations, the application can be used to detect lockets 11 and be applied in communication with lockets 11 via NFC. In particular, while the description herein focuses on BLE-based communications between end devices 18 and medallions 11, the features described in the BLE-based context can similarly be activated through NFC-based communication between the end device 18 and lockets 11 when using an NFC-enabled end device 18.

References to the guest docking application throughout this document refer not only to instances in which the guest docking application takes the form of an application or other executable program stored on and executed by an end device 18 but also refers to instances in which the guest coupling application takes the form of a network-based interface or another terminal-based interface. In general, the user interfaces provided through application-based and network-based interfaces will be similar, although certain functionality of the guest docking application may be offered only in application-based or network-based interfaces. grid. Additionally, references to the guest docking application may refer to different versions of the application,

- 87 including guest-specific versions that include only features offered to guests, staff-focused versions that include additional features offered to guests or staff, supervisor-focused versions that include features offered to supervisors of staff members monitoring, and administrator versions that include functionality offered to system administrators only.

In order to use the guest docking application through an end device 18, a guest generally needs to identify and authenticate itself. If not identified and authenticated, the guest may only have access to limited features of the application and the guest may notably not have access to information based on the user's profile. In cases where the guest docking application runs on a BLE-enabled end device 18, the guest docking application may listen to the radio beacon signals from the guests' medallions 11 and, in response to the detection of one or more identification signals, you can provide a personalized check-in-envelope page for the guest that automatically identifies itself based on the detected beacon signals. Guests can then authenticate themselves to register in the app by entering a password or account number.

- 88 personal identification (PIN) in the application. If the application is running on an endpoint device 18 that is not BLE enabled, and/or if a locket beacon signal from a guest is not detected by the application, a guest may identify and authenticate the self-identification record in the application by entering both a username and a password or personal identification number (PIN) in the application. Note that when the application is running on the guest's own mobile device 18a, the guest can select to remain logged into the application so that they do not have to enter a password or PIN each time the guest accesses the application. Otherwise, the guest may automatically check out of the app if no user interaction occurs for a predetermined period of time. Additionally, in cases where registration is based on the detection of a medallion beacon signal, the guest may be automatically registered if the medallion beacon signal is no longer detected by the application device or endpoint 18 for a period of time. predetermined period of time or if it is determined that the medallion 11 has been staggered from the final device 18.

Once registered, the application can automatically access and securely retrieve profile information associated with the identified and authenticated guest from 21 servers. The application can also be used to

- 89 request a guest to provide, complete or review missing profile information which is then uploaded from the application to the servers 21. Profile information may include a name, ID photo, boot and other reservation information, payment information (for example, information about payment methods stored for the guest), and the like. Profile information may also include additional data associated with the guest, including information on the guest's past, present, and future activities (determined based on book and reservation and location data), past, present, and future locations (determined based on based on books and reservations and location data), past, present and scheduled future orders and preferences and the like. Profile information may also include images, music, video, and other types of data associated with the guest.

Through guest-facing versions of the application, the guest docking system 10 provides a variety of services to guests. For example, a guest using the application may use the application to review the guest's booklets, registration and reservations, including past, present and future registrations for tracking, restaurants, shows, activities and the like. The guest can also use the application to receive information about and make reservations for the

- 90 groups, restaurants, shows, activities and the like available. The information may be based on recommendations for books, records, and future reservations personalized to the guest based on the guest's profile information. The guest may also use the application to review photographs, videos, and other media items that are available through the guest docking system 10, including photographs, videos, and other media items that are associated with the guest. The association of the media elements with the guest may be based on matching guest profile information with information marked for the media elements, such as profile information and tag indicating that a video was taken at a location visited by the guest. person medallion, profile and tag information indicating that a photograph includes a person associated with the guest based on the medallion of the person who has been detected in proximity to the photograph at the time the photograph was taken, or similar. The application may also provide access to games (optionally including betting-based games), purchases and other functionality.

The guest docking system 10 may also allow guests to view live, using the focused version of the application. The show can be viewed, for example, through the guest's television on which it can be accessed

- 91 to the guest's application application. In detail, the guest using the guest docking application may select to view a live show through the application, such as a show occurring in a movie theater or other jurisdiction within the facility in which the system docking for guest 10 is installed or removed from the installation. In response to the selection, the guest is presented with a live audio and/or video stream of the event. Additionally, the application allows the guest to connect with a filmmaker who participates in the live show. In detail, the application may allow the guest to send instant messages or other feedback to the filmmaker, for example, by typing a message to the filmmaker into a user input interface of the application (for example, an on-screen keyboard or a control). remote for a cabin television) or by selecting a feedback button (for example, a push button), a push button, a push button (button), a push button (or similar). The instant messages and feedback are then displayed on a screen provided on the front of the performer and/or provided as auditory feedback to the performer (for example, by activating pre-recorded sounds or beaters) to notify staff of feedback received from the performer. guest and allow the filmmaker to engage with the guest during

- 92 the show.

In some examples, the guest docking application provides communication functionality to allow users of the application (including both guests and staff) to communicate with each other using the application. Communication functionalities may include text, audio and/or video-based communications between users such as chat-based communications, instant messaging (IM), voice mail or video-voice, and the like. Additionally, communications functionalities may allow users to obtain information about other linked users including location information. Linked users may include, in the case of a guest, other guests on their part (for example, other guests who are part of the same reservation, such as children, parents or the like) or guests who have an accepted link request to the guest, or in the case of a staff member, one or more persons for whom the staff member is to provide a service (e.g. a guest who has food or drink ordered to be delivered by the staff member). For example, once users are linked, the communication functionality of the guest coupling application can provide general location information to a guest (for example, to indicate that another guest is in the

- 93 facility or has left the facility) and/or precise location information (for example, to indicate that the other guest is in your state). The communication functionality may also indicate whether another linked guest is available for instant communication and, in some examples, may identify guests who have left the facility as unavailable for communication.

The guest docking system 10 provides additional functionality through staff-focused versions of the guest docking application. Person1-targeted1 versions of the guest docking application may be run on end devices 18 used by guests and staff to provide services and engagement to guests of the facility. Commonly, guests and staff access the person1-focused version of the guest docking application on a tablet computer 18b end device that is BLE-enabled (for example, the end device includes a BLE transceiver and a BLE antenna), although in some situations guests and staff access the application through other end devices (for example, 18c interactive presentations, portals, door lock access panels 705, and the like).

In one example, the staff-focused version of the guest docking application can

- 94 be used by a member of staff to interact with guests. For this purpose, the host docking application uses the BLE transceiver of the end device 18 to detect any medallion 11 within the vicinity (e.g., the BLE communication range) of the end device 18. Specifically, the BLE transceiver is used to detect beacon signals emitted by medallions 11 within the vicinity of the end device 18. When one or more beacon signals are detected, the personnel-focused version of the guest docking application is configured. to retrieve the public identifier of each port that is included in the emitted beacon signals, and to retrieve from the servers 21 profile information associated with the retrieved identifier and the associated guest. The profile information retrieved typically includes a photograph and name (or nickname) associated with the guest. The retrieved profile information is then provided on a screen of the end device 18 to allow the staff member or host to match with the guest(s) based on the retrieved profile information. For example, based on the profile information retrieved, the staff member can visually identify the guest, greet them by name or nickname, and discuss the guest's upcoming reservations with the guest.

In situations in which the information of

- 95 profile for multiple cases is received by the end device 18, the guest docking application can display profile information for the multiple guests. In some examples, the profiles may be displayed in an order of estimated distance from each host of the end device 18, where the estimated distance may be determined based on a signal strength or transmission delay associated with the respective BLE beacon signal. associated with the host's medallion 11 and detected by the end device 18.

Based on the profile information retrieved, the staff member or host can assist the guest. For example, the staff member or host can review the guest's bookings, registration, and reservations; provide information and/or make recommendations or reservations for future reservations, registration and personalized reservations for the guest based on the information in the guest's profile; placing orders for drinks and food for delivery to the guest; help the guest find their way through the facility; or similar. The application may also allow the staff member or host to engage in games (optionally including betting-based games) with the guest, and provide additional functionality.

The guest docking system 10 may further provide payment functionality through

- 96 of the staff-focused version of the app. As described above, medallions 11 can be used for payments by establishing a secure communication channel between the medallion 11 and a payment terminal (e.g., 17b), authenticating the identity of the medallion 11 through the secure communication channel using the unique private locket identifier or other encrypted information stored in locket 11 and, based on the authenticated identity, process a payment transaction using payment information associated with the authenticated medallion 11. Such payment transactions may be conducted over BLE or NEC communications between the medallion 11 and the payment terminal (e.g., 17b), and may be conducted via vending machines, money registers, and other payment terminals in which you do not need A staff member or cashier must be present. Additionally, a streamlined checkout process can be used through the staff-focused version of the app. Specifically, through the staff-focused version of the app, a staff member can perform guest authentication through visual recognition of the guest based on comparing the guest's appearance to the photo stored in the guest's profile. Guest. In particular, the guest docking system 10 may ask a staff member to use the staff-focused version of the application.

- 97 to authorize a payment to a guest account. The prompt may be presented in response to the staff member selecting through the application to place an order on the guest's behalf (for example, an order for food or drink, a registration for an excursion, a starter for seats at a show , a room upgrade, a payment to participate in a game, or similar), for example. The notice may generally be based on two complementary identification modes to allow staff to authorize payment, although different identification mode numbers may be used (including a single identification mode). For example, the notification may be based on the end device 18 running the staff-focused version of the application that detects the medallion 11 of the guest to whom payment is to be charged (for example, using BLE and NEC communication modalities to detect the locket 11), retrieve profile information (including a photograph) for the detected locket 11 from the server 21, display the photo of the guest associated with the locket 11, prompting the staff member to visually confirm that the guest with whom the staff member is interacting matches the photograph displayed and, upon receipt of confirmation from the staff member that the guest matches the photograph, process payment. In the example, the two identification modalities

- 98 complementary methods used are the detection of a medallion 11 and visual confirmation of the identity of the guest, although other modalities (and different numbers and combinations thereof) can be used in other examples.

The guest docking system 10 also provides targeting functionality, and provides an interface for discovery of the guest application application. The orientation functionality provided by the host docking system 10 can be used to search in a moving reference frame, as well as within a fixed reference frame. For example, in the case of cruise guidance, traditional location decision systems such as GPS cannot be easily used for multiple reasons. Firstly, the cruise ship can move, and a finding inside the ship must therefore be based on the ship's moving reference frame rather than a fixed (e.g. terrestrial) reference frame. As a result, GPS-based location decision and other fixed reference frame location determinations are of limited use since a GPS-based location of a user cannot be used to determine when the user is located relative to the vessel in motion. Second, the cruiser includes substantial masses of metal and other surfaces that interfere with the

- 99 propagation of GPS-based signals (so that GPS signals cannot be received inside the ship) and/or cause substantial signal noise as a result of electromagnetic signals bounced off metal surfaces. As a result, traditional location decision systems are generally not effective for searching a ship.

In order to address the aforementioned drawbacks, the host docking system 10 provides its own guidance functionality based on the sensor network 13 of the host docking system 10. In detail, the host docking system 10 maintains a base of data from locations in which medallions have been detected 11. Each record in the database includes an identifier for the medallion (for example, the public identifier for a medallion 11 that is broadcast as part of the device's beacon signal), an identifier for a location (for example, identifier ( s) of the location(s) of the sensor(s) 15 or other antenna or device that has detected the beacon signal, and/or a more precise location decision based on triangulation, mu11i-location or other location decision method), and a time stamp. The location decision made by the host docking system 10 can thus be carried out based on the sensors of the sensor network 13 as well as based on the beacon signals.

- 100 detected by the end devices 18, by interface devices 17, and the like. As indicated above, the location decision can be made at different levels of precision depending on the types of sensors 15 through which beacon signals have been detected (for example, light sensors that provide more location information). detailed which omnidirectional sensors are), depending on the number of sensors 15 that have detected the beacon signals, depending on whether triangulation, mu11i-location is used, transmission delay or signal strength information from multiple sensors, and the like.

The targeting functionality provided by the guest docking system 10, including information discovery provided through the guest docking application, is thus provided based on the location decision made by the guest docking system. 10. Specifically, a guest location is determined by a server 21 of the guest docking system 10 by determining a location of the user locket 11 and reporting the determined location to the guest through the guest docking application. For example, the guest's location can be displayed superimposed on a map or on a three-dimensional model of the ship displayed in a user interface.

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- 101 user of the provided application on the end device 18 currently in use by the guest. In this way, the position of the guest is not generally determined by the end device 18 in use by the guest, but the position of the guest is generally determined by the guest docking system 10 (for example, by a host 21 of the host system). guest docking 10) based on a location of the guest medallion 11 as detected by the sensor network 13 of the guest docking system 10.

Note that as described above, the sensor network 13 of the guest docking system 10 can extend to multiple different facilities including facilities located on and facilities located off a ship. The host docking system 10 can be used in this way to provide an exact location decision and finding at any of the facilities, including fixed facilities (e.g., land-based), mobile facilities (e.g., ship-based) , and facilities that include both fixed and mobile components (for example, facilities accessed by cruise passengers during a cruise, which may include ship-based and land-based facilities). In such cases, the host docking system 10 may automatically determine a position of the host according to the fixed or moving reference frame.

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- 102 appropriate depending on whether the guest is currently placed in a fixed (e.g., land-based) or mobile (e.g., ship-based) reference frame, and provides location information via the guest docking application in the reference box determined to correspond to the current position of the guest.

As detailed above, the host docking system 10 may determine the position/location of a host based on the medallion 11, and more particularly based on the locations at which beacon signals are detected. issued by medallion 11. Detection depends on the operation of the sensors 15 of the system 10, and more specifically on the known location in which each sensor 15 is installed and the detection interval of each sensor (for example, shape and orientation of a directional detection interval ). Detection may also be based on the detection of beacon signals by end devices 18 including end devices 18 having variable locations such as mobile devices 18a and tablet computers 18b. In detail, in the case of the end devices 18, the locations of the end devices 18 that have fixed locations may be stored by the servers 21 of the guest docking system 10 and the stored location information may be used to determine the locations. of medallions 11

- 103 detected.

In the case of mobile end devices 18, the host docking system 10 may rely on two sources of information to determine a current location of an end device 18 and thus infer locations of medallions 11 detected by the end device 18. First, the host docking system 10 may receive periodic reports from end devices 18 that include locket identifiers 11 from which identification signals were detected, and may infer the location of a locket 11 by determining the location of the end device 18. from which the report was received. The guest docking system 10 may then determine the location of the end device 18 based on the identity of a Wi-Fi or other wireless access point through which the end device 18 connects to the system's communication network 19. 10. For this purpose the guest docking system 10 maintains a database that identifies the mounting location of each wireless access point in the facility, and uses the database to identify the location of the detected end devices 18 and medallions 11. by the end devices 18. The identity of the wireless access point may be reported to the guest docking system 10 by the device

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- 104 end 18, or determined by the host coupling system 10 based on header information included in packets received from the end device 18.

Second, as part of the periodic reports received from the end devices 18 and identifying medallions 11 detected by the end devices, the host docking system 10 may receive location information from the end devices 18 when this information is available. The location information reported by the end device 18 may be a location determined by the end device 18 based on the end device's own position decision function such as a GPS-based position decision. In such situations, the host docking system 10 may use the reported location information provided by the end device 18 to determine the location of medallions 11 detected by the device 18. The host docking system 10 may further use information at the location of the moving reference frame (e.g., a GPS location of the ship on which the end device 18 is moving) to determine the position of the end device 18 relative to the host docking system 10. to the moving reference frame.

The orientation functionality can be used by the docking system to

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- 105 guest 10 in order to allow a user of the guest coupling application to locate another guest or staff member by tracking the other guest or staff member in real time. This guest tracking functionality can be used by a guest to locate another guest (e.g. a friend, schoolmate, child, etc.) as well as by a staff member or host to locate a guest (e.g. to provide a food, drink or other order, or to assist the guest in another way), among other circumstances. The guest tracking functionality allows a user of the application to be provided through the guest docking application with information on the current location of the other guest as determined by the guest docking system 10, including a display of the current location of the other guest displayed on a map or on a three-dimensional model of the ship (or other facility) displayed in a user interface of the application. The guest tracking functionality also allows the user to be provided with guest guidance instructions to the current location of the other guest based on a combination of the user's location (determined by the guest docking system 10 based on the detected location of user medallion 11) and the location of the other host (determined by the docking system to

- 106 guest 10 based on the detected location of another guest's medallion 11). Locations can be updated in real time as the user and guest move around the facility, and wayfinding directions can be updated correspondingly in real time.

The functionalities of the guest docking system 10 described above may allow the following services to be provided (described in the illustrative context of a cruise ship example).

The guest docking system 10, through the guest docking application, allows guests to dock with the system from outside the facility in which the system is installed. For example, guests can join from home by accessing their profile through a web-based version of the application or through an end device 18 (e.g., mobile phone 18a, tablet computer 18b, desktop 18d, or similar) that runs the application. Guests can then, at their ease, populate their guest profile by entering any required documentation such as passport information, completing health forms and travel details, and entering a preferred form of payment. Guests can also upload a photo, create a digital avatar to personalize

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- 107 add your profile, and arrange or book services, for example, to have your luggage collected for quick delivery directly to your cabin.

Guests can additionally dock when they are at an airport, notably in cases where guests have earned their 11 medallions in travel advancement. For example, in the case of persons traveling to a facility in which a guest docking system 10 operates, the guests may be met at the destination airport by staff members. In the example, staff members stationed at the airport may be equipped with end devices 18 that run the guest application application. Staff members can use the end devices 18 and the application to detect medallions 11 of arriving guests, retrieve profile information for addresses that include photographs, and recognize guests based on the proximity of the medallions 11 and recognition visual of the guests based on the photographs. Therefore, staff members can personally welcome guests, confirm their documentation status, and direct them through the airport (for example, to direct guests to a fleet of motorized motor vehicles destined for a port terminal). .

In transit in coastal motor vehicles,

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- 108 guests can again access the focused-directed application through their end devices 18 (for example, mobile phones 18a or tablet computers 18b) to explore options provided at the destination facility (for example, the cruise , in one example), book activities and learn more about the people, places and crops they get to experience.

Additionally, once at the cruise terminal (e.g. in the cruise example), guests may be able to board the ship with minimal interaction with staff members, as guests are already equipped with their medallions 11 which function as the key to your stateroom. Additionally, staff members at the terminal can use end devices 18 running the staff-focused application to identify arriving guests, identify guests who have not yet completed the check-in process, and approach those guests with in order to help them with the completion of the process.

Additional examples of interface devices 17 that may be used as part of the guest docking system 10 are game stations 100 such as those shown in Figure 10. Game stations 100 provide environments in which guests can dock. game, including game based

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- 109 in betting, cooperative play with other guests, and one-on-one games against other guests.

Each gaming station 100 generally includes an ergonomic seat 101 for multiple guests (e.g., four guests in the examples shown in the figure), although a single-guest gaming station 100 or modular gaming stations 100 may also be used. variable numbers of guests. The seat 101 can position the stakes against each other with a central frame placed between the masts and the support components of the play station. Some guests may also be seated close to each other, as shown in Figure 10. The game station 100 also includes one or more presentation screens 102 mounted on the central frame and used to display game screens of games and images to users, and input devices 103 such as keyboards, touch pads, touch-sensitive screens, or the like, which are mounted on the central frame and used to receive input from users. Input devices 103 may also include microphones (e.g., a microphone array that includes multiple microphones arranged at different locations on the gaming station 100), optical sensors and/or ultrasonic proximity sensors used to provide enhanced user input, user position data and/or user movement data of

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- 110 users within the play station.

The gaming station 100 also includes one or more sensors 15 (not shown) that are mounted within the station 100 (e.g., in hidden or discreet locations) and are used to identify guests currently settled at the station 100 or otherwise. manner using the station 100. The sensors 15 are used to detect medallions 11 of users of the station 100 in order to allow users to register at the game station 100 and engage in the game. The sensors 15 can also be used to establish secure communication connections to the medallions 11 of the users of the station 100 to authenticate the medallions 11 and be applied in payment transactions. Generally the sensors 15 have detection beams directed at the seat 101 of the gaming station 100 to detect the medallions 11 of guests seating at the gaming station 100. In some examples, the detection beams of the sensors 15 are adjusted so that only the medallions 11 that are inside the game station 100 can be detected by the sensors 15. In one example, the sensors 15 are positioned and adjusted to detecting medallions 11 at each seating location separately so that the gaming station can distinguish between people located at each different seating location. A seating location can be defined as an area two feet wide, zero to 5 feet from the floor, and one foot behind

Q LCC Ln/Zznz/E/YIAI from the edge of the table (to cover a bag/bag at the users feet) three feet from the edge of the table. The medallions 11 can be detected when they are located in an accessory, pocket (front or back), or bag located within a seating position.

In some embodiments, the game station 100 also includes an awning 105 that extends above the seat 101 of the Game station 100. In the examples of Figure 10, the awning 105 is supported by two clamps 107 and is formed of a semi-transparent material or a mesh material. The clamps 107 support the cover 105 and have integrated lighting (e.g., LED lighting) used to provide multi-color lighting. The lighting may be controlled by a processor of the gaming station 100 to output lighting having an activation pattern and/or color pattern that is synchronized with a game being played on the gaming station 100. The clamps 107 They may also have water misting holes and/or fragrance mist jets integrated into the same. The mist nozzles may be connected to a water supply valve or a reservoir (e.g., a scent reservoir) by a tubing that extends through the clamps 107 and into the seat 101 of the gaming station 100. Mist jets connected to the water supply valve may

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- 112 be selectively controlled by a processor of the game station 100 to output a water mist that has an activation pattern that is synchronized with a game that is being played on the game station 100. Mist jets connected to one or more scent reservoirs may be selectively controlled by the game station processor 100 to produce scents (or blends of scents) that have activation patterns and/or odors that are synchronized with the game being played. is played at the game station 100. Separate misting holes and tubing may be provided in the clamps 107 to separately and independently provide misting and aromas. Additionally, different mist nozzles and pipes may be provided to emit different aromas at the gaming station 100.

The game station 100 typically includes additional sensory feedback modalities for users in addition to the visual feedback provided through display screens and lighting. For example, the gaming station 100 typically includes speakers for auditory feedback (e.g., speakers mounted to the center frame, to the seat 101, and to the bolsters 107), as well as the haptic or touch feedback provided. by actuators mounted on the user input devices 103 and the seat 101 among other positions.

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- 113 The game station 100 may also include one or more external-facing display screens 109 on which game play screens and images may be displayed in real time to allow other guests to view a game in progress. In some examples, the external display screen 109 is touch-enabled and allows guests to observe and participate in the play of the game and/or in betting on the results of the game and the player. In such examples, the gaming station 100 may include one or more external facing sensors 15 arranged to detect guest medallions 11 located in front of the external display screen 109. The external face sensors 15 can be used to detect medallions 11 of the guests and allow the guests to register at the gaming station 100 through the external face display screen 109 to allow the guests to participate in or place bets on reproduction. The external face display screens 109 may also be used by guests to register or join a queue for the game play, so that guests can be guests to join the game play in the order of registration or queue as open seating places at game station 100.

The operation of the game station 100 may be controlled by a computing platform

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- 114 provided within Seat 101. The computing platform will typically include one or more processors (e.g., three or more processors in some embodiments), a power source (e.g., including an uninterruptible power supply (UPS),) and connections to each of the screens and input devices 102, 103, and 109. The computing platform will also be connected via the communication network 19 to the servers 21 of the guest docking system 10. The computing platform is further connected to actuators that control the fog peaks, as well as to controllers that control the fog peaks. lighting, sound, and haptic or touch-sensitive feedback. The various feedback modalities can be individually controlled for each player's seating position, so that different players can be provided with different sensory feedback (including mist, scent, sound, haptic, touch, light and screen) at any time. under the control of the computing platform.

Figures 11 and 12 provide functional block diagram illustrations of general purpose computer hardware platforms. Figure 11 illustrates a network or mainframe computer platform, as may typically be used to implement a server such as any of the servers 21 described herein. Figure 12 illustrates a computer with interface elements

- 115 user, as can be used to implement a portal (e.g., 17d) or other type of workstation or terminal device of the guest docking system 10, although the computer of Figure 12 can also act as a server if programmed appropriately. It is believed that those skilled in the art are familiar with the structure, programming and general operation of such computer equipment and as a result, the drawings should be self-explanatory.

A server, for example, includes a data communication interface for packet data communication. The server also includes a central processing unit (CPU), in the form of one or more processors, for executing program instructions. The server platform typically includes an internal communication bus, program storage, and data storage for various data files to be processed and/or communicated by the server, although the server often receives programming and data via network communications. . The hardware elements, operating systems and programming languages ​​of such servers are conventional in nature, and it is assumed that those skilled in the art are adequately familiar therewith. Of course, server functions can be implemented in a distributed manner on a number of similar platforms, to distribute the processing load.

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- 116 Unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, qualifications, positions, magnitudes, sizes and other specifications set forth in this specification, including in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. They are intended to have a reasonable range that is consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they belong.

The scope of protection is limited only by the claims that follow. This scope is intended and should be construed to be as broad as is consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the preparation history that follows and to encompass all equivalents. structural and functional. Notwithstanding this, none of the claims are intended to cover subject matter that does not satisfy the requirement of sections 101, 102 or 103 of the patent action, nor should they be construed in such a way. Anything unintended from said subject matter is presented herein.

Except as set forth immediately above, nothing that has been set forth or illustrated is intended or should be construed to cause a dedication of any component, stage, feature, object, benefit, advantage or equivalent to the public.

It will be understood that the terms and expressions that

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117 used herein have the ordinary meaning in accordance with such terms and expressions with respect to their respective areas of research and study, except where specific meanings have been otherwise established. Relationship terms such as first and second and the like may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms comprising, for example, comprising, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or apparatus comprising a list of elements does not include only those elements, but rather may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such processes, method, article or apparatus. An element that proceeds by the action of a film or material does not, without additional restrictions, prevent the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus comprising the element.

The summary of the description is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical description. It is presented with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the description

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- 118 detailed above, it can be seen that various characteristics are grouped together in various modalities for the purpose of modernizing the description. This method of description should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly mentioned in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the subject matter of the invention lies in less than all the features of a single described embodiment. Thus, the following claims are incorporated herein in the detailed description, with each claim independent of itself as a separately claimed subject matter.

While the above has described what is considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made thereto and that the subject matter described herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings can be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. 25 The following claims are intended to claim any and all applications, modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.